Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to Retire Following Language Controversy Air Canada announced on Monday that CEO Michael Rousseau will retire in the fall after nearly two decades with the airline, a decision linked to a recent controversy over his English-only condolence message following a fatal plane crash. The announcement came a week after Rousseau’s remarks sparked widespread backlash, particularly from Quebec politicians and officials, who criticized his lack of French proficiency. The crash of Air Canada Flight 8646 on March 22, which killed two pilots—including a francophone from Quebec—became the focal point of the controversy. The incident occurred when the flight, departing from Montreal, collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport in New York, resulting in the deaths of first officer Mackenzie Gunther and captain Antoine Forest. Forest, a native of Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, was a francophone, and his death intensified scrutiny of Rousseau’s language skills. Air Canada, headquartered in Montreal, mandates that employees communicate in both English and French, yet Rousseau’s English-only message, issued shortly after the crash, drew sharp criticism. Rousseau’s apology on Thursday acknowledged his inability to speak French adequately, stating he had “deeply saddened” that his language barrier had overshadowed the mourning families’ grief. However, many viewed the apology as insufficient, arguing it failed to address the broader implications of his remarks. The controversy escalated as Rousseau faced calls for his resignation from Quebec Premier François Legault and other officials. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet also condemned the message, with Blanchet calling it a “sad and gross lack of respect” for Forest’s family.#air_canada #quebec #michael_rousseau #francophone #official_languages_committee
