Air Canada announced on Monday that Michael Rousseau, the President and CEO, will retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026, concluding nearly 20 years with the airline. This announcement coincides with a recent tragic incident involving an Air Canada Jazz flight that crashed at New York's LaGuardia Airport.
In its statement, the airline described Rousseau's retirement as part of a planned succession process, which has included internal development for over two years and an external search for a successor beginning in January 2026. Vagn Sørensen, Chair of the Board of Directors, expressed gratitude for Rousseau's leadership, highlighting his role in navigating challenges, including the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as his contributions to the company’s financial stability.
Rousseau's resignation follows criticism over his handling of communication after the LaGuardia crash, during which he issued a condolence message primarily in English, leading to allegations of insensitivity in Quebec, a province with a strong French-speaking population. Rousseau had previously faced scrutiny for his limited proficiency in French, which has been a point of contention in his leadership.
The provincial legislature in Quebec has called for Rousseau's resignation, citing a lack of respect for the French language. As Air Canada prepares for Rousseau’s departure, the board will consider successors, with French-language capability being a significant criterion.
Air Canada shares dropped over 2% following the announcement. Rousseau’s tenure will be acknowledged at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), where his achievements, including the recovery efforts post-pandemic, will be highlighted.