Did You Know This About Canada?

How-do-you-do! (or Bonjour!) and Welcome to our Guide to Canadian Culture, Business Practices & Etiquette

A country which means 'village', where the population come from around the world and where people ice skate on the bounding main in winter - Canada truly is a colourful place!

What will you Acquire about Canada in this Guide?

This cursory guide will give you an agreement of a number of fundamental areas including:

Language
Faith and beliefs
Culture & lodge
Social etiquette and community
Business culture and etiquette

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Skip to a section using the links below or whorl on:

Introduction to Canada
Facts and Statistics
Languages in Canada
Canadian Civilisation & Society
Social Customs & Etiquette
Business Civilisation & Exercise
Quiz

STEREOTYPING

Retrieve this is only a very basic level introduction to Canadian civilisation and the people; information technology cannot account for the diversity inside Canadian gild and is not meant in any way to stereotype all Canadian people you may meet!

FACTS AND STATISTICS

Location: Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Sea on the eastward, North Pacific Sea on the west, and the Chill Ocean on the north, due north of the conterminous USA
Capital: Ottawa
Flag: The Canadian flag, known unofficially as 'The Maple' or 'l'Unifolie' in French, pregnant 'the one leaf', is unique compared to other national flags in that information technology is twice as long every bit it is wide. It has a crimson field in the centre of which is a white square featuring a red maple foliage. It was not until 1965 that the Canadian flag was adopted equally the national keepsake replacing the unofficial carmine ensign that had been in utilise since the 1890s
National anthem: The national anthem for Canada is 'O Canada' the lyrics of which were originally in French until the English version was introduced in 1906
Nationality: Canadian
Ethnic Make-upward: British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian ii%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed background 26%
Population: 37+ meg (2019)
Population growth rate: The population growth rate in 2016 was estimated at 5%
Climate: varies from temperate in southward to subarctic and arctic in north
Time Zone: Canada has six time zones: Pacific – UTC 8.00, Mountain – UTC vii.00, Key – UTC half-dozen.00, Eastern – 5.00, Atlantic – 4.00, Newfoundland – iii.30
Currency: The currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar
Government: Federal parliamentary democracy (Parliament of Canada) nether a constitutional monarchy; a Republic realm
Business Culture: Ranked 16th in The Business Culture Complexity Alphabetize™

playing icehockey canada

Ice hockey - one of Canada's most popular, if most popular, sport. The state has a thriving domestic league too as competing internationally.

Photo taken at Banff National Park past Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

INTRODUCTION TO CANADA

Canada has a parliamentary democracy and federal system. It is a Constitutional Monarchy meaning that Queen Elizabeth is the head of land, although her powers are limited in regime and she is considered a figurehead only.

Canada is a vast country with significant cultural differences across its regions. It became cocky-governing in 1867 and, in 1982, information technology severed its colonial ties with Britain. Yet, Canada retains its links with the Monarchy as a fellow member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Canada is a land with dual nationality, (French Canada and English language Canada), which has its roots in the British conquest of the French colony (around Quebec and Ontario) in 1760. This dual heritage dominates the political and societal issues pertaining to the country and has, to a certain extent, polarized its people. The French-speaking community are fiercely defensive of their cultural origins and their language and accept been resistant to assimilation.
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Linguistic communication IN CANADA

The official languages spoken in Canada are English and French, although at that place are many more English language speakers than French.

There are more than 60 Aboriginal languages spoken beyond the land ranging from Algonquin Cree to Inuit.

Records from 2011 gauge the languages of Canada as follows: English language (official) 58.vii%, French (official) 22%, Panjabi 1.4%, Italian 1.3%, Spanish 1.three%, German language i.3%, Cantonese ane.2%, Tagalog one.two%, Arabic 1.1%, other 10.five%

CANADIAN CULTURE & SOCIETY

Religion & Beliefs:

Catholic 39% (includes Roman Catholic 38.8%, other Catholic .2%), Protestant 20.iii% (includes United Church 6.ane%, Anglican 5%, Baptist 1.9%, Lutheran 1.five%, Pentecostal 1.five%, Presbyterian 1.4%, other Protestant 2.9%), Orthodox 1.6%, other Christian 6.iii%, Muslim 3.ii%, Hindu one.5%, Sikh ane.iv%, Buddhist 1.one%, Jewish 1%, other 0.6%, none 23.9% (2011 est.)

