TORONTO — Multiple medications have become part of Diego Menendez’s daily life as his liver disease progresses.
His liver is functioning at just 25 per cent, but he has high hopes for the future.
“Go to school and have a job, go out travel,” said Menendez.
However, when his cousin was denied entry into Canada at Toronto Pearson International Airport, Diego’s family was crushed.
READ MORE: Man coming to Canada from Spain in hopes of being a liver donor turned back at airport
Michael Cedeño has the same blood type, and was coming from Spain to Toronto for further testing to see if he could donate part of his liver to Menendez.
Speaking from Spain, via Skype, Cedeño told Global News that border officials decided he was coming to Canada to work, and they didn’t even check with Menendez and his sister who were waiting right there in the airport.
“You would have thought that they would have at least asked to speak to the person, and verified it,” said Lorne Waldman, an immigration lawyer, adding that he has seen more and more questionable cases under the Conservative Government.
“It was something that could have easily verified so it’s deeply disturbing that they didn’t do that.”
A source told Global News there was nothing in Immigration Canada’s system flagging Cedeño before he arrived and was detained by officers with the Canada Border Services Agency.
Waldman said he had a number of concerns, including that Cedeño said he wasn’t provided with a translator until after he had signed forms saying he’d leave the country voluntarily.
WATCH: A man who flew to Canada from Spain in hopes of being a liver donor for his cousin was stopped at the border and denied entry. The family is at a loss. Christina Stevens reports.
“It’s a violation of the Charter. It warrants a very serious investigation,” said Waldman.
Global News caught up with Chris Alexander outside his campaign office in Ajax, after his assistant refused interview requests.
Alexander said this was the first he had heard of the case when asked if he would make sure there was an investigation. His staff were made aware of it early Tuesday, but he responded with a question of his own.
“In the final stages of an election campaign I am not sure why this is your top priority?” Alexander asked.
When told it was because the issue involves a person’s life, his assistant interrupted.
She said “thank you” and reminded Global News that a privacy waiver from the person involved would be required for the minister to discuss specifics.
Alexander was also asked if he would commit to looking into the case.
“There’s a way of looking into these cases that doesn’t involve the minister,” was his response.
Waldman pointed out the minister could get involved if he wanted to, and quickly ensure the young man is allowed into Canada, by contacting the Canadian Embassy in Spain.
“He has the power under the law to issue a permit and if he is saying he doesn’t, he is not representing the truth,” said Waldman.
Diego’s sister, Lorena, said she doesn’t care how it happens, she just wants her brother to get better.
“It’s hard for us to see him like this.”
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