Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau Announces Retirement Amid Controversy Over Language Skills

Mon Mar 30 2026 17:24:33 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Michael Rousseau, the CEO of Air Canada, has decided to retire following backlash over his English-only condolence message after a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of two pilots. Rousseau acknowledged his struggle with French and faced criticism from various Canadian leaders.

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau will retire after nearly two decades with the airline, following significant criticism for delivering condolences solely in English after a fatal plane crash. Rousseau's struggles with the French language have been a longstanding issue, culminating in a backlash from politicians and the public. He expressed regret over the situation and is set to support the transition process during his final months with the company.

The CEO of Air Canada will retire later this year, after being criticised for failing to speak French in a condolence video following last week's fatal collision at LaGuardia Airport that killed two of the airline's pilots.

Michael Rousseau informed the airline that he will be stepping down by the end of the company's third quarter, Air Canada said in a statement on Monday.

Rousseau had faced calls to resign after delivering his condolences in English only. One of the pilots who died, Antoine Forest, was from French-speaking Quebec.

He later apologised and said he was unable to express himself adequately in French - an official language in Canada - despite taking lessons over the years.

Announcing his retirement, Rousseau said: It has been my great honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organisation. I look forward to supporting our company during this important transition period.

In the same statement, Air Canada said Rousseau was stepping down after nearly two decades of strong and dedicated leadership with the airline, which is headquartered in Montreal.

Rousseau's English-only condolence video was criticised by Canadian politicians, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who said it showed a lack of compassion. Quebec Premier François Legault stated that Rousseau should resign if he was unable to speak French.

The condolence video was released after an Air Canada plane collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia airport in New York shortly after landing, killing Forest and another pilot, Mackenzie Gunther. Rousseau expressed deepest sorrow for everyone affected in the video, which included both English and French subtitles, but was criticized for failing to speak French directly.

Rousseau later apologised in a written statement released in both English and French, expressing regret that his inability to speak French diverted attention from the pilots' grieving families and Air Canada staff. He acknowledged his French was weak despite many lessons over the years, and stated, I sincerely apologise for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve.

Rousseau faced scrutiny for his language skills following his appointment as CEO in 2021, where he committed to improving his French. Air Canada is subject to Canada's Official Languages Act, mandating announcements in both English and French.

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