Major Celebrations/Secular Celebrations:

The nationally observed celebration days in Canada are:

New year's day's Twenty-four hours (1st January),
Good Friday (two days earlier Easter Lord's day),
Easter Monday,
Victoria Day (last Monday preceding May 25),
Canada 24-hour interval (July one),
Labour Day (first Monday of September),
Thanksgiving Twenty-four hour period (2nd Monday in October),
Remembrance 24-hour interval (11 November),
Christmas Day and
Boxing Twenty-four hour period (25th and 26th December).

Canada 24-hour interval is a big deal. Everyone gets outside for processions, bands, nutrient, fireworks, etc. Photo of the Calgary Stampede Band past Andy Holmes on Unsplash

The Family:

Until the center of the 20th Century, almost households in Canada were run by married couples merely, by 2010, that statistic had reduced considerably due to an increasing number of couples choosing to co-habit rather than to marry.
In Canada 'common law' unions are officially recognised and provide near the same rights and privileges as those in a conventional marriage. Withal, the rules governing jurisdiction of common police force unions varies between provinces.
In British Columbia, Labrador and Newfoundland couples entering into a common law union must live together for two years before beingness awarded the same rights as their married counterparts.
In Ontario the period is 3 years or if they take a child, 1 year. Quebec does not recognise Common Law unions in the same way every bit other provinces and refer to similar arrangements as 'de facto' unions. These couples savor the same rights and responsibilities as married couples.
Quebec has the highest number of mutual-law unions than in the other provinces and throughout Canada, mutual Law unions have quadrupled over the past 3 decades.
The Canadian family has changed during the final thirty years with a trend towards smaller households and an increase in single parents.
In 2005 same-sex wedlock became legal giving couples the same rights in marriage and common-law unions.
Trends in the family have besides been changing over the last xxx years with more 70% of women working outside the abode.
This has led towards greater domestic equality with more men taking role in household chores, childcare and the preparation of meals.

Social Stratification:

A geographically vast state, Canada has enormous regional differences including indigenous diverseness which complicates a coherent sense of social stratification.
In the cardinal provinces, economic evolution and wealth is reflected in higher incomes and greater class equality.
In the more rural provinces, average incomes are often as much every bit 25% lower than the national average with a higher number of poorly paid, low-skilled jobs which creates grade partitioning.
In these regions, form division is farther reflected in less educational inclusion with many leaving school before the completion of secondary education.

Gender Roles:

Whilst there is no recognised exclusion relating to gender in the workplace, the process of equality moves slowly and some bias still exists.
This tin be exemplified, for instance, in the healthcare industry where men tend to lead the manner in respect of the top positions.
The medical profession tends to be dominated by men whilst women are more representative in nursing/nurturing roles
Both men and women can both participate in political life and enter government with perceived equal condition. However, this is not reflected in the overall political gender balance.
The role of men and women in the home withal, has changed significantly over the by few decades with more men sharing child care and household chores.

Socialization:

Children are required by police force to nourish instruction from the historic period of six until sixteen. It is permissible for children to exist habitation-schooled although this must exist in accordance with regime guidelines.
Traditionally baby intendance has mainly been the province of the mother in the family just with more women entering the workplace, there has been a rising in the provision of baby day care services.
Childrearing centres around teaching children appropriate social norms and controlling behaviour.
Although parents are permitted to use physical ways to discipline a child, which tin can include spanking, the use of an implement or striking a kid in anger or retaliation is not considered reasonable under Canadian police.
Children under the historic period of twelve cannot be charged with a criminal offence although parents can be made financially responsible for their behaviour.
With increasing ethnic variety, there are many areas of parenting that come up into the political forum for discussions such every bit arranged marriage, circumcision and religious schooling.

Economy:

Every bit a fellow member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Evolution Group (OECD), Canada is i of the wealthiest nations in the globe.
It produces and exports numerous commodities including natural forest products, manufactured items including automobiles, oil and minerals.
Although Canada's main consign marketplace is the United states of america their economy is open to global commerce.
Canada'southward GDP in the first quarter of 2018 grew at 3.1%.

