Air Canada CEO to step down in 2026 amid recent controversy over French-language skills

The Board of Directors of Air Canada has announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Rousseau will retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026, following nearly two decades with the airline.

Rousseau will remain in his role and continue to serve on the Board until his departure, ensuring a smooth transition.

The official announcement comes just days after Rousseau faced mounting political pressure in Canada over his limited proficiency in French, following an English-only video message issued after a fatal accident in New York. The controversy sparked criticism from senior politicians, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier François Legault, and led to a motion in Quebec’s National Assembly calling for his resignation.

While no direct link was made between the criticism and Rousseau’s planned retirement, the timing is notable.

According to the Board, succession planning has been underway for more than two years. A comprehensive internal development programme has been established to prepare high-potential executives, while an external global search for candidates was launched in January 2026.

Candidates will be evaluated on a range of criteria, including leadership capabilities and the ability to communicate in French—an issue that has gained renewed prominence in recent days.

Chairman Vagn Sørensen praised Rousseau’s tenure, highlighting his leadership through major crises including the global financial downturn and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also pointed to strategic milestones such as the acquisition of Aeroplan, strengthening of pension solvency, and a stronger focus on customer experience and employee well-being.

“It has been my great honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada,” Rousseau said, also referencing his roles within the Star Alliance and the International Air Transport Association. He added that he will support the company throughout the transition period.

The Board is being assisted in the selection process by consulting firms Egon Zehnder and Korn Ferry.

Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline and flag carrier, serves more than 180 destinations worldwide and is a founding member of Star Alliance.