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Ontario’s Witness Protection Program
Temporary protection support for high-risk witnesses
Record updated
- Funding available
- Varies by project
- Deadline
- Open continuously
- Location
- Ontario, Canada
Overview
Ontario’s Witness Protection Program provides temporary support for witnesses at serious risk due to criminal proceedings. It may cover relocation, temporary living costs, security measures, and other approved assistance, up to a maximum amount not specified in the source.
At a glance
Funding available
Varies by project
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Ontario
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Canadians
- Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
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Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Witnesses involved in criminal prosecutions in Ontario
- Witnesses’ family members, where protection is needed
Who is not eligible
- People who are incarcerated
- People still acting as undercover agents
Eligible expenses
- Relocation costs
- Temporary rent, utilities, food, and maintenance
- Approved security measures
- Exceptional medical expenses and counselling
- Name changes, identification documents, and approved skills or education upgrades
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Long-term financial assistance
- Rewards or benefits in return for testimony
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Activities funded
- Temporary protection and relocation of witnesses and family members
- Security support for witnesses at serious risk
How to apply
- Step 1: Refer safety concerns to a designated witness protection officer
- The officer assesses the witness’s security needs.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Police and prosecutors provide the information needed for the application.
- A senior independent prosecutor reviews the request.
- Step 3: Seek program approval
- Specialized counsel reviews the application independently.
- Deputy Attorney General approval is required to enter the program.
- Step 4: Confirm acceptance
- The witness signs a Letter of Acknowledgement before funds are disbursed.
Documents Needed
- Witness protection application
- Letter of Acknowledgement, once accepted
Selection criteria
- Real danger to the witness or family
- Seriousness of the case
- Truthful cooperation with police
- Ability to participate safely in the program
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a local senior independent prosecutor and specialized witness protection officers.
- The prosecutor handling the case does not take part in the assessment.
- Approval from the Deputy Attorney General is required to enter the program.
- Accepted witnesses must sign a Letter of Acknowledgement before funds are paid, except interim protection assistance funds.
Additional information
- The program is a last resort for very serious cases.
- Witness protection information is confidential and legally protected.
- Immediate safety concerns should be reported to 911.
Contacts
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario’s Witness Protection Program Program
What is the Ontario’s Witness Protection Program?
Ontario’s Witness Protection Program provides temporary support for witnesses at serious risk due to criminal proceedings. It may cover relocation, temporary living costs, security measures, and other approved assistance, up to a maximum amount not specified in the source.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Ontario’s Witness Protection Program program?
To be eligible for the Ontario’s Witness Protection Program program, you must:
Witness faces real danger
Case is significant to justice
Witness cooperates with police
What expenses are eligible under Ontario’s Witness Protection Program?
Relocation costs
Temporary rent, utilities, food, and maintenance
Approved security measures
Exceptional medical expenses and counselling
Name changes, identification documents, and approved skills or education upgrades
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario’s Witness Protection Program?
You can contact Government of Ontario or by phone at 911.
Where is the Ontario’s Witness Protection Program available?
The Ontario’s Witness Protection Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario’s Witness Protection Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario’s Witness Protection Program is a Grant and Funding