Air Canada announced Monday that its CEO Michael Rousseau would retire after controversy over a condolences video given only in English.

FBI and NTSB workers examine the wreckage after an Air Canada plane collided with a fire truck on the runway on March 22 in New York City. On Monday, Air Canada announced its CEO Michael Rousseau would retire this year. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI UPI

March 30 (UPI) -- Air Canada announced Monday that its CEO Michael Rousseau would retire by the end of the third quarter after a recent condolences statement given mostly in English.

"The board will consider a number of performance criteria in assessing candidates, including the ability to communicate in French," the airline said in a statement.

On March 22, an Air Canada Express flight from Montreal crashed into an airport fire truck after landing at LaGuardia, killing both pilots and injuring dozens. The two pilots were: First Officer Mackenzie Gunther and Capt. Antoine Forest. Forest was a francophone from Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec.

Rousseau, 68, then issued a 3-minute, 44-second video statement of condolence in English. In the video, the only French he used was "bonjour" and "merci."

The lack of French in the video was called dismissive of French-speaking Canadians. English and French are both official languages of Canada.

On March 26, Rousseau issued a statement about his English-only video.

"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," he said. "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."

Air Canada, which is headquartered in Montreal, is required to offer services in French and English.

Politicians were quick to express their concern over the English-only video.

Prime minister Mark Carney said he was "very disappointed."

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, said, "We just have to remember that people died in this tragic accident, and all my thoughts are with the families. Now [Rousseau] has a responsibility to respect the people and our Francophone community. He didn't do that, and I think he lost the respect of our Francophone community."

Yves-François Blanchet, leader of the political party Bloc Québécois, said the lack of French in Rousseau's statement showed a "sad and gross lack of respect" for Forest's family, the CBC reported.

Quebec Premier François Legault called for Rousseau's resignation.

But former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney defended Rousseau.

"I would rather have the CEO of our flagship carrier focusing his scarce time on safety and reliability than language training," he said on X.

Rousseau was hired as chief financial officer by Air Canada in 2007. He became deputy CEO in 2019. He was appointed president and CEO of the company in February 2021.

"It has been my great honor to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organization, including as chair of the Star Alliance chief executive board and on the board of directors of the International Air Transport Association," Rousseau said in a statement Monday. "I look forward to supporting our company during this important transition period."