Flight DC → Toronto → Vancouver → Sydney. Have to take out luggage at Vancouver?

Question

We're travelling from DC to Sydney, using the above route. (Google Flights link).

On the booking page, AirCanada says that during the 1h30 in Vancouver,

1. we have to take out luggage and clear custom

2. check-in at the domestic terminal even though it is an international flight

My two questions are:

1. Is there any reason for this weird requirement at Vancouver? Shouldn't custom be cleared in Toronto, our first stop in Canada?

2. 1h30 doesn't seem nearly enough for transiting. However, this seems like AirCanada's routine Toronto-Sydney flight, and they supposedly do this all the time. Does anyone have experience transiting on this route? Is 1h30 okay?

Answer 1

Yes, you will go through Canadian immigration and customs in Toronto, not Vancouver. I am not sure why it says what it says; maybe it means for the return flight.