politics
March 30, 2026
Air Canada CEO to step down after backlash over his English-only crash message
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau said he will retire later this year, days after drawing criticism for an English-only condolence message following this month's deadly crash in New York.
TL;DR
- Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau is retiring later this year.
- Rousseau faced criticism for an English-only condolence message after a deadly plane crash.
- The crash involved an Air Canada Jazz flight from Montreal, killing two pilots.
- Air Canada is legally required to offer service in both English and French.
- The airline will search for a new CEO who can communicate in French.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec's premier criticized Rousseau's message.
- Rousseau had previously promised to learn French upon his appointment.
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