Air Canada CEO Resigns Amid French Language Controversy

Air Canada CEO Michael Russo is stepping down just days after facing massive backlash for

saying he doesn't speak French, despite living in Montreal.

For years, the airline confirmed his retirement hours ago, with the board kicking off a global

search for a replacement back in January 2026.

The controversy blew up last week from a video where Russo admitted his French skills

were lacking, even though Air Canada operates in bilingual.

Canada

Apologized before, but this time it hit different, especially in Quebec, where French language

rules are strict.

Prime Minister Marcarny called it a lack of judgment, stressing companies like Air Canada

must communicate in both official languages.

Quebec's legislative assembly almost unanimously demanded his resignation, and public outrage

flooded social media.

Even Elon Musk jumped in on X, calling the exit crazy in sharing a GROC AI screenshot

listing Quebec's French laws like Bill 96 and the Charter of the French language, plus

federal protections, questioning why no similar English mandates exist.

Air Canada stressed they've long planned for this transition, aiming to keep the airline

flying smooth amid the language debates that have even drawn.

U.S. trade complaints before.

Successions days front and center as they hunt for new leadership.

I'm Cory with the story.

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