Canada: First Name or Title?

From ExecutivePlanet.com

Canada: First Name or Title?

“Mr.” or “Ms.”, followed by the person’s surname, are the preferred forms of address. Though it may not be used extensively in older cultures, the term “Ms.” for women is now a common form of address in professional contexts in Canada. When addressing a man, the term ‘Sir’ is rarely used, as it is perceived as too formal and hierarchical.

Like other younger cultures, such as America’s or Australia’s, first names are used in Canada both in personal and professional circumstances, even amongst relatively new acquaintances. Don’t be surprised if your Canadian hosts move quickly to a first-name basis.

In Canada, professional titles are not prominent in business culture, and are generally thought to be pretentious.

The giving and receiving of business cards is common practice in Canadian business culture. In fact, it so common that Canadians would think it unusual if their counterparts did not offer them one.