Air Canada's CEO, Michael Rousseau, announced on Monday that he will resign later this year, following criticism for his English-only sympathy statement following last month's fatal disaster in New York.
Rousseau informed the board of Canada's largest airline, which is located in French-speaking Quebec, that he plans to resign by the end of the third quarter.
It has been a wonderful honour to work with the devoted and talented people of Air Canada and represent our outstanding organization.
The airline said it was speeding a plan to replace Rousseau, who will leave in October, and that candidates would be evaluated in part on their ability to speak French.
Backlash Over Language Controversy
Air Canada's CEO, Michael Rousseau, announced on Monday that he will resign later this year, following criticism for his English-only sympathy statement following last month's fatal disaster in New York. Rousseau informed the board of Canada's largest airline, which is located in French-speaking Quebec, that he plans to resign by the end of the third quarter.
Michael Rousseau notified the airline that he will be stepping down by the end of the third quarter, according to an Air Canada statement. The airline said it was speeding a plan to replace Rousseau, who will leave in October, and that candidates would be evaluated in part on their ability to speak French.
Rousseau faced calls to resign after presenting condolences in English only, despite the fact that one of the pilots who died was from French-speaking Quebec.
Canada is an officially bilingual country, and Prime Minister Mark Carney said the English-only message demonstrated a lack of compassion and judgment.
The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages received hundreds of complaints regarding the video message, reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction with the CEO’s choice to deliver the condolences solely in English despite the bilingual nature of the country and the tragedy’s connection to Quebec.
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Crash Incident and Public Response
The condolence video was published after an Air Canada Jazz flight from Montreal crashed with a fire vehicle on the runway of LaGuardia Airport shortly after landing, killing pilots Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther.
Forest was a French-speaking Quebecer, heightening the sensitivity of the linguistic problem following the tragedy.
Rousseau expressed "deepest sorrow for everyone affected" in the video, which included French subtitles but was spoken in English.
The Canadian Parliamentary Committee on Official Languages invited him to Ottawa to explain his activities.
He expressed sadness that his inability to speak French had "diverted attention" from bereaved relatives and colleagues, and apologized for the circumstances.
Political and Cultural Context
Rousseau later apologized, saying he was unable to express himself "adequately" in French, and that his French remained weak "despite many lessons over the years."
Quebec Premier François Legault and others called for the airline executive's resignation, stating the future CEO should speak French as a "matter of respect for the employees, francophone customers, and all Quebecers."
Air Canada, though a private company, must adhere to Canada's Official Languages Act. This law mandates that the airline provide services in both English and French.
Prime Minister Mark Carney stated, "It is absolutely essential that his successor is completely bilingual," and described the choice as "the right decision at the right time."
Rousseau has previously been chastised for not speaking French, even immediately after his appointment in 2021, when he promised to improve his language skills.
Why This News Matters
It's not just about one executive leaving; it's about how seriously Canada takes language and identity. Michael Rousseau's message in English after a tragedy hit a nerve, especially in French-speaking Quebec.
It shows that being a leader isn't just about making business decisions; it's also about being aware of and respectful of other cultures.
Language remains a hot-button issue in Quebec. With close to 80% of the populace communicating in French, the province's political scene has, for decades, been shaped by debates over linguistic identity.
Canada's transportation minister, Steven MacKinnon, congratulated Rousseau and stated that the government will continue to work with Air Canada to ensure it provides "safe, reliable, affordable, and bilingual service to all Canadians."
Air Canada announced Rousseau's departure "after nearly two decades of strong and dedicated leadership."
Leadership Transition Ahead
Rousseau stated, "It has been a wonderful honour to work with the devoted and talented people of Air Canada and represent our outstanding organization. I look forward to assisting our organization throughout this critical transition moment."
The airline is now accelerating its search for a new CEO with strong emphasis on French language skills.
This development underscores ongoing tensions around bilingualism in Canadian corporations headquartered in Quebec.
Read more in our Business section for similar stories and expert analysis.
Benjamin Hayes
Business Journalist
Benjamin Hayes is a seasoned business journalist with a special focus on corporate finance, global markets, and entrepreneurial trends. He has covered major startups, tech investments, and economic shifts in multiple sectors.
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