Air Canada CEO Issues Apology Over Language Controversy
The CEO of Air Canada, Michael Rousseau, has issued an apology following criticism for delivering a condolence video message exclusively in English after a fatal collision at LaGuardia airport that resulted in the deaths of two pilots.
In a statement released on Thursday, Rousseau expressed that he was deeply saddened that his inability to speak French "diverted attention" from the grieving families of the pilots and Air Canada staff affected by the tragedy.
Rousseau acknowledged his limitations in French, one of Canada's official languages, stating that despite taking lessons over several years, he is unable to express himself "adequately" in French.
His English-only message prompted calls for his resignation, especially given that one of the deceased pilots, Antoine Forest, was French Canadian.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized Rousseau's message, stating it demonstrated "a lack of compassion." Similarly, Quebec Premier François Legault suggested that Rousseau should resign if he cannot speak French.
In a bilingual written statement, Rousseau admitted:
"My French remains weak despite many lessons over several years. I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve."
His statement did not address the demands for his resignation.
Details of the Fatal Collision
Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther, the two pilots who died, were involved in a collision on Sunday night at LaGuardia airport in New York. The incident occurred shortly after an Air Canada flight operated by Jazz Aviation had landed.
The aircraft collided with a fire truck on the runway. The flight originated from Montreal, Quebec. Dozens of passengers sustained injuries, with four remaining hospitalized as of Wednesday, according to Air Canada.
Following the accident, Rousseau posted a video statement on X expressing his "deepest sorrow for everyone affected." The video was delivered solely in English but included subtitles in both English and French.
The English-only message drew the attention of Canada's parliamentary Committee on Official Languages, which summoned Rousseau to explain why the message was not delivered in both official languages.
Background on Rousseau and Language Expectations
Michael Rousseau resides in Montreal and is an anglophone. He has faced criticism for his lack of French proficiency before, including shortly after his appointment as Air Canada CEO in 2021. At that time, he apologized and pledged to improve his French skills.
Air Canada, originally a federal public corporation and privatized since 1988, remains subject to Canada's Official Languages Act. This requires bilingual announcements onboard aircraft, which are made in both English and French.
Investigation and Airport Operations
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances leading to the fatal crash on Sunday evening.
On Tuesday, authorities released details from the final three minutes of cockpit voice recordings and communications with the control tower. These recordings revealed that controllers had cleared both the plane and a fire truck to cross the runway. Additionally, a voice was heard instructing the fire truck to stop moments before the collision.
Operations at LaGuardia airport were reduced following the accident. On Thursday, the damaged aircraft was towed away. Authorities announced efforts to reopen the runway where the collision occurred "no later than Friday morning."
