Should a CEO Stumble Through French?

Air Canada’s CEO retires early following backlash around his inability to speak French. 

An English-only statement from Michael Rousseau following the tragic accident at LaGuardia airport sparked a heated debate around bilingualism. Politicians expressed their disappointment, columnists and commenters online debated Air Canada’s language requirements. Even Elon Musk weighed in.  

Should we get serious about bilingualism or is this debate a sign that we’re not a serious country?  

Host: Jesse Brown 

Credits: James Nicholson (Producer), Kallan Lyons (Associate Producer and Fact Checking), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), max collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor)

Guest: Douglas Soltys

Further reading: 

• Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to retire later this year following language controversy | CBC News 
• Chris Selley: It's insane to focus on the French of Air Canada's CEO - National Post
• In Air Canada’s French fallout, it is unfairly treated as both a private and public entity - The Globe and Mail  
• Air Canada learned nothing during the five years since its last French scandal - The Globe and Mail
• 'Can you redo that in English?': Air Canada CEO's 5-year struggle with French - Montreal Gazette
• ‘That’s crazy’ Elon Musk weighs in on Air Canada CEO resignation, French-language laws -CTV News   
• Will Xanadu lead Canadian tech back to public markets? | BetaKit
• #1176 Men’s Elegant Cardigan, XL - CANADALAND [Podcast]  

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