Haven't tried to "trip" anyone up in my years with Customs/CBSA, but I have had tons of drug seizures and other things. At least 90% of those were the direct result of questioning.

Whether HM Customs or CBSA does a better job is not something I can comment on with as much authority as you apparently can. You've done a study, or...?

You have started this thread saying you are interested in complaints people have.

One of the primary reasons is the inane questions people are asked.

But you do not comment on them.

Again, please tell me how asking detailed personal questions about medical conditions, doctors, diagnoses, etc., have anything to do with drug seizures.

Otherwise, you will clearly be avoiding the question, as I've posed it directly several times now, and you're not really interested in your purported reason for starting this thread.

Simon

What medication?

I will not comment on an examination I did not conduct or witness. I do not know why those particular questions were asked.

But that's the primary complaint people have.

How would list of customers visited contribute to a drug seizure or establish eligibility for a Canadian citizen to return home?
How would knowing if you have ever been to Europe before contribute to a drug seizure or establish eligibility for a Canadian citizen to return home?
How would job title contribute to a drug seizure or establish eligibility for a Canadian citizen to return home?
How would asking the same exact question 4 times in a row contribute to a drug seizure or establish eligibility for a Canadian citizen to return home?
How would asking the exact same questions that the passenger has already responded to on the form contribute to a drug seizure or establish eligibility for a Canadian citizen to return home?

Passengers aren't stupid. These questions are either being asked where there is no basis for doing so, as a power trip, or intrusiveness of the agent, or because the agent is trying to "see something in the passenger's eyes" which suggests they are lying or nervous.

And overall, in my experience, the US CBP folks are far, far more likely to be pleasant than those "welcoming" Canadian citizens home.

No wonder NEXUS machines are such a hit.

Simon

I for one thank you for the time spent on the topic, it's nice to see the viewpoint from the other-side of the desk.

That being said, I've always taken the view when re-entering my country that upon presenting myself to the "desk", their (CBSA) viewpoint was that I've done or am doing something wrong and I have to "prove" myself to them. Hasn't led me astray so far, and as I've never done anything wrong I still feel that this is the wrong attitude for me mentally. I mean I'm coming to my country and am a little confused as to why I feel like I'm being treated like a criminal upon return.

As an example was entering the Netherlands one time and suddenly realized I didn't realize the address of my buddy's place where I was staying. Well with my enter Canada mentality at hand was in a near panic as all I had was his cell number as we were going to meet up after he finished work and I got into AMS via the central train station.
Well that and every subsequent entry has pretty much gone the same; how long are you here for and good morning.
my 2 cents

I did have a direct query though regarding a return trip from Chile (couple of years ago) where after the initial desk appearance there where a group of officers waiting (before luggage pickup) to ask secondary questions to random (?) travellers. Ended up having a pleasant conversation with the agent as he was a neighbor of a co-worker. But I was wondering if this happens often and the reason for the secondary line of questioning. My questioning lasted as long as query #3 (where do you work). I appreciate if you are not able to answer the question, and again thanks for you time.

I never really shared that viewpoint, even before getting into this job, but I can understand why some would. I always thought of all the questions as a necessary evil, I suppose. Don't feel that you have to prove to me that you're not an "evil doer". Just answer a couple questions as I scan your passport and have a nice day. And I wouldn't worry greatly if you forget your friend's address, etc. Jeez, I have business travellers all the time who can't even remember where they were before the plane took off. I understand.

I do personally agree with those who think returning residents and non-residents should have different queues.

As for those who you spoke with just outside of primary, that's a group who have proven themselves particularly skilled at catching the bad guys. I guess you could think of them as a "second opinion". You won't tend to see them when disembarking from a commuter flight from Rochester or Cleveland, though.

Thirty years of "insight". You are welcome!

I'll wade into this discussion again.

As mentioned previously, I am neither overly friendly nor am I rude at these little interrogation sessions. I have realised that it is far better to just answer the questions instead of making a big fuss about it all.

Somewhat recently I transited YYZ on my way to LHR from SYD.

On the way back, I was asked what I thought was a series of completely inappropriate questions. I presented my Canadian passport and completed declaration card.

Why was I entering Canada?
What is my profession?
Where was I staying in Canada?
Was I going to do any work while in Canada?
How long was I going to stay in Canada?

Instead of telling the agent that "I enter Canada of right", I just answered the questions truthfully...... and was dutifully sent to a secondary (for no reason that I could determine.)

The secondary was conducted by a young guy with a #1 buzz cut, jackboots, a kevlar vest and a whistle.

He said little (it was late at night) removed the contents of my luggage, x-rayed the case and then told me I could go. He seemed genuinely disappointed that there was nothing to find.

This whole charade delayed me by about 90mins and just left me shaking my head in disgust.

I have never been subject to any of this abuse (thankfully) when I enter Australia. My exchanges with officials down here are always polite and above all courteous. (and most often quite friendly)

MCM.

Edited post to make it more important for replying to - Now do you see why the CBSA guy would be suspecious if she just said "I was in mexico receiving medical care for an preexisting condition." Then you can see why the CBSA agent would then ask further questions to establish reason for sending HER to secondary.

Sanosuke!

Wouldn't it be better if it were split between Canadian Passport holders/Permanent Residents and Foreign Nationals?

Yes, it would. ^

I wouldn't have found that peculiar enough to set off alarm bells. Seems a fairly straightforward routing. Perhaps other factors were at play. Certainly, as a citizen, you enter by right, and despite the apparent direction of those questions, I can nearly guarantee no one was considering not allowing you entry to your country of citizenship.

As a lowly officer, I can only take full responsibility for my own actions, and I can tell you that I do my best to keep a pleasant or, at worst, neutral demeanour for the duration of my workday. You may not receive much of a greeting from me when I'm working, but it's not personal. After the 7th hour of work on my 6th day in a row, it can sometimes be difficult to pretend to care how anyone's day has been. Sometimes I have to remind myself my primary role is enforcement, not customer service. No matter if I'm having a bad day or not, though, I never become a surly ... and take it out on others. I will do my job, however, and if that involves searching your bags, etc., so be it. No, that wasn't me who did that search, but one question: He didn't really have a whistle, did he?

Also, being sent in to Secondary does not automatically equate with guilt in an officer's mind. It could have even been a random referral (computer-generated or otherwise).

Fair enough, but about the kevlar vests, I only wears 'em cuz that's what they gives me to wear. Trust me, I'd much rather not.

Regardless of what country visited (and in this case it was the UK, not Mexico), it is none of any governmental official's business what medical conditions a Candian citizen has or has sought treatment for as part of determining eligibility to re-enter Canada.