Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau announced he will retire later this year after backlash over his English-only condolence video, following a deadly runway collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
Canada’s largest airline said in an official statement that Rousseau, 68 — who spent nearly two decades at the company — will step down at the end of the third quarter but will continue to serve until that time.
“It has been my great honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organisation, including as chair of the Star Alliance chief executive board and on the board of directors of the International Air Transport Association,” he said.
Air Canada plane hits fire truck
On March 22, an Air Canada Express Flight 8646 from Montreal to LaGuardia Airport collided with a fire truck upon landing, injuring dozens of people and killing the two pilots — first officer Mackenzie Gunther and Captain Antoine Forest.
After the accident, Mr. Rousseau posted a video on X to express his condolences and “deepest sorrow for everyone affected” entirely in English, apart from a “bonjour” at the beginning and a “merci” at the end of his message.
Condolence message sparks public backlash
The video triggered widespread public uproar and was widely criticised as dismissive toward French-speaking Canadians, particularly those in Québec — home to both Captain Forest and Air Canada’s headquarters.
In response to the unfolding events, the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages (OCOL) received over 2,360 complaints while Canada’s House of Commons summoned Rousseau to Ottawa to justify his actions before a parliament committee.
In Québec, Premier François Legault called for Air Canada’s CEO to resign, citing the executive’s 2021 promise to learn French and arguing that his actions demonstrate a “lack of respect toward his employees and francophone clients”.
The National Assembly, Québec’s legislative body, ultimately upheld Legault’s stance and voted unanimously to demand Rousseau to step down.
Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, also expressed his disappointment, saying the message showed a “lack of judgment and lack of compassion”.
“We proudly live in a bilingual country and companies like Air Canada particularly have a responsibility to always communicate in both official languages, regardless of the situation,” Carney told reporters.
Montreal’s mayor, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, aligned with the Prime Minister’s position and added that the head of the national airline lost the respect of the Francophone community because of his actions.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Japanese lawmaker hit with China sanctions after visits to Taiwan
Rousseau apologises but ultimately resigns
Following the scandal and the widespread outcry, Rousseau issued a formal apology, expressing deep sadness that his inability to speak French had drawn the attention away from the grief of the affected families and the outstanding tenacity of Air Canada’s staff.
“Despite many lessons over several years, unfortunately, I am still unable to express myself adequately in French. I sincerely apologise for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve,” he added.
Notwithstanding the apology, the public’s disapproval of Rousseau’s gaffe proved to be too strong, which ultimately led to his decision to step down and retire later this year.
In a company press release, Vagn Sørensen, Air Canada’s Board of Directors Chair, commended Rousseau for his contribution towards the company’s development and for steering the airline through the 2007-2008 Financial Crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges.
The political leaders also thanked him for the years of service and called his decision to leave “appropriate” and “the only sensible thing to do”.
Both PM Carney and Québec Premier Legault saluted him for taking responsibility while stressing that the next CEO should speak French as a “matter of respect for the employees, francophone customers, and all Quebecers”.
Air Canada’s Board of Directors announced the company will follow strict criteria in assessing potential candidates to lead the national airline, “including the ability to communicate in French”.
READ NEXT: Davao expo widens travel horizons with Central Asia, Antarctica packages
Angelica N. Hall 
Shameeka Voyiya 
Carmela Calling