Current Time in RichmondHill
Canadian culture regarding time
Canadian culture regarding time
Meetings and events generally start on time
In Canada, punctuality is the basis of business, and meetings and appointments are expected to start on time. Being late is considered to lead to a loss of trust.
Public transportation times are relatively flexible
Trains and buses are not as punctual as in Japan, and delays of a few minutes to 10 minutes are common. In urban areas, trains are relatively on time, but in rural areas, trains tend to run more slowly.
Regional differences in sense of time
While punctuality is emphasized in eastern urban areas (Toronto, Montreal, etc.), many people in western and rural areas have a more flexible sense of time, and slight delays tend not to be considered a problem.
Canadian values regarding time
A culture that values private time
In Canada, the balance between work and private life (work-life balance) is valued, and overtime is kept to a minimum. It is important to protect time for family and hobbies.
Take a proper lunch break
Lunchtime is generally one hour, and people tend to avoid talking about work during lunch breaks. There is a culture of ensuring "time to rest" in order to work efficiently.
Weekends are time to refresh
In Canada, many people do not work on Saturdays and Sundays, and often prioritize outdoor activities and family events. It is considered good manners to wait until the beginning of the week to contact business inquiries.
Things about time that foreigners should know when traveling or immigrating to Canada
A strong appointment culture
In addition to hospitals and beauty salons, many situations require prior reservations even for simple consultations, and walk-ins may be refused. It is important to be conscious of being punctual.
Early arrival is expected in business
In business situations, arriving 10 minutes early is generally valued. In addition to not being late, arriving early and showing a calm attitude are key points for gaining trust.
Daylight saving time is in place
In Canada, "daylight saving time" is adopted, in which the clocks are advanced one hour during the summer, and is implemented from mid-March to early November every year. When traveling or living in Canada, be aware of time differences.
Interesting trivia about time in Canada
The sense of time of people lining up at Starbucks
In Canada, it is customary to buy coffee at a cafe during the morning commute to work. Even if the line is a little long, it is common to wait without getting impatient, and this "morning coffee time" is part of the time culture that is rooted in everyday life.
"After school" culture
After school hours are considered important educational and developmental time, and it is common for children to participate in sports, music, volunteer activities, etc. Time management is also well-established at home.
Indigenous people's view of time: living with nature rather than clocks
In some parts of Canada, indigenous communities still have a culture that places more importance on the "flow of nature" than "clock time," and their unique sense of time is respected.