Air Canada CEO Apologizes Over English-Only Message

Air Canada's chief just said sorry—this time in two languages. CEO Michael Rousseau apologized Thursday after backlash over a condolence video, recorded only in English, following the deadly collision at New York's LaGuardia Airport that killed two pilots, reports the BBC. Critics said the omission of French, an official language in Canada and the primary language in Quebec, where the plane departed from, showed disrespect. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier François Legault were among those to call him out.

"I am deeply saddened that my inability to speak French has diverted attention from the profound grief of the families and the great resilience of Air Canada's employees," Rousseau said in his written statement released in English and French, per the Toronto Star. He added that his French is weak "despite many lessons over several years." Rousseau pledged to keep studying but did not address calls to step down. The controversy has drawn the attention of Parliament's Official Languages Committee, which has summoned him to testify. Rousseau, who lives in Montreal, has faced similar criticism since taking the top job in 2021.