Michael Rousseau, the CEO of Air Canada, has issued an apology after receiving backlash for his lack of proficiency in French during a condolence video related to a tragic plane crash at LaGuardia airport. In a statement released Thursday, Rousseau expressed his sorrow that his inability to communicate adequately in both official languages drew attention away from the grieving families of the two pilots who lost their lives.
Rousseau admitted his French language skills are insufficient, despite years of lessons, and has faced public calls to resign for not issuing his condolences in both English and French, particularly since one of the deceased pilots, Antoine Forest, was French Canadian.
Critics, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier François Legault, highlighted the lack of compassion shown in his English-only message, suggesting that it reflects poorly on Rousseau's dedication to bilingualism in a nation that values both English and French.
After a collision between an Air Canada plane and a fire truck at LaGuardia, which caused injuries to several passengers, Rousseau had released an English-language video expressing his deepest sorrow, accompanied by French subtitles. The recent incident had led to the parliamentary Committee on Official Languages summoning him to explain his messaging choices.
The situation has reignited discussions around Canada's Official Languages Act, under which Air Canada is obligated to provide services in both languages. As investigations into the crash continue, Rousseau has reassured stakeholders of his commitment to improving his language skills while also addressing the tragic loss incurred by the incident.
Rousseau admitted his French language skills are insufficient, despite years of lessons, and has faced public calls to resign for not issuing his condolences in both English and French, particularly since one of the deceased pilots, Antoine Forest, was French Canadian.
Critics, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier François Legault, highlighted the lack of compassion shown in his English-only message, suggesting that it reflects poorly on Rousseau's dedication to bilingualism in a nation that values both English and French.
After a collision between an Air Canada plane and a fire truck at LaGuardia, which caused injuries to several passengers, Rousseau had released an English-language video expressing his deepest sorrow, accompanied by French subtitles. The recent incident had led to the parliamentary Committee on Official Languages summoning him to explain his messaging choices.
The situation has reignited discussions around Canada's Official Languages Act, under which Air Canada is obligated to provide services in both languages. As investigations into the crash continue, Rousseau has reassured stakeholders of his commitment to improving his language skills while also addressing the tragic loss incurred by the incident.
