A sign with a photo of Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau is seen as striking Air Canada flight attendants demonstrate at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, British Columbia.Image: keystone
March 30, 2026, 4:47 p.mMarch 30, 2026, 4:47 p.m
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau will step down at the end of September. The Canadian airline’s board of directors confirmed the decision on Monday, responding to ongoing criticism of Rousseau’s poor knowledge of French.
The CEO, who has been in office for five years, recently hit the headlines after he sent condolences almost exclusively in English following the deaths of two Air Canada pilots in a collision at La Guardia Airport in New York. Several Canadian politicians expressed sharp criticism, and Prime Minister Mark Carney was also “very disappointed” and accused Rousseau of a lack of judgment and compassion.
Pilots line up outside Air Canada headquarters waiting for the repatriation of Air Canada Jazz pilot Antoine Forest on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Montreal.Image: keystone
Numerous French lessons
Rousseau had declared that despite “numerous French lessons over several years” he was still unable to express himself adequately in French. He apologized and emphasized that he would continue to work on his language skills.
On March 22, a rescue and fire truck collided with a Jazz Aviation aircraft operating for Air Canada at New York airport. The pilot and co-pilot were killed and several people were injured. The following week, Quebec’s National Assembly called for Rousseau’s resignation by a large majority.
Rousseau had already caused criticism in 2021 when he spoke almost exclusively English in front of the Greater Montreal Chamber of Commerce. The board of directors now emphasized that it has been working on a succession plan for two years and has also been examining external candidates since January. (sda/awp/afp)