Six-year-old on travel risk list; parents mystified
TORONTO — The federal public safety minister says he’ll investigate the case of a six-year-old Ontario boy whose name appears to be on a travel security risk list.
Ralph Goodale’s involvement in the matter 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 father wrote: “Why is our [Canadian born] 6 year old on DHP no fly list? He must clear security each time. He is 6.”
His question was directed at Air Canada, the airline on which father and son — both Montreal Canadiens fans — flew on Dec. 31 for their trip to the NHL Winter Classic in Boston between the Canadiens and the Bruins.
The boy’s mother, Khadija Cajee, said the family has had to deal with the issue in the past.
She said 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 both born in Canada, and Cajee’s family came to the country from South Africa, fleeing apartheid.
Cajee doesn’t know why her son is on the list, but she assumes he shares a name with someone red-flagged by authorities.
“My husband and I were joking — my son and my husband are really big Habs fans — so we were joking that maybe a Leafs fan made this list,” said the Markham, Ont, resident.
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 sent to The Canadian Press.
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,” she said.