TORONTO (AP) — In a sudden shift for Canada's largest airline, Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau has announced his retirement planned for later this year. This decision comes on the heels of widespread backlash over his English-only message of condolence following this month’s fatal crash at LaGuardia Airport in New York that claimed the lives of two pilots, including Antoine Forest, a French-speaking Quebecer.
Rousseau’s lack of a French version in his video message has drawn ire from numerous quarters, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who criticized him for showing a lack of compassion and judgment. Quebec Premier François Legault and several others have also called for Rousseau's resignation, arguing that his initial response failed to acknowledge the bilingual nature of Canada.
The crash occurred when the Air Canada Jazz flight from Montreal collided with a Port Authority fire truck shortly after landing, leading to the tragic loss of the two young Canadian pilots.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon took to social media to commend Rousseau while reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring that Air Canada maintains safety, reliability, and bilingual services. Rousseau’s tenure has been marked by controversy, particularly regarding his inadequate proficiency in French, which has been a focal point for many in a province that is predominantly French-speaking.
With Rousseau's imminent departure, many in Quebec look forward to changes that will reflect the multilingual fabric of Canadian society, an expectation amplified by historical tensions stemming from the colonial past of the region.
