The chief executive of Air Canada has resigned after backlash over a video he released primarily in English after a recent crash at LaGuardia Airport.
Canada has two official languages, French and English, and the video was criticized as dismissive of French-speaking Canadians.
“Companies have a requirement to communicate in both official languages, regardless of the situation,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said, lecturing the airline president.
Now the irony – Carney made his statement to the broadcast media in English.
Airline CEO Michael Rousseau, victim of French Karens because he can’t speak their language.
“Hello. Bonjour. I’m Michael Rousseau, president and CEO of Air Canada. Today is a very somber day at Air Canada. I’m here to provide information on an accident that occurred involving an Air Canada Express aircraft.”
That’s what Rousseau said on March 22, the day of the New York runway accident that killed both pilots.
Unfortunately “bonjour” wasn’t compassionately French enough for the predominantly-French population in Quebec.
He delivered his condolence video message in English, with French subtitles.
Rousseau has now lost his job because of the empathy that he expressed. But in English, not in French.
Canada’s largest airline is based in French-speaking Quebec.
Quebec Premier François Legault said that when Rousseau was appointed to the top airline job five years ago, he promised to learn French.
The airline boss is now apologizing, saying his language limitations shifted focus from grieving families and the efforts of airline employees following the crash at LaGuardia Airport of the plane and a fire truck.
Air Canada said it would search for a successor “who has the ability to communicate in French,” CBS News reported.
That’s how you bow to Karens in French.
Top Air Canada Exec Quits Under Fire For Not Knowing How To Speak French After Fatal Plane Crash
By Ted Cohen
