News
Air Canada · CEO Exit · Corporate Governance · Language Policy
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau will step down by the third quarter of 2026 following widespread criticism over an English-only condolence video after a fatal LaGuardia runway collision, prompting calls for his resignation from Quebec's National Assembly and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The controversy stemmed from a March 22 incident where an Air Canada Express jet collided with a fire truck, killing two pilots, one of whom was from Quebec. Rousseau's video, delivered almost entirely in English with only "bonjour" and "merci" in French, despite French subtitles, triggered significant backlash in Quebec, where language is a politically sensitive issue.
Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized Rousseau's "lack of judgment and lack of compassion," later welcoming the decision and emphasizing the need for a bilingual successor. Air Canada, headquartered in Montreal, is legally required under the Official Languages Act to provide services in both English and French.
Rousseau, 68, who became CEO in 2021 and led the airline through the Covid-19 pandemic, had previously faced similar criticism regarding his French proficiency. The board has been planning succession for over two years, launching a global search in January, with French communication ability now a key criterion for candidates.
Air Canada shares traded lower following the announcement, despite a 25% gain over the past year.
