Why some youth are ready to tap out of tipping culture

Ren Alva, a university student from Edmonton, has always been a generous tipper, especially during the holidays and after special events. However, his recent experience at a U-pick berry farm left him questioning the necessity of leaving a tip.

Alva and his friends were asked to leave a tip at checkout after picking their own berries, which left him feeling unsure of where the money was actually going. Similarly, Jacob Burris from Saint John, N.B., only tips at dine-in restaurants based on the quality of service, believing that tips should not be given for simply doing one’s job.

As the cost of living in Canada continues to rise, many young Canadians, like Alva and Burris, are starting to feel overwhelmed by the pressure of tipping culture. A recent survey conducted by H&R Block Canada found that most Canadians, especially those aged 18 to 34, believe that tipping options are too high and that tipping culture has gotten out of hand.

The survey also revealed that tip prompts are becoming more prevalent in various establishments, from bodegas to physiotherapy clinics. Despite feeling uncomfortable with constant tipping prompts, people still feel obligated to leave a gratuity, according to tax expert Yannick Lemay.

Aditi Roy, a student at Toronto Metropolitan University, who grew up in China and Hong Kong, is a frequent tipper and believes that Canada should move away from tipping culture, similar to how it is in Asia where customers pay a small service fee that goes to the workers.

However, not everyone agrees with eliminating tipping. Milly Squires, a former waitress, always tips generously because some restaurants follow a tip pooling system where servers share their tips with other staff members. She believes that tipping is essential in these cases to ensure fair compensation for all workers.

While some suggest adopting a European tipping system or implementing service fees instead of tips, others like Roy believe that the root of the issue lies in fair wages for service workers. She argues that paying workers what they deserve would alleviate the pressure of relying on tips to make ends meet in an increasingly expensive economy.

In conclusion, the debate over tipping culture in Canada continues, with some advocating for change while others argue for the importance of tipping in certain industries. Ultimately, finding a solution that ensures fair compensation for service workers is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by tipping culture.