UCP doesn’t care about servers, says NDP critic

By Lethbridge Herald on April 30, 2025.

Sam Leishman
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Cheristina Gray, Alberta Official Opposition House Leader, says the United Conservative government has failed to support workers in the midst of an affordability crisis after her private member’s bill to protect tips earned by service workers was defeated Monday in the Legislature.

Gray introduced Bill 210 back in December, which would have prohibited employers from claiming tip money earned by their employees for themselves or for business expenses. The bill was defeated during second reading with 41 votes against, including Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf.

Albertans were polled last year in preparation for this bill, and Gray says 70 per cent of respondents supported protecting tips with stronger government regulation. There was also widespread support from employers and business owners in the service industry, as well as the Alberta Hospitality Association.

Gray argues that the UCP doesn’t share the seemingly universal understanding that tips are paid voluntarily to thank workers who provide outstanding service.

“Albertans are surprised when they find out that the tip they just left went to the manager or owner because, if that is the case, I think the perspective is that the price should be raised,” Gray told the Herald. 

“It’s disappointing to know, once again, that this government doesn’t think about the workers and what they need.”

Seven other provinces have already opted to protect tips earned by service employees. Saskatchewan was the most recent to adopt such legislation at the end of 2024.

Gray says defeating Bill 210 sends a strong message that the government does not stand with workers when it comes to affordability.

“We see the lowest minimum wage in the country. We see increasing electricity costs, insurance costs; things that this government directly controls. Yet, here we have an idea that costs the government nothing, but just makes sure that when Albertans leave a tip that it actually goes to the worker who earned it, and the UCP couldn’t support that.”

Gray adds that the entirety of Alberta’s NDP supports Bill 210. She’s hopeful that one of her colleagues will continue the fight on this issue and attempt to introduce similar legislation in the future.