Can a parent stop the other from taking a child's passport to prevent an abduction risk?

Yes, there are several practical and legal steps available. A Canadian passport for a minor generally can't be issued without the consent of everyone with parental authority over the child, so a parent concerned about abduction risk can raise an objection directly with the passport office to prevent a new passport being issued without their agreement, and can ask that any existing passport in the child's name be surrendered or restricted through a court order.

A family court can also include specific non-removal or travel-restriction conditions in a parenting order — for example, requiring both parents' written consent before the child travels outside Ontario or Canada, requiring notice of travel plans, or prohibiting either parent from applying for a new passport without the other's consent or a court order. Where the risk is urgent, a parent can bring a motion, including on an emergency basis, asking the court to impose these conditions quickly. Anyone with real concerns should raise them with a lawyer promptly rather than relying on an informal understanding with the other parent.