AI assistant
Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. — Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement 2024
Dec 3, 2024
47727_rns_2024-12-03_6759c3c0-99af-4917-a704-3a8720b7f56e.pdf
Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement
Open in viewerOpens in your device viewer
BLUE LAGOON RESOURCES
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR AS AT NOVEMBER 20, 2024
This Management Information Circular ("Information Circular") is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by management of Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. for use at the annual general meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders of Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the "Shareholders") to be held on December 31, 2024 at 10:00 am, Vancouver time, and any adjournment or postponement thereof, for the purposes set forth in the attached Notice of Annual General Meeting. Except where otherwise indicated, the information contained herein is stated as of November 20, 2024.
In this Information Circular, references to the "Company" and "we" refer to Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. "Common Shares" means common shares without par value in the capital of the Company. "Registered Shareholders" means Shareholders whose names appear on the records of the Company as the registered holders of Common Shares. "Non-Registered Shareholders" means Shareholders who do not hold Common Shares in their own name. "Intermediaries" refers to brokers, investment firms, clearing houses and similar entities that own securities on behalf of Non-Registered Shareholders.
GENERAL PROXY INFORMATION
Solicitation of Proxies
Due to the postal services strike in Canada, proxies will be primarily solicited personally and by telephone by directors, officers and regular employees of the Company. The Company will bear all costs of this solicitation. We have arranged to post the meeting materials on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website.
Appointment and Revocation of Proxies
The individuals named in the accompanying form of proxy (the "Proxy") are officers of the Company or solicitors for the Company. If you are a Registered Shareholder, you have the right to attend the meeting or vote by proxy and to appoint a person or company other than the person designated in the Proxy, who need not be a Shareholder, to attend and act for you and on your behalf at the Meeting. You may do so either by inserting the name of that other person in the blank space provided in the Proxy or by completing and delivering another suitable form of Proxy.
If you are a Registered Shareholder you may wish to vote by proxy whether or not you are able to attend the Meeting in person. Registered Shareholders electing to submit a proxy may do so by completing, dating and signing the enclosed Proxy and returning it to the Company's transfer agent, Odyssey Trust Company ("Odyssey"), in accordance with the instructions on the Proxy. Registered Shareholders may vote their shares via the internet or by telephone as per the instructions provided on the Proxy.
In all cases you should ensure that the Proxy is received at least two business days before the Meeting or the adjournment or postponement thereof at which the Proxy is to be used.
Every Proxy may be revoked by an instrument in writing:
(i) executed by the Shareholder or by his/her attorney authorized in writing or, where the Shareholder is a company, by a duly authorized officer or attorney of the company; and
(ii) delivered either to the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, at which the Proxy is to be used, or to the chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof,
or in any other manner provided by law.
Only Registered Shareholders have the right to revoke a Proxy. Non-Registered Shareholders who wish to change their vote must, at least seven days before the Meeting, arrange for their respective Intermediaries to revoke the Proxy on their behalf.
-2
If you are a Non-Registered Shareholder, see “Voting by Non-Registered Shareholders” below for further information on how to vote your Common Shares.
Exercise of Discretion by Proxyholder
If you vote by proxy, the persons named in the Proxy will vote or withhold from voting the Common Shares represented thereby in accordance with your instructions on any ballot that may be called for. If you specify a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, your Common Shares will be voted accordingly. The Proxy confers discretionary authority on the persons named therein with respect to:
(a) each matter or group of matters identified therein for which a choice is not specified;
(b) any amendment to or variation of any matter identified therein;
(c) any other matter that properly comes before the Meeting; and
(d) exercise of discretion of the Proxyholder.
In respect of a matter for which a choice is not specified in the Proxy, the persons named in the Proxy will vote the Common Shares represented by the Proxy for the approval of such matter. Management is not currently aware of any other matters that could come before the Meeting.
Voting by Non-Registered Shareholders
The following information is of significant importance to Shareholders who do not hold Common Shares in their own name. Non-Registered Shareholders should note that the only Proxies that can be recognized and acted upon at the Meeting are those deposited by Registered Shareholders.
