The business environment

Straightforward and honest, the business working environment can vary from area to area across Canada (particularly French-speaking and culturally distinct Quebec) but there are a few general tips that will help to keep the boardroom a calm and productive place.

• English is the general business language although it is advisable to have a command of French if doing business in Quebec, working for or with the federal government, or in the tourism industry.  If your English or French is not perfect, be willing to improve.
• Greeting with a firm handshake with eye contact is normal, although in Quebec, a European continental- style kiss on the cheek is usual.
• Dress is semi-formal but for corporate events, formal is required.
• Giving gifts is not usual and may be seen as inappropriate.
• Increasingly seen in top level positions, women are considered equal to men.
• Being on time is important. Don’t be late but it pays to not be too early either as this may disrupt someone else’s schedule.  If you cannot make a meeting, it is polite to let the others know as soon as possible.
• It’s common for there to be a more informal climate within the corporate structure, allowing managers to work at a hands-on level with their team. That said, it is still proper to treat your manager with a little more formality than other colleagues.
• Some meetings or interviews may be conducted over lunch, but this is not the time to drink copious amounts of alcohol.

Business meetings:

• Business relationships are often initiated in a reserved, polite manner.
• Polite but minimal small talk; expect a few pleasantries at the beginning.
• Meetings tend to be well organised with schedules and protocols likely to be adhered to.
• It is a good idea to carry business cards ready to give out – if in Quebec, have one side printed in French and offer it French side up.
• It is polite to examine a received business card before placing it in a case.
• Presentations need to be rational and well-backed with facts, figures, and supporting documents.
• Canadians are not impressed by overuse of passion or emotion.

• Teamwork is extremely important in Canadian culture. The implications of this are different for different environments.  In some places, particularly small companies, you may be asked to do things that are not explicitly part of your job description in order to work towards broader goals. It is useful to have a flexible attitude at least at first.
• It is common and perfectly normal in Canada to continue your professional development with additional training.  This is not a reflection on your existing skills but an opportunity to develop yourself and keep up with a changing professional environment.
• Confrontation and aggressiveness will be looked down upon but being upfront and straightforward in a tactful manner is respected.
• Communication is tempered with tact. Open and informal at times but not threatening.

You may find it useful to join a Professional Immigrants’ Network in your field.  There is a wide array of networks across all fields for expatriates from all corners of the globe, reflecting the fact that Canada has long been a diverse nation.

There may be differences in attitude and behaviour across regions and industries. Anglophones are likely to be more reserved, while Francophones will be more exuberant in their approach to communication.  As Canada is a highly multicultural country, it is likely that there will be many backgrounds among your colleagues. As with anywhere else in the world, a banking district will have its own protocols with regard to communication and corporate structure in comparison with a small manufacturing company, for example.

The common thread, however, is a focus on tolerance, plain speaking, a team environment, and equal concern for all. Don’t take a reserved manner for unfriendliness and a lack of business pleasantries for an unwelcoming spirit. Canada is far from both.

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