For an organization to be recognized as a legal entity, it must have a formal structure and formally written rules by which it carries out its functions. In the case of a traditional corporation, for example, such rules would be the its Articles of Incorporation and By-laws.
In the case of the Synod, its structure and the rules outlining how it carries out its functions are found in The Constitution and Canons. As an incorporated entity, the Synod must comply with the laws of the land (both Canada and the Province of Ontario) and with the rules set out in The Constitution and Canons.
The Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Toronto, most recently revised in November 2019, are available in one complete file as well as individually as PDFs.
The Constitution
Canon 01: Definitions and Procedure
Canon 02: The Diocesan Council
Canon 03: Executive Board
Canon 04: Diocesan Allotment
Canon 05: Trusts Committee
Canon 06: Acquisition, Disposition and/or Alteration of Real Property and Related Rights
Canon 07: Settlement of Difference
Canon 08: Spare
Canon 09: Incumbent
Canon 10: Clerical Appointments, Exchanges, Retirements and Terminations
Canon 11: Clerical Stipends
Canon 12: Lay Readers
Canon 13: Parishes
Canon 14: Vestries
Canon 15: Churchwardens
Canon 16: Spare
Canon 17: Advisory Board
Canon 18: Parish Executive Committee
Canon 19: Archdeacons
Canon 20: Regional Deans
Canon 21: Spare
Canon 22: Discipline
Canon 23: Special Purpose Trusts
Canon 24: Diocesan Administration of Parishes
Canon 25: Diocesan Missions
Canon 26: Spare
Canon 27: Spare
Canon 28: Secretary of Synod
Canon 29: Designated Ministries
Canon 30: Spare
Canon 31: Standing Committees of the Synod
Canon 32: Spare
Canon 33: Spare
Canon 34: Postulancy Committee
Canon 35: Spare
Canon 36: Audit Committee
Canon 37: Constitution and Canons Committee
Canon 38: Spare
Canon 39: Investment Committee
Canon 40: Indemnification
Canon 41: Post Retirement Benefits Fund
Canon 42: Pension Fund
Canon 43: Areas and Area Bishops
Canon 44: Area Councils
Canon 45: Spare
Canon 46: The York Rectory Commission
Canon 47: The Solicitor
Canon 48: The Registrar
Canon 49: The Chancellor
For more information, please contact Pamela Boisvert, Secretary of Synod, 416-363-6021 ext. 231 (1-800-668-8932).