Diocesan Executive Council (DEC) met on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at St. John’s Anglican Church on Larry Uteck Blvd. We are pleased to share some highlights from the meeting:

Bishop’s Report

Bishop Sandra shared reflections from the national House of Bishops meeting that took place in early November. She noted the sense of collegiality within the group and their commitment to continue journeying together and learning from each other. Bishop Sandra led fellow bishops in a reflection on a document outlining competencies for episcopal ministry, which will be shared with selection committees across the Anglican Church of Canada tasked with proposing slates of nominees for future episcopal elections. She also reported that the group spent significant time reviewing some of the six ‘pathways’ documents created by the Primate’s Commission, outlining how the national church will engage in various ministries over the coming years given changing needs and financial pressures.

Financial Update

  • Lawrence Roche, diocesan controller, presented audited financial statements for the 2024 financial year. The diocese ended the year with a very modest deficit of $6,000.
  • The diocesan mileage rate was set to $0.66 per kilometre for 2026. This represents a slight increase from the 2025 rate of $0.64 per kilometre, and is in line with official mileage rates as prescribed by CRA.
  • Diocesan Executive Council also voted in favour of adopting an increase in clergy salaries for 2026 in line with amounts prescribed within the diocesan parity project. Learn more about the diocesan parity project on our website and see the 2026 minimum salary scale for clergy.

Canons, Acts, Policies, Procedures

  • Canon 11: DEC passed a policy regarding Canon 11 (Diocesan Council). The policy clarifies the membership of the council and finalizes the name change to ‘Diocesan Executive Council’ from the previous ‘Diocesan Council.’
  • Canon 35: DEC passed a motion to bring Canon 35, including the model bylaws for a single-church parish and for multi-church parishes, into immediate effect.
  • Bishop’s Policy – Education for Community of Associate Parish Priests (CAPPs): A revised policy was presented to DEC outlining new education requirements for those pursuing CAPP ministry. The new policy represents an intentional shift away from a ‘credentials-based’ model toward a ‘competency-based’ one. Practically, this means that CAPP discerners will not necessarily be required to complete a particular certificate or diploma program but must instead complete courses that relate to specific competencies for priestly ministry. This new approach allows for recognition of prior learning experience and reduces barriers to access for theological training—without reducing the standards and competencies that discerners must demonstrate before ordination.  This revised policy is consistent with the approach outlined in the Anglican Church of Canada’s ‘Competencies for Ordination to the Priesthood’ resource.

Staff Updates and DEC Discussions

  • Members of DEC discussed the need to ensure that compensation of synod office staff is aligned with other denominations and with other Anglican dioceses in Canada. A motion was passed to form a committee to undertake this work and to report back to DEC with findings at a later date.
  • Staff and DEC discussed the need for better, clearer, and more consistent information around funding and grant opportunities for parishes. (e.g. Growth for Ministry Fund, Church Extension and Ministry Development Fund). Synod office staff are looking at how to better formalize and promote these programs and will report back to DEC at a later date.
  • Lawrence Roche gave an update on the diocesan strategic planning process. Over the coming months, leaders from across the diocese will have opportunities to provide input to help shape the plan, which will be presented to Synod in 2027.
  • DEC received reports from Mike MacKenzie, director for parish relations, outlining his first weeks in the role and priorities for the months ahead, and Lisa Vaughn, director of mission and ministry development, outlining activities and upcoming priorities.