Air Canada announces CEO Michael Rousseau to retire in wake of French controversy
· Toronto Sun
OTTAWA — Canada’s biggest airline is saying au revoir to its CEO.
One week after Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau ignited controversy by issuing an English-only condolence video after the tragic deaths of two company pilots at LaGuardia, the airline’s board of directors announced he’d be stepping down.
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“The board of directors of Air Canada today announced that Michael Rousseau has informed the board that he will retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026, after nearly two decades of strong and dedicated leadership that has reinforced Air Canada ’s place as a leader in the air line industry domestically and globally, ” read a statement issued early Monday.
“ Mr. Rousseau will continue to lead the company and to serve on its board until that time.”
The statement from the Quebec-based airline specifically mentioned that “the ability to communicate in French” will be a key performance criteria in choosing Rousseau’s replacement.
Two decades with airline
Joining the company in 2007, Rousseau was named president and CEO in February 2021, having previously serving as chief financial officer and executive vice-president.
Despite his surname, Rousseau is an Ontario-born Anglophone from Cornwall.
He previously worked for Hudson Bay Company as CFO and later as president.
Citing a “l ongstanding focus on CEO succession planning,” Monday’s statement from the airline said finding Rousseau’s replacement has been in the works for more than two years, and that an “extensive global search” was launched in January to identify potential candidates for his replacement.
Lack of French skills long-running issue
Rousseau was roundly criticized for last week’s video statement, reigniting debate over his lack of French skills — with “bonjour” and “merci” the only French used in the video.
“I am deeply saddened that my inability to speak French has diverted attention from the profound grief of the families and the great resilience of Air Canada’s employees, who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism despite the events of the past few days,” Rousseau said in a March 26 statement responding to the controverse linguistique.
“Despite many lessons over several years, unfortunately, I am still unable to express myself adequately in French. I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve.”
On Thursday, Quebec’s provincial legislature passed a motion demanding Rousseau resign, with Quebec Premier Francois Legault saying his lack of French skills is “disrespectful to his French-speaking employees and customers.”
Just after being appointed Air Canada CEO in 2021, Rousseau was criticized for expressing pride in having lived in Montreal for more than 10 years without knowing any French — prompting outrage in the province.
“It has been my great honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organization, including as chair of the Star Alliance chief executive board and on the board of directors of the International Air Transport Association,” Rousseau said in Monday’s statement.
“I look forward to supporting our company during this important transition period.”