Air Canada CEO Apologizes for English-Only Condolence Video

0:00On March 26, Air Canada CEO Michael Russo has apologized for posting an English-only condolence video after a deadly crash at New York's. La Guardia Airport on Sunday evening. The regional flight collided with a fire truck on the runway, killing two pilots, one of French-speaking pilots from Quebec. In his statement, Russo said he's deeply sorry that his limited French skills shifted focus from the grieving families and his team's hard work. But years of lessons, he admits he still can't express himself well in the language, but he's committed to improving. Quebec Premier, Francois Legault, demanded Russo's resignation over the four-minute video, which included just two French words and subtitles. Prime Minister Mark Carney called it a sign of poor judgment and compassion, urging Air Canada's board to step in. The airline is headquartered in French-speaking Montreal, and this echoes past issues. When Russo became president in February 2021, he pledged to learn French, but a major

1:01English speech months later sparked backlash. Meanwhile, voices like former cabinet minister Jason Kinney argue the CEO should prioritize safety and operations over language classes. With investigations ongoing, the focus remains on supporting those affected by the tragedy. Europe news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters across Europe.