Greeting and Introductions
When meeting someone new in Canada, you can expect to be greeted warmly with a handshake. Introducing yourself and the people you are with when meeting someone new is polite. You may be asked to use only your first name, depending on the situation.
Canadians are generally friendly and informal, and you will often find yourself in conversations about family or hobbies.
Handshakes
Shaking hands is the most common form of greeting in Canada. For a handshake, extend your right hand and make sure your hand is open, with the web between your thumb and forefinger pressing lightly against the other person’s hand. Generally, a handshake should last two to three seconds; a grip too firm may be perceived as domineering, while a limp grip may be unassertive.
When meeting and greeting professionally or socially, it is important to make good eye contact while shaking hands. Unfortunately, most Canadian men wait for women to initiate the handshake first, and it’s also important to consider how effusive you will be when introducing yourself: excessive enthusiasm can come across as insincere.
In Quebec and parts of Atlantic Canada, some people will greet each other with la bise (kissing either side of a person’s cheek), especially among friends who meet outside the workplace setting. This custom may also exist among Franco-Ontarians and in some regions of Western Canada, such as Alberta – usually between people from the same gender but sometimes between men and women who have an established relationship of trust or friendship.
Eye Contact
Making eye contact is a crucial component of greeting someone in Canadian culture. In some cultures, not making eye contact is considered polite and respectful, but in Canada, it can be seen as rude and dismissive. Making eye contact during the introduction and the conversation shows respect, attentiveness, and interest toward the other person.
When introducing people, it can happen that some individuals don’t make direct eye contact. Depending on the context, this could have a few different meanings – if someone does not make eye contact because they’re shy or intimidated by the situation, it could be completely harmless; however, if this lack of direct eye contact persists despite repeated attempts to draw them in, it could indicate something deeper such as suspicion or resentfulness which should be addressed more directly.
Address People by First Name
When introducing Canadians, use their first name rather than their last name and always use Mr., Mrs., or Ms., followed by their surname, only when necessary. Generally, when speaking to your Canadian counterpart, you should address that person by his/her title/first name unless the individual has stated a preference for formality, i.e., “Sir” or “Madam” instead of their name. It is essential to get the pronunciation of the person’s name right if you can and use titles and qualifiers when appropriate, i.e., Dr., Professor, Officer, etc.
The ‘formalities’ associated with greetings in Canada are subtly different from other culture’s expectations, where a handshake is a need to be more frequent in business circles to ensure you have made a firm connection before proceeding into more detailed communication; on social occasions, hugs may also become part of your introduction routine!
Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette in Canada is not very formal, but some behaviors and customs should be observed during a meal. For example, table manners are important, and guests should always be polite to their hosts. Basic etiquette includes using polite language, following the host’s lead, and not speaking with your mouth full.
This guide will go into further detail on dining etiquette in Canada:
Table Manners
Whether you find yourself in Canada’s polite metropolises or the country’s rural hideaways, you’ll find that Canadians have shared dining customs and etiquette. For example, Canadians are generally very conscious of respecting the host, being punctual to events, not speaking until spoken to, and avoiding solid opinions.
At the table, guests should never start eating ahead of their host and wait for a sign before starting (this could be a nod or a “Bon Appétit“). All visitors in Canada generally practice good table manners with links to British culture. Holding utensils right is quite important at the dinner table; forks should be held in your left hand and knives in your right. Eating opposite-handed can be seen as offensive to some hosts from certain backgrounds. Even if you’re offered special utensils for your salad or dessert course, keep eating with the first set is given – switch them out after finishing each course!
At formal dinners or holidays, table protocol remains unchanged; avoid loud conversations and stay respectful of other guests around you. It’s always best practice to follow the lead from your host as they guide you through courses – they will provide instruction on when it’s appropriate to reach for seconds and when it’s time to offer thanks at parting.
Table manners also teach discipline – don’t talk while food is still in your mouth; chew slowly and with closed lips; cut food into small pieces before consuming it; pushing food onto utensils instead of scooping with utensils is preferred – these are just some courtesy examples that demonstrate good manners while dining out with fellow Canadians!
