Michael Rousseau, the CEO of Air Canada, will step down by the end of the third quarter of 2026, the company announced Monday. The decision follows a significant public backlash sparked by a video message released in response to the tragic deaths of two pilots in a runway collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport last week. The controversy centers on Rousseau’s limited use of French in the video, a misstep that ignited a national debate about language and representation in Canada.
The incident began on March 23rd when an Air Canada Jazz flight arriving from Toronto collided with a fire truck on the runway at LaGuardia, resulting in the deaths of pilots Antoine Forest, 30, and Mackenzie Gunther. Both pilots were lauded by aviation officials for their actions during the incident, which reportedly minimized potential harm to passengers. The loss was immediately felt across the aviation community and prompted an outpouring of grief. However, Air Canada’s subsequent response quickly became the focus of criticism, overshadowing the tributes to the fallen pilots.
In a four-minute video intended as a message of condolence, Rousseau spoke almost entirely in English, uttering only the French words “bonjour” and “merci.” This sparked immediate outrage in Quebec, where French is the official language and a cornerstone of cultural identity. The airline is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, and is subject to Canada’s Official Languages Act, which mandates bilingual service. Air Canada’s own linguistic action plan, published in 2024, explicitly requires all public communications to be available in both English and French. The full policy document is available on the Air Canada website.
A History of Linguistic Concerns
This isn’t the first time Rousseau’s French language skills have drawn scrutiny. In November 2021, he delivered a speech in Montreal entirely in English, prompting similar criticism. At the time, Rousseau defended his choice, stating that living in Montreal for 14 years didn’t necessitate fluency in French, calling it a “testament to the city.” He similarly cited a busy schedule as a barrier to taking language courses, though he pledged to improve his French. Reports indicate he had since spent approximately 300 hours studying the language, yet the recent video demonstrated limited progress.
The reaction to the latest incident was swift and severe. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his “extreme disappointment” with Rousseau’s message, describing it as a “lack of compassion” towards the victims and their families. Lawmakers in Quebec overwhelmingly passed a motion calling for Rousseau’s resignation, reflecting the deep-seated sensitivity surrounding language issues in the province. The office of the Commissioner of Official Languages reported receiving over 2,000 complaints related to the video.
The Air Canada CEO has lived in Montréal for decades, and he knows less French than a literal POLAR BEAR 🐻. A polar bear that was recently moved from a zoo in Quebec to Calgary was accompanied by a French-speaking trainer to help it adjust. 🤯 https://t.co/q9q9q9q9q9
— Jake Landau (@JakeLandauTO) March 27, 2026
The Pilots Remembered
The focus, however, remains on the pilots lost in the accident. Antoine Forest, the pilot who was francophone, and Mackenzie Gunther are being remembered for their professionalism and quick thinking. Aviation experts have noted that their actions likely prevented a far more catastrophic outcome. Forest’s francophone background added another layer of sensitivity to the situation, as many passengers on the flight were also French-speaking.
Air Canada has publicly acknowledged the importance of bilingualism and has reiterated its commitment to serving both English and French-speaking customers. However, the incident has raised questions about the company’s internal culture and its dedication to linguistic diversity at the executive level. The airline’s linguistic action plan outlines specific goals for improving French language proficiency among employees, but the recent events suggest that implementation may be lagging.
What’s Next for Air Canada?
Rousseau will remain in his role and on the board of directors until the end of the third quarter of 2026, overseeing the transition to a new CEO. The company has not yet announced a timeline for selecting a successor. The search will likely prioritize candidates with strong leadership skills and a demonstrated commitment to Canada’s linguistic duality. The incident has also prompted a review of Air Canada’s crisis communication protocols, with a particular focus on ensuring culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate messaging.
The fallout from this incident extends beyond Air Canada. It has reignited a broader conversation about the protection of the French language in Canada, particularly in Quebec, where concerns about its vitality are growing. The Quebec government has implemented several measures to safeguard French, including legislation to strengthen its use in business and education. This event is likely to further fuel those efforts.
The Air Canada situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and linguistic awareness in today’s globalized world. For a company operating in a bilingual country, demonstrating respect for both official languages is not merely a matter of compliance, but a fundamental aspect of building trust and fostering inclusivity.
The next key date for Air Canada will be the release of its first-quarter earnings report in May, where analysts will be closely watching for any further commentary on the CEO transition and the company’s plans to address the concerns raised by this incident. We will continue to follow this story as it develops.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Share your comments below and let us know what you think about the importance of bilingualism in Canada.
