📝 Ready for the quiz? Canadian Culture Quiz (18 questions)

Topics to Avoid with Patients and Colleagues

Certain conversation topics are considered inappropriate in Canadian professional and social settings. Bringing up these subjects with people you do not know well can create discomfort or conflict.

The standard list of topics to avoid includes sex, religion, politics, and money. In general, you do not discuss these subjects with patients, their families, or colleagues unless the relationship is very close and the context is appropriate.

In a healthcare setting, some of these topics may arise naturally. A patient may have religious beliefs that affect treatment decisions. A family’s financial situation may be relevant to payment discussions. These conversations are acceptable when they serve clinical or administrative purposes. What is inappropriate is raising these topics socially or offering unsolicited opinions.

Canada and the United States

Many Canadians are sensitive about being compared to Americans or having Canada compared to the United States. This sensitivity varies by individual, but it is common enough that you should be aware of it.

Assumptions like Canada is basically the same as America or comments that treat Canada as an extension of the United States may provoke negative reactions. Many Canadians take pride in the distinctions between the two countries.

If you are from another country, be careful not to assume that Canadian culture is identical to American culture based on Hollywood films or American media. There are meaningful differences in values, policies, healthcare, and social norms.

Questions Not to Ask

Some questions that are common conversation starters in other cultures are considered inappropriate in Canada.

Asking someone their age is rude except when speaking with children. In professional settings, asking a colleague or patient how old they are is inappropriate. Age-related questions can be perceived as invasive or as setting up judgments about whether someone is too old or too young for something.

Asking how much money someone makes or how much they paid for something like their home or car is inappropriate. Financial questions are considered private. If you need to discuss a patient’s financial situation for billing purposes, that conversation has a legitimate purpose and is different from personal curiosity.

Asking personal questions about family, relationship status, or reproductive choices should be avoided unless the information is clinically relevant. Questions like when are you going to have children or are you married can be uncomfortable for people whose situations are complicated or who simply prefer privacy.

Indigenous Peoples Terminology

Canada’s Indigenous peoples are the original inhabitants of this land. Using respectful and current terminology is important.

The word Indigenous is the currently preferred term to refer collectively to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of Canada. First Nations refers specifically to Indigenous peoples who are not Inuit or Métis.

Some older terms are offensive and should not be used. The words Eskimo and Indian are considered disrespectful. Do not use these words. If you encounter them in older documents or media, understand that they are outdated.

When speaking about or with Indigenous patients, use the terms they use to describe themselves. If you are unsure, Indigenous is a safe general term.

Pointing and Gesturing

Pointing directly at someone with your index finger is considered rude in Canada. If you need to indicate a person or direct someone’s attention, use an open palm gesture instead of a pointed finger.

The middle finger raised on its own is an extremely offensive gesture. Never use this gesture.

Swearing and Offensive Language

Profanity is taboo in professional settings and around people you do not know well.

In Canadian workplaces, swearing in front of colleagues is inappropriate. Swearing in front of patients or their families is unacceptable. Swearing in front of children is a serious violation of social norms.

Even if you hear colleagues use casual profanity among themselves, this does not mean it is acceptable for you to do the same until you have established similar relationships. Err on the side of professional language.

Yawning, Sneezing, and Other Bodily Functions

When you yawn, turn away from others and cover your mouth. Yawning directly at someone without covering your mouth is rude.

When you sneeze, cover it with your elbow rather than your hands. In healthcare settings, this is both a social courtesy and an infection control practice. After sneezing, say excuse me.

If you accidentally make any bodily noise like a burp or stomach growl, a quiet excuse me is appropriate. Pretending it did not happen or making no acknowledgment can seem odd.

Cultural Sensitivity in Healthcare

Some patients may have cultural practices or beliefs that differ from Canadian mainstream norms. Your role is to provide care respectfully, not to judge or correct cultural differences that do not affect safety.

If a patient’s cultural practice conflicts with treatment, work with the clinical team to find solutions that respect both the patient’s beliefs and clinical requirements. Never dismiss or mock cultural practices, even privately with colleagues.

When you are unsure how to handle a cultural difference, ask a supervisor rather than making assumptions.

Avoiding Assumptions

One common mistake is assuming that someone from a particular country or ethnic background will behave in a certain way. People are individuals. Cultural backgrounds influence but do not determine behavior.

Do not assume that someone who appears to be from a certain background speaks a particular language. Do not assume their religion based on appearance. Do not assume their family structure or values.

Treat each person as an individual while remaining aware that cultural context may shape their expectations and communication style.

Quick Reference

Taboo Why It Is Problematic
Asking someone’s age Considered invasive and judgmental
Asking about income Financial matters are private
Comparing Canada to USA Many Canadians find this insulting
Using Eskimo or Indian These terms are offensive
Pointing with finger Considered rude
Swearing at work Unprofessional and unacceptable around patients
Yawning without covering mouth Shows lack of consideration

Polite Expressions to Use

Instead of Say
Give me that Could I have that please?
Move Excuse me or Pardon me
What? Pardon? or Sorry?
I want the number three I would like the number three please
(silence after someone helps) Thank you
(after sneezing) Excuse me

Knowledge Check

Before continuing, consider these questions:

  1. What is the appropriate term to use when referring to Canada’s original inhabitants?
  2. Why is asking someone’s age considered rude in Canada?
  3. What should you do if a patient’s cultural practice differs from Canadian norms?

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