Hosting and Being Hosted
Hosting hosts should offer their guests a drink like tea, coffee, or water upon arrival at the home. Canadians usually take off their shoes before entering a house and serve communal food on shared platters in the center of the table. They keep their hands on the table while eating and wait until all guests have been done before eating or drinking.
The host and guest should arrange for any post-meal activities together – for example, if your guests say they need to leave early, you can suggest activities that will finish within their timeframe. Guests should try to show appreciation and offer assistance where possible; it’s generally considered polite to help the host clean up after dinner.
On the other hand, if you’re being hosted in someone else’s home, bringing a small token of appreciation, such as a bottle of wine or flowers for later on, is customary. As well, when given food at a friend’s place, it’s polite not to refuse any dishes even if you’re not very fond of them – however, if you wish to decline something due to dietary restrictions (e.g., allergies or religion), do so politely instead of making excuses beforehand. Finally, if invited out for a meal by your hosts using personal funds (e.g., cash or credit cards), then offer to help pay – although this gesture is usually declined, it is still considered polite by many Canadians.
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is not expected in Canadian culture. However, it may be part of a family’s tradition when celebrating birthdays and holidays. Gifts are generally opened when received. Items appreciated for gifts include flowers, chocolates, books, and small tokens; an organized event such as dinner or a play is also an appropriate gift.
When attending a birthday party in Canada, it is customary to bring a small gift for the host. The hostess usually receives the gifts, but it is appropriate to give both the host and hostess something if the occasion calls for it. It’s considered polite to give your hosts something practical (such as wine glasses or kitchen towels) and something they can enjoy immediately, such as candy or drinks.
When invited to dinner or any other event, guests should also bring a gift if possible. Small items such as flowers or cards are appropriate gestures that express gratitude towards the invitation. When bringing a gift to someone else’s home, it should be tasteful and suitable for the occasion; unwrapped items should at least be presented in a beautiful package.
A thoughtful and respectful gesture includes sending thank-you notes after receiving hospitality from someone else; this sentiment shows appreciation for their efforts in making you comfortable while receiving their hospitality.
Social Etiquette
Social etiquette is an important aspect of Canada’s culture, as it defines the way people interact with one another. Canadians highly value politeness and manners and are usually friendly and open to conversation. Greetings are usually warm and informal, and Canadians have particular customs when meeting someone for the first time.
This section will cover all aspects of Canadian social etiquette:
Respect for Personal Space
Closer proximity to people than what is observed in North America is usually evidenced in social interactions in Canada. For example, standing relatively close and talking may seem like a sign of interest when speaking. However, Canadians typically maintain comfortable personal distance and dispense with handshakes when initiated.
Also, maintaining eye contact while conversing with someone is seen as a sign of interest and respect. If the conversation involves several persons standing close to each other, it is important not to invade the other person’s personal space unless they are open to it. Invading someone else’s personal space can give them the signal that you do not have respect for their boundaries and make them feel uncomfortable.
For intimate conversations between two people or at more formal settings such as business meetings, cultural understanding warrants that Canadians emphasize differences in personal perceptions of closeness or distance and adjust the levels accordingly. For instance, if one person seems comfortable with a closer proximity, no matter how little, the other person should also let her/him be or take some steps backward; unless both parties agree and show mutual acceptance of a closer physical distance to each other.
Apologizing
In Canada, it is widespread for people to apologize for nearly anything imaginable. Apologizing is a natural part of Canadian culture and is generally perceived as a sign of respect and politeness. Unlike many other cultures, Canadians are known for their politeness, respect for others, and use of apologizing during conversations or even passing by strangers.
In particular, when someone makes a mistake, they are expected to apologize quickly to those affected by mistake and mean it.
