Did I not mention the walking stick. I Have one, that I bought in Germany, to "Volks march" (country/mountain walk), its hand carved with a blunted steel point and a club/knob head. It looks like a long shillelagh, but is very comfortable in the hand, and is a means of self defense.

One huge advantage to a cane is you can carry it anywhere without suspicion. Even board an airplane.
I hear KA-BAR makes a good one

OK....I've read everything I can find about self defense (obviously because this is my weak area and to be honest there are times when I get really worried about it) - I don't have the finances at the moment to purchase firearms so I've thought about this most of last night (and for months previously) - What are my (realistic) options right now?
1. I have my dogs as backup. (no-one will come from the back/sides of my property and the dogs have quick access inside)
2.a cane is affordable and not obviously weapon so I'm going to buy one and carry it with me (and learn to use it)!
3. Today I will buy a powerful water gun and fill it with vinegar as WildE suggested on another thread!
4. Archery is going to be my new sport 😉 (I can afford a fibreglass bow, arrow components and club fees now)
5. I have my staff & little fighting sticks (I will use if someone manages to get into the house)
6. I have a sharp fish filleting knife (I will use it if someone gets into the house)
7. The local gun club does "skeet" shooting with shotguns (and maybe .22 - not sure about club) Fee's are affordable however...they request that you to keep your firearm of choice in their gun safe!! This doesn't sound like a good option to me! Gun laws are pretty strict here and after getting your permit and having a criminal record check done by the local authorities prior to purchasing your weapon, then purchasing a personal gun safe which must meet their standards, then buying your ammo etc...$$$$$$! Out of my reach at this stage!
Is this enough?

"Enough" is what it is... as they say... the best weapon to have is the one in your hand. Meaning... no matter what you may have on hand... when you REALLY need it.. it has to be right there. Hope that made sense. In most scenarios it is aggression and will that wins. Granted anyone with a gun will have the initial advantage... and they will see that as well... If you come out mean and in their face holding nothing back you will shock them and upset their plans. The majority of people you will meet in the situation will NOT be trained. They will be as scared and naive as yourself. Hesitation is what causes most losses in a fight. The weapon is important certainly... but investigate the psychology as well... ACT to win. As the old saying goes..."He who hesitates is lost". Truer words were never spoken.

"Enough" is what it is... as they say... the best weapon to have is the one in your hand. Meaning... no matter what you may have on hand... when you REALLY need it.. it has to be right there. Hope that made sense. In most scenarios it is aggression and will that wins. Granted anyone with a gun will have the initial advantage... and they will see that as well... If you come out mean and in their face holding nothing back you will shock them and upset their plans. The majority of people you will meet in the situation will NOT be trained. They will be as scared and naive as yourself. Hesitation is what causes most losses in a fight. The weapon is important certainly... but investigate the psychology as well... ACT to win. As the old saying goes..."He who hesitates is lost". Truer words were never spoken.

That's good to hear - I'm a natural redhead so "mean" is in my nature 😈
I'll keep all the good advice in mind - but i can't help hoping it's not ever going to get to the point where I have to "go at it" to defend myself and my daughter (but I will do what I have to do) I guess it's human nature to worry about your own "inadequacies" but in SHTF scenario I won't hesitate (I'll be too scared of the alternative where my daughter is concerned).
I think my mind is settled now...thanks for the feedback!

bo stick defence/ staff fighting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DweZeH7e2-E

ooooh.... got it now! 😳

susannah,
you may not be able to afford everything in regards to firearm ownership but how about going through as much as you can afford?
Permits at least(safety course and license) , maybe some basic shooting at a club. Guests and prospective members are always well treated, generously encouraged.
Go down there and have a chat with a few members, you might be surprised at how helpful they are.
A used basic shotgun, even kept at the club will teach you how to use them(someone might have a loaner they'll let you use). If you ever have to pick one up, at least you'll know how.

Thanks Perfesser 😀

Most ranges have loaner/club firearms. Go for an intro shoot, normally nominal fee, then find out about the methods and routes you need to take.

Yes, Perf has it right, start one step at a time, bit by bit, why wait until you can afford everything. There is no time limit once you start really.

You don't need everything right now but there are many steps to being able to use guns. Start with the first ones, they aren't for the rich only.
There really is no substitute for firearms for hunting or self defense. Bow hunting isn't even a close second. There are many ways to fatally injure an animal or attacker but if he's attacking you, you need it to stop, NOW.

Thanks for the advice WildE & Perfesser

For those who like the combo package, Savage, still makes a few models of the Over and under rifle/shotguns, the one that seems the most popular is the 223/20 and the 223/12. Also still out there is the 22lr/410 I think this would be a great survival gun, for shooting fowl and small critters, enough to keep some food on the table and be a home defender.

I have one of the 22/410 models and love it but this thread is about Self-Defense in Canada.
If you use one for self defense you'll be in more trouble as the victim than the perpetrator.

Your best weapon is the internet. Learn what the idiot Liberals have done. Fight for your right to protect yourself.

I suggest you look at kateysfirearmsfacts on youtube for a look at just how bad/stupid Canada can be.

http://www.youtube.com/user/kateysfirearmsfacts

For those who like the combo package, Savage, still makes a few models of the Over and under rifle/shotguns, the one that seems the most popular is the 223/20 and the 223/12. Also still out there is the 22lr/410 I think this would be a great survival gun, for shooting fowl and small critters, enough to keep some food on the table and be a home defender.

Very hard to get hold of for reasonable cash. I always have guys at work asking me to grab one if I see it.