Episcopal Election 2026

Over the coming weeks, the Bishop-Elect will be preparing to conclude parish ministry faithfully and responsibly. This includes saying goodbye to their parish community, completing pastoral and administrative responsibilities, and preparing spiritually and practically for the new leadership role as Bishop of Ottawa. The Bishop-Elect will also be preparing to become an integral part of Christ Church Cathedral, which serves as the seat of the Bishop and the liturgical heart of the Diocese.

The Bishop-Elect will begin working from Ascension House as of April 9, 2026. However, the episcopal office is formally assumed at the Installation on May 9, 2026. It is only at that time that the Bishop will exercise the full authority and responsibilities of the office. Until that time, the Diocesan Administrator, Bishop Michael Bird, holds the Episcopal authority.

For this reason, we ask clergy, parish leaders, and others not to schedule meetings, parish visits, confirmations, or other engagements until after May 9th, via the Bishop’s Office at bishopsoffice@ottawa.anglican.ca.

Following the Installation, a considered plan for meetings and visits across the Diocese will be developed. Further information will be shared once that process begins.

The Right Reverend Michael A. Bird served as the eleventh Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara, having been consecrated on September 30, 2007. During his episcopacy, he provided visionary leadership rooted in collaborative discernment, pastoral care, and a strong commitment to justice, inclusion, and the renewal of the Church’s mission in the world.
Ordained in 1984, Bishop Bird has over four decades of experience in ordained ministry. He served in five parishes across Newfoundland and Southern Ontario, holding leadership roles as Regional Dean and Archdeacon. Following his episcopal ministry, he was invited by the Rt. Rev. John Chapman, then Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, to serve as Incumbent of the newly formed Parish of the Valley, a regional ministry encompassing congregations in Whitney, Barry’s Bay, Killaloe, Eganville, Pembroke, and surrounding communities. He also served as Archdeacon of Pembroke and as Bishop’s Commissary during a medical leave period in the Diocese of Ottawa.
Now in semi-retirement, Bishop Bird continues to serve part-time in the Diocese of Ontario, ministering to congregations in Maynooth and Bancroft. He brings a theologically grounded and pastorally sensitive approach to ministry, with a focus on collaboration, faithful witness, and community engagement.
Internationally, Bishop Bird was actively involved in the Consultation of Anglican Bishops in Dialogue since its founding in 2011. His participation has included global conversations in Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, England, the United States, and through ongoing engagement with Niagara’s companion diocese in Cuba.
Bishop Bird holds a long-standing personal and spiritual connection to the Madawaska Valley, where he now resides on Lake Kamaniskeg with his wife Susan and their Old English Sheepdog, Abby. They enjoy time with their three adult children, their partners, and two grandchildren. His interests include jazz music, reading, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, boating, and travel.

Read full PDF here.

Who is the Administrator of the Diocese?
On August 6, 2025, the Diocesan Council appointed the Right Reverend Michael Bird as the Administrator of the Diocese. His mandate came into effect on September 21, 2025, ensuring the effective governance and continuity of leadership within the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa during this period of transition without an elected bishop for our diocese.
Bishop Michael is a retired Bishop of the Diocese of Niagara (2008-2018) and has been resident in our Diocese since 2018. His biography can be found here. Bishop Michael’s term as Administrator of the Diocese ends upon the installation of the next Bishop of Ottawa. This means that Bishop Michael will be the Administrator throughout the episcopal election process, the election day being February 28, 2026, and will remain in office until the ceremony of installation and consecration of the new Bishop, which is scheduled to take place at Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa on May 9, 2026.

What is the Administrator of the Diocese?
The Administrator is an individual appointed by Diocesan Council, pursuant to Canon 2.17, to exercise the duties and responsibilities of the Bishop of Ottawa in the event of a “vacancy in the See” caused by, among other things, the resignation of the Bishop. Under the Canons, the Administrator has “all the powers of the Bishop of the Diocese”. In other words, while the Administrator is not the Bishop of Ottawa, he can exercise all the rights and function conferred on the Bishop under the Canons, Bylaws and Regulations of the Diocese of Ottawa.

How does the work of a Diocesan Administrator differ from that of a Diocesan Bishop?
Most of the authority and the responsibilities of a Diocesan Bishop are conferred upon the Administrator so that the ongoing day to day work of our diocese can continue without interruption. As a rule, the Administrator would not authorize any new policies, administer the sacrament of ordination or institute any changes to the overall direction of our work in particular ministries. Decisions of this kind will generally be left to the incoming bishop. Our retired bishops, Bishop John Chapman and Bishop Peter Coffin, have graciously agreed to cover any confirmations that were scheduled during this interim period.

Why is there an Administrator of the Diocese?
When Archbishop Shane was elected Primate of Canada on June 26, 2025, he was required to resign as Bishop of Ottawa within 90 days his election. Archbishop Shane resigned as Bishop of Ottawa on September 20, 2025, thus creating a vacancy in the See. On August 6, 2025, in anticipation of Archbishop Shane’s resignation, the Diocesan Council appointed the Bishop Michael as Administrator of the Diocese to take effect on September 21, 2025.

Download PFD here.