Canada IntroductionCanada has a population just less than 30 million people in a country twice the area of the United States. The heritage of Canada was French and English; however, significant immigration from Asia and Europe's non-French and English countries has broadened Canada's cultural richness. This cultural diversity is considered a national asset, and the Constitution Act prohibits discrimination against individual citizens on the basis of race, color, religion, or sex. The great majority of Canadians are Christian. Although the predominant language in Canada is English, there are at least three varieties of French that are recognized: Quebecois in Quebec, Franco-Manitoban throughout Manitoba and particularly in the St. Boniface area of Winnipeg, and Acadian. The Italian language is a strong third due to a great influx of Italian immigrants following W.W.II. Canada's three major cities are distinctively, even fiercely different from one another even though each is a commercially thriving metropolitan center. Montreal, established in the 17th century and the largest French city outside France, has a strong influence of French architecture and culture. It is a financial and manufacturing centerand seaport, with the majority of Canada's European exports and imports coming through its harbor. Toronto, another major financial and commercial center, is filled with office towers not historic buildings. It has a great number of people living in and around the central business district. The downtown district does not "close up" when people leave work. Vancouver, nestled at the base of the Coast Mountains, is the financial, commercial, agricultural, and industrial center for western Canada. It's harbor and mountains make it one of Canada's most picturesque. Consequently, West Vancouver is the most densely populated urban area and has the highest income per person of any municipality.Canada Fun FactThe western frontier was "opened" in 1885 when the Canadian transcontinental railroad completed its peaceful construction process. The railroad offered cheap land so immigrants moved in communities establishing towns with citizens from the same European country. These settlements, along with the Inuit communities, give Canada cultural diversity across its nation, not just in major metropolitan cities. Keep in mind that Quebec, because it is a French province, has a verydifferent value system from the rest of Canada, with its predominately English influence.Geert Hofstede Analysis for CanadaThe majority of Canadians, as well as citizens of other English speaking countries, (see Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States) have individualism ranked highest. Success is measure by personal achievement. Canadians tend to be self-confident and open to discussions on general topics; however, they hold their personal privacy off limits to all but the closest friends. It should be noted there is tension between the French province of Quebec and other Canadian provinces. Citizens of Quebec tend to be more private and reserved. Ethnocentrism is high throughout Canada, but particularly in Quebec.Canada has Individualism (IDV) as the highest ranking (80) Hofstede Dimension, and is indicative of a society with a more individualistic attitude and relatively loose bonds with others. The populace is more self-reliant and looks out for themselves and their close family members. Privacy is considered the cultural norm and attempts at personal ingratiating may meet with rebuff.The majority of Canadians, as well as citizens ofother English speaking countries, (see United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States) have Individualism as their highest ranking Dimension.Among high IDV countries, success is measured by personal achievement. Canadians tend to be self-confident and open to discussions on general topics; however, they hold their personal privacy off limits to all but the closest friends .Canadian's lowest ranking Dimension is Long Term Orientation at 23, compared to the average of 45 among the 23 countries surveyed for which scores have been calculated. This low LTO ranking is indicative of societies' belief in meeting its obligations and tends to reflect an appreciation for cultural traditions.Canada's Power Distance (PDI) is relatively low, with an index of 39, compared to a world average of 55. This is indicative of a greater equality between societal levels, including government, organizations, and even within families. This orientation reinforces a cooperative interaction across power levels and creates a more stable cultural environment.It should be noted there is tension between the French province of Quebec and other Canadianprovinces. Citizens of Quebec tend to be more private and reserved. Ethnocentrism is high throughout Canada, but particularly in Quebec. This may be in part due to the difference in religious background of the French population, predominately Catholic, and the English population, predominantly Christian.The predominant religions in Canada are Catholic 42% and Christian 40%, but the population is somewhat segregated, with a high percentage of French Catholic's in Quebec. Note that the predominant religion in France is Catholic (83%) and in the United Kingdom is Christian (70%).Appearance