Jerry Lal

I wish I had read @Derek review before hiring this guy off the Kijiji.
My story is simple and very similar to Derek. I found Jerry from Kijiji, yes my first mistake, do not hire people from Kijiji, you have no idea who is on the other side, no rating, no profile, no trade licenses.
I contracted with Jerry for mudding and tapping my basement for $2500, The day he showed up to start the work, he asked for 50% advance, I hesitated but then paid him $1250 (yes, my 2nd mistake).
Jerry worked half-day and promised to come back the next day, he never showed up after, for a few days he kept making excuses such as I am in an emergency with my son, I can't find the material, having a personal issue today, etc. After that, he stopped picking up my calls or answering my text messages. I got frustrated for being halted for 2 weeks and no answer from him. After some research, I found Derek's review and send him a screenshot of that review. that's it, it triggered him and he called me back and told me that he is offended by sending him that screenshot of his review and that (I) broke the contract and now he owes me nothing??
Unfortunately, the Canadian justice system is broken for such matters, In order to go to courts, there is a lengthy process and hefty fee for the small court application makes you even more stressed than you are already.
All I can advise, beware of him, do not hire him. Also if you have a choice do not hire people from Kijiji (sorry Kijiji, nothing personal but I always had a terrible experience hiring from this platform).
The story does not end here, I will continue to fight with the system and do everything I can legally to get justice.

This guy can't be trusted. He quoted me $3400 to mud my house, promised to work late and weekends to get it done. I was foolish enough to pay money upfront. He showed up for 2-3 hours and would leave complained about other trades even though he knew going in they would be there. After 2 weeks of different reasons of missing he asked for another payment, I was even more foolish trusted him to give him money but asked him to sign a contract confirming he would start working full days and finish the job on time. He got offended and walked and he walked with $2900 of the $3400 he quoted and didn't do half the job.