The chief govt of Air Canada is apologizing for not having the ability to categorical himself adequately in French after releasing a video message of condolence on the deadly plane crash in New York on Sunday.
Michael Rousseau has been criticized for the four-minute video posted online that solely included two French phrases — “bonjour” and “merci.”
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“I’m deeply saddened that my incapacity to talk French has diverted consideration from the profound grief of the households and the nice resilience of Air Canada’s staff,” he stated in an announcement Thursday.
“Regardless of many classes over a number of years, sadly, I’m nonetheless unable to specific myself adequately in French. I sincerely apologize for this, however I’m persevering with my efforts to enhance.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney stated the choice to launch the video message solely in English confirmed a “lack of judgment and lack of compassion.”
Quebec Premier François Legault referred to as it disrespectful to the airline’s staff and its francophone prospects, including that if Rousseau would not converse French, he ought to resign.
Rousseau has additionally been summoned to testify on the Home of Commons official languages committee.
The Air Canada Categorical flight that crashed was flying from Montreal to New York’s LaGuardia Airport, and most of the travellers and crew — together with Antoine Forest, one of many two pilots killed — have been French-speaking Canadians.
Forest and fellow pilot Mackenzie Gunther died when the plane collided with a hearth truck on the runway at LaGuardia on Sunday night time.
It is not the primary time Rousseau’s lack of French has landed him in bother.
Following a speech in 2021 that was nearly completely in English to the Montreal chamber of commerce, he instructed reporters he didn’t must study French to get by in Montreal — feedback that sparked backlash and for which he apologized the following day.
Rousseau additionally pledged on the time to enhance his French.
As a former federal Crown company, Air Canada is topic to the Official Languages Act, which requires that it supply providers in French for routes that embody airports in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed March 26, 2026.