Nutrient:

Canada has a rich agricultural and farming heritage producing nutrient and animal products. They are classed equally 'big eaters', particularly of meat.
Traditionally most families have three meals a mean solar day which includes breakfast, lunch and the principal meal of the day dinner which is eaten in the evening.
Canada has a large and diverse ethnic population spread across the nation and so there are significant variations of traditional meals and foods.
Popular foods in Canada include: 'poutine' which originates from Quebec and consists of French chips and cheese topped with brownish gravy, Canadian 'peameal' bacon which comes from the loin of pork and has been brined and rolled in cornmeal.
Maple syrup is likewise a great favourite along with doughnuts, butter tarts and pancakes.

Arts, Humanities & Popular Civilisation:

There is no given standard for literary tradition in Canada equally its British roots lean towards English literature.
There are, all the same, many internationally known writers in Canada including authors such as Margaret Attwood (the Handmaid'due south Tale), Fifty.M. Mongomery (Anne of Green Gables) and Robert Munsh (Love yous Forever).
At that place are a number of government funded fine art galleries in most provinces and Canada has produced artists in all media.
At that place are too a numerous smaller galleries and cooperatives offering support to new artists.
In the performing arts, Canada has many theatres throughout the country; particularly in the larger cities. The nature of theatre varies from musical to small community-based companies.
There are several companies specialising in English language literature including the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and the Shaw Festival which takes place on a yearly basis and is based in Ontario.

lady eats Poutine

Poutine - a Quebecois dish popular across Canada, made with French fries and cheese curds topped with a light dark-brown gravy. Photo past @withlovefromchile on Unsplash

CANADIAN SOCIAL Community & PROTOCOL

Naming conventions:

Naming conventions in Canada are like to those of the United States and U.k. in that the child is given a first proper name, a second name (although this is not always given) and the final proper name which is the surname and usually that of the father. It is non uncommon all the same, for the mother's proper noun to be used or for the parent's names to exist conjugated.

Coming together & Greeting:

Last names and appropriate titles should be used until otherwise invited to be less formal.
In Quebec information technology is usual to buss in one case on each cheek every bit they do in France.
Some older men may even buss a lady's hand.
Canadian businesspeople often begin relationships in a reserved style which may become less formal once people are more familiar with 1 another.
Canadians capeesh politeness and expect others to attach to the proper protocol for any given situation.
Shake hands with anybody at the coming together upon arrival and divergence.
Maintain eye contact while shaking hands.
Men may offer their hand to a adult female without waiting for her to extend hers commencement.

Communication style:

Information technology is difficult to specify whatever national trait in terms of communication in Canada due to its regionalism and cultural diversity.
However, there are some basic communication styles that are adequately standard across the land. For example, concern people are generally polite, easy-going and somewhat informal.
In full general, communication is moderately indirect mayhap reflecting an amalgamation of both North American and British tendencies.
Although about Canadians can disagree openly when necessary, they adopt to do and so with tact and diplomacy. Their communication mode is essentially businesslike and relies on common sense. If y'all come from a culture where communication is very directly, you may wish to relax your demeanour and tone so as not to announced threatening.
Communication styles vary most between Anglophone and Francophone parts of the land. Francophones are generally more indirect than Anglophones, although less so than the French. They also tend to be more than exuberant than Anglophones. Anglophones exercise not generally interrupt someone who is speaking. They consider information technology rude not to let a person consummate their thought earlier entering the discussion. Francophones are more likely to interrupt another speaker.
Canadians communicate more than by the spoken word rather than non-verbal expressions. Non-exact expressions are only really used to add together emphasis to a message or are part of an individual'south personal communication fashion.
Canadians similar their personal space and adopt to exist at arm's length when speaking to someone.
Canadians are reticent to discuss their personal lives with business associates.
They wait people to speak in a straightforward manner and to be able to back up their claims with examples. They do non make exaggerated claims and are suspicious of something that sounds too adept to exist true.
Read more most the Canadian communication mode

view of montreal

A view of Montreal by Michael Descharles on Unsplash

Gift Giving:

In general, Canadians requite gifts for birthdays and Christmas.
If invited to someone'due south dwelling for dinner, take a box of good chocolates, flowers or a canteen of wine.
In Quebec, sending flowers in advance of the dinner party is the correct protocol.
In Quebec, if yous requite wine, brand sure it is of the highest quality you lot tin can afford.
Do not requite white lilies as they are used at funerals.
Exercise not give cash or money equally a present.
Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining & Food:

Table manners are relatively relaxed and informal in Canada.
Quebec does see a picayune more formality.
Table cutlery manners are generally Continental, i.e. the fork is held in the left mitt and the knife in the right while eating. The tines of the fork should confront downward.
Expect to be shown to your seat.
Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.
Practise not residue your elbows on the table.
Leaving a small amount at the end of the meal is generally acceptable.
In formal situations, the host gives the first toast. An honoured guest should return the toast afterwards in the meal. Women may give toasts.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and expected in Canada.
Information technology is common practice to tip waiting staff 15 – 20% of the pecker in restaurants and to apply a tip of 10% for virtually other service providers (such as hairdressers, taxi drivers, valets etc.).
It is likewise customary to tip bartenders in Canada.

