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BADM 633: International Business Culture

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).

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BADM 633: International Business Culture

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  1. BADM 633:International Business Culture Introduction toCanada September 29, 2009

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

  3. 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.

  4. 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 1948. • Constitutional monarchy; no real role beyond ceremony. • Canadian Constitution was an act of the British Parliament until 1982.

  5. 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 1993. Re-elected with minority in 2008. • Each of the 10 provinces also has its own parliamentary-style legislature. The provincial head of government is called the Premier.

  6. 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 …

  7. Pierre Elliott Trudeau: – Defining Modern Canada • Liberal leader and prime minister 1968-1984.* • Repatriated constitution and created Charter of Rights & Freedoms. • Promoted bilingualism and biculturalism to oppose Quebec separatist movement. • Death in 2001 widely grieved.

  8. Brian Mulroney:- Redesigning the Economy • Progressive Conservative leader and prime minister 1984-1993. • 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.

  9. Jean Chretien & Paul Martin – Slaying the Deficit but … • Liberal government 1993-2006 (“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.

  10. 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 1996-2001, resigned and has all but disappeared from politics, with a couple of exceptions.

  11. Bob & Doug Mackenzie:Canadian Culture, eh?

  12. 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

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

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