How tipping differs on each side of the Ottawa River following new Quebec law

New tipping rules are now in effect in Quebec, meaning tips must be calculated before tax. CTV’s Tyler Fleming has the details.

A new provincial rule in Quebec is changing how tips are suggested at restaurants, and it could mean customers are leaving a little less on the table.

Starting Wednesday, tips on debit machines must be calculated based on the pre-tax subtotal, not the full amount after tax. The change is part of Bill 72, which aims to improve transparency in service pricing and consumer transactions.

That means if your meal costs $100 before tax, a 15 per cent tip will now be $15 - not $17.24, which includes Quebec’s combined 14.975 per cent sales and federal taxes.

The new rule also requires restaurants and cafes to present suggested tip options in a neutral way. That means no bolded or highlighted choices, and tipping remains optional.

The change is welcome news to some diners, at Resto Chez Mo-Nik, a quaint neighbourhood spot in Gatineau, known for drawing big morning crowds.

“My mom always raised me to not tip on taxes,” says customer Kensi Burr. “If I’m tipping on a service, I don’t think I should be tipping on the taxes that are included in the price.”

But not everyone is embracing the shift.

Some servers worry that a lower base for suggested tips could mean fewer dollars in their pockets, especially in a climate where tipping expectations have already been shifting.

“Of course it means less money for us,” says server Patricia Chenier, adding she appreciates all gratuities. “We also tip out two per cent of what we sell to kitchen bar and hosting staff so that’s also going to have an impact on what’s left for us. If I don’t get tipped on a certain table at the end of the day, I still have to give a tip out so I’m the one who’s going to be paying.”

In Ontario the rules haven’t changed but Pub Italia owner Joe Cotroneo suspects the Ford government may follow suit.

“I think it will come,” he says. “I think, from their point, it’s let’s make the consumer aware that once they hit that button, it includes the tax.”

Back at Chez Mo-Nik, Maxine Robert, a regular customer, says for him, quality food and service, and a fair price add up to a big tip.

“I come in at least twice a week. They give really good price for breakfast, like $10,” he says. “I give out at least half of the bill as a tip so like 50 or 60 per cent and I plan to give out the same amount no matter the change. I give it a good tip for what the people deserve.”