Doing Business in Canada
Use of Agents and Distributors; Finding a Partner
Distribution channels in Canada vary greatly according to
the products and commodities involved. For example, industrial
equipment of considerable size and value is usually purchased
directly by end-users. Smaller equipment and industrial
supplies, on the other hand, are frequently imported by
wholesalers, acting in some cases as exclusive distributors,
or by manufacturers' sales subsidiaries. Many major distributors
expect to work on a two-tier commission basis. For contract
shipments, agents are offered a low (but realistic) commission,
but they receive a higher rate when purchases are made from
a local agent's own stocks. Consumer goods are purchased
by importing wholesalers, department stores, mail-order
houses, chain stores, wholesalers' and retailers' purchasing
cooperatives, and many large, single-line retailers. Manufacturers'
agents also play an important role in the importation and
distribution of consumer goods. In addition, the importance
of department stores, mail-order houses and cooperative
purchasing organizations as direct importers has increased
substantially. Many of these groups have their own purchasing
agents abroad.
Travel Considerations
Budget meal: US$5-10
Moderate restaurant meal: US$10-25
Top-end restaurant meal: US$25 and upwards
Budget room: US$12-25
Moderate hotel room: US$25-40
For most visitors, the largest expense will be accommodation.
Food prices are generally much lower than those in Western
Europe, but are a little higher than USA prices. If you
stay in budget accommodation and eat in cafes, expect to
spend around US$40 a day, not including long-distance transport.
If you stay in motels and eat at restaurants occasionally,
you're looking at around US$75 a day. It's best to change
money at companies such as Thomas Cook, which specialises
in international transactions. If you can't find a money
exchange office or booth, try a bank. American Express and
Thomas Cook are the best travelers' checks to have, and
you should make sure they are either in US or Canadian dollar
denominations. Credit cards are widely accepted, especially
Visa, MasterCard and American Express. A 7% Goods & Services
Tax (GST) is applicable to all transport, accommodation,
restaurant meals and just about anything else you're likely
to purchase, including newspapers. On top of this, in most
of Canada, a provincial sales tax also must be paid. This
can, in some provinces, add 15% to the quoted price, so
factor it into your expenses before you reach a cash register.
It's considered normal to tip 10-15% of the bill. Tips are
usually given to waiters, cab drivers, hairdressers, hotel
attendants and, by savvy drinkers, bar staff.
General Business Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Bank Business Hours
Monday - Thursday:10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday:10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday:10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
These hours may vary depending upon the bank.
Usual Holidays and Festivals
1 January New Year's Day
21 April Good Friday
24 April Easter Monday
22 May Victoria Day
1 July Canada Day
4 September Labour Day
9 October Thanksgiving Day
11 November Remembrance Day
25 December Christmas Day
26 December Boxing Day
There are also a number of provincial holidays
Some Useful Sources of Information
Markets and Sectors
http://www.tradeport.org/ts/countries/canada/sectors.html
Market Access
http://www.tradeport.org/ts/countries/canada/market.html
Investment Climate
http://www.tradeport.org/ts/countries/canada/climate.html
ACEIS - Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada's electronic agriculture information service
http://www.agr.ca/
Bureau de la statistique du Québec - Access to data
on Quebec's economy.
http://www.bsq.gouv.qc.ca/bsq/
Canada - Industry Statistics
Offers detailed cross sectional and some time series views
of some 230 Canadian industries.
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_ecnmy/sio/homepage.html
Canada Web
Features national business, shopping, city guides, news,
weather, market place and more.
http://www.canada-web.com/
Canada's Yellow-Net
News, online business directories and more
http://www.yellow-net.com/canada.htm
Canadian Business Map - Carte du commerce
canadien Company Directories, Analysis and Statistics, Legislation,
Regulations and more
http://commercecan.ic.gc.ca/
Canadian Corporate News
Business and investment news, media and disclosure services
http://www.cdn-news.com/index.html
Canadian Financial Network
Collection of 1,200 financial resources for int'l and Canadian
investors
http://www.canadianfinance.com/
Consumer Panel of Canada
Information about the measurement of Canadian purchase patterns
http://www.npd.com/cpc.htm
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Info of Canadian foreign policy, business, investment, human
rights, culture, education, travel, law.
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/
Globe and Mail
Authoritative source for Canadian business news
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/
INCAN - Canada's Industrial Connection
Source of information about manufacturers, distributors
and
suppliers of Canadian industrial goods and services.
http://www.incan.com/
Strategis
Guide to Canadian government services, companies, int'l
trade & investment, technical innovation, and business support
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/
Statistics Canada
Data on aspects of Canada's economy, land, people and government
http://www.statcan.ca/start.html
United States Information Service
The US Embassy in Ottawa provides information on Canada
- US Trade.
http://www.usis-canada.usia.gov/
Canada - Importing Guidelines
http://americas.fiu.edu/customs/canada.htm
Guide to Importing Commercial Goods -
http://www.rc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/rc4041ed/rc4041ed.html
