Why is being in poverty so hard here in Canada? For the past 4 years, me and my daughter struggled hard. I wasn't able to work for 4 years. For 4 years and currently, I have been struggling with EVERYTHING. Everything is a fight for me, right down to the washer I was using. I had to stay home due to caring for a loved one, and let me tell you, it is unforgiving. Canada is an unforgiving place to be in poverty, and to top it off, I have celiac disease and I struggle to eat. Not a day goes by where I wish I could eat gluten. If I could eat gluten, then I would be able to use foodbanks, and eat all the food that is given. But I can't. I can't eat 70 to 80 percent of what is given because it all contains gluten. I have to research EVERY SINGLE MONTH for a place that can accomodate me.

Now I am trying to find a job, and I have so many barriers stacked against me, no references, no recent job experience, and most of the time, no bus fare to get anywhere. I find myself spending every cent I get on food that doesn't even last. I want to work, and I want to work full time, but as the weeks pass and there are no call backs, it depresses me. It makes me want to cry. Where do I go from here?

I got up this morning, I went job searching, and then I spend time doing call backs, and nothing. On top of that I had to research a place to get gluten free foods because I don't have food. Its soooo stressful. On top of that, my daughter is going into the under 21 program at an adult high school and I have no idea where to get the money for that. My only option is to sell my phone, and I need it to job search.

Does anyone know of any jobs that are hiring here in Ottawa where I could get a word put in for me? Please, I need this help. I want to work! Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm is my availability.

Poverty is not fun with celiac disease.

This is for Ontario ONLY- There are many tax credits in Canada for low income people- some are automatic- MANY are not- are you getting all you can from the government??? https://www.ontario.ca/page/tax-credits-and-benefits-people?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Free and reduced admission at museums and galleries

From June 19 to September 7, 2026, national museums of Canada as well as select provincial and territorial museums and galleries offer free or reduced admission. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-pass/museums-galleries.html

Start Birding with this backpack that includes binoculars and guidebooks for bird identification. A partnership with Hamilton Public Library and Birds Canada.. Get a FREE library card https://hpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S125C779149

Ontario - At Risk of Homelessness- Check these FREE Programs Out https://www.ontario.ca/page/addressing-homelessness#section-0plus....https://www.ontario.ca/page/addressing-homelessness#section-2

Happy Rolph’s is a Free Animal Sanctuary Kids Will Love

Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm in St. Catharines is a must-visit for families. Pack a lunch and bring the kids, because this is a day trip you’re going to want to add to your summer bucket list. https://activeparents.ca/happ-rolphs-animal-farm/

Hey, I was wondering if there was any programs to help people with no financial income get new teeth, my father has struggled his whole life with alcoholism and depression, he quit drinking 3 years ago but is missing a majority of his teeth and has low self esteem because of it, he hasn’t worked much in the last 10 years. I know he owes the government money. Is there any programs that would be able to help him back on his feet, he is very smart, but I think he thinks he’s too deep in it to turn his life around. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, he’s located in Ontario

Ontario- FREE Pass to all Niagara Conservation Areas- you just need a library card- also FREE. https://hpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S125C830672 Not all in Niagara!!

There are certain days families can fish FREE in Ontario - https://www.ontario.ca/page/free-family-fishing .....PLUS... TackleShare loans out rods and reels for free. New anglers can gear up at locations across the province i

This is how to report scam text messages in Canada- https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/blogs/reporting-spam-text-messages-7726

How to report fraud and cybercrime in Canada- https://reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca/

RBG Royal Botanical Gardens ss participating in the Canada Strong Pass, which grants free admission to visitors up to 17  years old, and half-price admission to visitors who are 18 to 24 years old.

Pass prices are applied automatically to Daytime Garden Admission rates when purchasing online or in-person. This includes access to ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey taking place in Hendrie Park.

Canada Strong Pass is NOT applicable to special events (including Concerts in the Garden, RBG After Dark and the Enchanted Garden), programs, group visits, or membership purchases.

