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Canada is a bi-lingual country, and you may be required to provide correspondence and promotional material in both English and French. This is essential if conducting business in French-speaking areas.

In English-speaking areas, personal space is valued and there is minimal physical contact except for a firm handshake on meeting and leaving. Generally, a reserved and poised demeanor is expected in Canada, although French speakers tend to be more expressive, and personal touching is more common in French areas.

Conservative business suits and ties are used for meetings, with business suits or smart dresses for women. The use of perfumes should be avoided, and is banned in some companies. When addressing Canadians, use their title and surname until you are invited to use first names, and maintain direct eye contact when in discussion. Business cards are usually exchanged at the end of meetings.

Meetings are commonly held during the mornings and punctuality is expected; Friday afternoons and weekends should be avoided. Breakfast and lunch meetings are also sometimes used for business negotiations.

Canadians like their meetings to be well structured and focused, and to result in a clear plan of action. More generally, professionalism and efficiency are highly valued in Canadian business, and agreements and deadlines should be adhered to. It is important not to misrepresent your company or exaggerate its capabilities; not only will you lose respect but could be sued for breaching the stringent business legislation. Canadian businesspeople pay great attention to established procedures and to detail, are quite risk-averse and may be unreceptive to unconventional approaches.

It is not normal practice to give gifts in business, except when celebrating the conclusion of a deal or a project. However, you might consider taking your business contact for dinner or to a concert as a gesture of appreciation. Business is not commonly discussed over dinner.

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