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The Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada is elected by the bishops, clergy and laity of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada from among a list of five bishops nominated by the House of Bishops. This role is relinquished upon his or her election, as the Primate assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer of the National Church Office, which is located in Toronto. Additionally the Primate serves as the President of the General Synod, the Chair of the Council of General Synod and the chair of the House of Bishops. The Primate holds the title "Archbishop" and is styled "The Most Reverend (Name), Primate of Canada."

The Primate, while not holding the responsibility for a particular diocese, has a pastoral responsibility for the entire Anglican Church of Canada. This requires a great deal of travel throughout Canada and abroad. In addition to playing a significant administrative role, the Primate also has an important pastoral and educational role in the Church. The Primate is the only serving bishop in the country without diocesan responsibilities, and as such ordinations, appointment of clergy and confirmations are not a frequent part of primatial ministry. The Primate serves until age 70.

The Primate speaks in the name of the Anglican Church of Canada after consultation with, or in accordance with the policies of the General Synod or the Council of General Synod. As well, the Primate often represents the Canadian Church in international and ecumenical partnerships and dialogues, including the Lambeth Conferene, the Primates' Meetings of the Anglican Communion and at the World Council of Churches gatherings.

The current Primate is Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, who was elected at the 37th General Synod held in the Diocese of Niagara in St. Catharines, Ontario in June 2004. He is the 12th Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. He succeeded Archbishop Michael Peers, who served as Primate from 1986 until his retirement in 2004.

Primates

There have been twelve primates in the history of the Canadian church:

1. Robert Machray (1893 – 1904)
2. William B. Bond (1904 – 1906)
3. Arthur Sweatman (1907 – 1909)
4. Samuel Pritchard Matheson (1909 – 1931)
5. Clarendon Lamb Worrell (1931 – 1934)
6. Derwyn Trevor Owen (1934 – 1947)
7. George Frederick Kingston (1947 – 1950)
8. Walter Barfoot (1950 – 1959)
9. Howard Clark(1959 – 1971)
10. Ted Scott (1971 – 1986)
11. Michael Peers (1986 – 2004)
12. Andrew Hutchison (since 2004)