Official languages watchdog fields thousands of complaints over Air Canada CEO’s English-only message after deadly crash

Air Canada is subject to the Official Languages Act, and its CEO, Michael Rousseau, will retire after facing numerous complaints for not communicating in French, following a condolence video for two Canadian pilots who died on March 22. Commissioner Kelly Burke says the scope of the reaction shows 'official languages are highly valued in this country.'

Canada’s language watchdog Kelly Burke says her office is getting thousands of complaints after Air Canada's CEO delivered a condolence message solely in English following a crash that killed two Canadian pilots in late March.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

News

BY MARLO GLASS

April 9, 2026

Canada’s language watchdog says her office has received 2,380 complaints over Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau's English-only condolence broadcast message following an Air Canada plane crash at New York's LaGuardia Airport that killed the two Canadian pilots, one a francoph...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Today’s Headlines Newsletter

Your quick scan of the news you need each weekday to be the smartest person in the room.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy