Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau early Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026, for an English-only condolence video following a fatal Air Canada Express jet crash at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Carney stated the unilingual message, issued after Sunday’s collision that killed two pilots and injured over 40, demonstrated a “lack of judgment” and “lack of compassion.” The airline posted Rousseau’s four-minute video after Flight 8646, en route from Montreal, struck a fire truck on the runway.

Prime Minister Expresses Disappointment

Carney voiced his strong disapproval while entering a caucus meeting. He emphasized Air Canada’s unique responsibility as a Canadian company.

“I’m very disappointed,” the prime minister said. “We proudly live in a bilingual country and companies like Air Canada particularly have a responsibility to always communicate in both official languages, regardless of the situation.”

The crash claimed the lives of pilots Antoine Forest, a French-speaking Quebecer, and Mackenzie Gunther. More than 40 individuals received hospital treatment following the incident.

Political Backlash Mounts

Rousseau now faces significant political backlash, with 795 complaints filed with the Commissioner of Official Languages by Wednesday afternoon. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly echoed Carney’s sentiments, highlighting the impact on francophone victims and their families.

“I think it’s a question of moral leadership,” Joly stated, calling the video a “lack of empathy.”

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet demanded Rousseau’s resignation. He described the video as a “sad and gross lack of respect” for the pilot’s loved ones.

“The head of Air Canada must very seriously ask himself whether he has not clearly disqualified himself for the position he holds,” Blanchet asserted. “He should leave.”

Quebec Premier François Legault also called for Rousseau’s resignation, citing a “lack of respect” if the CEO still does not speak French. Conservative MP Joël Godin, the official languages critic, labeled the video “unacceptable.”

CEO’s Past Language Controversy

Canadian Identity and Culture Minister Marc Miller referenced Rousseau’s prior language controversy. In 2021, Rousseau stated he did not need to learn French to live in Montreal after delivering a predominantly English speech.

“He should know better,” Miller commented, while refraining from making “political hay over what remains a tragedy.”

Rousseau later apologized for his 2021 remarks and began French lessons.

Air Canada Defends CEO’s Choice

Air Canada issued a statement late Tuesday defending Rousseau’s decision to speak English. The airline stated Rousseau felt it crucial to personally address those affected.

“Despite his efforts, his ability to speak French does not allow him to convey such a sensitive message as effectively as he would have liked in that language,” Air Canada explained.

The airline confirmed all information from Rousseau’s video was also posted online in both official languages. Air Canada, though privatized, remains subject to the Official Languages Act.

Official Languages Committee Summons CEO

Officials summoned Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to Ottawa on Tuesday. He will appear before the committee on official languages to address the online video.

Prime Minister Carney indicated he would closely monitor Rousseau’s testimony and the Air Canada board of directors’ subsequent comments. The crash itself remains under investigation.

Why This Matters

This incident transcends a simple language preference; it highlights the deep-seated importance of official bilingualism within Canadian corporate culture, particularly for a national carrier like Air Canada. The strong condemnation from the Prime Minister and other senior politicians underscores the expectation that companies operating under the Official Languages Act must demonstrate genuine respect for both English and French, especially during times of national tragedy. The controversy also reignites scrutiny over corporate leadership’s accountability to Canadian values and the potential for public backlash to influence executive tenure. The ongoing investigation into the crash itself adds another layer of gravity, placing Air Canada under intense public and political pressure on multiple fronts.