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Sunday, April 5: Here are today’s Ottawa Sun letters to the editor.
Published Apr 05, 2026 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 2 minute read
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Prime Minister Mark Carney Photo by Ryan Taplin /PostmediaArticle content
APPEARANCES OVER SUBSTANCE
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Re: ‘Lack of compassion’: Carney slams Air Canada CEO for English-only video following death of pilots, online, March 25; and Re: LILLEY: Air Canada cancels CEO Michael Rousseau over language politics, online, March 30
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It’s hard not to see this latest outrage as anything more than political positioning.
At a time when two pilots had just lost their lives and families were grieving, the focus from Mark Carney quickly shifted to language optics rather than the tragedy itself. That speaks volumes.
This isn’t really about compassion, and it’s not truly about language. It’s about being seen to stand on the side of the voters who expect that stance. In today’s political climate, appearances and signals often take priority over substance.
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The CEO of Air Canada delivered a message of condolences following a devastating event. Most Canadians can recognize sincerity without needing it to be packaged perfectly for political approval.
When leaders choose to amplify controversy in moments like this, it risks overshadowing what should matter most — the lives lost and the people affected.
We can, and should, expect better judgment from those in leadership — not just in how they speak, but in what they choose to prioritize.
DAVID JONES
BANCROFT, ONT.
IT’S ABOUT RESPECT
Re: Can’t believe the hissy fit (over Air Canada CEO’s English-only statement), letter to the editor, online, March 31
I appreciate the sentiment behind your message and, above all, we share the same priority, expressing sincere condolences to the families affected by this tragic loss. Nothing should ever diminish the gravity of that moment or the pain those families are experiencing.
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That said, I believe it is important to clarify that the concern being raised is not about “language politics” in the abstract, but about respect, leadership and responsibility in a Canadian context.
In a country where both French and English are not only official languages, but part of our shared heritage, certain roles — especially at the executive level of a national carrier — come with clear expectations.
This is not about questioning the sincerity of the message. It is about recognizing that, in moments of tragedy, leaders are expected to communicate in a way that reflects the people they serve. When families are French-speaking, addressing them first in their language is not political, it is a gesture of respect and empathy.
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We can absolutely honour the victims, support their families and expect high standards from leadership at the same time. These are not competing values.
Ultimately, this is not about making language the story, it is about ensuring that respect, in all its forms, remains at the centre of how we respond in moments that truly matter.
GUYLAIN PAGÉ
OTTAWA
HAVE YOUR SAY
Your letters are welcome, at: OttSun.Oped@sunmedia.ca. Include your first and last name AND city/town. Keep your letters short — and please try to be civil, even when criticizing or disagreeing. We edit for accuracy, length, clarity and legal concerns.
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