Forty-eight hours after the controversial speech of the big boss of Air Canada, one wonders what is the worst.
That he stubbornly made this speech only in English, in front of a French-speaking audience, knowing full well that it would damage the reputation of his company?
That he boasts of being able to live in Quebec for 14 years without having to learn French?
Or that he found a way to be insulting… while apologizing?
Michael Rousseau turns the iron in the wound by promising now to improve his French, because it is the “language of use in Quebec” whereas it is the official language of Quebec, the common language.
But can we be surprised? His attitude simply reflects the deplorable behavior of Air Canada, which has so often been flayed by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages because of repeated breaches of its service in French.
It is particularly distressing from a former crown corporation which should lead by example.
But what do you want? When you’re a virtual monopoly, you can afford anything. Even deliver without any embarrassment a speech in English in the heart of Montreal.
But the worst part is not this speech. No, it’s the fact that the business community applauded it.
Among the 320 people who participated in the luncheon, not a cat rose to denounce Michael Rousseau. No one left the room in protest. And in the wake of this controversy, Quebec business leaders did not see fit to stand up as a whole, like politicians from all parties combined, to affirm their support for the protection of French.
This is a sign that there is something wrong, well beyond Air Canada.
Mr. Rousseau is far from being the only Montreal business owner who does not speak a word of French. Other multinationals, such as Couche-Tard, CGI and SNC-Lavalin, have a unilingual Anglophone boss. Laurentian Bank even appointed a president who works from Toronto, even though the head office is in Montreal.
However, when the boss does not speak French, everyone who works under him is forced to speak Shakespeare’s language, which is reflected in the entire company.
Even though we have a francization committee, what employee will dare to complain when the big boss himself speaks only English?
So the subject remains taboo. Until a media storm erupted, as at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, 10 years ago.
But this new linguistic controversy comes at the worst time for the business community, which complains about the constraints provided for in Bill 96, which will give Bill 101 more muscle.
The attitude of the boss of Air Canada shows that there is a problem with French in the world of work. And this problem comes from above. The lack of leadership from the big bosses.
In terms of parity and diversity, a great deal of effort has been made to promote the hiring of women and members of cultural communities in key positions. Okay, progress is too slow: the number of women on CAs has gone from 11% in 2015 to 22% today. But at least we measure them, we give them importance. It is an integral part of good governance.
It should be the same for French.
The message must come from above. The bosses must invest in the mission of making the language shine. This is the best way to avoid crises that damage their reputation. And the best way to avoid having rules imposed on them they don’t want.
They say the best defense is offense. So, let the company presidents take action. Let them stand up and promote French.
What do you think? Express your opinion