06:50 AM EDT, 03/26/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Michael Rousseau, president and chief executive of Air Canada ( ACDVF ) has released a statement amid much backlash around the little French language he used in a prior message delivered after a weekend crash that killed two company pilots, one of whom was from French-speaking Quebec.

Rousseau said: "I want to reiterate my deepest condolences to the families of the Jazz Captain and First Officer who tragically lost their lives, and recognize the profound impact this accident has had on our employees and customers. Air Canada ( ACDVF ) is cooperating fully with U.S. and Canadian authorities in the investigation.

"As President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada ( ACDVF ), it is my duty to support those affected by this tragedy. I am deeply saddened that my inability to speak French has diverted attention from the profound grief of the families and the great resilience of Air Canada's ( ACDVF ) employees, who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism despite the events of the past few days.

"Despite many lessons over several years, unfortunately, I am still unable to express myself adequately in French. I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve."

CTV News has reported the Quebec government is calling for the resignation of Rousseau, following his condolence video, delivered almost entirely in English, for the victims of the Montreal-New York flight accident. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was "disappointed" by the airline CEO's video message.