Canadians commonly say “sorry” when they bump into each other on the street or in stores. Apologizing can show empathy and understanding; however, too much apologizing can be seen as insincere or even offensive. Though one of the core values in Canada is to apologize if something goes wrong or isn’t done right, there are times when an apology might not be necessary, such as when asking questions about places or directions in public spaces. In such cases, it would be more appropriate to thank the person sincerely instead of offering apologies.
Gift Giving
Upon arrival or departure, a gift should be given for formal occasions and business. Generally, good quality chocolates, nuts, fruit, or wine are appropriate. It should be presented gift-wrapped with ribbons and bows and include a hand-written message or card.
In Canadian culture, gifts are usually not opened when received to let the giver know that the recipient is glad to have received them. Talking about gift cost, value, or worth is also inappropriate. When invited to someone’s home, you are expected to bring a small gift for your host, such as flowers (but avoid red roses), chocolates, wines, or spirits.
If you receive an invitation to a dinner party but cannot attend, sending a thank you note and/or a small, thoughtful gift would be appreciated. If you have been invited to a funeral service in Canada, it is appropriate to acknowledge the death with flowers or a memorial donation if possible. Good manners dictate that such donations should be made in private, however, do not mention them at either the visitation period or during services of the deceased.
Cultural Norms
Canada is a culturally diverse country with many customs and norms that work towards bringing people together. Some of the cultural norms in Canada include being polite, friendly, and respectful toward others. Canadians are also known for being quite formal in their interactions and using good manners. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the cultural norms that apply to the region that you’re in and to learn about them before visiting.
In this article, we’ll examine some of the cultural norms that are prevalent in Canada:
Language
Canada is bilingual, with English and French as the official languages. In many public places, people will often speak both languages. Depending on the region, you’ll find varying levels of preference for one language or another. It’s important to be respectful of these cultural norms and try to speak in the language used primarily in that area.
In addition to English and French, several other languages are spoken in Canada, including non-official Aboriginal languages such as Inuktitut and various dialects of Cree. Also, an increasing number of immigrants have brought their languages with them, adding another layer to Canada’s multicultural makeup. Therefore, learning some basic phrases in local dialects can go a long way toward breaking the ice when first interacting with Canadians!
Religion
Canada is an incredibly diverse country, and as such, people practice various religions. The most common religious affiliations are Christianity (67 percent), followed by Muslim (3 percent), Hindu (3 percent), Jewish (2 percent), and Buddhist (1.5 percent). Other denominations make up the remainder of followers in Canada, and the source of other faith practices is kept separate from statistical documentation to maintain the privacy and respect for the religious beliefs of all Canadians.
Though Canada is a secular nation, many cultural norms, values, and traditions have developed from various religious backgrounds. Although Canadians are open to all forms of religion, particular manners should be observed when learning about or visiting another’s a place of worship. All places of worship should be respected regardless of whether you follow their religion. For example, women should dress modestly according to the religion’s dress code while visiting a temple or shrine to demonstrate reverence. In addition to this, it is essential to:
- Silence cell phones.
- Respect rituals that occur during the service.
- Abide by all rules posted within the house/temple/shrine during worship services.
Attitudes Towards Time
Canada is a multicultural country with people from many different backgrounds. However, many Canadian customs and attitudes are shared, regardless of background.
Attitudes towards time, for example, are firmly held. Punctuality is highly valued, and Canadians take great pride in arriving on time or even early to appointments. Missing a deadline can be very offensive in certain situations, and it’s best to plan and ensure you are punctual if possible. Additionally, conversations may start when expected or when the host/hostess feels comfortable beginning them. A time frame for discussion may vary depending on the situation; it is essential not to talk over people to monopolize the conversation before it has been finished.
Furthermore, Canadians are pretty informal when interacting with one another and tend to address each other using first names rather than respect titles (e.g., Mr./Mrs.). Being overly formal or stuffy can create a feeling of awkwardness that is avoidable by simply respecting others’ boundaries while making an effort not to be too informal if the occasion calls for such behavior (e.g., meeting someone’s elder). Canadians generally strive toward mutual respect without being overly stubborn or distant.