Canadian Youth Question Tipping Culture Amid Rising Costs

A growing number of young Canadians are expressing frustration with tipping culture as the cost of living continues to rise. Many feel that the expectation to tip is becoming unreasonable, reflecting a broader sentiment among the 18 to 34 age group. This shift is highlighted by a recent survey conducted by H&R Block Canada, which indicates that most respondents believe gratuity expectations have escalated beyond reason.

Ren Alva, a 22-year-old university student from Edmonton, recently experienced this frustration firsthand during a visit to a U-pick berry farm. Alva, originally from Bahrain, was surprised to see a prompt for tips at checkout after he and his friends had picked the berries themselves. “We did the picking ourselves,” he remarked. “They didn’t have to do anything. I don’t know who the money’s going to.”

This sentiment is echoed by Jacob Burris, a 24-year-old from Saint John, New Brunswick, who typically only tips at dine-in restaurants based on service quality. “Tips should not be given for someone simply doing their job,” Burris stated. As many young Canadians navigate rising living expenses, their willingness to tip is being reevaluated.

According to the H&R Block survey conducted nationwide from February 12-13, 2024, 1,790 respondents indicated that tipping culture has become excessive. Young Canadians are increasingly noticing tipping prompts in various establishments, from convenience stores to health clinics.

Yannick Lemay, a tax expert with H&R Block, noted that while many feel obligated to tip, it does not always align with their comfort level. “Even though they might not feel comfortable doing so, they still do it because they might feel obligated to,” he explained.

Aditi Roy, a student at Toronto Metropolitan University who has lived in China and Hong Kong, is a frequent tipper but recognizes the cultural differences surrounding gratuity. “It’s ridiculous to have to tip up to 20 percent,” she said, adding that opting out can often lead to feelings of guilt. In her experience, tipping is virtually non-existent in Asia, where a small service fee is typically included in the bill.

Roy believes that Canada needs to reconsider its tipping culture. “We need to wind off the tipping culture,” she said, advocating for a model similar to the service fee system she encountered in Asia.

On the other hand, some individuals, like Milly Squires, a recent university graduate and former waitress, continue to advocate for tipping. Squires, who has worked in the restaurant industry for six years, explained her rationale for tipping. “Servers tip a percentage of their sales out to other people that work in the restaurant,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of supporting the entire team, including kitchen staff and bussers.

While large chains like McDonald’s do not accept tips, citing a team-based environment, the debate over appropriate tipping practices continues. Burris suggests that Canada could benefit from adopting a European-style tipping system, which aligns more closely with service fees rather than discretionary gratuities.

As the conversation evolves, Roy believes that addressing the underlying issues of low wages is critical. “Pay these people what they deserve, so they don’t have to scour for tips,” she asserted. With living costs on the rise and wages stagnating, many young Canadians find themselves caught in a complex economic situation.

The dialogue surrounding tipping culture is indicative of a broader trend. As young people navigate financial pressures, expectations surrounding gratuity are being challenged, leading to discussions about fairness and sustainability in the service industry.