Air Canada’s chief executive, Michael Rousseau, has announced he will retire later this year, following intense criticism over his inability to speak French in a condolence message after a fatal accident that killed two of the airline’s pilots.
The airline confirmed on Monday that Rousseau will step down by the end of its third quarter, marking the end of nearly two decades of leadership at the Montreal-based carrier.
The announcement comes just days after a tragic incident at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, where an Air Canada aircraft collided with a fire truck shortly after landing. The crash claimed the lives of two pilots, Antoine Forest, a Quebec native, and Mackenzie Gunther.
In the aftermath, Rousseau released a video expressing his condolences. However, the message was delivered solely in English, though it included subtitles in both English and French. The decision quickly drew widespread criticism across Canada, particularly in Quebec, where French is the dominant language and a key part of cultural identity.
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Political leaders were among the most vocal critics. Prime Minister Mark Carney described the move as showing “a lack of compassion,” while Quebec Premier François Legault said Rousseau should reconsider his position if he is unable to communicate in French.
The backlash also led to Rousseau being summoned before Canada’s parliamentary committee on Official Languages to explain his actions.
In response, Rousseau issued a written apology in both English and French, acknowledging that he was unable to express himself “adequately” in French despite years of lessons. He said he regretted that the controversy had diverted attention away from the grieving families of the victims and Air Canada staff.
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“I sincerely apologise for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve,” he said.
Rousseau, an anglophone who lives in Montreal, has faced criticism over his French language skills before. Similar concerns were raised when he was appointed CEO in 2021, at which time he also pledged to improve his proficiency.
Air Canada, though privatized since 1988, remains subject to Canada’s Official Languages Act, which requires services and communications to be available in both English and French. The airline routinely makes bilingual announcements onboard its flights.
In a statement announcing his retirement, Rousseau said it had been “a great honour” to lead the company and work alongside its employees. He added that he would support Air Canada through a transition period as it prepares for new leadership.
The controversy underscores the ongoing importance of bilingualism in Canada’s public and corporate life—particularly for national institutions headquartered in Quebec—where language remains closely tied to identity, representation, and respect.
