Premier François Legault and other Quebec politicians are demanding the resignation of Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau following a backlash over an English condolence video released by the airline after a fatal collision at New York’s LaGuardia airport. The video, which only featured two French words, sparked controversy as it failed to convey the message effectively in French.
In response to the criticism, Rousseau issued a statement expressing his condolences to the victims’ families and acknowledging his shortcomings in expressing himself in French. He stated his ongoing efforts to improve his language skills.
The Commissioner of Official Languages received over 1,500 complaints regarding the video message. This is not the first time Rousseau has faced language-related complaints, as similar incidents occurred in the past, including a speech predominantly in English in Montreal.
The pressure on Rousseau intensified as Quebec politicians united in condemning his language choices. Calls for his resignation came from various party leaders, emphasizing the importance of respecting the French language in Quebec. The National Assembly also tabled a motion demanding Rousseau’s resignation, which received overwhelming support from members across party lines.
The growing criticism has prompted discussions on the need for change within Air Canada’s leadership. Various political figures have voiced their concerns over Rousseau’s ability to lead effectively in a bilingual country like Canada. The ongoing controversy highlights the significance of linguistic diversity and respect for the French language in Quebec.