Controversy Surrounding Internal Communication
Air Canada is in the middle of controversy due to internal communication sent out by the organization’s CEO in English only.
This internal communication was sent out to employees within the organization earlier in the week and has been under fire by French-speaking employees and organizations in the country. This has led to the organization coming under fire for not representing true meaning in one of the most bilingual countries in the world.
Just hours after the internal communication was sent out to employees within the organization, screenshots began popping up all over social media. The employees within the organization have expressed disappointment in the organization for not representing one of the most fundamental meanings in Canadian culture.
“It’s not just about language, it’s about respect,” said an employee who wishes to remain anonymous in reference to revealing their identity. “We are an airline that represents our country and our people.”
CEO Apologizes to Employees and Public for Internal Communication Controversy
Due to the controversy and outrage over internal communication sent out by Air Canada, the CEO has issued out an official apology to employees and the public. This apology was issued due to the fact that the organization recognized that this was a mistake and that it would never happen again.
“I regret that the message was not shared in both official languages,” said the CEO in an official apology by Air Canada.
However, the company officials clarified that it was sent in haste due to other pressing matters in the company, though it is an admission of their own negligence.
“We recognize that language is a core part of our identity. We are taking steps to ensure this does not happen again.”
A Sensitive Issue in Canadian Culture
The issue of language is a sensitive issue in Canadian culture, especially in Quebec, where French is predominantly used. In fact, the government has enacted laws to ensure that both languages are used in every aspect of Canadian culture, including aviation.
Air Canada is in the news yet again due to its language issue. It is expected of Air Canada, being the flag carrier of Canada, to be in the news for some issue or other. This is not the first time Air Canada is in hot water due to its language issue, which prompts people to call for the imposition of language laws in Canada.
“This isn’t the first time, and that’s why people are reacting strongly. There’s an expectation that Air Canada sets the standard.”
Employee and Public Reaction
The employee and public reaction is immediate, with some of them voicing their ire in strong words. Labor representatives have also stated that it is of utmost importance to create an environment of inclusiveness in the workplace through effective communication.
“When employees feel excluded, it affects morale and trust. Something as simple as language can send a powerful message about who is valued.”
This controversy, however, has also sparked a debate on the issue of bilingualism in Canada through various social media sites. Some people have also suggested that there should be more accountability in such cases. Some people have also come in support of the CEO of Air Canada and suggested that maybe the CEO should not have to face such backlash for the error that was made.
Courtesy Of IATA International Air Transport Association ( Flickr CC0)The general feeling, however, is of frustration, especially from the French-speaking people of Canada, who feel that such cases have been a part of a larger pattern of events.
Such an incident has also sparked some debate in government agencies that are responsible for ensuring language compliance in the country. The Official Languages Act of Canada states that any federal institution or corporation that has been granted powers by the government should be able to provide their services in both English and French as well. If such an institution fails to comply with the Official Languages Act of Canada, then they can be charged for such an offense.
Although it is still not clear whether or not such charges will be filed, it is most likely that such an incident would spark debate on the issue of language compliance in the country, which would force Air Canada to be more compliant with the Official Languages Act of Canada in the future.
“In my opinion, every incident like this reinforces the perception that more oversight is needed,” said a legal analyst who specializes in language rights.
Politicians from Quebec have also commented on this issue and suggested that Air Canada needs to do more in this regard so that they are able to comply with this particular policy.
Steps Toward Rebuilding Trust
As a result of the backlash that Air Canada is currently facing as a result of this particular incident, it has announced that it plans on taking a number of steps in the future so that this type of incident does not happen in the future.
“We are committed to learning from this experience,” said the CEO. “Our commitment is to make sure that every employee in our company is respected and included, regardless of language.”
It is also suggested that it may take some time for Air Canada to be able to rebuild this trust with the public, especially considering the way in which they have handled this issue in the past.
Broader Lessons for Corporate Canada
It is also suggested that this is a very important reminder for corporate Canada as well. This is especially the case for those companies that are required to do business in a bilingual or multilingual environment. It is suggested that any mistake in this regard could prove to be extremely risky for corporate Canada.
“This is not about one company,” said a corporate governance expert. “It’s about all companies and making sure that actions and words are in line with corporate values.”
As business is required to be carried out at a global level, corporate leadership is also defined in this way.
As far as Air Canada is concerned, it would now be important for it to rise above this controversy and show that it actually values the concept of bilingualism. The fact that the CEO of the airline has apologized is one such step in this direction. However, as is also stated, only time would tell whether it would be able to rise above this controversy and make significant changes. The issue has once again brought into focus the importance of language in defining the identity of the people of Canada and also the expectations that are placed upon those who represent it abroad.
By William Hernandez
Journalist for Vlixx Magazine, reporting on news from around the world, ensuring timely, accurate, and detailed information to keep the public informed and educated.
Sources:
WSJ: Air Canada CEO Issues Apology Over English-Only Message
BBC: Air Canada CEO ‘deeply saddened’ his English-only message distracted from victims of crash
Featured and Inset Image Courtesy of IATA International Air Transport Association Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of PSAC National Flickr Page- Creative Commons License
