Prime Minister Mark Carney criticizes Air Canada CEO for English-only condolences after fatal crash Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau for expressing condolences in English rather than French following a fatal crash, calling the CEO’s remarks a display of poor judgment. The incident occurred when an Air Canada jet collided with a fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia airport on Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of both pilots. Carney told reporters that Rousseau’s decision to use only English in his condolences “showed a lack of judgment and a lack of compassion,” emphasizing the importance of respecting Canada’s official languages. The airline, which is based in Canada, has faced scrutiny over its handling of the crisis. Carney urged the company’s board to issue a formal statement addressing the incident and its implications. Air Canada did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The incident has reignited debates about language in Canada, particularly in Quebec, where French is the dominant language. Language policies remain a contentious issue, with historical tensions stemming from the perceived dominance of English. The Parti Quebecois, a separatist party, has leveraged these concerns to gain political traction. The party currently holds a strong lead in provincial elections and has pledged to hold a new referendum on Quebec’s independence if it secures victory. Rousseau’s comments are not the first time he has faced criticism over language use. In 2021, Canadian officials noted his limited proficiency in French during a board review, prompting him to commit to improving his skills. At the time, the federal government held a 6% stake in Air Canada as part of a pandemic bailout package, a stake it sold in December 2025.#la_guardia_airport #air_canada #prime_minister_mark_carney #air_canada_ceo_michael_rousseau #parti_quebecois
