Backlash over English-only condolence message after LaGuardia crash
Backlash over English-only condolence message after LaGuardia crash
Air Canada chief faces anger for an English-only condolence video after the LaGuardia crash, reigniting debates on language rights in Quebec.
Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, said Air Canada’s top executive made a choice he called a 'lack of judgment, a lack of compassion' by posting an English-only condolence message after the fatal crash at New York’s LaGuardia airport, where two pilots were killed when a fire truck collided with an Air Canada Express flight. This incident has reignited debates over linguistic rights protections in Quebec, where French is the official language.
The CEO, Michael Rousseau, released a four-minute video, with only two French words—'bonjour' and 'merci'—and he does not speak French, despite vows to learn the language when he took the job in 2021. Air Canada said he posted the message before departing for the crash site, hoping to address everyone affected by the tragedy. The company added that the video included French subtitles and information was provided in both official languages on its site.
In response, federal ministers summoned Rousseau to the official languages committee to explain himself. Critics argued the message reflected a broader disconnect with Quebec’s language laws and rights, while supporters argued that the gesture aimed to be inclusive despite language barriers. Air Canada’s leadership is under pressure amid calls for Rousseau’s resignation as the debate over linguistic rights continues to unfold.
