The office of Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale has reminded airlines they do not need to vet children against Canada's no-fly list.

The minister says his department is also looking at possible changes to the Secure Air Travel Regulations that would help differentiate individuals who have similar or identical names as people currently on the list.

Goodale promised to investigate after a six-year-old was stopped in Toronto by airport security Dec. 31.

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Syed Adam Ahmed and his father were trying to travel to Massachusetts to see the NHL Winter Classic.

Goodale also indicated the no-fly regime would be examined during broad public consultations on Canada's overall security framework.

In a statement, Adam's parents (Sulemaan Ahmed and Khadija Cajee) say they welcome Goodale's announcement and that it addresses several key points they asked for.

They added they understand the need for security and this is a "wonderful opportunity to address the flaws in and improve the quality of the system."