If Common Shares are listed in an account statement provided to a Shareholder by an Intermediary, then in almost all cases those Common Shares will not be registered in the Shareholder’s name on the records of the Company. Such Common Shares will more likely be registered under the name of the Shareholder’s Intermediary or an agent of that Intermediary. In the United States, the vast majority of such Common Shares are registered under the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for The Depository Trust Company (which acts as depositary for many U.S. brokerage firms and custodian banks), and in Canada, under the name of CDS & Co. (the registration name for The Canadian Depository for Securities Limited, which acts as nominee for many Canadian brokerage firms).
If you have consented to disclosure of your ownership information, you will receive a request for voting instructions from the Company (through Odyssey). If you have declined to disclose your ownership information, you may receive a request for voting instructions from your Intermediary if they have assumed the cost of delivering the Information Circular and associated meeting materials. Every Intermediary has its own mailing procedures and provides its own return instructions to clients. However, most Intermediaries now delegate responsibility for obtaining voting instructions from clients to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”) in the United States and in Canada.
If you are a Non-Registered Shareholder, you should carefully follow the instructions on the voting instruction form received from Odyssey or Broadridge in order to ensure that your Common Shares are voted at the Meeting. The voting instruction form supplied to you will be similar to the Proxy provided to the Registered Shareholders by the Company. However, its purpose is limited to instructing the Intermediary on how to vote on your behalf.
The voting instruction form sent by Odyssey or Broadridge will name the same persons as the Company’s proxy to represent you at the Meeting. Although as a Non-Registered Shareholder you may not be recognized directly at the Meeting for the purposes of voting Common Shares registered in the name of your Intermediary, you, or a person designated by you (who need not be a Shareholder), may attend at the Meeting as Proxyholder for your Intermediary and vote your Common Shares in that capacity. To exercise this right to attend the meeting or appoint a Proxyholder of your own choosing, you should insert your own name or the name of the desired representative in the blank space provided in the voting instruction form. Alternatively, you may provide other written instructions requesting that you or your desired representative attend the Meeting as Proxyholder for your Intermediary. The completed voting instruction form or other written instructions must then be returned in accordance with the instructions on the form.
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
-3
If you receive a voting instruction form from Odyssey or Broadridge, you cannot use it to vote Common Shares directly at the Meeting. The voting instruction form must be completed as described above and returned in accordance with its instructions well in advance of the Meeting in order to have the Common Shares voted.
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
No person has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in matters to be acted upon at the Meeting other than the election of directors, the appointment of auditors or approval of the Company’s stock option plan. For the purpose of this paragraph, “person” shall include each person: (a) who has been a director, senior officer or insider of the Company at any time since the commencement of the Company’s last fiscal year; (b) who is a proposed nominee for election as a director of the Company; or (c) who is an associate or affiliate of a person as defined in (a) or (b).
RECORD DATE AND QUORUM
The board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) has fixed the record date for the Meeting as the close of business on November 20, 2024 (the “Record Date”). Shareholders of record as at the Record Date are entitled to receive notice of the Meeting and to vote their Common Shares at the Meeting, except to the extent that any such Shareholder transfers any Common Shares after the Record Date and the transferee of those Common Shares establishes that the transferee owns the Common Shares and demands, not less than ten (10) days before the Meeting, that the transferee’s name be included in the list of Shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting, in which case, only such transferee shall be entitled to vote such Common Shares at the Meeting.
Under the Articles of the Company, the quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of Shareholders is one person who is a shareholder, or who is otherwise permitted to vote shares of the Company at a meeting of shareholders pursuant to the Company’s articles, present in person or by proxy.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES
On the Record Date there were 117,585,244 Common Shares issued and outstanding, with each share carrying the right to one vote. Only Shareholders of record at the close of business on the Record Date will be entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
To the knowledge of the directors and executive officers of the Company, as of the date of this Information Circular, no Shareholder beneficially owns, or exercises control or direction, directly or indirectly, Common Shares carrying 10% or more of the votes attached to the Common Shares.
PARTICULARS OF MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
To the knowledge of the Company’s directors, the only matters to be placed before the Meeting are those set forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting and discussed below.
Presentation of Financial Statements
The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2024, together with the auditor’s report thereon, will be placed before the Meeting.
