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Air Canada CEO criticized for unilingual response to fatal LaGuardia crash
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Air Canada's handling of a condolence message following a deadly plane collision at New York's LaGuardia Airport, calling it a "lack of compassion" for issuing the statement in English only.
Bilingualism controversy erupts
Carney emphasized Canada's official bilingual status, stating that corporations like Air Canada must communicate in both English and French. The criticism follows the deaths of two Air Canada pilots-including 30-year-old Antoine Forest, a French-speaking Quebecer-when their aircraft struck a fire truck on the runway Sunday night.
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau released a video statement on X expressing condolences, but the initial message was delivered in English only, with French subtitles added later. The parliamentary Committee on Official Languages summoned Rousseau to explain the oversight, calling it "incompatible" with the Official Languages Act.
Political leaders demand accountability
Quebec Premier François Legault joined calls for Rousseau's resignation, arguing that the CEO's inability to speak French disqualifies him from leading a national airline. Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet labeled the English-only message a "gross lack of respect" toward Forest's family.
Rousseau, an anglophone who lives in Montreal, has faced scrutiny over his French proficiency since his 2021 appointment. When questioned about his language skills, he previously cited his demanding schedule, sparking backlash from federal and provincial officials. He later apologized and pledged to improve.
Broader debate over French language use
The incident reignites concerns about declining bilingualism in Canada, where the proportion of citizens fluent in both official languages has waned. Air Canada, though privatized in 1988, remains bound by the Official Languages Act, which mandates bilingual announcements and communications.
Investigation into crash continues
U.S. authorities are probing the collision, which injured dozens of passengers-six of whom remain hospitalized. The National Transportation Safety Board released cockpit voice recordings and tower communications, revealing that both the plane and fire truck were cleared to cross the runway. Interviews with the two air traffic controllers on duty are underway.
"We live in a bilingual country, and companies like Air Canada have a responsibility to communicate in both languages."
Prime Minister Mark Carney
