Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to step down as Quebec leaders demand bilingual successor
Quebec’s outgoing premier Francois Legault, along with leadership candidates Christine Frechette and Bernard Drainville
The planned departure of Michael Rousseau as chief executive of Air Canada has been welcomed by political leaders in Quebec, following ongoing concerns about language use at the top of the airline.
Quebec’s outgoing premier Francois Legault, along with leadership candidates Christine Frechette and Bernard Drainville, all expressed support for the decision on Monday.
“It was the only sensible thing to do,” Drainville wrote on social media platform X.
“The next Air Canada CEO must speak French. It’s a matter of respect.”
Frechette said Quebec would closely monitor the selection of a new leader, stressing the importance of bilingualism.
“The company is subject to the Official Languages Act. It’s time that was reflected all the way to the top of the organization,” she noted.
“It’s the only credible decision that is respectful of francophones, Quebecers and the National Assembly, and the only one that would finally send the signal that things are changing,” she added.
Quebec’s French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge said: “Michael Rousseau had no choice but to leave his position as CEO of Air Canada.”
“The next CEO must be able to express himself in French from the moment of his appointment. That is non-negotiable,” he said.
