MONTREAL- Air Canada (AC) CEO Michael Rousseau has been summoned to Ottawa following backlash over an English-only condolence video after a fatal incident at New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The controversy has triggered political criticism and formal complaints tied to Canada’s Official Languages Act.
The incident involved Air Canada Express Flight 8646, where a collision on the runway led to two pilot fatalities and over 40 injuries. The CEO’s language choice in his public response has now become a national issue.
Air Canada CEO Summoned
Canada’s House of Commons Official Languages Committee has called Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to testify after he delivered a condolence message primarily in English, CBC News reported.
The four-minute video, released after the LaGuardia Airport (LGA) crash, included only minimal French phrases despite the airline’s bilingual obligations.
The committee confirmed that all ten members voted in favor of summoning Rousseau. The move reflects growing concern over compliance with the Official Languages Act, which applies to Air Canada as the country’s flag carrier.
The crash involved Air Canada Express Flight 8646, which struck a fire truck on the runway. Both pilots were killed, including a Quebec-based French-speaking pilot. More than 40 passengers were hospitalized following the incident.
Rousseau described the event as a very dark day for the airline and expressed condolences in English, supported by French subtitles. However, this approach was widely criticized as insufficient given the emotional context and linguistic expectations.
Complaints and Political Reaction Intensify
By Tuesday afternoon, the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages had received 84 complaints regarding the video. Political leaders, including Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet, publicly criticized Rousseau’s decision.
Blanchet stated that the CEO’s failure to address French-speaking families appropriately raised serious concerns about his leadership. The criticism focused particularly on respect for victims, including a French-speaking pilot from Quebec.
The backlash highlights the sensitivity around language rights in Canada, especially during moments of national grief.
Air Canada Responds to Criticism
Air Canada stated that Rousseau chose English to ensure clarity during a highly emotional situation. The airline explained that his current French proficiency limited his ability to deliver a nuanced message in both languages.
The company emphasized that French subtitles were included to ensure accessibility. It also confirmed that all official updates regarding the crash were published in both English and French.
Rousseau recorded the message before traveling to the crash site, aiming to communicate quickly with affected families, employees, and stakeholders.
Previous Language Controversy Resurfaces
This is not the first time Rousseau has faced scrutiny over language use. In 2021, he was criticized for delivering a predominantly English speech in Montreal, despite living in the city for over a decade.
That incident led to more than 2,600 complaints and a parliamentary hearing. Rousseau later acknowledged the mistake and committed to improving his French skills, including taking formal lessons.
He has served as Air Canada’s CEO since early 2021, leading a company legally required to operate in both official languages.
Broader Implications for Air Canada
The latest controversy raises questions about leadership accountability and compliance with federal language laws. It also underscores the expectations placed on national carriers to reflect Canada’s bilingual identity, especially in public communications.
The upcoming testimony in Ottawa is expected to examine whether Air Canada is meeting its obligations and how it plans to prevent similar issues in the future.
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