www.directobjective.ca (514) 485-0336
The Business Culture in Québec:
Succeeding in Québec – Anecdotes & Tips from the Trenches
Gil Gruber, [email protected]
Statutory Holidays
Common Canadian Holidays Québec
Family day (2nd or 3rd Monday in February) X
Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday) Easter Monday (Monday after Easter Sunday)
Victoria Day (Monday preceding May 25th) National Patriots’ Day
X Féte Nationale St. Jean Baptiste Day
Civic Holiday (First Monday in August) X
National Holiday ActThe majority of Québec employees are entitled to:● January 1st (New Year’s Day)● Good Friday or Easter Monday, at the employer’s
discretion● The Monday preceding May 25th (National Patriots’
Day)● June 24th (National Holiday) ● July 1st. If this date falls on a Sunday, July 2nd● The 1st Monday in September (Labour Day)● The 2nd Monday in October (Thanksgiving)● December 25th (Christmas Day).
Note: Employees of the clothing industry are also entitled to January 2nd, Good Friday and Easter Monday.
French is the language of business
Bill 101, Charte de la langue française (1977), made French the official language of:● Government and courts in the province of
Québec● The workplace, instruction, communications,
commerce and business
French is the language of business
● French (Québec) documentation is a must ● Fully bilingual service● Bilingual business cards● Signs/posters - French text predominating ● All business communication (internal and
external) should be in French (unless agreed otherwise)
Professional Culture
● Punctual● Self-confidence● Quality vs. Quantity● Informality● Entrepreneurship● A lack of cumbersome procedures
Business Etiquette (1)
● Dress code - may vary from place to place● Business success relies on building personal
relationships● Business meals do not usually run for more
than 60-90 minutes● Networking (5 à 7 - Cinq à Sept) is an
essential practice in the Quebec business world
● Be in the know -
Business Etiquette (2)
● The organizational structure is flexible● Some works may be laid-back ● Respect for hierarchy, but decisions are
usually consensus-based● Family members play a role in the decision-
making process● Work-related materials you present should
be short and to the point
Merci.
www.directobjective.ca (514) 485-0336