Several French-speaking politicians and commentators are coming down on Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau after it was revealed that he only speaks English while occupying the chief executive position of a private Canadian company.
Rousseau’s problems began on Wednesday after giving a 26-minute speech at the Palais des congrès almost entirely in English.
Following the speech, journalist Pierre-Olivier Zappa indignantly asked Rousseau, “How can you live in Montreal without speaking French?” Zappa initially asked this question in French before — at the request of Rousseau — repeating the question in English.
“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.
Rousseau attributes his English-only vocabulary to being constantly busy with work. However, French-speaking politicians, activists, and media types simply can’t believe the audacity of a lifelong Anglophone occupying such an influential position.
“Like any CEO of a company subject to the Official Languages Act, [Rousseau] should be able to communicate in the official languages,” said Commissioner of Official Languages Raymond Théberge.
The rules being referred to disqualify over 70% of Anglophone Canadians from occupying high-status jobs within and around government. That being said, the discriminatory Official Languages regulations do not apply to private sector postings. While this seems normal to most Canadians, it strikes fear into the hearts of Francophone Canadians desperate to maintain a monopoly on influential job postings.
Unfortunately for Quebec, you can not force someone in the private sector to speak your language.
Le pdg d'Air Canada n'a pas l'intention d'apprendre le français. « J'ai toujours pu vivre à Montréal sans parler français », m'explique Michael Rousseau. #Àvosaffaires #LCN pic.twitter.com/nFb5NOdqcG
— Pierre-Olivier Zappa (@pozappaTVA) November 3, 2021
President of the Chamber of Commerce Michel Leblanc agreed with the sentiment, saying he is disappointed Rousseau didn’t even imply that he intended to learn French in the future.
“The big boss of Air Canada expresses everything we rejected decades ago: contempt for our language and our culture at home in Quebec,” cried Quebec Justice Minister Jolin-Barrette on Twitter.
“These words are unworthy of the role he occupies.”
Ironically, some are now suggesting that it should be within Théberge’s power to issue fines to people residing in Montreal who cannot speak French and are “insensitive” towards francophones.
“He must apologize for his insensitive attitude and his lack of respect for francophones,” said Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada president Liane Roy.
“If the Commissioner of Official Languages had the power to issue orders and impose penalties… maybe it would be taken more seriously.”
