The refused application count does not include those who are denied services through pre-screening measures. Legal aid plans screen applicants to some degree before an application is filed.

Ontario has 79 legal aid clinics that are independent, non-profit organizations funded by the legal aid plan. Staff lawyers and community legal workers at these clinics provide legal aid services primarily in “other” civil matters, particularly in the area of poverty law which includes, social assistance/income maintenance, landlord and tenant, workers’ compensation, criminal injuries compensation, and refugee and immigration matters. In 2008/2009, these clinics accounted for 51% of applications refused for financial ineligibility. Beginning in 2005/2006, counts for lack of merit are included in coverage restrictions.

In 2005/2006, Manitoba began to issue one legal aid certificate per matter. This lead to an increase in the count for total, approved and refused legal aid applications. In 2006/2007, the use of certificate equivalents initiated by staff was discontinued, resulting in a decrease in the count for total and approved applications and an increase in refused applications.