Air Canada’s President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Rousseau to Go ! Was it Obvious Due to Recent Developments ?

• In a sudden announcement, Air Canada revealed that CEO Michael Rousseau to retire later this year.
• Air Canada’s CEO, Michael Rousseau, was criticized for the four-minute condolence video posted online that included only two French words, “bonjour” and “merci”.
• The airline posted Rousseau's video message after Air ⁠Canada Express Flight 8646 hit a fire truck on the runway of LaGuardia Airport late Sunday. 
• The Air ⁠Canada Express crash killed both pilots, one of whom was from Quebec, and sent more than 40 people to hospital.
• When Rousseau was appointed president of the airline in February 2021, he promised to learn French.

Has the decision been taken after the uproar linked to the President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Rousseau's inability to deliver the message of condolence in french ? Or this was a regular exercise ?

Not for the first time, back in November 2021, less than a year after he was appointed CEO of Air Canada, one of his first major speeches in his role triggered a strong controversy among francophones, as the speech was almost exclusively in English.

However, today, the Board of Directors of Air Canada has made it certain as they announced the retirement of Michael Rousseau, noting Rousseau will remain in the top job and continue serving on the board until his departure, and the press release read as:

"The Board of Directors of Air Canada today announced that Michael Rousseau has informed the Board that he will retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026, after nearly two decades of strong and dedicated leadership that has reinforced Air Canada’s place as a leader in the airline industry domestically and globally."

"Mr. Rousseau will continue to lead the company and to serve on its Board until that time."

Recently, the chief executive of Air Canada made an apology for his inability to express himself in French after politicians called for his resignation for his English-only message of condolence after Sunday’s deadly aircraft crash.

“I am deeply saddened that my inability to speak French has diverted attention from the profound grief of the families and the great resilience of Air Canada’s employees, who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism despite the events of the past few days,” Rousseau said in a statement on Thursday.

• In the aftermath, Rousseau released a four‑minute condolence video delivered almost entirely in English — a decision that drew swift condemnation from French politicians, federal leaders and the public.
• Quebec Premier François Legault later called for Rousseau’s resignation and argued that his inability to speak French disrespected francophone employees and customers.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said the decision to release the video message only in English showed a "lack of judgment and lack of compassion."

Michael Rousseau was summoned to Ottawa to explain why he spoke only in English when he offered his condolences to the families of those killed or hurt in the collision between a plane and a fire truck at the New York City airport on Sunday.

Further in the press release, the board has termed this exercise as a succession plan. Air Canada says its board will consider a number of criteria in assessing candidates to be its next chief executive including the ability to communicate in French.

The press release read as:

The Board has had a longstanding focus on CEO succession planning. Consistent with this priority, work has been underway for more than two years on a comprehensive internal development program for high potential executives.

An external global search was also commenced in January 2026 to identify potential additional candidates with the skills, and experience to lead Canada’s national airline, proudly headquartered in Montréal, Québec.

The Board will consider a number of performance criteria in assessing candidates including the ability to communicate in French. Mr. Rousseau has agreed to remain available as needed to ensure a seamless and smooth transition.

Vagn Sørensen, Chair of the Board of Directors, said:

“On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Mike for his many contributions to Air Canada as he progressed from Chief Financial Officer to Deputy CEO and then to CEO and Board member."

"We are grateful for the determined leadership he has provided not only in steering our company through the 2007-2008 financial crisis, COVID and other challenges, but also in capturing opportunities such as the acquisition of Aeroplan, in restoring the solvency of our pension plans and in advancing customer centricity and employee well-being priorities,” said “Our upcoming AGM will allow us to further recognize his achievements which include a legacy of financial strength.” 

Michael Rousseau said :

“It has been my great honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organization, including as chair of the Star Alliance chief executive board and on the board of directors of the International Air Transport Association,”

“I look forward to supporting our company during this important transition period.”

Canada’s largest airline is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, where French is the primary language. Rousseau has been criticized for not speaking French previously. He delivered his condolence video message in English, with French subtitles.

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