Air Canada CEO apologizes for not being able to speak, understand French

Air Canada's president and CEO Michael Rousseau has apologized for not being able to speak or understand the French language.

"In no way did I mean to show disrespect for Quebecers and francophones across the country. I apologize to those who were offended by my remarks," he said Thursday. "I pledge today to improve my French, an official language of Canada and the common language of Quebec."

This comes after Rousseau told reporters Wednesday he has been "able to live in Montreal without speaking French and I think that’s a testament to the City of Montreal."

He had just addressed Montreal's Chamber of Commerce almost entirely in English.

His comments were met by fierce criticism, including Canada's minister of official languages.