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Air Canada CEO "Summoned To Ottawa"

Being Criticized For English Only Speech

CEO Air Canada
(Source: Social Media/Facebook)
USPA NEWS - Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau is facing intense criticism for a recent video. Following a fatal crash at New York's LaGuardia Airport involving an Air Canada Express plane, Rousseau released a four-minute condolence message. The incident left two pilots deceased.
Source: Social Media Contribution/used with permission.
Two Canadian pilots who lost their lives in the accident included a French-speaking pilot from Quebec. However, Rousseau spoke only two words of French throughout the entire video. This decision provoked outrage among politicians, as the airline is legally mandated to provide services in both English and French. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated, 'I am extremely disappointed by the message released by the CEO of Air Canada, as it demonstrates a lack of compassion.
In a bilingual country like Canada, there's a powerful opportunity for a national airline to model linguistic inclusivity, especially in times of tragedy, and inspire a culture of respect for both official languages.
Michael Rousseau has been summoned to testify before a House of Commons committee on official languages following the release of a four-minute video containing only two French words: "bonjour" and "merci." To date, 84 complaints have been filed with the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages. Antoine Forest, one of the pilots killed, was a French-speaking Quebecer.
CEO of Air Canada Michael Rousseau made this statement; “I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve. As President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada, it is my duty to support those affected by this tragedy. I am deeply saddened that my inability to speak French has diverted attention from the profound grief of the families and the great resilience of Air Canada’s employees.”
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is calling for Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to resign after he offered condolences for the LaGuardia crash in English only. Do you think this is an opportunity for growth and learning, or is it being overly scrutinized?
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