MONTREAL —
Protesters descended on Air Canada’s Montreal headquarters Saturday, angered at CEO Michael Rousseau’s incapability to converse in French.
“The Society Saint-Jean-Baptiste (SSJB) of Montreal is demanding greater than an apology from the president and CEO of Air Canada, Mr. Michael Rousseau,” protest organizers say, including that they’re demanding Rousseau be faraway from the corporate.
The SSJB factors out that Air Canada’s Language Motion Plan says the airline is proud to supply providers in each official languages and is a pacesetter amongst Canadian corporations in selling bilingualism.
“Exhibiting no actual management on bilingualism, Mr. Rousseau goes towards his personal language coverage,” the SSJB says. “As a unilingual Anglophone, he can not assume the place of president and CEO.”
About 100 protesters gathered on a wet Saturday afternoon in assist of the SSJB’s place.
“The truth that it’s attainable for a unilingual English individual to achieve the very best administration place of a Canadian firm whose head workplace is in Quebec is past comprehension,” mentioned SSJB president Marie-Anne Alepin.
Rousseau gave a 26-minute speech nearly solely in English at Montreal’s Chamber of Commerce final week.
Rousseau, who has lived in Montreal for the final 14 years, mentioned he was “in a position to dwell in Montreal with out talking French and I feel that’s a testomony to the Metropolis of Montreal.”
He additionally acknowledged that he merely didn’t have time to study the language.
Rousseau apologized someday later, expressing his need to enhance his French-language abilities.
“By no means did I imply to point out disrespect for Quebecers and francophones throughout the nation. I apologize to those that had been offended by my remarks,” he mentioned.
In a letter written in French to Air Canada staff, Rousseau mentioned he “regrets” the feedback he made about his incapability to talk or perceive one in all Canada’s official language, regardless of residing in Quebec for 14 years.
“Individuals who know me effectively know that these phrases don’t replicate my values and beliefs,” he mentioned. “I take and settle for private criticism. Nevertheless, criticism of our staff and our practices hurts me deeply while you work so arduous to serve our clients.”
Rousseau went on to substantiate he has employed a non-public tutor and his “French studying” has already begun.
As well as, he says the corporate’s official languages practices will probably be reviewed and strengthened.
“I’ll personally oversee this course of to make sure that any required actions are carried out,” Rousseau mentioned.
— With recordsdata from CTV’s Rachel Lau
