Air Canada CEO apologizes, commits to learning French as backlash in Quebec grows | CBC News

He was unable to answer it and asked for the question to be posed in English. When pressed, he said despite living in Quebec for 14 years, he’s too busy running a company to learn French.

“I’ve been able to live in Montreal without speaking French, and I think that’s a testament to the city of Montreal,” Rousseau said. 

WATCH | Air Canada CEO struggles to answer questions in French

​Air Canada CEO ​struggles to answer questions in French in Montreal

Michael Rousseau was asked in French by a journalist for Quebec TV news channel LCN how he’s managed to live in Montreal for so long despite speaking little French. 1:38

On Thursday morning, Rousseau issued a statement apologizing for his comments and promising to commit to improving his French. 

“I want to clarify that I did not want in any way to disrespect [Quebecers] and francophones across the country. I apologize to those who were offended by my words,” Rousseau said.

He added he told journalists that he would in fact like to be able to speak French. 

“Today, I am committed to improving my French, the official language of Canada and the language used in Quebec,” he said. 

“The head office of this emblematic company is located in Montreal and it is a source of pride for me as for my entire management team. I reiterate Air Canada’s commitment to show respect for French and, as a leader, I will set the tone.”

Several elected officials in Quebec and Ottawa have criticized Rousseau’s initial comments.

On Thursday, Premier François Legault became the latest public figure to denounce Rousseau’s attitude about the French language.

“It’s insulting. It makes me angry, because [of] his attitude to say ‘I have been in Quebec 14 years and I did not have to learn French,’ ” said Legault on the sidelines of COP26 in Scotland.