Former Hamilton Tiger-Cats offensive lineman Marwan Hage says he is routinely the victim of racial profiling at the Montreal airport.
Hage, who retired in 2013 and now owns several Tim Hortons franchises in Toronto as well as serving as a CFLPA vice-president, took to Twitter on Saturday after being selected for secondary screening at the Montreal airport, something he says happens on a regular basis.
Thank you @aeroportsMTL Security for reminding me that prejudice and racism still exists. Your random checks can’t be so random if i get chosen 100% of the time. I am very proud of my Lebanese Heritage and being Canadian! See you at the next random security check! #Montreal #2018
— Marwan Hage (@marwanhage) March 17, 2018
Hage was born in Beruit, Lebanon and emigrated to Montreal when he was nine. He was well known for his charitable works in the Hamilton community, largely through his Hage’s Heroes campaign, during his time with the Ticats.
Ticat owner Bob Young voiced his support for Hage and encouraged other Hamilton fans to do the same.
Hey @Ticats – how about everyone send a polite tweet to @aeroportsMTL asking them to update their security systems to the 21st century and treat Canadians like our friend @marwanhage as the great citizens they are. https://t.co/HvO8mA0ssK
— Bob Young (@CaretakerBob) March 17, 2018
He also got a response from the airport.
(1/2) We're sorry to learn that you had an unpleasant experience while passing through the security checkpoint. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) oversees the screening of passengers and their belongings during pre-boarding at Canadian airports.
— Aéroports-Montréal (@aeroportsMTL) March 17, 2018
(2/2) We have shared your comments with @catsa_gc so they can follow-up with you. We regret that your experience did not live up to your expectations and we hope that your next visit to the airport will be more pleasant.
— Aéroports-Montréal (@aeroportsMTL) March 17, 2018
