Synod Secretaries, the Rev.Canon Stephen Silverthorne (Clerical Secretary) and Margaret Porter (Lay Secretary) provided this information about the process and timeline for the Episcopal Election, which is set for February 28, 2026.
August 1, 2025 — Archbishop Anne Germond (Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastic Province of Ontario) issued a call for the convening of an electoral synod.
August 6, 2025 — Diocesan Council met to appoint members of the committees prescribed by the diocesan canons for the election. A Diocesan Administrator, Bishop Michael Bird, was also appointed at this meeting. His appointment is effective on Sept. 21, 2025 until a new bishop is installed following the election.
Autumn 2025 —Nomination forms and the diocesan profile are published. Nominations can be made at any point after the forms have been made public, up until the electoral synod is called to order.
January 24, 2026 — Nominees whose nominations are received prior to this date are eligible to participate in public meetings.
February 6, 2026 — Names of all nominees whose nominations are received by January 24, 2026 are published, along with their relevant biographical information, and their written responses to a set of formal questions provided by the Episcopal Election Committee.
Between February 7, 2026 and February 21, 2026, four public meetings are held in locations throughout our diocese, allowing everyone an opportunity to meet the nominees in person.
February 28, 2026 — Electoral Synod is held at Christ Church Cathedral. Registration begins at 8am. Celebration of the Eucharist begins at 9am. Electoral Synod business begins immediately thereafter.
Bishop Michael Bird has been appointed as diocesan administrator, effective Sept. 21, 2025 until a new bishop is installed following the February 28 election. Bishop Bird now resides in the Diocese of Ottawa, but he was the 11th bishop of the Diocese of Niagara from 2008 until he retired in 2018.
St. Stephen’s, Ottawa — Deanery of Central Ottawa