Premier François Legault, along with Quebec politicians from different political backgrounds, is urging Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to step down. This bipartisan call comes after an English condolence video was released by Air Canada following a fatal crash at New York’s LaGuardia airport, resulting in the deaths of two pilots, including Antoine Forest, a French-speaking Quebec resident.
During a four-minute video shared online by Rousseau, he only used two French words, “Bonjour” and “Merci.” Air Canada explained that Rousseau chose to speak in English to ensure clarity due to the emotional nature of the situation, as he wanted to address customers, employees, and families affected by the tragedy.
In response to the backlash, Rousseau issued a statement expressing his condolences to the victims’ families and apologized for his inability to communicate effectively in French. The Commissioner of Official Languages reported receiving 1,565 complaints regarding the video message by Thursday morning.
This is not the first time Rousseau has faced criticism for his language choices. In 2021, numerous complaints were lodged after he delivered a speech predominantly in English to a Montreal business audience. Rousseau attributed his lack of French proficiency to his busy schedule but later mentioned starting French lessons with a private tutor.
Quebec politicians, including Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s French language minister, tabled a motion at the National Assembly demanding Rousseau’s resignation, which was almost unanimously adopted. The pressure on Rousseau extended to the federal level, as he was summoned to Ottawa to explain his decision to speak only in English in the video message.
Various Quebec party leaders, including Québec Solidaire’s Ruba Ghazal and Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, joined the chorus demanding Rousseau’s resignation, citing his lack of respect for the French language and Quebec society. The call for Rousseau’s removal has gained momentum across political lines, with leaders expressing disappointment over his language choices and demanding accountability from Air Canada’s board of directors.