Martian

Hence why I referred to it as a peripheral question, or in other words one not directly related to the main topic of discussion. Even still, I think it could have some merit. If you offer anyone a poor standard of service I should imagine they would respond with a poor tip, regardless of nationality. If you're providing Canadian diners with inferior service based on the expectation that you won't be receiving a good tip from them, can you really claim surprise or outrage when your expectations are fulfilled?

First of all, I'm still not convinced Canadians are crappy tippers. The websites posted along with the admittedly unscientific poll in this thread seem to indicate that the average Canadian tip is ~15%. That doesn't seem to be significantly lower than American tips; at least, the reference websites posted by Bossnass above seem to indicate that 15% is an acceptable baseline, with variations of 5% or so based on the quality of the restaurant and the service provided. host's sources appear to correlate that, generally quoting an average rate of 15-18%. Sure, some Canadians are cheap. Some Americans are cheap. Are you seriously going to contend that you've never been stiffed by one of your own countrymen? Or were they all black and/or Chinese immigrants?

Quite aside from that, yes some Canadians will find it offensive that we're all deemed bad tippers in much the same way that you seem to take exception to the suggestion that all Americans tourists are boorish and inconsiderate. Stereotypes are generally frowned upon, whether they're based on nationality, race or religion.

I shouldn't even respond to this. I know I shouldn't, as this is not the proper place for such a discussion. Even still, I feel the need to point out that clearly spending your education budget on the military has done wonders for you.

C'mon, you couldn't work maple syrup, back bacon and beer into that? I'm disappointed.

I have to admit, this one is odd coming from you, as you do seem to hold quite a bit of animosity toward my country.

Rest assured that I don't spend enough time south of the border to deprive any of your hard working waiters of the tips you feel they deserve. This, incidentally, is why I attempted to debate the way the system itself is structured, while largely avoiding the issue of nationality. As nobody else seems interested in doing so, I reckon I'm pretty much done here.

__________________
I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said

- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame