Key facts
- Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau will retire by the end of Q3 2026.
- Rousseau faced criticism for failing to address a fatal plane crash in French.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed Rousseau's retirement.
- Carney emphasized the need for a bilingual successor.
- The retirement follows widespread criticism.
Michael Rousseau, the CEO of Air Canada, is scheduled to retire from his position by the end of the third quarter of 2026. This decision comes after Rousseau faced widespread criticism for his handling of a fatal plane crash, specifically his failure to address the incident in French. The controversy highlighted concerns about the airline's commitment to bilingualism. Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly welcomed Rousseau's decision to retire. Carney emphasized that the selection of his successor should prioritize bilingual capabilities, underscoring the importance of a leader who can effectively communicate in both of Canada's official languages. The retirement marks the end of Rousseau's tenure and signals a potential shift in leadership priorities for Air Canada.