Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau is facing escalating political backlash after issuing an English-only condolence message following a fatal crash in New York, despite issuing a public apology for his limited French proficiency.
The controversy stems from a video message released after the deadly runway collision at LaGuardia Airport, which killed two pilots, including Quebec native Antoine Forest. Rousseau’s message, delivered almost entirely in English, drew criticism in bilingual Canada—particularly in Quebec, where French is the dominant language and Air Canada is headquartered.
Rousseau acknowledged that his inability to communicate in French diverted attention from the tragedy and reiterated his commitment to improving his language skills. However, the apology failed to quell criticism from political leaders. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier François Legault both condemned the situation, citing poor judgment and lack of respect.
The backlash intensified when Quebec’s National Assembly overwhelmingly passed a motion calling for Rousseau’s resignation, with broad cross-party support. Critics argue that his failure to learn French—despite earlier commitments—undermines respect for francophone communities, while some voices counter that leadership focus should remain on operational priorities such as safety.
The incident has reignited longstanding tensions around language, identity, and corporate leadership in Quebec, shifting attention away from the crash itself and onto broader cultural and political sensitivities.
[…] 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 […]
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