Carney 'very disappointed' in Air Canada CEO's English-only condolence video, says it lacked compassion

undercoat government minister german mark Carney had pointed words for the head up of Canada's largest air hose early Wednesday, saying the Air Canada CEO's unilingual message of condolences to those affected by the recent deadly crash showed a "lack of judgment" and "a lack of compassion."

"We proudly live in a bilingual country and companies like Air Canada particularly have a responsibility to always communicate in both official languages, regardless of the situation. I'm very disappointed," the prime minister said on his way into a caucus meeting.

The airline posted Michael Rousseau's four-minute video message after Air ⁠Canada Express Flight 8646 hit a fire truck on the runway of New York's LaGuardia Airport late Sunday. The crash killed both pilots, one of whom was from Quebec, and sent more than 40 people to hospital.

In his message, Rousseau said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and said the collision was a "very dark day" for Air Canada. 

Air Canada President and CEO Michael Rousseau provides a video statement on the tragic accident involving Air Canada Express AC8646: <a href="https://t.co/ZwFibpOkj2">pic.twitter.com/ZwFibpOkj2</a>

Outside of Rousseau saying "bonjour" at the beginning and "merci" at the end, he delivered the message in English, with French subtitles. While Air Canada was privatized decades ago it remains subject to the Official Languages Act.

Rousseau now finds himself the target of political backlash and, as of Tuesday, some 84 complaints to Commissioner of Official Languages.

Carney said the unilingual message "particularly in these circumstances" showed a "lack of judgment, a lack of compassion." 

Carney 'very disappointed' in Air Canada CEO's English-only message after fatal airport collision

In an an online post Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet called the video a "sad and gross lack of respect towards the loved ones and family" of pilot Antoine Forest, who was a French-speaking Quebecer.

"The head of Air Canada must very seriously ask himself whether he has not clearly disqualified himself for the position he holds."

On Tuesday the House of Commons official languages ​​committee voted to summon Rousseau to the capital to answer for the online video.

"I will follow his comments closely and comments which I would expect in due course from the board of directors," said Carney.

In a statement late Tuesday, Air Canada said Rousseau used English to best express a sensitive message.

"Mr. Rousseau felt it was important to personally address our customers, our employees, and those of Jazz, their families, and all those affected in any way," the statement said, referring to Air Canada's regional partner, which operated the flight.

"He therefore recorded a message before leaving for the crash site," it said.

"Despite his efforts, his ability to speak French does not allow him to convey such a sensitive message as effectively as he would have liked in that language."

The statement added that any information about the collision Rousseau gave in the video was also posted online in both official languages.

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