OTTAWA – The federal public safety minister says his officials have reminded airlines they don’t need to vet children against Canada’s no-fly list, after a six-year-old was stopped by airport security.
Ralph Goodale says his department is also exploring possible changes to the Secure Air Travel Regulations that would help differentiate individuals who have similar or the same names as people on the no-fly list.
In addition, Goodale indicated the no-fly regime – officially known as the Passenger Protect Program – would be examined during broad public consultations on Canada’s overall security framework.
READ MORE: Why your kid’s name could put them on an airline security watchlist
The minister promised to investigate after the father of Canadian-born Syed Adam Ahmed tweeted a photo from Toronto’s international airport that appeared to show the boy’s name with a “DHP” or “deemed high profile” label and instructions on how to proceed before allowing the boy to check in.
They were trying to board an Air Canada flight Dec. 31 to Boston to see the NHL Winter Classic.
In a statement, Goodale says his department fully understands the frustration of law-abiding travellers whose plans are interrupted as a result of false positives arising in the security screening of airline passenger manifests.
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