From France to Canada: a quantum leap through Quebec

We speak French in Quebec

For those who have traveled throughout the French-speaking world, Quebec French sets the tone for the multitude of accents to be discovered and sometimes more difficult to decode. Let's face it, the repository of the spoken French language has a wide spectrum. From Douala to Marseille, from Port au Prince to Montreal... the tones and expressions are diverse, reflecting the identities of each.

If two countries, so far apart by an ocean, speak the same language, communication seems, at first glance, easier and cultural differences lessened. Experienced business people from France and Quebec will tell you that cultural differences should not be underestimated. Beyond a common linguistic base, they are very real.
Being prepared for them and being aware of them will help you avoid falling into the traps of this relative proximity. In the opinion of Mr. Clémence, importer-exporter, it is preferable "not to arrive as an adventurer".

A study by HEC Montréal on "Quebec SMEs in the American and French markets: culture shock "¹ revealed that some companies have suffered losses due to a lack of preparation for the cultural differences between France and America, and particularly Quebec. Beyond the sometimes reassuring surface similarities, what are the real cultural differences?

«They speak French but act like Americans »

some will say. In fact, Quebec moves and evolves at the pace of North America. At the same time, this region shares Anglo-Saxon cultural habits and customs with the other provinces of Canada while having a deep historical relationship with France, hence the specificity of bilingualism.

The European will sometimes be confused by the French spoken by the Quebecer, shocked and even sometimes offended by the use of the familiar. In business meetings or in the street, direct language inspired by American culture is often preferred.

In the professional world, relations with the hierarchy will be tinged by a closeness without too much protocol. You will frequently meet the boss in the field to solve problems with his staff while the management of meetings will respectfully follow the agenda as well as the time allotted to the interventions of each person. Regarding communications, many have learned the hard way that it is better to use a moderate tone to get messages across.

Not so similar

Sometimes considered the El Dorado of employment with an overall unemployment rate of 7.4% for the province of Quebec², it is better to beware of the myth of full employment, especially in the Montreal area.

The French-speaking European candidate will have to take into consideration several factors to succeed in his or her business mission or immigration project in Quebec. For example, the process of recognition of diplomas and access to professional orders is, for many of them, an obstacle course.

Another detail if you are going on an expatriation, the tuition fees for children, although among the lowest in North America, can be expensive. Also, the health care system, tax regimes and working conditions are quite different from those in Europe.

A few tips for a successful experience in the Belle Province

The consulting firm RHRE, partner of Akteos in Montreal, gives some keys from its COS method to acquire attitudes and behaviors that favor the understanding of cultural differences.

C for curiosity, knowledge, understanding: Asking questions before making statements will help you avoid making mistakes in an intercultural context. Showing interest in the local culture always has a positive effect on your interlocutor, regardless of the country. Some behaviors may seem "strange" in one context and quite appropriate in another.

O for openness, opportunity, observation: Whoever changes country should expect to do things differently. Like this businessman who, after more than twenty years of exchange with Quebec, is convinced that this permanent questioning makes him more efficient in his business relations.

S for flexibility, sensitivity, expression: The Canadian government has developed the PEI model, the interculturally effective person. Among the nine competencies identified, there is the individual's ability to adapt. Communication remains an important asset for success between people of different cultures.

Others will tell you about time management "time is money", an expression that modulates appointment times and respect for deadlines. Don't be surprised if the great names of France are not or not very well known on the shores of the St. Lawrence. Sometimes Quebecers feel very comfortable in their North American "bubble" and don't feel the need to know what's going on outside their borders.

In short, the cultural mix between North America and France found in the Province of Quebec suits the French who "seek the American way of life", mentions Mr. Jurado, Director at Fatton.

_{1. By Jean-Pierre Dupuis, Professor at HEC Montreal and Geneviève Dugré, Analyst at SECOR Consulting}

_{2. March 2015 figure}