 CANADA
ETIQUETTE
Etiquette
Common courtesy, as practiced
anywhere in the world, is also much appreciated in Canada.
Polite requests for services or attention generally means
you will be cared for in the same manner. Smiles, patience
and a friendly approach are appreciated anywhere you travel.
Canada is proud
of its multiculturalism. This multiculturalism manifests itself
in part in a great acceptance of differing languages. The
CIty of Toronto, for example, publishes many materials in
over 70 languages. Canadians are accustomed to speaking with
people on a daily basis whose first language is not English,
but a visitor may need to be prepared to be patient and accomodating
at times, though for the most part they will find little difference
in word usage between the States and Canada.
Francophone (French-speaking) Canadians can be very patient
with visitors' poor French skills, but it is still best to
make the effort to try to speak French, even if you think
it's likely you're speaking to someone who can speak English;
out of courtesy, most bilingual people will switch to the
language in which you seem to be most comfortable.
Visitors often comment on Canadians' politeness. In part it
is a result of our British heritage, but it may surprise visitors
when Canadians will say "please" and "thank
you" readily, and apologize for bumping into someone
on the sidewalk. Canadians are by nature more reserved and
quieter than our American neighbours, but no less warm or
helpful. Do not hesitate to ask for directions or help in
situations as we are more than willing to give assistance.
Climate, geography and language can vary tremendously from
one area of Canada to another and recognizing each province
or region as distinctive, will be much appreciated, particularly
in Quebec, where French is the primary language.
Therefore when travelling in Canada, it can help to learn
a little Canadian geography. There are ten provinces which
are roughly analogous to states; and three territories. Also,
the word 'Indian' - as in American Indian - is considered
offensive in Canada - the same peoples here are known as First
Nations or Aboriginal peoples, and the term Inuit is used
rather than Eskimo.
Canada is not cold all year round; you can golf year-round
in Victoria and it may surprise visitors that Southwestern
Ontario is on the same latitude as Northern California. The
weather in Alberta and the Rocky Mountains can be cold (with
snow) even in the summer, but it can also be 30C....which
is 86F. Recognizing a few temperature conversions will make
it easier to gauge weather. For instance, 10C is 50F and 20C
is about 70F. Understanding the system allows travellers to
anticipate the weather in different parts of the country,
so they can dress appropriately for the conditions. Travel
etiquette often means understanding and appreciating the differences
in countries and cultures, and being able to demonstrate an
acceptance of those differences.
Public
Behaviour
Business
In business situations, a handshake is used upon greetings
or introductions. Men usually wait for women to offer
their hand before shaking.
An open, cordial manner is usually necessary when dealing
with Canadian businesspeople.
Conversation
Direct--but not too intense--eye contact can be acceptable,
especially when you want to convey interest and sincerity.
Some ethnic groups, however, look away to confer respect.
The standard
distance between two people should be two feet.
Francophones usually are not as reserved as Anglophones.
Moreover, they are often more likely to use expansive
gestures, stand closer while talking, and touch during
a conversation.
Greetings are English expressions similar to those in
Great Britian and the United States, such as “good
morning”, “good afternoon”, “good
evening”, “hi”, and “hello.”
“How are you?” is a popular greeting in
Canada. This question does not require a literal-minded,
detailed answer; a simple “Fine, thank you”
will suffice.
When parting, common expressions are "goodbye",
"bye", "have a nice day", "good
night", and " see you later". "Have
a safe trip" is a sincere expression of good wishes
and friendly concern.
When someone says "thank you", expected responses
are "you're welcome" or "no problem"
or "happy to help". The response "Uh
huh" is frequently heard in the USA, but may be
interpreted as rude in Canada.
Canada is a very open society, exercising maximum social
tolerance. Boasting and ostentation, however, tends
to be frowned upon or at least regarded with some misgivings.
In public, emotion is kept under restraint. Most Canadians
try to be tactful when dealing with other people. For
the most part, they will try to avoid arguing or causing
scenes in public.
It is considered rude for people to speak in a foreign
language in the presence of others who do not understand
what is being said. If you are in a group where everyone
speaks and understands that language, speaking it in
public within that group is acceptable (e.g. while dining
together at a restaurant).
Generally, Canadians like to consider themselves as
tolerant of religious diversity, but many are uncomfortable
with certain outward displays of religion.
Gestures
& Body Language
If
you see an acquaintance at a distance, a wave is an
appropriate acknowledgement.
If you need to point, use the index finger. Pointing
at other people, however, is often considered unacceptable.
If you need to point at a person in public, wave your
whole hand in their general direction or nod your head
toward them.
To beckon someone, ensure that you wave with your fingers
curled toward you and that your palm is facing up.
The “O.K.” sign, and the “thumbs up”
sign are two popular gestures used for expressing approval.
To wave good-bye, move your entire hand facing outward.
If you want to give the “V” for victory
sign, do so with the palm facing out. Attempting this
gesture with the palm inward may cause offense.
Generally, friends of the same gender do not hold hands.
But same gender partners may hold hands or demonstrate
affection in public. However, tolerance for public affection
between same-gender partners can vary greatly within
Canada and within Canadian cities.
Shopping,
Banking, & Dining
Common courtesies such as holding doors open for the
person behind you are appreciated and often expected.
People using Automated Bank Machines (ABMs or ATMs)
expect the next person in line to stand a few feet behind
them.
People routinely line up to pay for items in stores,
buy tickets in movie theatres, and board public transportation.
Even without a formal line, expect to be served on a
“first come, first served” basis. Be patient
when waiting to be served. Moreover, Canadians deeply
resent people who push ahead in line.
Most restaurants in Canada don't have a smoking section.
It is a non-smoking environment almost everywhere. In
an increasing number of Canadian communities, there
are by-laws in effect prohibiting smoking in restaurants--and
even bars. With the exception of the streets, you will
find that smoking is restricted in most public places.
Since smoking in restaurants falls under municipal jurisdiction,
you will find that the rules vary depending on the city
or town that you are in.
On
the Road
Unlike many parts of the world, pedestrians will patiently
wait at intersection crossings until they receive a
green light even if there is no threatening traffic.
Mass "jay walking" is generally not found.
The exception to this rule is the province of Quebec,
where pedestrians cross when & where they feel like,
and get very little respect from motorists even when
they are crossing within a crosswalk.
On expressways, the left lane is generally used for
passing or faster vehicles. Slower vehicles, even if
they are above the speed limit, are expected to move
over. Drivers in the right lane are also expected to
shift one lane to the left if there is a car entering
the expressway on the right.
In
Canadian Homes
You will be expected to remove your shoes as soon as
you enter most Canadian homes. If you're unsure about
this, or uncomfortable, simply ask your host if you
should take your shoes off. This is a bit of a hangover
from the long Canadian winters, but is practiced all
year.
In most Canadian families, at meals you are expected
to request items and not to just reach and grab it,
e.g.. "Please pass the butter".
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