This guide is meant to serve as a general introduction to Canadian culture, which can aid in more effective relationship building and communicating cross-culturally. It is not meant to be inclusive of all people or stereotype Canadian culture, it is simply a starting point to promote culturally sensitive business relations.

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Business CustomsCanadian business style can be described as subdued, and may seem somewhat casual. You will likely find collaboration across organizational levels, superiors are accessible to employees, and managers rely on individual employees and teams for expertise and deliberation in advance of decision-making.

Speaking about issues in an open and direct manner is appreciated, and people expect questions and challenges. However, Canadians also place a high value on politeness and overly aggressive sales tactics will not be appreciated.

Although Canadians are generally friendly and personable, objective information supported by data is highly valued and often more influential than personal relationships.

Building Professional RelationshipsBuilding trust between professional counterparts is an integral part of Canadian business. Although development of personal relationships might not be as crucial to business as in some other countries, time spent learning about or appreciating the personal interests and family situation of your contact could serve to greatly enhance business interactions and deepen the business relationship.

The general belief is that a relationship will develop over the course of doing business. The typical time of getting to know one another is initially focused on the sharing of information about one’s position and company. It might easily be considered unprofessional to probe for details about personal background and family.

Workplace DressBusiness dress will vary depending on the sector and region. You will probably find that MWH has a relaxed and casual approach to dress code in comparison with other large companies.

People will dress professionally (likely conservative suits for both men and women) for important meetings, and more casually on a daily basis at the office or while working on site.

Some offices have adopted “casual Fridays” alongside their clients. This can include denim, but the standard applied is that you should always be prepared to meet a client, so casual and presentable.

Perception of TimeIn both social and business settings, punctuality is valued and engagements are expected to begin on time. A late arrival could be interpreted as inconsiderate, or possibly rude, as time is viewed as a commodity.

It is best to arrive exactly on time (or a few minutes early) for appointments, meetings, or social gatherings. Call ahead if delays arise (e.g. travel delays).

Meetings and NegotiationsAlthough a few minutes of customary light conversation is common at the start of meetings, the topic at hand is generally picked up rather quickly.

In negotiations, you can expect Canadians to respond well to data-driven proposals. Evasiveness is not viewed favorably, so it is best to approach negotiations in a direct manner.

There is no specific protocol surrounding business card etiquette. However, it is most common that cards are shared at the start of a meeting during introductions.

Culture and Communication Guide

Canada

• Petty and opportunistic street crime is the main travel risk for foreign visitors. Exercise standard security precautions when traveling alone or after dark.

• Be sure to activate your international calling feature with your cell phone provider prior to travel.

Emergency Numbers Ambulance, Fire, Police 911 Bringing Medications: Pack an ample supply of prescription and routine medications in their original packaging. Place them in your carry-on luggage with copies of your prescription, and include the generic names for medications. Declare larger liquid medications for inspection, as they are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3 oz. Leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a friend or relative.

For additional travel safety and security information visit International SOS: www.internationalsos.com (MWH Membership # 11BCMA000120) For a full travel safety and security briefing call: +1 215 942 8226 (Americas)

Business PracticesSafety and Security

Photo by Jennifer Van Vleet

Official Language(s) English and French, (English is the most common language in most of Canada, French is most prominent in Québec, New Brunswick and Ontario).

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Contact UsVancouver (CA-VAN-2) 740-1185 W. Georgia StreetVancouver V6E 4E6British Columbia, Canada

Additional Resourceswww.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca

Canada’s national encyclopedia, on-line.

www.theglobeandmail.com

A Canadian national newspaper – business oriented.

www.nationalpost.com

A Canadian national newspaper.

www.culturecrossing.net

A community built guide to cross-cultural etiquette and understanding.

WordReference Dictionary app

Download the WordReference Dictionary app to access language translations on your phone.

XE Currency app

Download the XE Currency app to access currency rates and charts on your phone.

Key Words and Phrases in Canada

Cultural Customs and Social EtiquetteCommunication Styles and Cultural OrientationCanadians value direct verbal communication and generally do not use coded or evasive language. However, understatement and diplomacy are also attributes of typical Canadian communication patterns, and people tend to stay away from behaviors that may be considered overly confrontational. Similarly to most Western cultures, Canada is considered highly individualistic. The individual is generally the most important unit of society, and people tend to set individual goals, and admire individual accomplishments, initiative, and success.Canadians value tradition, and generally appreciate good manners and respect. International visitors and expatriates generally find Canadians to be friendly and welcoming.

Greetings and Body LanguageUpon introduction, the standard greeting in business is a firm handshake with direct eye contact. Keep in mind that greetings may differ across Canada because of regional differences and cultural influences. The customary greeting amongst friends and family is generally a hug. A kiss on both cheeks (between both sexes) is a common greeting for French Canadians. Sometimes a business relationship will achieve the level of a hug, but not initially. Err on the side of the more formal handshake and follow the lead of your business contact. Canadians value a relatively large amount of personal space, are not particularly expressive with body language or gestures. Most people generally do not touch very much during conversations; however, this may be different depending on type of relationship.

Respect and HierarchyEgalitarianism is highly valued across Canada, and class distinctions are not prevalent. People do not generally place importance on social status, and business hierarchy is established for convenience. Organizations, including MWH, have an established hierarchy and final decisions generally come from the highest ranking individual unless his or her authority has been delegated to another person. However, collaboration across organizational levels is the norm.Canadians generally proceed quickly to treating each other on a first name basis. However, it is best to use Mr. and Ms. followed by surname until you are invited to use a first name.

Tipping The standard tip in Canada is around 15-20% of the total bill. This is true for restaurants, hotels, taxis, and other situations where a service is provided. Some restaurants automatically apply a gratuity if your group reservation exceeds a certain size (6 or 8 people). Check before you tip.Airport and hotel bellmen and doormen generally expect C$1 or $2.

Dialing Codes Country Code (Inbound) 1International Direct Dialing Prefix (Outbound) 011National Direct Dialing 11

Loonie – The one dollar coin Toonie – The two dollar coinChinook – A warming wind that blows into southern / Central Alberta in winter Hydro – Electricity (regional use, not in all provinces)Double double – A Tim Horton’s coffee with two creams and two sugars

Toque – A knitted hat people wear in the winterHomo milk – Homogenized milkMountie – A member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)Pop – A soft drink, sodaParkade – A multi-level parking structure

Telephone:+1 604 648 6161Fax:+1 604 648 6181

Maps courtesy of wordtravels.com

12/2014