Customs and Etiquette
Meeting and Greeting:
The most common greeting is the handshake.
It should be firm and accompanied by direct eye contact and a sincere smile.
French Canadian friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks.
Gift Giving:
In general, Canadians give gifts for birthdays and Christmas.
Do not give white lilies as they are used at funerals.
Do not give cash or money as a present.
In Quebec, if you give wine, make sure it is of the highest quality you can afford.
Business Etiquette and Protocol
Meeting and Greeting:
Canadian business people often begin relationships in a reserved manner; once people get to know one another is becomes friendly and informal.
Canadians appreciate politeness and expect others to adhere to the proper protocol for any given situation.
Maintain eye contact while shaking hands.
Men may offer their hand to a woman without waiting for her to extend hers first.
Business Meetings:
Canadians begin meetings with a minimal amount of small talk.
Meetings in Canadian companies are used to review proposals, make plans, brain-storm and communicate decisions.
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