Meeting and Greeting
In general, Canadians are more reserved and polite than Americans, and take matters of etiquette a little more seriously.
Shake hands and introduce yourself when meeting Canadians for the first time. Always shake hands firmly when meeting or departing. Eye contact is important.
When a woman enters or leaves a room, it is polite for men to rise. Men normally offer their hands to women.
In Quebec, kissing on the cheeks in the French manner is quite common. When close friends and family meet in Quebec, they use first names and kiss both cheeks.
An older French Canadian man may kiss the hand of a woman. Accept this gesture graciously. A foreign man shouldn't kiss the hand of a French Canadian woman, who would be quite shocked.
Canadians are somewhat more formal than Americans with regard to names and titles. Use last names and appropriate titles until invited by your Canadian hosts or colleagues to use their first names. First names are normally used only by close friends and family. Western Canadians may use first names more frequently than other Canadians.
In Quebec, coworkers of similiar status generally use first names in private, but always last names in public. The formal "you" is almost always used in a business setting, even after 20 years.
Academic titles and degrees are important to French Canadians. You should know and use them properly.
Language
English and French are both official languages of business in Canada. However, virtually all international business is conducted in English.
Most French Canadians speak and understand English, but prefer to use French. Check ahead of time to find out if an interpreter will be necessary.
Body Language
Generally speaking, Canadians are more reserved than Americans. Canadians generally don't touch very much when conversing. Maintaining a certain amount of personal space is important.
French Canadians are generally more animated and expressive than other Canadians.
Take off your hat or sunglasses when speaking with someone.
Some gestures have different meanings in Quebec. For example, "thumbs down" is considered offensive in Quebec, as is slapping an open palm over a closed fist. Like the rest of their countrymen and women, French-Canadians use the "thumbs up" sign to mean "okay. "The "okay" sign made with the index finger and thumb means "zero" in Quebec.
In Quebec, sit straight with your legs crossed at the knee, or with your knees together. Don't sit with your legs apart, or with your feet propped up on tables or chairs.
It's considered bad form by many in Quebec to talk with your hands in your pockets.
Sneeze or blow your nose as quietly as possible using a handkerchief or tissue. If possible, leave the room. Do not yawn or scratch in public. Toothpicks, nail clippers, and combs are never used in public.