Ottawa has about 1 million residents (2021 Census) and the largest concentration of federal public servants in Canada. Pay is usually regular, but delays, overpayment recoveries and gaps between contracts still happen. Ottawa residents can apply online with Ontario-licensed lenders and receive funds by e-Transfer.
An Ottawa exampleAmira works on a term contract in a federal department in Gatineau but lives in Barrhaven. Her new contract starts a week late, and her first pay is two weeks after that. She borrows $350 for groceries and transit. At $14 per $100 it costs at most $49. Because she lives in Ontario, Ontario rules apply even though she works in Quebec.
Ottawa borrowers are covered by Ontario’s payday loan rules: at most $14 per $100, half your net pay, and two business days to cancel.
Ottawa-specific things to know
- Federal pay problems. If a pay error left you short, ask your employer about an emergency salary advance first. It is usually interest-free.
- Live in Ontario, work in Gatineau? What counts is where you live. Quebec residents can’t get payday loans, but Ontario residents who work in Quebec can.
Free help in Ottawa before you borrow
Ontario Works
Delivered by the City of Ottawa, which can also help with emergency costs.
Electricity bills
Hydro Ottawa customers: ask about LEAP emergency help. The OESP credit is open to every Ontario household.
211
Food banks, rent help and other Ottawa services, by phone, text or 211ontario.ca.
Neighbourhoods we serve in Ottawa
- Centretown
- Kanata
- Orléans
- Nepean
- Barrhaven
- Gloucester
- Vanier
- Stittsville
- Riverside South
- Westboro
- The Glebe
- Alta Vista