Air Canada CEO to Exit After Language Backlash Overshadows Crash Response

With input from the New York Times, BBC, MS Now, AP, the Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg.

Air Canada’s top boss is on his way out – and the timing isn’t a coincidence.

Michael Rousseau said Monday he’ll step down by the end of the third quarter, just days after a wave of criticism over how he handled the aftermath of a deadly crash in New York. The issue wasn’t just what he said. It was how he said it.

Rousseau delivered a condolence message following the fatal March 22 collision at LaGuardia Airport – mostly in English. That didn’t sit well in a country where language carries political and cultural weight, especially in Quebec.

The crash itself was devastating. An Air Canada Express jet collided with an airport fire truck shortly after landing, killing both pilots – including Antoine Forest, a Quebec native – and injuring dozens more. Investigations are still ongoing.

But attention quickly shifted from the accident to Rousseau’s response.

His video message included only brief French phrases – “bonjour” and “merci” – in what critics saw as a tone-deaf moment. Lawmakers in Quebec moved fast, unanimously backing a motion calling for his resignation. Prime Minister Mark Carney didn’t hold back either, saying he was “very disappointed.”

The backlash cut deep. In Montreal, where Air Canada is headquartered, officials questioned whether the CEO understood the country he was representing. The airline, after all, is required to operate in both of Canada’s official languages.

Rousseau later apologized, admitting his French skills weren’t strong enough and that the controversy had pulled focus away from grieving families. He said that was never the intention.

Still, the damage was done.

Air Canada confirmed his planned retirement in a statement that pointedly noted the search for his successor will weigh several factors – including the ability to communicate in French. That line alone says plenty about how seriously the company is taking the fallout.

Rousseau’s tenure wasn’t without achievements. Since taking the top job in 2021, he helped steer the airline through the pandemic recovery and pushed forward fleet upgrades. He’d been with the company since 2007, rising through the ranks from chief financial officer to CEO.

But leadership in Canada – especially at a flagship airline – comes with expectations beyond balance sheets.

For many, this wasn’t just about language. It was about respect, identity, and whether the country’s biggest airline is truly bilingual at the top.

Now, Air Canada is turning the page.