Why some Canadian youth feel ready to tap out of tipping culture

Canadian Youth Reconsider Tipping Culture

Ren Alva, a university student from Bahrain, is known for being a generous tipper. However, his recent experience at a U-pick berry farm left him questioning the necessity of tipping. Alva and his friends were asked to leave a tip at checkout, even though they did all the picking themselves.

Similarly, Jacob Burris from Saint John, N.B., believes that tips should be based on the quality of service at dine-in restaurants, not just given for the sake of it.

A recent survey by H&R Block Canada reveals that many Canadians, especially those aged 18 to 34, feel that tipping culture has gotten out of hand. The survey also shows that tip options are increasingly found in various establishments, from restaurants to physiotherapy clinics.

Despite the discomfort some feel with constant tipping prompts, many still leave gratuities out of a sense of obligation. Aditi Roy, a student from Toronto Metropolitan University, acknowledges the pressure to tip but believes that Canada should move away from this culture.

On the other hand, Milly Squires, a former waitress, emphasizes the importance of tipping, especially in restaurants with tip pooling systems. She explains how servers often have to share their tips with other restaurant staff.

While some, like Burris, suggest adopting a European service fee model, others, like Roy, advocate for fair wages for service workers to eliminate the need for tips altogether.

As the debate over tipping continues, one thing is clear: Canadians are reevaluating their views on gratuities and the impact they have on service workers.

This article by Aaron Sousa was originally published on August 23, 2025.