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CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
The Canadian Diversity
Canada is
often described as a multicultural nation. But what does that mean? Simply, Canadians today reflect a vast diversity of cultural heritages and racial
groups. This multicultural diversity is a result of centuries of immigration.
All
Canadians, including the Native People, can trace their origins to an immigrant
past. This does not mean that the majority of Canadians are immigrants. Far from
it. Only about 16% of today's Canadian citizens were born outside Canada.
Over the
years, attitudes toward immigration and the development of immigration policies
have evolved, reflecting economic, political and social issues in our country.
Canada 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 Acadian.
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Canada's Major Cities
Canada's three major cities are distinctively, even
fiercely different from one another even though each is a commercially thriving
metropolitan center.
Calgary
Immigrants and refugees to Canada and Calgary
serve a vital function in bringing new skills, opportunities and ideas to
our community.
The Community Vitality and Protection
Portfolio at the City of Calgary has staff which works with newcomers and
immigrant serving agencies to identify needs and barriers for new Calgarians.
We also work with community groups and systems, e.g., education, justice,
health, social services, etc., to dismantle these barriers and to assist
newcomers in integrating successfully into the community.
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 center and seaport, with the
majority of Canada's European exports and imports coming through its harbor.
Toronto
A 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.
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Winnipeg
A vast,
resource-rich province.
Manitoba's diverse topography
consists of prairie wheat fields.
Winnipeg's position at the
geographic centre of North America results in several tangible advantages.
Products and services can be supplied from Winnipeg to customers across
North America on a responsive and equitable basis. Winnipeg is highly
accessible from any point in North America, and is a natural meeting place
and destination for conventions, sales meetings, and trade shows.
General Information On Major Cities and
Provinces
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Province or Territory |
Capital City |
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Alberta |
Edmonton, Alberta |
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British Columbia |
Victoria, British Columbia |
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Manitoba |
Winnipeg, Manitoba |
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New Brunswick |
Fredericton, New Brunswick |
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Newfoundland and Labrador |
St. John's, Newfoundland |
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Northwest Territories |
Yellowknife, NWT |
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Nova Scotia |
Halifax, Nova Scotia |
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Nunavut |
Iqaluit, Nunavut |
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Ontario |
Toronto, Ontario |
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Prince Edward Island |
Charlottetown, PEI |
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Quebec |
Quebec City, Quebec |
|
Saskatchewan |
Regina, Saskatchewan |
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Yukon |
Whitehorse, Yukon |
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Map of Canada's Capital Cities
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Things
To Keep In Mind
The
most important aspect of life is the support of the community, the people, the
family. Unless there is a clear understanding of the motivations of employees,
the manager may create animosity and jeopardize the productivity of the
company's operation.
It is strongly recommended to learn everything possible about
the culture you are potentially going into. A great place to start is with a
detailed review of the Cultural Dimensions for that country or
region.
Dealing with the unexpected is common in many countries, and
can be especially challenging for U.S. managers who go overseas, since they are
more accustom to a relatively stabile business regulatory environment.
The involvement of governments and politics in business is not
unusual in many countries around the world, and especially in economically
under-developed countries.
The ability to be open to unexpected situations and
challenges, some of which may be uncontrollable, is another important attribute
for the international manager.
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