BADM 633: International Business Culture Introduction to Canada September 29, 2009

What do you know about Canada? Please list 5 things that you know about Canada.

Two Solitudes? Quebec (French speaking) and “TROC” – The Rest of Canada (English speaking). But … more than ever, regional distinctions and interests are playing a major role in government and business policies and practices.

The Head of State Queen Elizabeth II Represented in Canada by The Governor-General, currently Michaelle Jean, appointed for five year term by the Head of Government. The first Canadian to hold the post was in Constitutional monarchy; no real role beyond ceremony. Canadian Constitution was an act of the British Parliament until 1982.

The Head of Government Veteran policy maker, politician and Conservative Party Leader. Won a minority government in the January 2006 election, first non-Liberal party government since Re-elected with minority in Each of the 10 provinces also has its own parliamentary-style legislature. The provincial head of government is called the Premier.

Parties Conservative Party (reunified mix of Progressive Conservative, Reform/Canadian Alliance parties) – strongest in the west, emphasis on social and tax issues. Liberal – centrist, “natural” governing party Bloc Quebecois – only fields candidates in Quebec; separatist platform. New Democratic Party – socialist leaning party, heavy union ties. The near-coalition of December 2008 …

Pierre Elliott Trudeau: – Defining Modern Canada Liberal leader and prime minister * Repatriated constitution and created Charter of Rights & Freedoms. Promoted bilingualism and biculturalism to oppose Quebec separatist movement. Death in 2001 widely grieved.

Brian Mulroney: - Redesigning the Economy Progressive Conservative leader and prime minister Tried unsuccessfully to amend Constitution to bring Quebec on board as a “distinct society”. Free Trade, NAFTA and Goods & Services Tax had huge economic impact – benefits only starting to be seen now.

Jean Chretien & Paul Martin – Slaying the Deficit but … Liberal government (“Mr. Poutine”…) Eliminated deficit 1995 near loss of Quebec in referendum Conservatives in disarray but re-united over time. Parallels with Tony Blair & Gordon Brown in U.K.

Lucien Bouchard: The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing? Mulroney was grooming his old college roommate to be his successor as PM. Bouchard revealed himself as a separatist, founded Bloq Quebecois. Led separatist forces to near-victory in 1995 referendum. Served as premier of Quebec , resigned and has all but disappeared from politics, with a couple of exceptions.

Bob & Doug Mackenzie: Canadian Culture, eh?

A Few Famous Canadians Sports: Wayne Gretzky, Steve Nash TV: The late Peter Jennings, John Roberts Movies: Mike Myers, Jim Carrey Music: Avril Lavigne, Oscar Peterson, Barenaked Ladies Literature: Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Laurence Science: John Polanyi

A few facts and figures Second largest country in the world. Vast diversity of climates and terrains. Significant natural resources: iron ore, nickel, fish, timber, natural gas hydropower, water. As a result, environmental issues are a major concern. Population: 33.5 million, about 85% of which is within 200 miles of the U.S. border. About 86 % of exports go to the U.S. Canadian dollar currently worth about 91 cents U.S. – variations in value of dollar have major impact Since Free Trade Act, much political and business work occurs on North-South basis more than east-west basis.

Customs & Issues Very similar to American and British customs for dining, handshakes, small talk, etc. Usually religion is not “casually” discussed. Canadians are proud of and stubborn about the things that they perceive distinguish them from Americans: social “safety net”, universal health care, gun laws, record of UN peacekeeping missions, participating in Afghanistan but not Iraq. Hot issues: Afghanistan; environment; crime and safety; child care.