Taboos:

Do not bespeak at people
Do not confuse Canada with the U.s.a.
It is best not to initiate discussions in respect to Quebec separatism, politics or faith
Information technology can be considered distasteful and rude to discuss sex activity in Canada, and so this subject should be avoided

notley meets chiefs

Premier Rachel Notley and Aboriginal Relations Minister Kathleen Ganley met with K Chief of Treaty Six Tony Alexis and Chiefs of Treaty Vi Commencement Nations. Photo by Govt. of Alberta on Flickr (CC Past-NC-ND 2.0)

CANADIAN Business organization CULTURE & ETIQUETTE

Canadian Business Culture:

Although business culture tin vary across regions in Canada, the ethos of business dealings tends to be adequately reciprocal.
Punctuality is important and whatever issues that may arise should be discussed immediately with your business concern analogue.
It is essential to know the company with whom you are doing business and to sympathise their underlying ethos.
Dress codes may vary throughout regions with some being less formal than others although smart dress is recommended.
You tin learn more about the core values that shape the Canadian business concern civilisation here.

What to vesture:

Business concern dress lawmaking consists of a adequately conventional tie and suits for males and smart wearing apparel / suit for females.

Titles:

Academic titles are important peculiarly in Quebec where the honorific 'Monsieur' or 'Madame' is used.
Otherwise, use Mr or Mrs until you lot are invited to utilise start names.
The use of first names happens adequately quickly.

Business concern cards:

Although business card culture is fairly informal in Canada, we advise that you have the fourth dimension to look at the card before putting information technology abroad.
We also suggest that yous take one side translated into French to accommodate French speakers in Canada.

canadian businessmen

This photograph says a lot about the business organization culture in Canada. Conservative nevertheless with elements of flair and individualism. The environment is also a shared concern for many Canadians. Photograph by The Natural Stride Canada on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Meetings:

Canadians begin meetings with a minimal amount of small talk although i should wait to spend a few minutes exchanging pleasantries and the like. In Quebec, at that place may exist more time spent on relationship-building.
Meetings are generally well-organized and attach to fourth dimension schedules. They tend to be informal and relaxed in a way even if the subjects being discussed are serious. When meeting with Anglophones, meetings may seem more autonomous as all participants volition appoint and contribute.
Meetings with Francophones, due to greater respect for hierarchy and position, may revolve more around the nigh senior attendees.
Meetings in Canadian companies are used to review proposals, make plans, brainstorm and communicate decisions. Attendees will generally represent a variety of levels and experiences; all are expected to express opinions.

Presentations:

When presenting data, it is important to take facts and figures to substantiate claims and promises.
Canadians are substantially rational and logical and thus they will not be convinced by emotions, passion or feelings.
Keep presentations short and exist articulate virtually the subject. Focus on your presentation and avoid using jargon.

Negotiations:

Always do your homework and learn most the company yous are going to be dealing with.
Set clear boundaries and know what it is you wish to accomplish before y'all negotiate.

Direction:

Canadian managers emphasise egalitarianism and diversity. Respect is valued and managers are non expected to 'pull rank' with their employees.
Businesses are not peculiarly hierarchical and team members and direct reports are typically encouraged to voice their ideas and engage in controlling processes.
The specialist knowledge of direct reports is valued and there is no loss of face for managers who overtly plough to the expertise of their direct employees
Business planning is typically long term and change is welcomed where necessary.
Read more about Canadian management culture.

Thank you for reading our guide to Canada.

Nosotros hope you lot constitute it useful.

If you have annihilation to add together to our country profile please contact us via the form below as we are keen to ensure accuracy.

Culture Vulture Final

Quiz: Test Your Noesis of Canada and its Culture!

Take the Culture Vulture's Quiz on Canada and see how much you lot accept learned about the state, its people and civilization.

If you lot can score above eighty% then you know your stuff!

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