■Canadian Society and Culture
◆ Cultural Diversity
Canada is culturally diverse, which dates back to the 1890s when it began attracting people from all over the world to settle in the country to help it develop and grow. Canadian immigration policy was open, welcoming and equalitarian in its philosophy throughout history. This has also been displayed in the psyche of the nation where people are encouraged and to maintain their cultural identities, traditions, languages and customs.
◆ Individuals Concerned with the Group
In general, Canadians are a gracious, polite and extremely community-oriented people. Although they are individualistic in terms of their basic cultural characteristics, they notwithstanding emphasize the individual’s responsibility to the community. This is viewed as giving balance and a good quality of life.
◆ Regionalism
Most Canadians have a strong loyalty to their province or region, sometimes more so than to the country. There are some general differences between regions, which can generally be summarized as follows:
◇Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland): The people keep their feelings hidden and adhere to past practice, to the point that they are viewed as old-fashioned.
◇Ontario: This is the business centre and the people have the tendency to be business-like and conservative.
◇Western Canada (Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan): The people are open, hospitable and relaxed.
◇British Colombia: The people are less traditional. This province is often regarded as the Canada of the future.
◇Quebec: The French region has a marked cultural identity. The people are extremely regionalistic/independent.
◇North: The people have a strong pioneer spirit.
■Customs and Etiquette in Canada
◆ Meeting and Greeting
◇The handshake is the most common greeting.
◇Maintain direct eye contact and a sincere smile while shaking hands.