Remuneration and Benefits

Clergy remuneration is determined by the bishop in consultation with the parish churchwardens. The stipend of clergy paid at the minimum level is automatically adjusted on Jan. 1 of each year to reflect the annual increases for COLA and years of service.

The clergy remuneration package consists of:

• a stipend
• either living accommodation or a reasonable housing allowance
• reasonable costs for fuel, telephone and public utilities (taxable benefits)
• the diocesan benefits plan, including group insurance, dental, vision and extended health care
• short- and long-term disability
• the national professional development plan (Continuing Education)
• the pension plan
• statutory benefits such as Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance premiums

Travel expenses will be reimbursed according to Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) Reasonable Allowance Per Kilometre Rate that is announced for each upcoming calendar year for 2024 to 2028.  The 2024 rate is $0.70 for the first 5,000 km and $0.64 thereafter.

Active stipendiary clergy of the Diocese are eligible to participate in the following benefits plans:

• extended health, dental and vision care
• basic group insurance
• pension plan
• disability (both short- and long-term)
• professional development (both the national Continuing Education Plan and the diocesan General Assistance Plan)
• Clergy Assistance Program (call 1-844-880-9142)

Make sure you read the benefits book given to you when you enrolled. If you have any questions about your benefits, contact Payroll or the Human Resources department of the Diocese, or the Pension Office of the National Church.

For specific questions about the Extended Health Care Plan, contact Manulife directly at 1-800-268-6195. You will need your group and certificate numbers when you phone.

Pension and benefit documentation from the National Church refers to “employees,” but in the Diocese of Toronto, clergy are not employees but office holders appointed under Canon 10.

All benefit plans are subject to the terms and conditions of the plan policies. The Diocese regularly reviews the plans, as well as its insurance carriers, and reserves the right to amend the plans and change its carriers where appropriate, without further notice to the office holder or employee.

For details about post-retirement benefits, see the Remuneration and Benefits – Retired page.

A limited number of grants are available for members of the Diocese of Toronto extended health and dental plan (both active and retired) who exceed their annual coverage. Grants will range from $500 to $1,500.

Those eligible for grants include participating members of the extended health and dental plan, including active and retired clergy and diocesan staff. You must have completely depleted your extended health and dental benefits for the year before you submit an application. Grants will only be considered for expenses that occurred in the year of the grant application.

The following are eligible for grants:

• hospital accommodation
• professional services by licensed practitioners (must be the result of an illness or injury and supported by documentation from a medical practitioner)
• dental care: major restorative services, dentures, orthodontics
• assistance with medical devices including, but not limited to, orthotics, hearing aids, braces, wheelchairs, back support

To access a Discretionary Medical and Dental Grant, download the guidelines and application form. If you have any questions, contact the Human Resources department.