- The People
- Corporate Etiquette
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
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Cultural and Regional Differences
Canada has just less than 30 million people; with so many people there are bound to be differences to consider. Canada's culture is made up of French, English, and other European groups including, Italian, German, and Ukraine.
Regionally, Canadians are labeled by their personalty and sense of living. In the Atlantic region, Canadians are predominantly of British decent, and are considered to be more reserved, stolid, provincial and old-fashioned. In Ontario, the people are generally thought of as more business-like and conservative than other Canadians. While in western Canada, the people are generally more open, relaxed, friendly and direct than other Canadians. The people in Quebec are considered to have a very strong sense of cultural identity and are very nationalistic. Unlike the Canadians in the British Columbia area where they are said to have more in common with Seattle than Toronto.
All these cultural and regional influences have to be considered when doing business with Canada. Take the time to learn about Canada's history, culture, and geography. Americans occassionally forget that Canada is its own country. Just because our northern neighbors are so close and generally speak English, it does not mean they have the same etiquette as the United States. As you will read in future entries, I will discuss specific differences.
"Canada Business Etiquette & Culture" cyborlink.com. cyborlink.com. Web. 28 February 2013. <http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/canada.htm>
"Canada" ediplomat.com. ediplomat.com.Web. 28 February 2013. <http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_ca.htm>