in CanadaPlan for a very cold climate, especially during their winter.Men should wear a dark conservative business suit with tie, especially in cities. Build a wardrobe based on classic lines (selecting suits with a traditional lapel width, and ties staying within a traditional width range). Conservative colors of navy and gray, and shirts in white and light blue.Women should wear a conservative business suit or dress, especially in cities. Select yourclothing with classic lines and colors in mind. Navy, gray, ivory, and white are the basics to work with. The major cities can be very sophisticated.New or trendy clothing is a poor choice. Older, classic clothing that is clean and neat is more valued. Choosing quality, natural fibers for your wardrobe will give you this look. Quality leather shoes are important to completing this look.Rural areas are less formal, but stay conservative in your wardrobe. Even with cold winter weather you may find yourself in a skirt or dress. Add a good quality long coat with minimal and classic detail to your wardrobe. In addition to navy and gray, a classic camel coat, or a lined Burberry may be a good addition. This will work for a sophisticated city meeting, or a more casual rural meeting.Casual attire is appropriate when you are not working. The weather and activity will dictate what you will be wearing. Build a casual wardrobe using the classic colors (camel is additional color for casual). You will look professional, even though relaxed.The "V for Victory" sign is an insult if your palm is facing yourself. If you must use this sign, face your palm outward.Behavior in CanadaBe punctual for meetings and appointments, as promptness is valued. In French areas, time is more relaxed. However, you will be expected to arrive at the appointed time, even if the French attending the meeting don't.Always maintain a reserved demeanor, and follow good rules of etiquette. Traditions and gracious manners are part of the culture, even in more rural areas. If you travel to different cities or areas, pay attention to local customs. By being observant, you will respect the pace and nuances of each area.Do not eat while walking in public. Plan your time so you can stop in a café or restaurant to enjoy your snack.Gifts are not routinely given. If you do give a gift when you arrive or when you are leaving, make it a modest one. A lavish gift, though accepted, would be frowned upon.Gifts are given to celebrate finalizing a negotiation, a contract, or a project. Gifts for the office, a nice bottle of wine or liquor would be appropriate.Taking a business associate to a nice meal or an evening sporting event, play, or symphony is always a nice gesture.Invitations to private homes are rare. Occasionally, in the western provinces, you may be invited to someone's home. If you are invited, you may take candy, flowers, or liquor to the host or hostess.Wait for your host to start a business conversation during or following a meal. Traditionally, business is not discussed during dinner; however, this is slowly changing.Personal space and body movement or gestures differ between the English and the French provinces and cities. In English areas, body movement is minimal, there is rarely touching other than handshakes, and personal space - how close someone stands - is about two feet. In French areas, people stand closer together,people will frequently touch, and gestures are more expressive.Communications in CanadaUse a firm handshake with good eye contact when meeting and leaving. Both French and English areas use and expect a firm handshake.Men will wait for a woman to extend her hand for a handshake.French Canadians will shake hands more frequently, even with a subsequent encounter the same day. Others may just nod or smile at a subsequent encounter on the same day.Use a person's title if he or she has one. Otherwise, use Mr., Mrs., Miss and the surname.English is spoken in most of Canada. French is spoken in Quebec, and some area of Nova Scotia and New BrunswickFrench Canadians may use their first name when talking to you on the telephone, but will generally use their full name when meeting you in person.Be open and friendly in your conversation. If youare naturally reserved in your behavior, you will appear confident and credible. If your natural tendency is large sweeping arm gestures, restrain yourself when meeting and talking with Canadians- other than with French Canadians.French Canadians stand closer and are more demonstrative when talking.For French Canadians, print all material in French and English.Don't be boastful, and don't overstate yourproduct or service's capabilities. You couldimplicate your company in a legal situation.If you are from the U. S., don't say, "we Americans", inferring you are including your Canadian hosts or guests in your reference.Canada is a distinct country with its ownwonderful history and culture.AFTER YOU ARRIVEOnce you arrive in Canada, it's a great idea to get involved in your new community right away, even before you feel the possible effects of home-sickness. Your new school will likely have activities and programs for international students, as well as opportunities to talk with both peers and counsellors about any problems or concerns you might have.It's also a good idea to get