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‡ Canada's culture has historically been
influenced by European culture and traditions,
especially British and French.
‡ Canada's culture, like that of most any country in
the world, is a product of its history, geography
and political system.
‡ Being a settler nation, Canada has been shaped
by waves of migration that have combined to
form a unique blend of customs, cuisine, and
traditions that have marked the socio-cultural
development of the nation.
  
‡ Punctuality for meetings and
appointments is a highly valued part of
Canadian business culture.
‡ Therefore, you should make your
Canadian colleagues aware of any
delays.
‡ In some French areas however, the
concept of time is a little more relaxed,
but foreigners will still be expected to
arrive promptly.
Contd..

‡ Traditional working hours are 9:00 am to

5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. However,
longer hours are common.

‡ It is essential to schedule business

appointments in advance and confirm the
meeting a few days beforehand.
  
‡ Use a person's title if he or she has one.
Otherwise, use Mr., Mrs., Miss and the
surname.
‡ French Canadians may use their first
name when talking to you on the
telephone, but will generally use their full
name when meeting you in person.
c

‡ Generally, co-workers of similar status
address each other by their first names.
‡ However, when conversing with an older
or significantly senior colleague, for
instance a company director, a
professional title and last name would be
used.
 p

‡ In Canadian business culture, the exchanging of
business cards is common practice.
‡ If doing business in Eastern Ontario (Ottawa) or in
the province of Quebec, it is advised to include
both French and English translations on your
business card as well as printing your academic
title or degree.
‡ Education and status are important, especially to
French Canadians.
 
‡ Table manners are relatively relaxed and informal in
Canada.
‡ Table manners are generally Continental, i.e. the fork is
held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
‡ Do not begin eating until the host starts.
‡ Do not rest your elbows on the table.
‡ Feel free to refuse individual foods or drink without offering
an explanation.
‡ Leaving a small amount at the end of the meal is generally
acceptable.
‡ In formal situations, the host gives the first toast. An
honored guest should return the toast later in the meal.
Women may give toasts.

p  
‡ Canadians communicate more by the spoken
word rather than non-verbal expressions. Non-
verbal expressions are only really used to add
emphasis to a message or are part of an
individual¶s personal communication style.
‡ Canadians like their space and prefer to be at
an arm¶s length when speaking to someone.
‡ Canadians are reticent to discuss their
personal lives with business associates.
‡ They expect people to speak in a straight
forward manner and to be able to back up
their claims with examples.
‡ They do not make exaggerated claims and are
suspicious of something that sounds too good
to be true.
 

‡ Be open and friendly in your conversation.
If you are naturally reserved in your
behavior, you will appear confident and
credible.
‡ If your natural tendency is large sweeping
arm gestures, restrain yourself when
meeting and talking with Canadians - other
than with French Canadians.
 


‡ The most common greeting is the handshake.

‡ It should be firm and accompanied by direct
eye contact and a sincere smile.
‡ Wait until invited before using someone's first
name although Canadians tend to move to a
first-name basis rapidly.
‡ French Canadian friends may greet each other
by lightly kissing on the cheeks (once on the
left cheek and once on the right).
‡ If using French in Quebec always use the
formal pronoun "vous" (you) when speaking to
someone and do not switch to the informal "tu"
unless invited to do so.
  

‡ Generally while dealing with Canadians, humor
should be avoided.
‡ A little bit of humor can be entertained but one should
be very careful while being humorous.
 
‡ Before talking about any sensitive issues a background
must be created.
‡ No humor should be added while discussing about
sensitive issues.
‡ Canadians rely more on facts and figures rather than
getting emotional.
‡ Don't be boastful, and don't overstate your product or
service's capabilities. You could implicate your company
in a legal situation.
 


w
‡ They talk less and spent little time in
building relation with the speaker.

‡ They tend to be informal and relaxed

in manner even if the subjects being
discussed are serious.

‡ When meeting in general, meetings

may seem more democratic as all
participants will engage and
contribute.
Contd..
‡ Meetings with Higher Authorities, due to a
greater respect for hierarchy and position,
may revolve more around the most senior
attendees.
‡ Everybody expresses opinions and views.
Canadians are essentially rational and
logical and thus they will not be convinced
by emotions, passion or feelings
  

‡ DO expect business negotiations to end in a direct plan of

action.

‡ However, decisions are not hurried, and the open

discussion style of Canadian negotiating may set a
slower pace for business.