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The CEO of Canada’s largest airline remains under fire from multiple fronts this week following a botched expression of condolence and a subsequent fumbled apology.
In the days since two young pilots, Captain Antoine Forest and first officer Mackenzie Gunther died in a fatal runway collision at LaGuardia Airport, their deaths have increasingly been eclipsed by a national debate over whether Rousseau's French-language skills meet the expectations of his own company, the public, or the government.
Air Canada President and CEO Michael Rousseau provides a video statement on the tragic accident involving Air Canada Express AC8646: pic.twitter.com/ZwFibpOkj2
— Air Canada (@AirCanada) March 23, 2026
In a four-minute video published online Monday, Rousseau delivered his condolences almost entirely in English, speaking only two words in French: "Bonjour" and "Merci."
According to Air Canada, Rousseau has completed approximately 300 hours of French training since facing a similar backlash in 2021.
Earlier this morning, Air Canada announced the pending retirement of President and CEO Michael Rousseau. He will continue to lead the company and to serve on its Board until the third quarter of 2026, when he will retire.
