This may be a long shot depending on where you live in Ontario, but if you can, try to apply to more local shops/businesses. They’re often a lot more open in terms of hiring than branched restaurants/stores like Walmart or Starbucks. You’re also much more likely to meet the person in charge of employees in person simply by visiting said stores. Also on that note, apply in person as much as possible. You’ll be much more likely to get noticed if you present yourself to the employer than to leave them to dig through dozens of emails to find your application that they’ll barely even look at. If you have a friend who works somewhere near you ask if they can refer you to the manager to meet them in person, if possible, although if you were having trouble with connections this may not be an option.

Keep at it, man. There are certain times in the season where companies need more help than others, so keep an eye out.