Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to retire, decision comes days after English-only video controversy
Air Canada has begun the search for a new leader — one who can speak French — after the current CEO, English-only speaking Michael Rousseau, informed the board of directors of his retirement later this year.
In a statement issued Monday morning, the airline said Rousseau, who’s been with the company for almost two decades and has served as CEO since 2021, will continue in that role until his departure at the end of the third quarter, which is on or around Sept. 30.
Rousseau came under fire last week after posting an English-only video offering his condolences for the loss of two pilots who were killed in the March 22 crash at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. The only French words used in the three-minute and 45-second video post to social media on Monday were “bonjour” (hello) and “merci” (thank you).
One of the pilots, Antoine Forest, was a Francophone from Coteau-du-Lac, Que.
“Despite many lessons over several years, unfortunately, I am still unable to express myself adequately in French,” Michael Rousseau said in a mid-week statement amid the furor.
“I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve.”
Among those critical was Prime Minister Mark Carney, who said it showed a “lack of 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,” Carney told reporters on his way to a caucus meeting. “I’m very disappointed as others are, rightly so.”
Rousseau was later summoned to appear before the House of Commons Official Languages Committee, prompted by hundreds of complaints to the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages.
Asked about the news following a press conference on Monday, Carney saluted the work Rousseau did but said deciding to step down is the “appropriate” move in his view.
He also said it is “essential” that Rousseau’s replacement is bilingual.
“I think recent events that should have gone without saying to begin with, but recent events have underscored the importance of that.
Meanwhile, Quebec Premier François Legault called for Rousseau to resign and motion calling for the same was introduced in Quebec’s National Assembly.
Montreal-based Air Canada said in selecting its next leader, planning for which began in January 2026, “The Board will consider a number of performance criteria in assessing candidates including the ability to communicate in French.”
As for Rousseau, it thanked him for his years of service as chief financial officer, deputy CEO and CEO.
“We are grateful for the determined leadership he has provided not only in steering our company through the 2007-2008 financial crisis, COVID and other challenges, but also in capturing opportunities such as the acquisition of Aeroplan, in restoring the solvency of our pension plans and in advancing customer centricity and employee well-being priorities,” said Vagn Sørensen, Chair of the Board of Directors.
For his part, Rousseau said it was a “great honour” to work alongside Air Canada’s staff and looks forward to assisting in the transition.
More to come.
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