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Career Abroad is the ideal guide to facts on work culture abroad.

Do's and don'ts on etiquette, work ethics and conversational pleasantries, find them all here.

Canada

Greetings

In business situations, a handshake is used for greetings or introductions. Men usually wait for women to offer their hand before shaking hands.
An open, cordial manner is usual when dealing with Canadian business people.
It is considered alright to move to a first-name basis, but the best policy is to wait for your Canadian colleagues to invite you to do so.
Among French Canadians, use courtesy titles such as "Monsieur" or "Madame", followed by the last name.
If you are unsure of a woman's marital status, it would be advisable to use "Ms." (pronounced "Miz"), followed by her last name. If a woman dislikes this term, she will usually tell you her preference.
Despite the fact that first names are used over the telephone, French Canadians may revert to using surnames when meeting in person.

Dressing up

Comfortable, tasteful clothing is the norm.
A conservative, well-dressed, appearance is important in Canadian business culture.
Some professions allow casual dressing, but if you are not sure it is advised that you adhere to formal dressing.
Suits and ties are the standard attire for men.
Business suits or dresses are often the standard attire for women.
Canadian winters can be quite cold in many regions and dressing warmly is essential. During this season, ensure that you bring a coat and pair of gloves. It is also a good idea to take a pair of boots with good treads to help you walk with ease through the ice, snow, and slush you are likely to encounter on the pavement.
During their leisure time, Canadians dress casually, it is fine if you are dressed in jeans, t-shirts, sweatpants, shorts, and running shoes. These are acceptable in public.
Canadians avoid fragrances in a business setting. Perfume, aftershave, and heavily scented personal care products such as shampoo and hairspray should be avoided, or at least used sparingly. It's often believed that perfume is worn to cover up poor personal hygiene. The presence of fragrance can also be a health hazard to individuals with asthma, a relatively common condition in Canada. Many jurisdictions in Canada forbid the wearing of scented products in hospitals and doctors' offices.

Conversation

The weather is usually a good conversation starter and staple of "small talk."
Golf is a popular sport, especially among businesspeople. Moreover, the golf course is often a venue for business discussions and deals.

Welcome Topics of Conversation

Positive comments about Canada and Canadians in general
Sports--popular sports include hockey, football, baseball, basketball, golf, and tennis
Business
Weather
Geography
Travel
Movies
Books

Topics to Avoid

Making comparisons that emphasise Canada's inferiority or similarity to the U.S.
Quebec separatism/other conflicts between French and English Canada
Religion

How to behave in public

During a conversation, if you want to convey interest and sincerity, you can maintain an eye contact that is not too intense.
The standard distance between two people should be two feet. French Canadians, however, may stand slightly closer.
"How are you?" is a popular greeting in Canada.
Canada is a very open society, exercising maximum social tolerance. It is considered impolite to boast or talk loudly.
It is considered impolite to display emotions in public in Canada. Most Canadians try to be tactful when dealing with other people. It is impolite to argue or create a scene 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 see an acquaintance at a distance, a wave is the appropriate acknowledgement.
Keep in mind the fact that friends of the same sex do not hold hands. It could imply a sexual advance.
If you need to point, use the index finger. Pointing at other people, however, is often considered unacceptable.
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
Restaurants in Canada often have smoking and non-smoking sections. Smoking is restricted in most of the public places.
Most Canadians prefer to sit in a casual manner. For example, you may observe them sitting with the ankle of one leg over the knee or resting their feet on chairs or desks.

Gift giving

Traditionally, business gifts are given after you close a deal. Gifts, however can be also presented upon your arrival.
It is appropriate for a person to unwrap the gifts and show it to everyone present. If you receive a Christmas gift, you will need to wait till Christmas to unwrap it.
Thoughtfully selected gifts, preferably from your home country, are the best choices.
For business associates, good choices include items of use for the office and a bottle of liquor or wine.
Taking someone out for a meal or other entertainment is another popular gift.
When you visit a home, flowers, candy, wine or liquor usually make welcome gifts.
White lilies are sometimes associated with funerals, while red roses are reserved for romantic occasions. So be careful while choosing flowers.
Gifts for women such as perfume or clothing are usually inappropriate because these selections are considered far too personal.

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