Chapter Four: Canada

Canada, the world’s second largest country, is bordered on three sides by oceans—the Atlantic to the east, the Arctic to the north, and the Pacific to the west. Its sprawling southern boundary is shared with the U.S., along with two major landforms: the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Canada also offers rocky coasts, thick forests, numerous clear lakes, and the Barren Lands in the arctic region to the north. Covered with only a carpet of frozen tundra in winter, this icy landscape blossoms into thousands of tiny, brightly colored flowers in the summer. Formerly a British colony, Canada slowly won independence during the 1800s and early 1900s, but still recognizes Elizabeth II of Great Britain as the nation’s queen.

What Time Is It in Canada?

Canada covers six time zones. Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, is on Eastern Standard Time, which is the same as Eastern Standard Time. When it’s 10 a.m. in Washington, D.C., then it’s 10 a.m. in Ottawa.

The People

Canada is a nation of many cultures. Although most Canadians are of European origin, other ethnic groups include African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans, the country’s first inhabitants. Quebec, the largest of the country’s ten provinces and the second largest in population, accounts for the majority of Francophones or French speakers. French Canadians are proud of their ancestry and, for centuries, have struggled to keep their language and culture. Most Canadians live in cities, settling within 100 miles of the U.S. border. Toronto and Montréal, the country’s largest cities, are known for their cosmopolitan atmosphere. Canada appreciates the arts, but also enjoys the country’s most popular sport—hockey.

Doing Business in Canada

If you are planning to do business in Canada, here are a few tips you might want to know.

Greetings

• On introduction, shake hands firmly. Men should wait for the woman to offer her hand first.
  
• When addressing someone, be open and friendly, but use a person’s last name and title (Dr., Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms.) until directed to do otherwise.

Gestures

• When talking with someone, leave a two-foot "comfort" space between you and the other person. British Canadians, in particular, don’t like to stand any closer.
  
• Canadians are generally more conservative than Americans. Refrain from too much gesturing or showy behavior of any kind.

Negotiating

• Business dealings are conducted much like they are in the U.S., but at a slower pace. Be patient.
  
• When meeting with French Canadians, all material should be written in both French and English.
  
• Never exaggerate individual capabilities or a product’s claims. Canadians read this as hype.
  
• Direct eye contact, if not too intense, shows interest and sincerity.

Want to know more about Canada?

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