Air Canada on Monday announced that CEO Michael Rousseau will retire after “nearly two decades of strong and dedicated leadership” with the airline. Rousseau, 68, will step down by the end of the company's third quarter. The development comes after he faced criticism for his condolence video about the deadly runway collision at Lauardia Airport in New York on March 23. 

Why Was Rousseau's Message Criticised?

Rousseau was criticised for delivering his condolences in English only despite knowing that one of the pilots who died, Antoine Forest, was from French-speaking Quebec. As the backlash grew, he later apologised for not being able to address "adequately" in French. However, people demanded his resignation for not knowing French, which is also an official language in Canada. His English-only video was criticised by several Canadian politicians, including Prime Minister Mark Carney. 

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Who Is Michael Rousseau? 

Rousseau has been associated with Air Canada for nearly two decades now. A graduate of York University, Rousseau joined the airline in 2007 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In 2019, he was appointed chief executive and helped the airline navigate tough times during the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure, he facilitated the launch of several initiatives including replacement of older and less efficient planes.  

In his retirement message Rousseau said, “It has been my great honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organisation. I look forward to supporting our company during this important transition period."

Air Canada, a listed company, which operates under the Official Languages Act, also mandates that it provide services in both English and French. Rousseau had faced backlash in 2021 also, when he gave a speech to Montreal business leaders almost in English. 

 

ALSO READ: Miraculous Escape At US Airport: How Two Planes Averted Deadly Crash At Newark: ATC Audio Reveals Chilling Moment


 


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