Canada: Business Environment
New Year's Day | 1 January |
Good Friday (for banks, government offices) | the Friday before Easter |
Easter and Easter Monday | March-April |
Victoria Day | May |
Saint John the Baptist | June |
Canada Day | 1 July |
Civic holiday | August |
Labor Day | 1st Monday of September |
Thanksgiving Day | 2nd Monday of October |
Remembrance Day | 11 November |
Christmas Day | 25 December |
Boxing Day | 26 December |
Companies are open all year round. |
Canadian businesses had traditionally been hierarchical, but flattened hierarchy are gaining ground. Thus, research into a company's structure is required before engaging in negotiations. The managers are going to be in charge of making the final decision. However, they seldom make the decision without consulting the opinions of the subordinates.
Developing a personal relationship to strengthen the business relationship is not usually necessary. As a rule, privacy is separated from professional life.
Presentations should be short and clear, and it is important to use facts and figures during business meetings. Be sure to be prepared with information and not exaggerate your company's abilities. If an offer is considered to be of real interest, the answer comes very quickly. Agreements are often only sealed by a handshake and a written agreement. The latter must be confirmed by a letter setting out the terms and conditions discussed. A contract in due form is always welcome.
Communication is somewhat indirect. Disagreement is allowed but should be done so respectfully and diplomatically. Francophones are generally more open to interrupting other people talking than Anglophones. It is advised to maintain your distance from counterparts. Limit humorous comments until gauging how others react to them. Making eye contact is important as a sign of respect and sincerity. It is advised to be smiling, confident and to go straight to the point of the meeting.
During business lunches or dinners, talk will be more casual, but business can still be done. Table manners are continental (i.e. fork in left hand), one must wait to be shown to a seat, and food is not consumed until the host begins his meal. Manners in Quebec are a little more formal than other Canadian regions.
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Latest Update: July 2024