Air Canada’s chief executive. Michael Rousseau. Has announced he will step down later this year, citing criticism over an English-only condolence video he released following a tragic collision at LaGuardia Airport that killed two of the airline’s pilots. The move comes after Rousseau faced mounting pressure from Canadian officials and the public for not speaking French in the video, an official language in Canada.

Controversy Over Language Use

Rousseau informed the airline in a statement on Monday that he will retire by the end of the company’s third quarter. The statement noted Rousseau’s “nearly two decades of strong and dedicated leadership” with Air Canada, which is based in Montreal. However, the controversy surrounding his English-only video has overshadowed his tenure.

Rousseau’s video. Released shortly after the crash that killed pilots Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther, was criticized for not including French, despite the fact that Forest was from French-speaking Quebec. Prime Minister Mark Carney called the video “a lack of compassion,” while Quebec Premier François Legault said Rousseau should resign if he couldn’t speak French.

Rousseau later apologised. Saying he was unable to “express myself adequately” in French despite taking lessons over the years. He released a written statement in both languages, expressing deep regret that his language skills had diverted attention from the pilots’ families and Air Canada staff.

Political and Public Backlash

The incident has reignited debates about language proficiency among Canadian leaders, particularly in multilingual institutions like Air Canada — Rousseau, who is an anglophone living in Montreal, has faced similar criticism before, including when he was appointed CEO in 2021. At that time, he apologised and committed to improving his French.

Quebec’s political leaders have long pushed for stronger adherence to the Official Languages Act, which requires federal institutions to provide services in both English and French. Air Canada. Despite being a private company since 1988, remains subject to this law, with in-flight announcements made in both languages.

Following the video. Rousseau was summoned to Ottawa by Canada’s parliamentary committee on Official Languages to “explain himself” before MPs. His appearance revealed the seriousness of the issue in the eyes of Canadian lawmakers.

Impact on Air Canada and Leadership

Rousseau’s resignation has significant implications for Air Canada, which has been handling a challenging period marked by operational and reputational risks; his departure comes amid heightened scrutiny over the airline’s language policies and leadership capabilities.

Analysts suggest that the incident has exposed a broader issue of language fluency in high-profile roles, particularly in regions where bilingualism is a legal requirement. The Canadian government has emphasized the importance of official languages in federal institutions, and this case has brought that expectation into the spotlight.

According to Air Canada, Rousseau will remain with the company during the transition period to ensure a smooth leadership change. His departure is expected to be finalised by the end of the third quarter, which concludes in September.

The crash at LaGuardia Airport on March 18, 2024, resulted in the deaths of two pilots, drawing widespread attention to safety and communication protocols in aviation. The incident has raised questions about how airlines handle such crises, particularly in multilingual environments.

Officials said the video was released shortly after the crash and included both English and French subtitles. However, Rousseau’s lack of spoken French in the video drew immediate criticism from the public and political figures alike.

As Rousseau steps down, the focus will shift to the next phase of leadership at Air Canada. The airline has not yet announced a successor, but the transition is expected to be closely watched by those involved, including employees, passengers, and government officials.

The incident also highlights the growing importance of language skills in corporate leadership roles in Canada. With 20% of the population speaking French, and 14% of the population reporting a primary language other than English, the need for bilingual proficiency in leadership is more pronounced than ever.