Air Canada CEO Announces Retirement Amid Language Controversy
The CEO of Air Canada, Michael Rousseau, will retire later this year after facing criticism for delivering a condolence video in English only, following a fatal collision at LaGuardia Airport that resulted in the deaths of two of the airline's pilots.
Air Canada announced on Monday that Rousseau informed the company he will step down by the end of the third quarter. The incident that sparked the controversy involved a collision between an Air Canada plane and a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport in New York shortly after landing, which killed pilots Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther.
Criticism Over Language Use
Rousseau faced calls to resign after delivering his condolences exclusively in English. Antoine Forest, one of the deceased pilots, was from French-speaking Quebec, which heightened the sensitivity of the language issue. Rousseau later issued an apology, explaining that he was unable to express himself "adequately" in French, despite having taken lessons over the years.
In announcing his retirement, Rousseau stated:
"It has been my great honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organisation.
"I look forward to supporting our company during this important transition period."
Air Canada described Rousseau's departure as coming "after nearly two decades of strong and dedicated leadership" at the Montreal-headquartered airline.
Political Reactions and Language Expectations
The English-only condolence video drew criticism from Canadian politicians, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who described it as demonstrating "a lack of compassion." Quebec Premier François Legault expressed the view that Rousseau should resign if he was unable to speak French.
On Monday, Legault welcomed Air Canada's announcement of Rousseau's retirement via a post on X, stating that the next CEO should speak French as a "matter of respect for the employees, francophone customers, and all Quebecers."
Details of the Condolence Video and Aftermath
The condolence video was posted on X and featured Rousseau expressing his "deepest sorrow for everyone affected," with both English and French subtitles. Despite this, Rousseau's failure to speak French in the video led to swift criticism and a summons to Ottawa by Canada's parliamentary committee on Official Languages, where he was asked to "explain himself" before Members of Parliament.
Following the backlash, Rousseau issued a written apology in both English and French, stating he was deeply saddened that his inability to speak French "diverted attention" from the grieving families of the pilots and Air Canada staff. He acknowledged that his French remained weak "despite many lessons over the years" and added:
"I sincerely apologise for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve."
Background on Rousseau's Language Skills and Air Canada
Rousseau, an anglophone residing in Montreal, had previously faced criticism regarding his French language skills, including shortly after his appointment as CEO in 2021. At that time, he apologized and committed to improving his French.
Air Canada, which originated as a federal public corporation and has been private since 1988, is subject to Canada's Official Languages Act. The airline provides announcements on board its planes in both English and French.
