A wave of outrage has swept across Quebec, culminating in a unanimous vote by the National Assembly demanding the resignation of Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau. The catalyst? His continued inability to speak French, a perceived affront to the province’s linguistic identity and a deep disrespect to francophones nationwide.
The breaking point came after a tragic runway collision at LaGuardia Airport claimed the lives of two Air Canada pilots, Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther. Rousseau’s initial response – a statement of condolences delivered solely in English – ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly given that one of the fallen pilots, Antoine Forest, was a proud francophone.
A subsequent apology, released in both English and French, was swiftly dismissed as “too little, too late” by Quebec lawmakers. Minister of the French Language, Jean-François Roberge, spearheaded the motion calling for Rousseau’s departure, arguing that his repeated failures to embrace the language demonstrate a profound lack of respect.
The vote was overwhelmingly in favour – 92 to zero, with only one abstention. Support spanned the political spectrum, uniting members from the governing Coalition Avenir Québec, the Liberals, Québec solidaire, and even the Parti Québécois, a surprising shift after initial hesitation.
The motion doesn’t simply express disapproval; it firmly denounces Rousseau’s “lack of respect” towards the French language, grieving Quebec families, and all francophones. It emphasizes that this isn’t an isolated incident, but a pattern of disregard for Quebec’s linguistic heritage, where French is the sole official language.
This controversy isn’t new. Rousseau faced similar criticism in 2021 after delivering a speech to Montreal’s business community with a mere 20 seconds of French. When pressed by a reporter about his lack of fluency after 14 years in the city, he responded with a remark seen as dismissive, attributing his success to Montreal’s accommodating nature.
The fallout extends beyond the National Assembly. The federal Official Languages Committee has summoned Rousseau to Ottawa for questioning, and the commissioner has been inundated with complaints – skyrocketing from 765 to over 1,565 in a single day. The sheer volume of public outcry underscores the depth of feeling surrounding this issue.
Even within Air Canada, voices are growing louder. Employment Minister Pascal Déry, a former Air Canada media relations director under Rousseau, revealed that the CEO had previously promised to learn French but failed to do so, suggesting a deliberate unwillingness to engage with the language. He urged the board of directors to take action.
The pressure is mounting, and the message is clear: for many in Quebec, Rousseau’s continued leadership is untenable. The demand isn’t simply for an apology, but for a demonstration of genuine respect – a respect that, in their view, can only be achieved with his resignation and the appointment of a bilingual successor.
The situation has become a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle to protect and promote the French language in Canada, and the importance of linguistic sensitivity in positions of leadership.
