In comes Michael Rousseau and his English-only speech. As many have pointed out, the Official Languages Act does not require that the CEO of Air Canada be proficient in both official languages. What it does require is that the company serve its customers in the official language of their choice — this may be French on a Montreal/Toronto flight, but may also be English on a Montreal — Rouyn/Noranda flight.
The issue here is: considering the status of Air Canada as an officially bilingual organization, and considering the considerable efforts that the company makes to offer its services in both languages, should not the CEO set an example by at least attempting to speak French?Article content Unfortunately, Rousseau worsened his predicament by agreeing to answer reporters’ questions. He explained that his schedule was so full that there was simply no time to learn French. In any case, he explained, he felt no need to speak the language: had he not successfully and comfortably lived in Montreal for 14 years without uttering one “oui” or “bonjour”? This attitude reminded Quebecers of the crass arrogance and ignorance of “les boss anglais” of the past.
It is the combination of all those factors that is at the root of the fierce controversy that erupted.English-speaking Quebecers were as dumbfounded as their francophone friends. Since then, they have been concerned. They know that this extraordinary gaffe will have a long-lasting political impact of which they will be the main victims. Rousseau’s attitude came to confirm francophones’ worst fears relative to the decline of French in the province, especially in the business community.
This incident will be forever enshrined in Québec’s history books as one additional proof that English Canadians don’t give a hoot about the existence of French in Canada. Quebecers will conclude that they can count only on themselves — specifically on strong legislation — to preserve the French language in their province. This is not a desirable scenario. Yet it was so easily preventable.
Lesson 1 : Montréal is a great place where we can live in English only (Michael Rousseau, Président Air Canada) Lesson 2 : It is possible to show respect and learn some of the founding language of Canada (Ian Edwards, CEO SNC Lavalin)
Face à tous ces commentaires agressifs et francophobes, voici une publication afin de vous aider à rester ZEN Monsieur Pratte !
An odd passage here. “When the company was privatized in 1985, a deal was struck: the company’s shareholders were granted the right to use the “Air Canada” brand..” Who was Mulroney “negotiating” with to “strike” a deal? Air Canada was government property and PMBM was in charge.
And the tedious Québécois snubs are a constant burr in the saddle for many English-speaking Canadians who know because they don’t speak French they can never work for ‘Canada’s’ government. Boo!
The famously reserved and sober Anglo-Canada, when it comes to Quebec, can astonishingly instantly transform itself into an insane asylum whose inmates have broken into the liquor cabinet. This thread is Exhibit A.
'This incident will be forever enshrined in Québec’s history books as one additional proof that English Canadians don’t give a hoot about the existence of French in Canada' A foolish statement Pratte. Farfelu, ont ne devraient pas être obligés de parler les deux. Offensive
Andre:Please post a video so we all can see if you speak English, and if it's phonetically correct English with the right pronouns and verbs.
Even the opinion of André Pratte, the most hardcore Quebec federalist, is still too much for the Canadian bigots. English über alles…
Screw Quebec
It wasn't but you are entitled to your opinion.
apratte Regardez les beaux commentaires!
No lol. Anyone crying about this should learn English. French should not even be an official language.
Now the hunt us on for those pesky English
Rousseau is a french origin name! So? Minorities protect their language through culture not law. Look to the Jews, Chinese, etc. Cda has incurred tremendous cost to accommodate the French. Even if he had spoken some French what is good enough! Move on and move forward!
Says you.
Move company headquarters
Grave gaffe Are you telling me people in Quebec stopped using AirCanada completely because of an All English speech? No! Just shows the folk in Quebec are more stronger in their bigoted views than the rest of Canada. Respect for their second language is zero.
He showed he shouldn't be CEO of Air Canada.
Unless I missed it. No mention of SNC ? What’s good for the goose…….?
This is a juicy topic but I strongly doubt that a Berlitz language tutor will be able to teach our CEO French up to an advanced level where our dunce (exceptional boss) could deliver an entire annual report in French. Anyway, the world's lingua franca is English not Francais.
Because they're cheese-eating surrender monkeys.
Oh please, people get over it. Why doesn’t Quebecers speak English when someone from Ontario or other provinces holiday there. Get over it and the guy is trying to do his job and not run the f*cking country
Exactly: 'After all, the English language remains, in Québec as elsewhere in the world, a very attractive and often necessary language of business.' Now leave us alone!
We're all allowed an opinion I guess I'm sure a huge minority of CDNs might agree with him on this 🤔 🙄🤣
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