Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to Retire Following French-Language Condolence Controversy

Michael Rousseau, CEO of Air Canada, will retire later this year after facing widespread criticism for delivering condolences in English only following a fatal accident at LaGuardia Airport that claimed the lives of two of the airline’s pilots.

Air Canada confirmed that Rousseau will step down by the end of the third quarter of 2026, ending nearly two decades of leadership at the Montreal-based airline.

The controversy erupted after a video message posted on X saw Rousseau offering his sympathies exclusively in English to the families of pilots Antoine Forest—a French-speaking Quebec native—and Mackenzie Gunther, who died when their aircraft collided with a fire truck shortly after landing. Despite including French subtitles, Rousseau’s inability to speak French prompted criticism from politicians and the public alike.

Prime Minister Mark Carney described the video as showing “a lack of compassion,” while Quebec Premier François Legault suggested Rousseau should step down if unable to speak the province’s official language. Rousseau later apologised in a bilingual written statement, admitting his French remained weak “despite many lessons over the years” and acknowledging that his performance “diverted attention” from the grieving families and airline staff.

Rousseau, an anglophone who lives in Montreal, had previously come under scrutiny for his French proficiency shortly after becoming Air Canada CEO in 2021. He said he would continue efforts to improve his French during his remaining tenure, describing it as “an honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada” and pledging to support the company through the transition.