Tipping 101: Everything You Need to Know

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Do you have questions about tipping, especially since the new rules came into effect in May 2025? Who receives tips, why they receive tips and what is the purpose of tipping… Take our quiz to find out more!

A waitress at a table, holding out a payment terminal to a client.

In Quebec, employees that receive tips usually receive these tips on top of their base salary. This is common in businesses such as hotels, bars, sit-down restaurants, and restaurants that offer delivery.

But, since May 7th, 2025, businesses suggesting tips must respect new rules.

Le pourboire, comment ça fonctionne? ANG

1. What’s the minimum tip you must give? 

Wrong answer

No law or regulation in Quebec requires a client to tip. However, tipping is a well-established practice in the province, and you best remember it! You might be reminded that a tip is not included in your bill if you forget to leave one, but remember it’s not an obligation.

Good answer

No law or regulation in Quebec requires a client to tip. However, tipping is a well-established practice in the province, and you best remember it! You might be reminded that a tip is not included in your bill if you forget to leave one, but remember it’s not an obligation.

2. When using a terminal, businesses sometimes suggest a 15%, 18% or even 20% tip. Do suggested tips have to be calculated before or after taxes?

Good answer

Since May 7th, 2025, businesses must suggest tips based on the amount before taxes. They also have to give you an option to set your own tip or to leave no tip at all. Also, displayed tipping options must be equally visible and must not includes incentives (e.g. emojis) to encourage you to choose an option over another.

Wrong answer

Since May 7th, 2025, businesses must suggest tips based on the amount before taxes. They also have to give you an option to set your own tip or to leave no tip at all. Also, displayed tipping options must be equally visible and must not includes incentives (e.g. emojis) to encourage you to choose an option over another.

3. Employers must collect and pay out tips.

Wrong answer

Sometimes, employees are responsible for keeping track of their own tips. Other times, the employer takes care of it.

When employees are responsible for calculating their tips, they must declare them to their employer in writing, for each pay period. This allows the employer to calculate the employee’s vacation pay or compensation if they work on a public holiday.
   
When the employer is in charge of tips, they must redistribute them to the employees.

Good answer

Sometimes, employees are responsible for keeping track of their own tips. Other times, the employer takes care of it.

When employees are responsible for calculating their tips, they must declare them to their employer in writing, for each pay period. This allows the employer to calculate the employee’s vacation pay or compensation if they work on a public holiday.
   
When the employer is in charge of tips, they must redistribute them to the employees.

4. Can an employer force their employees to share tips or “split pot” with colleagues? 

Wrong answer

An employer cannot force their staff to share their tips. Tip-sharing agreements can exist, but only if a majority of employees freely consent to it, with no pressure from the employer. Employees can even decide to share their tips with other staff members who don’t normally get tips, like kitchen or dishwashing staff.

Good answer

An employer cannot force their staff to share their tips. Tip-sharing agreements can exist, but only if a majority of employees freely consent to it, with no pressure from the employer. Employees can even decide to share their tips with other staff members who don’t normally get tips, like kitchen or dishwashing staff.

Did you know?

Tipping in Quebec dates back to the very first restaurants and hospitality establishments. It was originally a way to show gratitude for exceptional service. With time, tipping became generalized and is now an importance source of income for employees in the service industries.