Closed
Source verified April 30, 2026
Ontario’s Witness Protection Program
Temporary protection support for high-risk witnesses
Offered by
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Temporary protection and relocation of witnesses and family members
- Security support for witnesses at serious risk
Documents Needed
- Witness protection application
- Letter of Acknowledgement, once accepted
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
Selection criteria
- Real danger to the witness or family
- Seriousness of the case
- Truthful cooperation with police
- Ability to participate safely in the program
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.
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
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.
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?
Temporary protection and relocation of witnesses and family members
Security support for witnesses at serious risk
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
Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario’s Witness Protection Program?
Ontario’s Witness Protection Program is funded by Government of Ontario