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The head of Air Canada will retire later this year following mounting criticism over a condolence video delivered in English after a fatal airport collision that claimed the lives of two pilots.
Michael Rousseau confirmed he will step down by the end of the company's third quarter, according to a statement released on Monday. His departure comes after days of public scrutiny over language use in a message intended to honour victims of the crash.
The video, shared shortly after the incident at New York's LaGuardia Airport, expressed sympathy for those affected. However, it drew widespread criticism because it was delivered almost entirely in English, despite one of the deceased pilots being from a French-speaking community.
Rousseau later acknowledged the concerns, admitting he was unable to communicate effectively in French. He said his limitations had unintentionally shifted attention away from grieving families and colleagues.
"I regret that my words did not reflect the full respect and compassion deserved in this moment," he said in a follow-up statement, issued in both official languages.
Political leaders and commentators were quick to respond, with some arguing that the situation highlighted a broader issue of leadership accountability in a bilingual country. Others suggested the controversy overshadowed the tragedy itself.
The airline noted that Rousseau's retirement follows nearly two decades with the company and aligns with long-term succession planning already in progress. He is expected to remain in his role during the transition period.
Internally, Rousseau expressed pride in his tenure, describing his time at the airline as an honour. He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting staff and ensuring stability in the months ahead.
The crash involved a flight arriving from Montreal that collided with a ground vehicle upon landing, resulting in fatalities and multiple injuries. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Air Canada, headquartered in Montreal, operates under national language requirements that reflect the country's bilingual identity. The episode has renewed debate over how those expectations apply at the highest levels of leadership.
