Air Canada CEO to Retire as Backlash to LaGuardia Crash Response Continues

Key Points

• Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau is retiring amid backlash over his English-only response to a fatal LaGuardia crash.
• Rousseau's lack of French proficiency has been an ongoing issue, drawing criticism from officials and violating Canada's Official Languages Act.
• Despite controversies, Air Canada returned to profitability under Rousseau, even as travel to the U.S. from Canada has declined.

Summary

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau will retire by the end of the third quarter, following criticism of his English-only statement after a fatal LaGuardia crash and longstanding issues over his lack of French proficiency. His leadership saw Air Canada return to profitability despite declining travel to the U.S., but his language shortcomings and handling of recent crises have led to calls for his resignation and a search for his successor.