TORONTO (AP) — In a significant shift for Canada's largest airline, Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau announced his impending retirement, set to take effect by the end of the third quarter of this year. The decision comes on the heels of backlash following his English-only message of condolence in response to a tragic incident involving an Air Canada flight in New York.
This month, a deadly crash at LaGuardia Airport claimed the lives of two pilots, Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther, resulting in public outrage over Rousseau's lack of bilingualism in his response. Canada, being an officially bilingual nation, saw prominent figures such as Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec's premier express their disappointment, stating that the message lacked compassion and understanding.
Rousseau, who had previously faced criticism for not speaking French, acknowledged the need for improvement in bilingual communications but ultimately announced his resignation after significant political pressure. Air Canada, headquartered in Montreal, is expected to address the backlash and improve bilingual services moving forward.
As Quebec identity remains a sensitive topic, emphasized by its majority French-speaking population, Rousseau's retirement represents a broader acknowledgment of the cultural expectations within the airline industry. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon commented on the importance of keeping Air Canada’s services safe, reliable, and inclusive for all Canadians.
