Air Canada CEO Faces Backlash Over English-Only Condolence

It's March 26.

This is Canada News Today, powered by AI.

Quebec's National Assembly has passed a motion calling for the resignation of Air Canada

CEO, Michael Russo.

This comes after he released a condoence video in English only, following the deadly plane

crash at La Guardia Airport in New York City on Sunday.

Night.

The crash killed two pilots, including Antoine Forrest, a francophone from Quebec.

The motion also demands that Air Canada's next leader have strong French skills, highlighting

language expectations for the airline.

Politicians led by Premier Francois Legault have pushed hard for Russo to step down in

the past 24 hours.

By 8.30 a.m. today, the Federal Commissioner of Official Languages received 1,565 complaints

about the video.

As Air Canada falls under the Official Languages Act, Russo apologize today, expressing regret

over his limited French.

He has taken 600 hours of lessons, but lacks the fluency for such a message.

An Air Canada spokesperson added that he cannot leave during this crisis.

The debate over language and leadership at Air Canada continues, with eyes on how the

airline and Federal officials respond next.