Business etiquette is an important part of Canadian business

If you are going to immigrate to Canada and even open your own business in this country, then you definitely need to know some important details in order not to earn a reputation of ignorance.

Canada is a country of provinces

Canada is divided into ten provinces (with an additional three territories). Thus, you should understand that different parts of the country have their own unique regional characteristics. For example, Canadians in British Columbia, which is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, are similar in mentality and lifestyles to their American neighbours in Washington and Oregon. But Canadians from Manitoba or the four Atlantic provinces are people who are much more oriented towards the rural lifestyle.

Similarly, Canadians living in Ontario, one of the country's largest business centres, are generally considered to be more conservative in their work practices and lifestyles. Similarly, Canadians living in Ontario, one of the country's largest business centres, are generally considered to be conservative in their work practices and lifestyles.

In the same way, the business culture in Canada also differs from region to region. So when you are planning your immigration, try to learn as much as you can about the area where you will be living so that you do not feel like the "black sheep" when you arrive.

Take the time to research and understand Canadian labour laws and identify the various provincial differences in the context of business and marketing. Canada is a country known for its friendliness to foreigners, so there is no objective reason why your business cannot be successful here!

Canada has two languages

Canada's regional differences extend not only across geographical boundaries, but also across linguistic boundaries. Although Quebec is the centre of the French-Canadian economy, all Canadians learn both languages in school regardless of where they live.

Although English is the language of international business and most Canadians speak it fluently, many Quebec organizations prefer to conduct business communication in French. Therefore, you may need an interpreter if you do not already speak French.

If you are planning to develop a long-term partnership or your own business in Quebec, then you better learn French at a decent level to gain the full confidence of your business partners. Your business card should have French and English translations.

Greetings

Business etiquette in Canada includes many communication practices that are standard in the rest of the professional world. For example, a quick handshake before business meetings is the appropriate greeting, which is usually confirmed by open eye contact.

Although there are areas in France and Canada where the tradition of exchanging kisses on the cheek is not unusual, the practice is not used in professional settings.

Eye contact is important not only during greetings, but also during negotiations. If you don't look your interlocutor in the eyes, he may think that you are bored or uninterested, that you are shy, insecure or even hiding something. The normal distance between people during a conversation is about 0.5m.

Punctuality

This is another very important part of Canadian business etiquette. If you want your business in Canada to succeed, then you should develop the habit of being punctual. And you should not expect anyone to wait for you for more than 10-15 minutes beyond the scheduled time.

Fulfilling commitments is very important in Canadian business circles, so it is important to not only be on time, but also to return calls so that your partners do not feel that their time is being wasted. If you realize that for some good reason you will not be able to make it to the meeting, then reschedule it or cancel it with the consent of your partners. It is acceptable to be 15-20 minutes late for an evening event, but no more.

Business communication

Business hours in Canada are usually from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Mornings are usually the preferred time for business meetings.

Personal business communication among business partners in any part of Canada is fairly straightforward and open, emails and phone calls should also be clear and concise.

Another notable Canadian business custom has to do with the way general meetings are held here. In general, Canadian culture is more group-oriented than it is in other countries. And meetings here tend to be based on all interlocutors having a say and reaching an agreement. Note that in Canada, they usually try to respect everyone's opinion regardless of their rank and status: everyone expects to be at least listened to carefully.

Such The democratic approach also affects Canadian management styles. If you are more of an authoritarian leader, then you may have problems communicating with your subordinates. And this will have a bad impact on the productivity and morale of your team.

Dress code

Canadian business professionals tend to dress conservatively, although it is worth noting that during the cold season people try to dress warmly and according to the weather. Also here, as in most countries, there are different clothing standards for different industries. For example, in rural Canada, clothing standards are more informal.

Please note that you should not use scented perfumes (perfume, aftershave products, hairspray, etc.) during meetings, as this can be a threat to allergic persons.

Gifts

Traditionally, business gifts are presented after a deal has been struck. They are usually unwrapped immediately and shown to everyone present. The best choice for such a gift is a national, quality souvenir from your country or an invitation to lunch/dinner or some entertainment for your partners.

If you choose to give flowers to business partners, then do not choose white lilies, as they are associated with funerals in Canada. Avoid red roses as well — these flowers are meant for a more romantic setting.

Business lunches

They are usually short, with light meals and no alcohol. Standard table rules apply in Canada, but be careful not to eat first until everyone has been served.