I went on a cruise and met some Canadians (they told me). I noticed they were speaking French and said “Is that French you’re speaking?” “Yes.” “That’s really cool! What part of Canada are you from?”

“The part that speaks French.”

I just frowned and walked off as it was meant to be a polite question. An educated guess would have said that they were from “the French speaking part of Canada,” but I guess they didn’t like small talk.

In hindsight, I find that interaction funny.

I wouldn't be able to tell if they were being cheeky or avoiding small-talk in that instance.

I could be wrong but as a Non-French speaker I've heard that French banter is a little snide or pedantic in nature on purpose but generally not meant to be mean-spirited. Kind of like when a friend says "No Shit Sherlock" but with less enthusiasm.

Their facial expressions said they were annoyed with me, but I could have been mistaken!

Also they're forgetting than Québec is not the only french speaking area of the country!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language_in_Canada

Your say "direct", but in my experience French business communication is ridiculously convoluted, bordering on the baroque.

"Dear Sir,

I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits.

Would it be possible to arrange a meeting by telephone in the near future, perhaps even the next week, if that fits with your calendar?

I would shame myself if I neglected to mention that I will prepare the requested documents at the earliest convenience."

Is how I can only describe it.

Ah yes. Any sort of official French written communication is drowned in this sort of drivel.