Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau announced his retirement later this year following criticism over an English-only condolence message after a deadly crash in New York on March 22. The plane, carrying two pilots – Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther – collided with a fire-and-rescue vehicle upon landing at LaGuardia Airport, resulting in both pilot fatalities. Rousseau’s English-language video message sparked outrage as it was accompanied by French subtitles, prompting calls for his resignation from Quebec Premier François Legault and others. The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages has received numerous complaints about the incident.
Canada is officially bilingual, requiring services like Air Canada to be provided in both English and French. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon praised Rousseau’s leadership during a social media post but emphasized that the government will continue working with Air Canada to ensure they provide safe, reliable, affordable, and bilingual service for all Canadians.