The CEO of Air Canada will retire later this year, after being criticized for failing to speak French in a condolence video following last week's fatal collision at LaGuardia Airport that killed two of the airline's pilots. Michael Rousseau informed the airline that he will be stepping down by the end of the company's third quarter, Air Canada said in a statement on Monday. Rousseau had faced calls to resign after delivering his condolences in English only. One of the pilots who died, Antoine Forest, was from French-speaking Quebec.
He later apologized, stating he was unable to express himself 'adequately' in French - an official language in Canada - despite taking lessons over the years. Announcing his retirement, Rousseau said: 'It has been my great honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organisation.' He noted he looks forward to supporting the company during this important transition period.
In the same statement, Air Canada indicated Rousseau was stepping down 'after nearly two decades of strong and dedicated leadership' with the airline, headquartered in Montreal. Rousseau's English-only condolence video faced criticism from Canadian politicians, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who remarked it displayed 'a lack of compassion.' Quebec Premier François Legault mentioned he believed Rousseau should resign if he couldn't speak French.
Rousseau expressed 'deepest sorrow for everyone affected' in the video that was posted online and included English and French subtitles. His inability to speak French during the video led to a backlash, prompting him to apologize shortly after. He admitted his French was weak 'despite many lessons over the years' and expressed his commitment to continue improving his language skills. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding bilingualism in Canada, particularly in leadership roles.
He later apologized, stating he was unable to express himself 'adequately' in French - an official language in Canada - despite taking lessons over the years. Announcing his retirement, Rousseau said: 'It has been my great honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organisation.' He noted he looks forward to supporting the company during this important transition period.
In the same statement, Air Canada indicated Rousseau was stepping down 'after nearly two decades of strong and dedicated leadership' with the airline, headquartered in Montreal. Rousseau's English-only condolence video faced criticism from Canadian politicians, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who remarked it displayed 'a lack of compassion.' Quebec Premier François Legault mentioned he believed Rousseau should resign if he couldn't speak French.
Rousseau expressed 'deepest sorrow for everyone affected' in the video that was posted online and included English and French subtitles. His inability to speak French during the video led to a backlash, prompting him to apologize shortly after. He admitted his French was weak 'despite many lessons over the years' and expressed his commitment to continue improving his language skills. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding bilingualism in Canada, particularly in leadership roles.
