Source: Fortune
Summary
Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau has announced his retirement after a public outcry over his decision to deliver a message of condolences in English following a deadly crash at New York’s LaGuardia airport. The incident highlighted the importance of language in Canadian culture, particularly in Quebec where French is a core marker of identity. Rousseau’s message was criticized for not being delivered in both English and French, as required by the Official Languages Act. The incident has sparked debate about the importance of language skills for CEOs and the business risk of offending one’s home market.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau’s decision to speak only in English after the LaGuardia crash was a misstep. Quebec is a region where language is a third rail in public life. Rousseau’s apology and promise to learn French in 2021 were not enough. The Air Canada board’s announcement that French skills will be a key factor in choosing the next CEO is a signal. In Quebec, language debates permeate many aspects of life. Perhaps Rousseau should get credit for not using AI to mask his lack of linguistic fluency, but authenticity is the best approach when it comes to soothing nerves and expressing sympathy.
Author: Evan Null
