Air Canada’s president and CEO, Michael Rousseau, is set to retire in the fall after nearly two decades with the airline, following his recent English-only condolence message in the aftermath of Flight 8646’s crash in New York. The decision aligns with the Board’s ongoing CEO succession planning, which has been in progress for over two years internally, according to an airline spokesperson.
Rousseau, in an internal communication with employees obtained by Radio-Canada, expressed pride in his tenure with the airline but acknowledged the time for retirement had arrived. He will continue to lead the company and serve on its board of directors until the end of the third quarter.
Flight 8646, originating from Montreal, tragically collided with a fire truck upon landing at LaGuardia airport on March 22, resulting in the fatalities of two pilots and injuries to numerous others. Rousseau extended condolences to the victims’ families through a subsequent video message, though he faced criticism for delivering the message predominantly in English, despite the company’s bilingual language policy.
The CEO’s language choice sparked a debate among politicians, with various leaders expressing contrasting opinions. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet criticized Rousseau, while Quebec Premier François Legault even called for his resignation.
Following the backlash, Rousseau issued an apology for his inability to speak French, expressing deep regret for causing any distraction from the families’ grief. Nonetheless, his apology received mixed reactions from the public.
Amid mounting pressure and public scrutiny, Rousseau has been summoned to appear before the Official Languages Committee in Ottawa. The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages reported receiving over 2,300 complaints regarding Rousseau’s statements.
As Rousseau prepares to step down, discussions have emerged about the importance of the next Air Canada CEO being bilingual. Prime Minister Carney emphasized the necessity for the incoming CEO to be fluent in both English and French, underscoring the significance of recent events in highlighting this requirement.
Transport Minister Stephen MacKinnon acknowledged Rousseau’s service in a social media post, while Quebec politicians welcomed the news of his impending retirement, emphasizing the need for a bilingual CEO as a mark of respect.
Analysts anticipate that Air Canada’s next CEO will be expected to speak French fluently, following the controversy surrounding Rousseau’s language proficiency and the growing emphasis on bilingualism within the company. John Gradek from McGill University highlighted the political pressure as a significant factor in Rousseau’s decision to retire.
The timing of Rousseau’s retirement announcement comes amidst escalating calls for a bilingual CEO, reflecting the evolving expectations within the airline industry and the broader Canadian context.