Canada

Greetings

Man greeting Man - Men shake hands when greeting one another and maintain direct eye contact. A relatively firm handshake is the way to go. Light hugs are common between good friends and family.

Woman greeting Woman- At a first meeting, a light handshake will suffice. Light hugs are common between good friends and family.

Greetings between Men & Women- At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. Light hugs are common between good friends and family.

Note: In French-speaking areas, men and women will often give each other a kiss or kisses when greeting and departing. Same goes for women greeting women.

Communication Style

• Canadians tend to speak in a direct informal manner. They are usually polite and friendly.
  

Personal Space & Touch

• Canadians value their personal space and tend to be comfortable with 2-3 feet of personal space during conversations.
• For most Canadians there is little to no touching during conversations. This may be different between good friends and family.
• In French-speaking areas, there is more touching during conversations and the personal space is generally reduced.

Eye Contact

• Most Canadians value direct eye contact during conversations. It is viewed as a sign of respect and interest in what the person speaking is saying.
• Staring is considered rude and to be avoided. Especially in the larger cities.

Views of Time

• Canadians value punctuality and expect things to be on time. This includes appointments, services, and deliveries.
• It is best to show up exactly on time for appointments and social functions.

Gender Roles

• Canadians value equality and work opportunities for women are varied and available yet earnings may still be lower.

Taboos

• In many French-speaking areas it is considered to rude to eat while walking on the street.
• Avoid referring to Canadians as Americans.

Law & Order

• The drinking age ranges from 18-19 years old depending on the province.
• The smoking age ranges from 18-19 years old depending on the province. Many public spaces are designated non-smoking.
• Drug laws tends to be strict throughout the country with penalties ranging from heavy fines to lengthy prison sentences.

Dress

• Appropriate business attire usually depends on region and industry. Dress in the major cities is more formal than in rural areas. People in upper management tend to dress formally at all times.
• For Men: For a first meeting, a relatively conservative business suit is a good idea. Blue, gray, or black with a white or blue shirt and matching tie. Many companies allow business casual dress, which is usually nice pants and a collared shirt with or without a jacket.
• For Women: Dresses, pantsuits, or business suits are a good idea for a first meeting. Limited accessories are fine and it is best to avoid overly revealing clothing.
• Jeans and more casual attire are common in some industries.

Titles & Business Cards

• Most Canadians will want to interact on a first name basis as quickly as possible. It's best to begin addressing people using, Mr. Mrs,. or Miss, and wait for them to invite you to call them by their first name.
• There is no specific protocol surrounding the giving and receiving of business cards. It is best to have business cards translated into English and French
  

Meetings

• It is common for a business meeting to be held in a large room around a single table. with smaller groups it is common to meet over lunch in a higher end restaurant or in the hosts private office. there is almost always coffee/tea for everyone (self serve). Most meetings are casual-formal. Interrupting, arguing is not considered polite, instead wait for the person you disagree with to finish talking and then express your opinion. If you don't understand something don't hesitate to clarify politely (without interrupting). Try to be as quite as possible (except when speaking) i.e. shuffling papers, tapping feet or moving around a lot are all considered rude. Do not be late. It is common for business men/woman to arrive 5-15 minutes early. In larger groups there will be at least one person taking notes. If you!;need to leave the meeting, wait for the person speaking to finish their sentence, gather your things quietly, stand up, say" excuse me" with a very brief explanation and leave quietly.

Gift Giving

• Gift giving is usually a good idea at a get together or dinner party, especially if you don't know the person very well or they are your boss. Acceptable presents include wine, scotch, or any good liquor. The host will almost always appear reluctant to take the gift, but it is expected.

In the Classroom

• School systems are organized by the provincial and territorial governments, so education is not standardized across Canada.
• Unless the school requires a uniform, students wear casual, conservative clothing. In many schools, sleeveless tops, low cut shirts, and short shorts or skirts for females are prohibited. Generally, high schools (Catholic, public, or otherwise) require uniforms, as well as private schools. The uniform must be worn properly for the entire school day, but many schools offer regularly scheduled "out of uniform" days, when students may wear appropriate, conservative clothing.
• In grades JK-6, grades are expressed by letters (A+, A, A-, B+,..., D-, R). From grades 7-12, grades are expressed by percentages. The grading system in Ontario is as follows:
  50% and lower- the student has not demonstrated the required knowledge and skills. Extensive remediation is required.
  Considered a failure, and is expressed by the letter "R", for "remedial".
  51-60%: the student has demonstrated some of the required knowledge and skills in limited ways. Achievement falls much below the provincial standard. Expressed by the letters D- (low 60s), D (mid 60s), and D+ (high 60s). Also expressed by the term "Level 1".
  61-70%: the student has demonstrated some of the required knowledge and skills. Achievement approaches the provincial standard. Expressed by letters C-, C, and C+, and by the term "Level 2".
  71-80%: the student has demonstrated most of the required knowledge and skills. Achievement meets the provincial standard. Expressed by the letters B-, B, and B+, and by the term "Level 3".
  81-100%: the student has demonstrated the required knowledge and skills. Achievement exceeds the provincial standard. Expressed by the letters A-, A, and A+, and by the term "Level 4".
• In some provinces, schools give French lessons. In Ontario, French lessons start as early as grade 1 and continue until grade 8. In high school, a grade 9 French credit is required to graduate. French is offered in grades 10, 11, and 12, but they are not mandatory. However, schools in British Columbia don't necessarily provide French education.
• Universities tend to run from mid-September to April. There are two vacations during this period. One is for the Christmas Holidays from late December-early January. The second is Reading Week, which tends to be in February or early March.
• Classes can take a number of formats, though lectures are the most common. Seminars may be popular amongst upper year students. Some classes have tutorials or labs in addition to lecture times.
• Class ettiquette allows socializing prior to the beginning of lectures and during breaks, but it is considered quite rude to speak while the class is ongoing. Cellphones must be turned off during class.
• Punctuality is very important.