Gerbers in canada sells Safety work wear, for construction, not welding. It is obvious that the store clerk didn't know the difference between welding attire and safety (construction attire) which is not even his/her job, her job is to sell the safety gear within the store, your job is to know what you need before you walk in the store. This Gerbers is not to be confused with the Gerbers Baby.
Welding equipment are sold at specialty stores, INDUSTRIAL STORES like the number one store across Canada, FASTENAL there are numerous others too that are well known throughout ontario, at which point I am sorry to tell you but schools across ontario teaching Welding will always advice you of where and what your supply needs are, in fact sometimes a list is provided for you. So if you missed that part in your class then you did not pay attention. Sorry to sound so harsh to the OP, but both my brothers took welding and they brought home a list from the teacher, available as a handout first day of theory class, and in the course description it tells you the equipment you must have before hand.
At the same token, looks like your teacher missed the fact your coveralls, jacket or whatever you were wearing was not of the appropriate material. Had he noticed there is no way you would been allowed to weld.
Another good place to buy your gear from is Frasers Canada.
With all that said the Store should refund your money or give you a credit.
