Once, yes, I believe it was while partially into the security screening line that I was asked to produce my GE card. And, for what it's worth, one or both of my boarding passes was also marked "TSA Pre", which of course is what agents State-side inspect to verify you're in the right line. For the security screening, by the way, in spite of having GE I (along with others in that lane) were requested to remove all packed liquids and place them in the bins as well as fully emptying our pockets. I don't know if this was a randomize selection for a group of us (or everyone that day?), but this does diverge from the generally policy described on the CATSA web-site.

The second time if I recall correctly where I was prompted for my GE card was after clearing security and entering the expedited US pre-clearance customs lane leading to the GE kiosks.

TSA Pre means absolutely nothing in Canadian airports.

Unlike TSA <harassment> -- which means something in Canada too -- indeed TSA Pre means just about nothing. But the GE card may mean something at some Canadian airports.

US Immigration Officer at YYZ Says GE Card is REQUIRED
 

Admittedly as an obsessively rule following Canadian I've let the YYZ premium security requirement to see my card get my goat. But this was a new one; this spring (2016) the US Immigration officer at YYZ told me I could have my GE status revoked for not having my card. He gave me quite a lecture about how I had to have it even at the airport as it could be considered fraud to cross without it and effectively he was "letting me off with a warning" as I didn't have my card. He also told me that GE wasn't as good as Nexus and that I should make a Nexus appointment for my next visit to Canada, even though I've got years left on GE since in his opinion Nexus was a much better program. Since I wanted to make my flight and I'm not a US citizen I smiled, noded and promised to do better. I was so tempted on my trip this summer to show up at YYZ US Immigration with a paper print out of every page of the GE website that indicates GE cards are not required for airport crossings. The US government has got to do a better job of training their people on the rules of this program!

This is rather worrying, especially for those who don't get (aren't eligible for) a GE card. Have you complained to CBP about their misinformed agent?

I have been asked to show my "card" at YYZ immigration, but I did then tell the officer that I'm not eligible for one and showed my confirmation letter instead (it didn't seem like he really believed me though...). It does sound like there might be a misinformed manager / higher-up who doesn't know the GE rules in YYZ?

Did this occur before or after you used the GE kiosk?

These ID checkers like to make up their own rules and are a major pain in the butt. Last year my wife had an issue like this returning from GDL flying on UA. When she landed at IAH she had an argument as she never carries her GE card. Normally she flies on DL and lands in ATL without any issues and where GE clearance is a breeze.

I made an earlier complaint to GE and it took 5 months to respond! They apologised for the delay, closed the file and invited me to re-submit. So, when this happened I didn't bother. I put the darn card with my passport and will go with that.

It happened after I used the kiosk. I think I had declared some food, which prompted me to have to talk to the US officer.

I just wanted to add a data point. I was returning from a flight from Canada, and did not need my GE card. I went to the scanners to have them scan my passport, then walked through the line and handed the printed receipt. Then walked out of the airport. No GE card needed.

Is this normal?

GE card not required unless you are entering US by land and want to use the NEXUS/ReadyLanes.

Perhaps airport dependent? I was asked at least twice at YYZ T1 at least twice: at entry to Nexus lines and again at security a short distance later.

CATSA ask for GE card because they extend access to Trusted Traveller security lanes to GE. It used to be NEXUS only. Is it require to enter the US at YYZ? No.

Wiki is pretty accurate.

YYZ T1 has had a history of having staff demanding that the GE card be shown in order to use GE when claiming GE membership. Sometimes I managed to push back successfully at YYZ without showing the card; and sometimes it just wasn't worth it to push the matter. But IIRC those seemed to be an issue with people beside US CBP. Most such incidents were before CATSA had extended access to the special security lines to GE members.

That's not entirely true. At YYC preclearance in the early morning (usually before the trusted traveller security line is open) they'll usually send those with pre check on their boarding pass to row 3 where you'll be told you don't need to remove your shoes. It's fairly hit or miss when they do it though, so I wonder if it's a fairly limited trial.

Interesting that this was a US officer. I might expect this from a Canadian as your are required to carry the NEXUS card. I was close to the first batch of GE travelers and they didn't issues cards to everyone originally. I didn't get any card until I joined NEXUS and got that card. I also got the GE card after I renewed last year. I always carry it as my back-up ID (separate from my wallet and/or passport.)

FWIW
DLM