Canada Culture Tips
+ Until quite recently, Canadian immigration policy has been very welcoming and egalitarian in its philosophy, celebrating diversity, and offering opportunities to anyone. This has created a cultural mosaic, where individuals are encouraged to retain their cultural identities, complete with traditions, languages and customs, upon immigration.
+ Canadians pride themselves on not needing to be homogeneous to have a strong, peaceful nation.
+ Since Canada is so diverse, it is difficult to determine a single communication style that is effective throughout the country. For example, an ethnic Chinese who lives in a Chinese enclave in Vancouver will communicate more like someone from mainland China than will a fifth-generation Chinese-Canadian working in Toronto.
+ English and French are the country’s two official languages. Both languages appear on maps, tourist brochures and product labels. It is important to note that the French spoken in Canada is not the same as the language spoken in France.
+ Although Canadians are generally individualistic and make decisions based upon their own needs rather than those of the group, they place great emphasis on the individual’s responsibility to the community and to achieving a good quality of life.
+ Most Canadians see time as something that can be controlled, although they are not obsessive about letting the clock rule their lives.
+ For the most part, Canadians strive to be on time for social engagements, so deviations are more a matter of personal preference. Punctuality is expected in business.
- from RW3′s CultureWizard® Country Profiles
