Air Canada CEO to Step Down Amid Backlash Over French Language Skills

Rousseau's resignation follows criticism over his failure to deliver a condolence message in French after a fatal plane crash.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:40pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal microphone and a stack of official documents, symbolizing the challenges of corporate leadership and communication in a multilingual environment.The resignation of Air Canada's CEO over his lack of French language skills underscores the importance of bilingual leadership for major companies operating in Canada's diverse markets.NYC Today

Air Canada chief executive Michael Rousseau will leave the company later this year after coming under fire for his failure to deliver a video condolence message in French following a plane crash that killed two Air Canada Express pilots. Rousseau, who has served as CEO since 2021, has told the board he will step down before October. The announcement leaves Air Canada scrambling to find a replacement amid challenges like soaring fuel prices and depressed cross-border travel.

Why it matters

As a federally regulated airline, Air Canada is required to offer services in both English and French. Rousseau's lack of French language skills has drawn criticism from politicians and the public, raising questions about the company's ability to effectively serve its francophone customers and employees.

The details

Rousseau, 68, was widely criticized for his lack of French in a four-minute condolence video posted online that included only two words in the language – 'bonjour' and 'merci.' Prime Minister Mark Carney said the decision to release the video message only in English showed a 'lack of judgment and lack of compassion.' Quebec Premier François Legault called the video disrespectful to the airline's employees and its francophone customers. Rousseau later apologized for his linguistic shortcomings, stating he was '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.'

  • Rousseau will step down as Air Canada CEO before October 2026.
  • Rousseau's condolence video was posted online last week.

The players

Michael Rousseau

The outgoing chief executive of Air Canada, who has faced criticism for his lack of French language skills.

Mark Carney

The Prime Minister of Canada, who said Rousseau's decision to release the condolence video only in English showed a 'lack of judgment and lack of compassion.'

François Legault

The Premier of Quebec, who called Rousseau's condolence video disrespectful to the airline's employees and francophone customers.

Vagn Sorensen

The chair of Air Canada's board, who thanked Rousseau for his leadership in steering the company through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Antoine Forest

One of the two Air Canada Express pilots who died in the plane crash that prompted Rousseau's controversial condolence video.

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What they’re saying

“It is essential that the next CEO of Air Canada is bilingual.”

— Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

“The decision to release the video message only in English showed a 'lack of judgment and lack of compassion.'”

— Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

“It's the right decision at the right time.”

— Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

“The video was disrespectful to the airline's employees and its francophone customers.”

— François Legault, Premier of Quebec

“I was 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.”

— Michael Rousseau, Outgoing CEO, Air Canada

What’s next

Air Canada has launched an 'external global search' for potential CEO candidates, with the ability to communicate in French being a key requirement. The company now finds itself in a hurry to hire a new head as Rousseau prepares to step down before October.

The takeaway

This resignation highlights the importance of language skills for leaders of major companies operating in bilingual markets like Canada. Air Canada's next CEO will need to be able to effectively engage with both English and French-speaking stakeholders, including customers, employees, and government officials.