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
-4
Election of Directors
The Company proposes to fix the number of directors of the Company at three and to nominate the persons listed below for election as directors. Each director will hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Company or until his successor is elected or appointed, unless his office is earlier vacated. Management does not contemplate that any of the nominees will be unable to serve as a director. If, prior to the Meeting, any vacancies occur in the slate of nominees herein listed, it is intended that discretionary authority shall be exercised by the person named in the Proxy as nominee to vote the Common Shares represented by Proxy for the election of any other person or persons as directors.
The following table sets out the names of the director nominees; their positions and offices in the Company; principal occupations; the period of time that they have been directors of the Company; and the number of Common Shares that each beneficially owns or over which control or direction is exercised.
| Name, Residence and Present Position within the Company | Director Since | Number of Shares Beneficially Owned, Directly or Indirectly^{(1)} | Principal Occupation^{(1)} |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rana Vig^{(2)} | |||
| British Columbia, Canada | |||
| CEO, President, Corporate Secretary and Director | March 17, 2017 | 3,503,855 | Mr. Vig is a businessman; currently the President and CEO of the Company. |
| Norman Brewster^{(2)} | |||
| Ontario, Canada | |||
| Director | September 3, 2018 | 80,000 | Mr. Brewster is a businessman; currently President, CEO and a director of Cadillac Ventures Inc., director and Chairman of BWR Exploration Inc., director and Chairman of Hispania Minerals Inc., and a director of Blackbird Critical Metals Corp. |
| Gurdeep Bains^{(2)} | |||
| British Columbia, Canada | |||
| Director | September 3, 2018 | 80,000 | Mr. Bains is a businessman; currently a director of Troy Minerals Inc. |
Notes:
(1) The information as to principal occupation, business or employment and Common Shares beneficially owned or controlled is not within the knowledge of management of the Company and has been furnished by the respective nominees. Unless otherwise stated above, any nominees named above have held the principal occupation or employment indicated for at least the five preceding years.
(2) Member of the audit committee of the Company.
Other than as disclosed below, to the knowledge of the Company, no proposed director of the Company is, or has been, within the 10 years prior to the date of this Information Circular, a director or executive officer of any company that:
(a) was subject to a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, that was issued while that person was acting in that capacity;
(b) was subject to a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, that was issued after the proposed director ceased to act in that capacity, and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in that capacity; or
(c) while that person was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.
Norman Brewster is the Chief Executive Officer and director of Cadillac Ventures Inc. On October 4, 2021, while Mr. Brewster was in officer, the Ontario Securities Commission issued a cease trade order against Cadillac Ventures Inc. for failure to file audited annual financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis, and certification of the foregoing for the year ended May 31, 2021. The order remains in effect.
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
No proposed director of the Company is, or has been, within the 10 years prior to the date of this Information Circular, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the proposed director.
No proposed director of the Company has been subject to any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or has been subject to any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable securityholder in deciding whether to vote for a proposed director.
Appointment of Auditor
Management is recommending that Shareholders vote to appoint Davidson & Company LLP (“Davidson”), of Suite 1200 - 609 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, as auditors of the Company until the next annual meeting of Shareholders and to authorize the directors to fix the remuneration to be paid to the auditor. Davidson was first appointed as auditors for the Company on October 24, 2019.
Approval of Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan
On October 30, 2024, the Board approved the Company’s 2024 Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”). At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to approve the Plan.
The purpose of the Plan is to provide an incentive to directors, officers, employees and consultants to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company, to continue their participation in the affairs of the Company and to increase their efforts on behalf of the Company.
The following summary of the Plan does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to Plan.
The Plan will be administered by the Board (or a committee thereof) and will provide that the Board may from time to time, in its discretion, and in accordance with CSE requirements, grant to eligible Participants (as defined in the Plan), non-transferable awards (the “Awards”). Such Awards include options (“Options”), restricted share units (“RSUs”), share appreciation rights (“SARs”), deferred share units (“DSUs”), and performance share units (“PSUs”).
The number of Common Shares reserved for issuance pursuant to Options granted under the Plan will not, in the aggregate, exceed 10% of the then issued and outstanding Common Shares on a rolling basis. In addition, the maximum number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to SARs, RSUs, DSUs and PSUs issued under the Plan shall not exceed 11,758,524 in the aggregate.
