Canada: Gift Giving
Selecting and presenting an appropriate business gift
Unlike in India or Japan, gift-giving does not play a big role in Canadian business culture. Of course, Christmas and/or New Year’s cards are appropriate, particularly as a ‘thank-you’ for the other party’s business during the previous year.
Gifts are not expected for casual social events. In fact, most Canadians would consider them unusual. That said, if you were invited to a home for dinner, it would not be inappropriate to bring a token gift of flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of wine.
If you are invited to a barbecue or a picnic, “byob”, which means, bring your own booze. Just ask when invited if you should bring something. Bringing a six-pack of either Molson’s or Labatt’s would not offend.
Generally, if you are giving a gift, any product relating to your home country is a good choice. For instance, Canada makes the finest ice wines, so don’t be surprised if you receive a bottle of ice wine from your Canadian business guest or host. A thoughtful choice is considered more important than the actual cost of the gift.
Invitations
In Canada, if you receive an invitation to lunch it means a meal at or about noon hour; an invitation to supper or dinner usually means 6.00 p.m. In some countries, the word “dinner” is used instead for lunch, but in Canada the words dinner and supper are used interchangeably.
Canadians can be sensitive when a person cannot accept his or her invitation. If you are unable to attend, or you don’t feel like it, the best way to refuse an invitation is by saying ‘Thank you, but unfortunately I/we already have other plans at that time’ — even if you don’t have other plans.
If you accept an invitation for a meal, it is perfectly acceptable to tell your host what you cannot eat, for example that you are a vegetarian, or that your religion prohibits you from having certain foods/drinks. Canadians will appreciate and respect your preferences.
Paying the Bill
Usually the party inviting the other person pays the bill, even if a host is a business woman. Having said that, the guest is still expected to at least make an offer to share the bill.
Once a relationship is established, the bills are often split in half (‘going Dutch’), or each person pays for his/her own.
If a guest wants to pay, it is best to make arrangements ahead of time so that no exchange occurs at the table.
If invited to a dinner party at a private home, you will be expected to make yourself at home. Spouses are often included in business dinners, particularly if the host is also married.