involved with other activities on campus, and to make friends with Canadian students. Most schools have clubs, recreationalsports or other activities and organizations available for students to join, including film clubs, running clubs or musical groups and organizations. There are also independent immigrant associations in most cities aimed at helping new arrivals to Canada settle in. Your university or local Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) office will be able to give you a list of such societies and associations. All of these organizations and activities provide the opportunity to make friends and be better integrated into the community, reducing your chances of loneliness or isolation.Be patient with yourself and with other people, and never be afraid to ask for help. Canadians in general are a friendly, open people and are happy to help you feel more welcome.List of Canadian slang words orphrases2-4 — (two four) a case of 24 beer ("Beer"being the plural of "Beer" in much ofCanada.)26er (also 2-6, twixer) — a 262⁄3 imperial fl oz(758 ml) in earlier times, or 750 ml (26.4 fl oz) bottle ofalcohol40 — a 40 fl oz (1 imperial quart, 1.14 L) bottle of alcohol.(see forty pounder)66er — a former 66.6 imperial fl oz (1/2 U.S. gallon, 1.89 L)bottle of alcohol, probably also applied to 1.75 L (61.6imperial fl oz) bottles (see gripper)"AADAC" (ay-dack) from the Alberta Alcohol and DrugAbuse Commission, used to refer to any sort of beveragewhich would get you drunk thus making you prime candidatefor alcohol addiction.alcool — grain alcohol; everclear (from French, but pronounced as in English)The Ballet — Strip club, or exotic dance club.Baywop — Someone living in a rural area centered around abay. Mostly used in Newfoundland. A pejorative term. Beaner — Someone living in a planned housing area.Refers to "The Bean", an area of planned housing inCorner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. "The Bean" is also known as Jellybean Square, referring to the colorful choices of house paint at the time it acquired its nickname.Beaver Tail (BeaverTail) — A dessert food basically consisting of a pastry, covered in maple syrup and othertoppings. Given its name because it resembles the shape ofa beaver's tail. Also known as an Elephant Ear.BiWay — see ZellersBlochead — A member of the Bloc Qu?becois.Blue Neck, Blueneck — Canadian version of thestereotypical American Redneck. Whereas the American neck derives its red colour from exposure to the sun, it isassumed the Canadian's blue colouring is the result offrostbite.Buck — unit of 100, most commonly directly replaces"dollar" ($1.25 — "a buck twenty five", $1.50 — "a buck fifty"), also used to describe highway speed ("I got caughtdoing a buck-thirty on the 401" meaning "I was caught driving at a speed of 130km/h on Highway 401")Buds — the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team, also marijuanabunnyhug — a hooded sweatshirt without azipper(Saskatchewan)by — A term from Newfoundland. The equivelant of "man," "dude," or "pal." Example: Go on, 'by.Caker — is short for "Mange Cake" (pronounced manjacake, Italian for "cake-eater") and refers to Canadians ofAnglo origin. It is said that the term originated in Italian-Canadian kitchens as a type of mockery of AnglophoneCanada's bland cultural and culinary habits.Canuck — Canadian. Often used in the US as well,sometimes derogatorily. (properly someone fromVancouver)Chinook — A warm, dry wind experienced along the easternside of the Rocky Mountains in the United States andCanada. Most common in winter and spring, it can result ina rise in temperature of 20 ?C (35 to 40 ?F) in a quarter ofan hour.Cherrypicker — Somebody who stays around the opposingteams goalie and does not play defence. Similiar to GoalSuck.Chesterfield — a couch or sofa.chocolate bar — a candy bar, whether it actually containschocolate or not.click — kilometre or kilometres per hour (sometimes spelled "klick").CFA (Comes-From-Away) — a term used in the Atlanticprovinces to refer to visitors or residents who were not bornand raised in Eastern Canada. This term can be used in anaffectionate manner, or an exclusionary manner.Constab — pronounced cun-STAB; the police in cities of Newfoundland and Labrador serviced by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.Cougar — a middle-aged (or above) woman, dressed to thenines, out on the prowl looking for young (20–35 year old)menCrappy Tire or Ukrainian Tire— Canadian Tiredeke, deke out — to feint, to trick or avoid someone "to dekeout of a meeting" or, to deftly maneuver around a sportingopponent (esp. in hockey)dep — corner store, adapted from Quebec French word "d?panneur", especially by English-speaking Quebeckers.dick, dick all — nothingDipper — a member of the New Democratic Party Dogan — a Catholic; abusive, and now dying outdouble-double — a coffee with double cream, double sugar (especially, but not exclusively, from Tim Hortons). Triple-triple and four-by-four (less common) are three and four creams/sugars, respectively.eh — a spoken interjection to ascertain the comprehension, continued interest, agreement, etc., of the person or persons addressed (e.g. "That was a good game last night, eh?"). May also be used instead of huh? or what?. Meaning please repeat or say again.Farmer vision (also Peasant Vision, Country Cable or TFC -'Three Friggin' Channels') — The basic three TV channelsthat can be picked up almost anywhere (Global, CBC, CTV).Fish Police (also Tree Cop and Critter Cop) — Derogatoryreference to Federal or Provincial Fisheries or WildlifeOfficers.F.O.B— - Means fresh off the boat, and can be a derogatoryterm aimed at newly arrived immigrants, although commonlyused affectionately to describe any new resident of Canada.Often used amongst youth to describe exchange students,or fellow long-term visiting peers. Similar to American FES,or Foreign Exchange Student.fock — Alternate spelling/pronunciation of "Fuck" usedprimarily by francophones while speaking english (not to be confused with phoque, the french word for seal)forty pounder (forty ouncer) — a 40 oz. bottle of alcohol (see 40)Frog — A derogatory name given to French Canadians Frosh — A politically correct term for first-year students, derived from freshman.French fry — A derogatory name given to French Canadians, particularly in New Brunswick: see Square Head/English MuffinFuck the dog — A term used to indicate doing nothing (e.g. "I fucked the dog all weekend").ghetto blaster — a portable stereo system. The term was common throughout North America at one time, but is still common in Canada.Gina — a female (usually of Mediterranean descent) who dresses in tight clothing usually with fluffy accents; Ginas are usually only labelled as such because of their association with Ginos (see below) (this word may be considered a racial slur against Italian women, but many young people associate it exclusively with the Gino/Gina subculture with or without a negative connotation).Gino — a male (usually of Mediterranean descent) who dresses in tight clothing (particularly denim), uses hair gel,wears gold chains, and has a macho attitude (this word maybe considered a racial slur against Italian men, but manyyoung people associate it exclusively with the Gino/Ginasubculture with or without a negative connotation).Giv'n'r — used to describe any act carried out with extremeexuberance or to its fullest potential. "We were just Giv'n'rlast night."Giv'er — Used to give someone permission to do somethingthey never really asked to do ie: when speeding and apassenger notices, he says 'giv'er buddy' encouraging thedriver to go faster.Goal Suck — Somebody who stays around the opposingteams goalie and does not play defence.Goler — The name of a family accused of mass incest onSouth Mountain in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia in1984. The accusations implicated sixteen adults (both menand women) with incest and sexual abuse of children asyoung as five. The abuse had been perpetuated overseveral generations. The term is now used as an insult, e.g"He's a goler."goof — 1: cheap sherry or fortified wine; 2: a major insult; 3: to make a mistake (a goof, to goof)Grit — a member of the Liberal Party of Canada Gripper — a former 66 imp fl oz (1/2 U.S. gal) or a 1.75 L(61.6 imp fl oz) bottle of liquor. So named for either having alooped handle on the bottle neck, or matching indented"grips" on the body of the bottle.Habs — the Montreal Canadiens hockey team (from a contraction of habitants, a term for residents of New France). Predominantly used by English fans of the team. (Pronounced as in English, not as in French.)honger — Derogatory name for immigrants from Hong Kongused by mandarin-speaking and Canadianized Chinese.hose — used as a verb 'to hose' meaning to trick, deceive,steal, etc.hoser — a stereotype and a mild insulthomo milk — homogenize d milk, particularly with a fat content greater than 2%, usually 3.25%. Referred to in theUSA as whole milk.Hoodie — A hooded sweatshirt with or without a zipper(Ontario).Horny Tims — Tim Hortons.hydro — 1: (except Alberta) commonly as a synonym for electrical service, as in "The hydro bill is due on the fifteenth". Many Canadian provincial electric companies generate power from hydroelectricity, and incorporate the term "Hydro" in their names; 2: Hydroponically grown plants of any type, but especially used to refer tohydroponically grown marijuana; usage: "Manitoba Hydro...It's not just a Power Company anymore."Hydrofield — A line of electricity transmission towers,usually in groups cutting across a city.idjit — variant pronunciation of 'idiot', particularly in AtlanticCanada.jam buster — jelly donut (Manitoba)jib — methamphetamine (West/Central Canada)jib-tech warrior — drug addict who is awake for long periodslooking for things to steal. (British Columbia)joggers — a term used for jogging pants or sweatpantsjono — feeling embarrassed for someone else; a painfullyawkward situationKD or K.D. — Slang for Kraft Dinner, the macaroni with orange cheese sauceKnob — a more serious insult, usually considered vulgarThe LB — Saskatchewan Liquor Board StoreLC (Elcee)— Slang for Manitoba Liquor Control Commission(MLCC), the government-run liquor stores in Manitoba; alsofor Nova Scotia's 'Liquor Commission'."Lick-Bo" — Slang for the Ontario Liquor Control Board(LCBO)"Lick-n-Blow" — Slang for the Ontario Liquor Control Board(LCBO)Loonie — Canadian one dollar coinLord Stanley — slang reference to the Stanley Cup, awarded annually to the champion team of the National Hockey League.Low Blows — Loblaws grocery storesMay 2–4 — the