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PM Carney disappointed in Air Canada’s English-only condolence video

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau for releasing an English-only condolence video following Sunday's fatal LaGuardia Airport crash, calling it a "lack of judgment and lack of compassion."
One of the two pilots killed was Antoine Forest, a French-speaking Quebecer, making the English-only message especially disheartening; the video contained only "Bonjour" and "Merci" in French.
Parliament's Official Languages Committee summoned Rousseau to explain the message, deemed "incompatible with the obligations set out in the Official Languages Act." The Commissioner of Official Languages received 561 complaints by Wednesday morning.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault called for the executive's resignation, arguing his inability to speak French shows a "sad and gross lack of respect towards the loved ones and family of the pilot."
This incident follows previous criticism regarding Rousseau's French proficiency; he vowed to improve his language skills more than four years ago after similar backlash following his 2021 appointment as CEO.

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CTV National News discuss LaGuardia crash cleanup and backlash over Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau’s English-only condolence video, including political rebukes and a parliamentary summons

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New York Post

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney slams Air Canada CEO for English-only remarks after LaGuardia crash

Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters that Rousseau had shown a lack of judgment and said he expected the airline's board to make a statement.

11 hours ago·New York, United States

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Upstract

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Canada's prime minister slams 'lack of compassion' in message of condolence from airline CEO after LaGuardia plane crash

Carney joined in the criticism for Michael Rousseau after parliament summoned him to testify at their official languages committee for not also offering sympathies in French.

13 hours ago

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WCAX-TV

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Canadian prime minister says Air Canada CEO’s English-only condolences lacked compassion

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday that the Air Canada CEO’s English-only message of condolence after Sunday’s deadly crash in New York showed a lack of compassion and judgement and Quebec’s premier called on the airline executive to resign.

23 hours ago·Burlington, United States

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