Air Canada CEO apologizes to Quebecers, pledges 'to improve my French'

Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau Thursday apologized for remarks suggesting he did not need to speak French, Canada’s second language, even though the airline is officially bilingual. “In no way did I mean to show disrespect for Quebecers and francophones across the country. I apologize to those who were offended by my remarks,” Rousseau said. “I pledge today to improve my French”. Rousseau was backtracking from remarks to reporters in Montreal on Wednesday that triggered widespread criticism in the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec, where the airline is headquartered. Rousseau, who took over in February, stumbled after being grilled over his inability to speak French properly despite having lived in Montreal for 14 years. The comment that drew criticism was: “I’ve been able to live in Montreal without speaking French, and I think that’s a testament to the city of Montreal”. He also blamed his busy schedule. The issue is sensitive in Quebec, the second most populous province, where unhappiness over the dominance of English helped the rise of the separatist Parti Quebecois (PQ) in the 1970s. Quebec has had several PQ governments.<br/>