Victoria Day holiday which takes place on the third Monday in May, on or around May 24. It also refers to the entire three day holiday weekend, which isCanada's "unofficial" start of the summer season, whenmany open cottages after the winter. (Note that the termMay two-four may be used to refer to this weekend even ifthe holiday falls as early as May 17.) The name is aconscious pun on the date and the case of beer which istraditionally drunk on this holiday. (Ontario).Maylong — see above; contraction of "May long weekend".mickey — a small (13 oz.) bottle of liquor, shaped to fit in apocket. Also fits conveniently alongside the calf of a cowboyboot or rubber boot.militants — activists, adapted from Quebec French, especially by English-speaking Quebeckers.Molson Muscle — A beer belly named after the popularbeer.Mountie (also Mounty) — a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceMoving Day derogative term used in Quebec for Canada Day (July 1st) - since most apartment leases in Quebec traditionally expire on this day, Quebeckers use the national holiday as their chosen date for changing apartments. Referring to this day as 'Moving Day' is a snub at the 'Rest of Canada' by nationalist QubeckersN-Dipper — A member of the New Democratic Party. Newfie, Newf — a person from Newfoundland; often considered derogatory if used by someone other than a Newfoundlander.Nish — racist slang for a person of First Nations ethnicity (from Anishinabe, the Ojibwa word for "Ojibwa")"Nob" — Similar to Hoser.Pepper — Word used to describe French/Francophone Canadianspogey — Social Assistance, Welfare (Especially in Newfoundland.) Employment insurance. prolly — A substitution for the word probably. ("Prolly going for a bike ride.") (Especially in southwestern British Columbia.)Puck Bunny — A young girl who pursues hockey players; a groupie of hockey players.R.C. — a member of the Royal CanadianMounted Police ("I was pulled over by the R.C.'s.") Red Neck or Redneck — derogatory term used in referece to people in the prairie region of Western Canada. Runners — term for running shoes or 'sneakers' Sasquatch — a Saskatchewan driver in Alberta, or an Albertan teen with Saskatchewan license plates. Also, a creature similar to Bigfoot or Yeti.Scare Canada — a derogatory term used with regards to national air carrier Air CanadaScreech — a particularly potent brand of Newfoundland rumSenaturds — a derogatory term used to describe the Ottawa Senators hockey team."take off" — expression of disagreement or command to leave, similar to "get lost" ("Take off, you hoser!").Sixty-Sixer — A term for a sixty-two ounce (1.75 L) bottle of liquor (from the old 1/2 U.S. gallon size, 66.6 imp fl oz)Skid — Derogatory term for someone who wears an 80s metal t-shirt, jean jacket, dirty/acid-washed jeans, a mullet, drives a trans-am, and/or lives in a trailer park. Skookum — A term used primarily, but not exclusively in British Columbia and Yukon Territory, from a Chinuk word meaning "strong, powerful, good, cool, superlative or first rate" but also currently used to indicate"very good". (Skookum party last night, eh?)Sloblaws — Loblaws grocery storesSmog dog — hotdog from a Toronto street vendor (also called Street dog and Street meat)Snowbirds — a reference to people, often senior citizens,who leave Canada during the winter months to reside insouthern states of the U.S. (particularly Florida.) spores — Magic MushroomsSp'ed — In St. Catharines, Ontario, a person who is in need of Special Needs Services (read: mentally deficient).Spudhead — a person from Prince Edward Island, inreference to the province's abundance of potato farmingSquare Head/English Muffin — Words used to describeEnglish/Anglo Canadians, the former in French is "T?teCarr?". "English Muffin" is often heard in New Brunswickschoolyards with its counterpart, "French Fry".Square of Beer — term used to describe a case of 24bottles, as it resembles a square (used by Bob & Doug McKenzie in Strange Brew)Stupidstore — The Real Canadian Superstore (known asAtlantic Superstore in the Atlantic Provinces)Swish — Homemade low-quality liquor.Swiss Pigeon — nickname for Swiss Chalet chicken restaurantTelecaster — Term used in Nova Scotia to refer to anewspaper TV listings publicationTexas Mickey — A 3 litre or larger bottle of liquor, despitethe Texas reference, this is a purely Canadian term.Townie — 1: Someone living in an urban area. Mostly usedin Newfoundland; 2: Synonym for "a local", often heard in small university towns in reference to the students whoare actually from the town. Also common in New England torefer to someone who has lived in a given town all of his orher life.Tim's, Timmy's, Timmy Ho's, Timmy Ho-Ho's — Tim Hortons doughnut chain; female employees of same are sometimes (affectionately) known as "TimTarts".Tipper — A 3.75 litre bottle of liquor, sold with a metal frameused to support the bottle when pouring.Toonie — Canadian two-dollar coinTory — a member of the Conservative Party of Canada; previously used to refer to one of its predecessors, the Progressive Conservatives Tuque — A knit winter hat sometimes with a ball of wool or a tassel on it.twofer, two-four — a case of 24 beers (see 2-4)Ukrainian Tire — a nasty racist slur against Canadian Tireand Ukrainians of Canadian Descent. However, most。
