Safety minister looks into case of child on travel security list
TORONTO — The federal public safety minister says he’ll investigate the case of a sixyear-old Ontario boy whose name appears to be on a travel security risk list.
Ralph Goodale’s involvement comes after the boy’s father tweeted a photo from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport last week that appears to show his son’s name, Syed Adam Ahmed, with a “DHP” or “deemed high profile” label and instructions on how to proceed before allowing the boy to check in.
The two were travelling to Boston with Air Canada for a trip to the NHL Winter Classic.
The boy’s mother, Khadija Cajee, said the family has had to deal with the issue in the past. She says they’ve never been able to check their son in for flights online, and he needs special clearance every time they go to the airport.
The boy and his father were born in Canada, and Cajee’s family came to the country from South Africa, fleeing apartheid, she said.
Goodale said he’s reviewing the case, and will update the family when he has all the details.
“Canadians expect their government to deliver on two vital imperatives — namely, keeping them safe while safeguarding their values and this country’s fundamental character. That is our constant goal,” Goodale said in a statement. Cajee said she hoped the government would keep her son’s rights in mind.
“My question would be, are we willing to surrender the liberties of a child to ensure that security? I hope they keep that in mind.”
Air Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comment.