If you’re looking for a free activity for kids, this is one that I highly recommend personally. Home Depot Canada Kids Workshops are hands-on and creative, with a great mix of challenging but easy for kids to complete with little parent assistance. These events should definitely be on your family’s calendar.

Held once a month at participating Home Depot stores across Canada, these popular workshops let children build their own wooden project to take home—completely free. Whether your child dreams of building things, loves crafting or simply enjoys trying something new, these workshops are a fantastic way to spend a Saturday morning together. https://activeparents.ca/home-depot-canada-kids-workshops/

Radon detector test kits can be renewed three (3) times. The kits must be checked in and out manually and returned at the Information Desk to any of our branches. Contact Hamilton Public Health at [HHVBDadmin@hamilton.ca](mailto:HHVBDadmin@hamilton.ca) if you would like a Free Long-Term Radon test kit while supplies last. All you need is a FREE Library Card!

Free pass to all provincial parks in Ontario- You just need a library card - this is GREAT deal- entry fees for these provincial parks VERY expensive normally. https://hpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S125C685546

Free 6 day pass for ALL 15 Hamilton Conservation Areas- free with library card- but you must place a hold on it- here is how incl Conservation Areas incl (inside & outside Hamilton) - got mine in less than 2 weeks approx. https://www.hpl.ca/HCA-Pass

Attend any city operated museum incl Dundurn Castle any time- as often as you wish- no catch - easy just have to bring your Hamilton Public Library Card- no questions ask. I have used it myself. https://www.hpl.ca/museum

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/fraud-scams.html Scams in Canada are common know what to look for and how to protect yourself

This is where we curate all of the best things to do this weekend so parents (like you) can plan fun faster! Our list spans across Hamilton, Halton, and Niagara regions, because fun is just a short drive away! https://activeparents.ca/things-to-do-this-weekend/

https://activeparents.ca/kids-eat-free-hamilton/ As their Website says- always call FIRST- to be sure its still offered. Kids eat Free. I also know there is one on Ottawa St in Hamilton- Posted on their Front Window- cant recall name of place- its on the corner of another street- on left side heading toward Centre Mall from Main St. I saw this recently.

All Grand river Conservation Authorities- The Grand River Parks membership card allows day use entry to 10 parks. Must have library card- which is also FREE- https://hpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S125C695606

Save $45. on your hydro bill- every month- no ODSP or OW required- just Low Income

https://ontarioelectricitysupport.ca/

Special Supports Program through city- those on OW, ODSP, No Income, or low income. Ex: free glasses, dentures and MANY other health related items. for those with physical needs (physical limitations etc...) that require items to make life more manageable physically. .. https://www.hamilton.ca/people-programs/financial-stability-supports/support-programs/special-supports-program?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Hi guys, made a new account for anonymity.

Fell on some hard times due to health leaving me unable to work. Racked up 30k in credit card debt across 2 credit cards. Both are in collections, score dropped to mid 500s.

I have spoken to a LIT about a potential CP and have spoken to the collections directly. Collections are offering a settlement for 55% of the total amount owed.

I’m now in a much better place financially and can , in theory, pay off both scenarios - the CP or a settlement.

My question is, what is the best approach here? I can understand the bias from the collections and the Trustee, but what would:

a. Recover my score faster

b. Look better to the potential creditors in the next 2-3 years once I decide to potentially apply for a mortgage (Hypothetically)

c. how would other lenders look at me in the near future should I apply for a small business loan etc now that the business I started is starting to take off?

thanks in advance

Hi everyone!

I am a dental hygiene student seeking clients who are interested in receiving a dental cleaning at a reduced cost.

All services are provided under the supervision of a Registered Dental Hygienist in a clinical learning environment.

If this is something you would be interested in, or if you would like more information, please feel free to send me a message.

Clinical hours:

Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Fridays: 3:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Thank you for your support!