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Communication Style of Canada

Canada, with a population of about 33 million, is one of the largest countries in the world and the most diverse, which explains two national languages, English in the west and French in the East. According to CIA World Fact Book, about 90 percent of its population lives with in 160 kilometers of the US boarder. Cities of Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, which are the three major cities of Canada, are also located within this range (“Canada”, 2005). Canada has a great influence from abroad. Canadian communication style and behavior is medium context with medium level of formality and individualistic. In the east, Montreal in the province of Quebec, established in the 17th century, serves as financial, manufacturing and seaport. Majority of Canada’s European import and exports go through Montreal. The city shows its close connection to France, which can be seen in the cities architecture, culture and common language. Toronto, in the province of Ontario, closely resembles New York City. The city is a center for finance and commerce. Toronto is filled with skyscrapers but no historic buildings. On the west side of Canada, Vancouver, in the province of British Columbia, is regarded as the rain forest away from the tropics. The city is nestled and the base of the Coast Mountains and serves as the center for finance, commerce, agriculture and industry. Canada’s greatest asset is its diversity and culture. The country, historically, has a lot in common with the United States. Canada became a self-governing country in 1867, but it retained a close relationship with its mother country, Great Britain. This relationship is reflected in Canada’s government. The government is a constitutional monarchy that is also parliamentary democracy and a federation, almost identical to Great Britain. The legal system is based on that of Great Britain, except in the province of Quebec, where the legal system is based on that of France. The Canadian culture is influenced by diversity which in turn influences the government. Ethnicity is greatly diverse in Canada. The population is made up of 28 percent of British origin, 23 percent of French origin, 26 percent of mixed origin 15 percent of other Europeans, two percent of Amerindians, and six percent of other origin (“Canada”, 2005). Canadian communication style is low to medium context, depending in which part of the country you are communicating. In the eastern province, like Quebec, communication is medium context. People, when talking to each other, stand close together and are more demonstrative when talking. In the west, like Vancouver, people stand further apart and do not use their hands that often when talking. English is spoken in all of Canada, but French is as popular as English, if not proffered, in Quebec and some areas of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. To avoid miscommunication in Quebec, it is a good idea to provide any documentation, brochures, or other paper work in both English and French. Business communication in Quebec tends to be formal, similar to Europe. People use personal titles, if the person has one, and use full names when introducing themselves. In the West, this formality is used only in the beginning of establishing contacts. Once this business friendship is made, people tend to be on first name basis. Business dining is popular in Canada. When dining, table etiquette and proper attire is greatly important. Canadian executives, when in the office, tent to be more casual, sports jacket and no tie, but when dining in a business environment, a tie is necessary (Foster, 2005). This is completely opposite of the United States, where ties are required in the office and when dinning, tie is optional. Canadian business environment is not completely collectivist and not completely individualist, it’s right in the middle. According to Excecutive Planet, business decisions are not made on what one person thinks. During these negotiation or meeting, all the people can express their opinion. Unlike in other countries where the final decision is left to one person, Canadian companies have policies that prevent that and the decisions are made by several people (“Let’s Make a Deal – Part 2, n.d.). This means that when trying to finalize a business deal with a Canadian company, will prove to be more labor intensive since one will have to convince several people, instead of just one. In order to travel to Canada for a business trip, one must put in a great time in preparation. One must remember that Canada has very defined seasons, and you must remember to pack worm clothes when traveling during the winter season. When packing clothes, both men and women must keep in mind that Canada is a conservative country, and conservative clothing is appropriate. Conservative clothing is recommended when traveling outside of Quebec, but when in Quebec, less conservative and designer clothing is not looked down upon, especially European designers. Learning a few foreign courtesy words is also a great idea. Canada has two official languages, so learning a few French words is a big plus. Also, if doing business in western Canada, where there are a few Asian companies, learning a few Japanese or Chinese words are also a plus. Canada has a lot of business opportunities. Business communication in Canada in not uniform, it differs from the east to the west. This difference is driven by the diversity. Diversity is its greatest component not only in day to day lives, but also in the business world. Understanding these different cultures lead to business success. References

Central Intelligence Agency, “World Fact Book: Canada”, (2005, October 4), Retrieved November 2, 2005, http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/print/ca.html Cyborlink, (n.d.) “Canada”. Retrieved November 2, 2005, from http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/canada.htm

Foster, Dean (2005). “The Global Etiquette Guide: Canada”. Retrieved November 2, 2005, from http://workabroad.monster.com/articles/canadaguide/# “Lets Make A Deal – Part 1” (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2005. from http://www.executiveplanet.com/business-culture-in/132165887603.html “Lets Make A Deal – Part 2” (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2005. from http://www.executiveplanet.com/business-culture-in/132165922854.html “Public Behavior” (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2005. from http://www.executiveplanet.com/business-culture-in/132165617555.html “Prosperous Entertaining” (n.d.). Retrieved November 2, 2005. from http://www.executiveplanet.com/business-culture-in/132165776894.html Cockburn, Neco (2005, September 29). “Immigration fuels surge in Canada's population: Cities see most growth as newcomers boost nation to 32.2 million”. Ottawa Citizen, NEWS; Pg. A3. Retrieved November 2, 2005, from Lexis Nexis Database