Money Problems but not the Usual Ones

This year, I worked very hard through the months of May and June to translate a huge document from French for a Canadian company and I also taught a student intensively to get them through an exam. The Canadian company were relatively efficient and faithful in sending the cheque for the work completed, but as I live in the U.K., it took a little time to arrive. I paid it into my account here and it was for a substantial amount which would have at least enabled me to pay my rent and pay off some of my outstanding debts. I was told by my bank that there was no problem with this and it would take a week to clear. Now they tell me it could take up to 6 weeks or more for funds to appear in my account! Has anyone ever had an experience with Canadian banks? Are they fast slow, efficient, awkward etc? The other issue relates to my student. Although the course finished on June 6th, I have not received a bean because my student is on a scholarship from a foreign embassy. We have badgered and badgered them to release the money. I have submitted certain documents several times in different ways. A relevant member of staff called me over a week ago to say he had finally received all my paperwork and was going to process it and pay me straight away but I still haven’t received anything. I am owed about two thousand sterling and have to pay heavy bank fees while I wait and wait. It is paralyzing and destroying me mentally and financially. Has anyone else out there ever been in a similar situation and if so what did they do?