The Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick (SANB) Files a Complaint Against Air Canada with the Commissioner of Official Languages

On September 19, Air Canada announced in a press release that it would suspend its service to the Bathurst Airport, located in a predominantly Francophone region of northern New Brunswick.

This decision prompted the SANB to file a complaint on October 2 with the federal Commissioner of Official Languages. Under the Official Languages Act, and in particular section 41, Air Canada — as a federal institution — has a duty to take positive measures to support the vitality and development of Francophone communities.

It should be noted that Air Canada has been a private corporation since 1989. However, it remains expressly subject to the Official Languages Act under the Air Canada Public Participation Act, which requires the airline to meet the same linguistic obligations as any federal institution.

See:

SANB press release:
La SANB porte plainte contre Air Canada pour l’abandon du Nord du Nouveau-Brunswick – Société de l'Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick
Radio-Canada report:
Air Canada à Bathurst : la SANB saisit le commissaire aux langues officielles | Le téléjournal Acadie