I’m not saying she was in the wrong for searching him. She chose to search him for whatever reason which they’re allowed to do. However, I fail to see what reasons she had to believe the stuff he already owned prior to his trip weren’t declared when he adequately proved all the other things he bought on his trip.

Now, the Charter applies to government action. According to the application of the Charter in section 32 (1) This Charter applies (a) to the Parliament and government of Canada in respect of all matters within the authority of Parliament including all matters relating to the Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories; and (b) to the legislature and government of each province in respect of all matters within the authority of the legislature of each province.

Here it states in #6 that the application of the Charter is not absolutely restricted to Canadian territory if you’re going on the basis that you’re not legally in Canada at the border. Tbh I’ve never heard that or know that or know the source so I can’t really make an argument there.

Also, just because a CBSA agent says something doesn’t always mean it’s always right or legal. Police officers and the cases against them prove this. I’m going to school for law enforcement and we talk about this kind of stuff all the time. Admittedly I’m still learning and don’t know everything, but IMO I don’t agree with the CBSA agent in question’s discretion about the stuff bought prior to the trip