Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau has issued an apology for his limited French language skills after receiving criticism for a condolence video released after the tragic plane crash in New York on Sunday. The video, intended to express sympathy to the families of the victims, including two Canadian pilots, was delivered mainly in English, with only a few French words included. This sparked outrage, especially in Quebec, where French is the primary language.
Prime Minister Mark Carney called Rousseau's English-only message a display of "lack of judgment and lack of compassion". Quebec's premier has joined calls for Rousseau's resignation. Rousseau has been summoned to testify before the House of Commons official languages committee on May 1. The Air Canada chief executive stated he is "deeply saddened" that his inability to speak French has detracted from the pilots' families' grief. He added that despite years of lessons, he still struggles to adequately express himself in French and is continuing his efforts to improve.
This is not the first time Rousseau's French language skills have come under scrutiny. In 2021, a speech delivered almost entirely in English triggered similar controversy. At the time, Rousseau apologized and pledged to learn French.
Air Canada is subject to the Official Languages Act, requiring them to offer services in both English and French. The recent incident has intensified the debate over linguistic duality within Canada and the importance of French, especially for prominent figures in national institutions.
