This information is taken from the Legal Aid Ontario web site at: http://www.legalaid.on.ca/en/getting/certificateprogram.asp
Certificate program
If you are eligible and face a serious legal matter, you can apply for a free legal aid certificate through our certificate program. A legal aid certificate is a voucher guaranteeing that the private practice lawyer who accepts your case will get paid for providing you with full representation for a certain number of hours.
If you have an income or own property, you may qualify for a certificate with a contribution agreement. This means you will be required to repay LAO some or all of your legal fees.
Who can get a legal aid certificate?
To get help through the certificate program, you must take a financial test to see if you qualify.
For more information, call Legal Aid Ontario toll-free at 1-800-668-8258 or 416-979-1446 to speak to a representative.
Legal Aid Ontario accepts collect calls.