Official Languages Committee on Feb. 3rd, 2026

[David Rheault]

Yes. In fact, when the bill was introduced, the Commissioner of Official Languages recommended standardizing the system for the industry in Canada.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Isn't it inconsistent that the draft regulations don't apply to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and its officers?

[David Rheault]

Obviously, if we want to improve the traveller's experience, we have to make sure that the remedies are consistent. The commissioner said that there were complaints against Air Canada, but also against other institutions.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Since the adoption of Bill 96, all businesses, including those under federal jurisdiction, have been required to comply with Bill 101 and implement a francization process.

Was that new for you? Did it go well?

[David Rheault]

Thank you for your question.

We began a voluntary francization process because, obviously, we were in a special situation, unlike other federally regulated businesses operating in Quebec, which don't yet have language obligations. In our case, we have a framework, the Official Languages Act, that provides for the equality of both languages, whereas the Charter of the French Language provides for the predominance of French.

We therefore began the process voluntarily, with the understanding that if there was a conflict between the plans, the federal regime would apply. The best example is signage. In Quebec, French must be the predominant language in signage, but at Air Canada, both in our facilities and outside, both languages are equal.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

That's also the case in Quebec.

[David Rheault]

Yes, because we have to comply—

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

You're caught between the two regimes, so you don't have to…. However, it will be different for private companies.

[David Rheault]

Private companies don't have—

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

It's a new thing that federally regulated private businesses are required to—

[David Rheault]

That's correct. Obviously, I don't work for one of those companies, but my understanding is that the legislation will allow them to opt for either regime.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

When the regulations come into force, perhaps—

[David Rheault]

For our part, we've found a way to reconcile the two regimes.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

By the way, has your CEO improved his French?

[David Rheault]

Our CEO continues to take French courses. He has already taken over 300 hours of courses.

[Joël Godin, Conservative, Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC]

Could you lend your French teacher to the Prime Minister?

[David Rheault]

I won't comment on that.

[The Chair, Liberal, Yvan Baker]

Mr. Beaulieu's time is up, so let's move on.

[David Rheault]

We submitted a letter to the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities outlining our CEO's efforts to learn French. I could submit it to this committee as well.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Among senior management, would you say there has been an improvement in the use of French?

[Marc Barbeau]

Six of the seven members of Air Canada's management team speak both official languages.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

They speak both languages, but do they use them?

For example, are board meetings conducted in French?

[Marc Barbeau]

Meetings are conducted in the language that allows for greatest efficiency. Some of our board members don't speak French and come from outside Canada. Nine of the twelve board members are able to speak French.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

In many cases, things take place entirely in English if one person doesn't speak French. That doesn't apply only to you, but if you're like most others—

[Marc Barbeau]

Our rule is that everyone can speak in the language of their choice, and we provide interpretation services if necessary.