Air Canada CEO faces backlash over English-only condolence video

Heavy criticism was directed at the CEO of Air Canada today following his release of an English-only video message offering condolences for Sunday’s deadly crash in New York.

One of the pilots killed was a francophone from Quebec.

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau is being called to testify before parliament’s official languages committee, and politicians in Quebec are calling for his resignation.

“Merci” and “bonjour” were the only two French words spoken in the four-minute video statement from the president and CEO of Air Canada on the deadly crash of Air Canada Express Flight AC8646.

The flight departed Montreal and was flown by French-speaking Quebec native Antonie Forest of Coteau-du-Lac.

He and co-pilot Mackenzie Gunther were the only ones killed.

“I’m very disappointed, as others are, rightly so,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Carney told reporters in French, then in English, that the video showed a lack of judgment and compassion.

“We proudly live in a bilingual country, and companies like Air Canada particularly have a responsibility to always communicate in both official languages, regardless of the situation,” said Carney.

Quebec’s provincial government and premier are calling for Rousseau’s resignation for his “disdain” toward Canada’s francophone community.

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Rousseau’s attitude towards French has been controversial for years.

He boasted in 2021 that he lived in Montreal for 14 years without learning the language. He made that claim while giving a speech in Montreal mostly in English, and was then summoned to testify before parliament’s official languages committee.

He later apologized and pledged to learn French, but has yet to follow through.

“I couldn’t believe it, it made no sense. It’s practically provocation,” said Mario Beaulieu, Bloc Québécois MP.

Members of the languages committee are expressing outrage over the video and have summoned Mr. Rousseau to appear before them again.

“I think that is a lack of sensitivity for francophones, and I think that’s simply the latest in a series of incidents,” said Guillaume Deschênes-Thériault, Liberal MP.

Air Canada remains subject to the Official Languages Act even though it was privatized in 1988.

When asked about Rousseau’s video, Air Canada spokesperson Christophe Hennebelle said, “Despite his efforts, his ability to speak French does not allow him to communicate such a sensitive message in that language as he would like.”

The federal conservative language critic Joel Godin is also on the committee and is critical, saying Rousseau showed zero respect for francophones.

The official languages commissioner has so far received nearly 800 complaints about the video.

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