Air Canada (TSX:AC.B) announced that its CEO Michael Rousseau will retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026, after delivering a largely English condolence message following a fatal incident, prompting backlash and renewed scrutiny of his French-language abilities.
The company said Rousseau will remain in his role and on the board during the transition period as a search for his successor continues.
In its official statement, Air Canada described the move as part of a planned succession process, noting that preparations had been underway for more than two years.
The board also confirmed that it launched an external global search in January 2026 and will assess candidates based on several criteria, including the ability to communicate in French.
The controversy was triggered by Rousseau’s public remarks addressing a fatal Air Canada incident, which were predominantly in English with only brief French phrases. The response drew criticism from political leaders and the public, particularly in Quebec, where expectations around bilingual communication are especially pronounced.
Among those who spoke out was Mark Carney, who said the message reflected poor judgment and a lack of sensitivity. The episode renewed broader debate about language requirements for leaders of major Canadian institutions headquartered in Montréal.
While Air Canada did not explicitly link Rousseau’s retirement to the backlash, the timing of the announcement has drawn attention.
Rousseau has spent nearly 20 years with Air Canada, serving as chief financial officer and later deputy CEO before becoming chief executive. The company credited him with steering the airline through major challenges, including the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as advancing strategic initiatives such as the acquisition of Aeroplan.
Rousseau said he would remain available to support a smooth leadership transition. Air Canada has not indicated when a successor will be named.
Shares of Air Canada traded down more than 2% at C$17 on Monday morning.