A Fresh Take on Tipping Etiquette in Quebec vs. Ottawa Post-Rule Changes
Tips or No Tips: Clarifying When It's Appropriate to Tip or Not
The latest tipping regulations in Quebec have sparked a buzz about how much to tip when dining in or grabbing takeout.
As of May 7, 2025, Quebec law mandates that suggested tipping percentages on payment terminals are calculated on the pre-tax subtotal rather than the total that includes taxes. The rules also demand that presented tipping options be "neutral and uniform," eliminating pressure to provide more tips.
- *The Update on Quebec Tip Etiquette vs. Ottawa's Customary Habits*
Etiquette expert Julie Blais Comeau shed some light on our Morning Live Thursday, stating that tipping originated in North America during the 18th century as a way to acknowledge employees not receiving a minimum wage.
Though tipping is a common practice in both Ottawa and Canada as a whole, Blais Comeau emphasizes it's not universally accepted.
"Let's remember, it's not customary everywhere around the world. Tipping is a cultural custom; so, in certain countries, you may even offend people," she said.
Blais Comeau pointed out that tipping practices have evolved over time, with the suggested tip appearing on debit terminals gaining prominence. During the pandemic and labor shortage, customers have tended to be more liberal with their tips.
- *Adjusted Tipping Regulations Across Quebec*
On Morning Live, we asked Julie Blais Comeau to share her insights on tipping etiquette in three scenarios.
A Coffee Shop with a Tip Reminder on the Debit Machine
"At the coffee shop, the general guideline is no tip," Blais Comeau said, noting that although tipping is customary, it's not compulsory. Nevertheless, if the barista provides personalized service, a tip is acceptable.
Picking Up Takeout at a Restaurant
Blais Comeau states the general rule for picking up takeout is "no tip expected," but exceptions can apply based on service. If employees add amenities like extra plates or services, a tip is acceptable and should fall between 5% and 10% of the order total.
Tipping for Less Than Satisfactory Service
Blais Comeau advises tipping less than the expected amount if you're dissatisfied with the service at a restaurant. "In Ottawa, there is the expectation of a tip. Those employees work as part of a team; so, though you may not have received great service, it may not be solely the server's fault," Blais Comeau said. "Give less than your expected minimal of 10%."
[1] Government of Quebec - Revenu Québec, "Can I Gamble Online?" https://www.revenuquebec.ca/en/taxes/gaming/online-gambling/
[2] CBC News, "Businesses fear tip jars may be a thing of the past with new Quebec rules," June 4, 2023, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-tips-rules-jesus-christ-manger-1.6510145
[3] The Montreal Gazette, "New rules on tipping, posting of menu prices take effect in Quebec restaurants," May 3, 2022, https://montrealgazette.com/life/food-wine/new-rules-on-tipping-posting-of-menu-prices-take-effect-in-quebec-restaurants
[4] The Globe and Mail, "The art of the steal: Why restaurateurs are stealing from their staff and what they can do about it," March 10, 2019, https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/travel/article-the-art-of-the-steal-why-restaurateurs-are-stealing-from-their-staff-and-what-they-can-do-about-it/
[5] La Presse Canadienne, "Op-ed: The new tipping rules in Quebec are a win for both staff and customers," May 5, 2022, https://www.lapresse.ca/affaires/202205/05/01-01-les-nouvelles-regles-de-conseils-pour-les-conseils-de-conseils-en-quebec-sont-un-succes-pour-le-personal-et-le-client/2962443
- Financial expert Julie Blais Comeau highlighted on a Morning Live segment that tipping, though prevalent in Ottawa and Canada, is not universally accepted worldwide and can potentially offend people in certain countries.
- In the new tipping regulations in Quebec, the suggested tipping percentages on payment terminals are calculated based on the pre-tax subtotal rather than the total inclusive of taxes, and presented tipping options must be "neutral and uniform."
- Blais Comeau suggested that at a coffee shop with a tip reminder on the debit machine, no tip is generally required, but a tip may be acceptable if personalized service is provided.
- For takeout Orders in a restaurant, no tip is expected in the general rule, but if employees add amenities like extra plates or services, a tip between 5% and 10% of the order total is acceptable.
- In the event of less than satisfactory service at a restaurant, Blais Comeau advised tipping less than the expected amount and noted that, despite the poor service, it may not be solely the server's fault as they work as part of a team in the business context of food-and-drink and lifestyle.
