Crackerjac, you'd be amazed at what you can do with a little help from Youtube. If you buy a blank aluminum rim, you could use the existing spokes and hub and lace it up. You can buy a cheap truing stand to make to process easier, or just mount the rim on the bike and support the bike on a stand. I've done it enough times that I've learned to appreciate a truing stand.
An aluminum rim would be lighter and more resistant to bending.
You can certainly try to true the existing rim before spending any money. Just get a decent spoke wrench (you need one anyway) and follow video instruction on Youtube.
Where in Canada are you? If you're anywhere near the border, you can often find decent prices on parts and tools, despite the awful exchange rate.