Elon Musk calls out Canada’s ‘hypocritical and unfair’ language laws amid Air Canada CEO's resignation
· Toronto Sun
Elon Musk is weighing in on what he said are “hypocritical and unfair” rules surrounding the so-called retirement of Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau.
Visit freshyourfeel.org for more information.
Rousseau stepped down on Monday , after days of calls for him to resign, which came in the wake of his English-only video condolence speech following an Air Canada crash at New York’s LaGuardia Airport that killed two pilots.
Captain Antoine Forest and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther were both based out of Montreal, with Forest a native of Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec.
Following Rousseau saying au revoir, the airline said in a statement that its board had a “longstanding focus” on CEO succession planning, explaining that an external search for potential candidates to lead the airline began in January.
Quoi???
However, Musk, like many, wasn’t buying it, and the billionaire took to X to call out Rousseau’s departure.
“That’s crazy,” Musk wrote in reply to a post about Rousseau’s retirement.
“Moreover, it is not not reciprocal at all,” Musk continued. “There are many one-sided laws in Canada that mandate French at the expense of English. Extremely hypocritical and unfair!”
Musk also shared a screenshot of a conversation between him and AI chatbot Grok showing a list of “all French mandate laws in Canada and how this is hypocritical compared to no English mandate laws.”
Moreover, it is not not reciprocal at all.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 30, 2026
There are many one-sided laws in Canada that mandate French at the expense of English. Extremely hypocritical and unfair!https://t.co/SNbFP5Bmes
Grok noted Quebec’s Charter of the French language as well as Bill 96, which includes requiring French to be used in government communications and to be “markedly predominant” on store signs.
Grok also pointed out that the Canadian government’s legislation guarantees the right to be served and to work in French in businesses under federal jurisdiction in Quebec.
The bill focuses on strengthening protections around the French language and recognizes it as the only official language in Canada that is under threat — thus must be protected in federal workplaces.
What Carney said about the video faux pas
Following Rousseau’s video last week, Prime Minister Mark Carney was one of the first to slam it, adding that he was “very disappointed” by the move.
“It doesn’t matter the circumstances but particularly in these circumstances: a lack of judgment and a lack of compassion,” Carney told reporters last week.
“We live in a bilingual country. Companies like Air Canada, particularly, have a responsibility to always communicate in both official languages, regardless of the situation,” said Carney, who himself was criticized last year for his own moderate grasp of the French language .
Quebec’s legislative assembly also demanded Rousseau step down after a unanimous vote, albeit with one member abstaining.
Je ne parle pas francais
Rousseau previously apologized for being unable to express himself adequately in French.
Rousseau sparked outrage from Quebecers in 2021 after he expressed pride in having lived in Montreal for more than 10 years without knowing any French.
Only “bonjour” and “merci” were used in Rousseau’s otherwise English-only video statement last week, reigniting debate over his lack of French skills.
Rousseau will remain with Air Canada until his successor is named.
The Cornwall, Ont., native has been with the company for nearly two decades, joining in 2007.
He previously served as chief financial officer and executive vice president before he was named president and CEO in February 2021.
“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 employees, who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism despite the events of the past few days,” Rousseau said in a statement prior to his resignation.
“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.”