Air Canada was warned of a backlash ahead of the CEO’s speech in English only

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the situation as “unacceptable”, while others have called for the CEO’s resignation.

Author of the article:

Philip Authier • Montreal Gazette

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau speaks to members of the media after addressing the Montreal Chamber of Commerce.
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau speaks to members of the media after addressing the Montreal Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Christinne Muschi /Bloomberg

QUEBEC – Both the office of Prime Minister François Legault and the commissioner of official languages He warned Air Canada ahead of the potential storm that would be created if its chief executive, Michael Rousseau, delivered a speech entirely in English in Montreal on Wednesday.

With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau describing the situation as “unacceptable” on Friday and the Office of the Commissioner for Official Languages ​​reporting a total of 200 complaints filed about the speech, Quebec City and Ottawa officials confirmed to the Montreal Gazette that they had warned to Rousseau. on the wreck of the looming train.

And Air Canada had plenty of time to reverse course. Rousseau’s plan to deliver an English-only speech was made public Monday when the Journal de Montréal broke the news.

It was after the publication of that article that Canadian official languages ​​commissioner Raymond Théberge contacted Air Canada to ask the airline to change plans, authorities said.

Le Devoir reported Friday that Théberge “anticipated some controversy”, which turned out to be completely true.

The same warning was issued by Legault’s team.

“We warned them, yes,” said an official.

Legault himself was in Scotland attending the COP26 summit, but was among the first to denounce Rousseau’s speech and subsequent comments to the media.

“I saw the video of Mr. Rousseau and found it insulting,” Legault said. “It is inconceivable. It makes me angry “.

Rousseau apologized on Thursday, which Legault said was a good thing, but that he would follow the situation anyway. The apology has failed to end the controversy.

In Ottawa, Trudeau added his voice to the chorus of critics of Air Canada. Several political parties call for Rousseau’s resignation.

“I find this to be an unacceptable situation,” Trudeau told reporters in a brief encounter. “I am happy that the minister of official languages ​​is in the process of follow-up.”

Trudeau left without answering whether he thought Rousseau should resign his post.

Reference-montrealgazette.com

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