The maximum number of Common Shares for which Awards may be issued to any one Participant in any 12-month period shall not exceed 5% of the outstanding Common Shares, unless disinterested shareholder approval as required by the policies of the CSE is obtained, or 2% in the case of a grant of Awards to any consultant or persons (in the aggregate) retained to provide Investor Relations Activities (as defined by the CSE). Further, unless disinterested shareholder approval as required by the policies of the CSE is obtained: (i) the maximum number of Common Shares for which Awards may be issued to insiders of the Company (as a group) at any point in time shall not exceed 10% of the outstanding Common Shares; and (ii) the aggregate number of Awards granted to insiders of the Common (as a group), within any 12-month period, shall not exceed 10% of the outstanding Common Shares.
On a Change of Control (as defined in the Plan) of the Company, the Board shall have discretion as to the treatment of Awards, including whether to (i) accelerate, conditionally or otherwise, on such terms as it sees fit, the vesting date of any Awards; (ii) permit the conditional exercise of any Awards, on such terms as it sees fit; (iii) otherwise amend or modify the terms of any Awards; and (iv) terminate, following the successful completion of a Change of Control, on such terms as it sees fit, the Awards not exercised prior to the successful completion of such Change of Control. If there is a Change of Control, any Awards held by a Participant shall automatically vest following such Change of Control, on the Termination Date (as defined in the Plan), if the Participant is an employee, officer or a director and their employment, or officer or director position is terminated or they resign for Good Reason (as defined in the Plan) within 12 months following the Change of Control, provided that no acceleration of Awards shall occur in the case of a Participant that was retained to provide Investor Relations Activities unless the approval of the CSE is either obtained or not required.
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
The following is a summary of the various types of Awards issuable under the Plan.
Options
Subject to any requirements of the CSE, the Board may determine the expiry date of each Option. Subject to a limited extension if an Option expires during a Black Out Period (as defined in the Plan), Options may be exercised for a period of up to ten years after the grant date, provided that: (i) upon a Participant's termination for Cause (as defined in the Plan), all Options, whether vested or not as at the Termination Date will automatically and immediately expire and be forfeited; (ii) upon the death of a Participant, all unvested Options as at the Termination Date shall automatically and immediately vest, and all vested Options will continue to be subject to the Plan and be exercisable for a period of 90 days after the Termination Date; (iii) in the case of the Disability (as defined in the Plan) of a Participant, all Options shall remain and continue to vest (and are exercisable) in accordance with the terms of the Plan for a period of 12 months after the Termination Date, provided that any Options that have not been exercised (whether vested or not) within 12 months after the Termination Date shall automatically and immediately expire and be forfeited on such date; (iv) in the case of the retirement of a Participant, the Board shall have discretion, with respect to such Options, to determine whether to accelerate the vesting of such Options, cancel such Options with or without payment and determine how long, if at all, such Options may remain outstanding following the Termination Date, provided, however, that in no event shall such Options be exercisable for more than 12 months after the Termination Date; (v) subject to paragraph (vi) below, in all other cases where a Participant ceases to be eligible under the Plan, including a termination without Cause or a voluntary resignation, unless otherwise determined by the Board, all unvested Options shall automatically and immediately expire and be forfeited as of the Termination Date, and all vested Options will continue to be subject to the Plan and be exercisable for a period of 90 days after the Termination Date; and (vi) notwithstanding paragraphs (i)-(v), in connection with the resignation of the Participants holding options to purchase Common Shares granted to the directors and officers of the Company under the Plan, such options shall be exercisable for a period of 90 months after the Termination Date.
The exercise price of the Options will be determined by the Board at the time any Option is granted. In no event will such exercise price be lower than the last closing price of the Common Shares on the CSE less any discount permitted by the rules or policies of the CSE at the time the Option is granted. Subject to any vesting restrictions imposed by the CSE, or as may otherwise be determined by the Board at the time of grant, Options shall vest equally over a four year period such that $\frac{1}{4}$ of the Options shall vest on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary dates of the date that the Options were granted.
Restricted Share Units
Subject to any requirements of the CSE, the Board may determine the expiry date of each RSU. Subject to a limited extension if an RSU expires during a Black Out Period, RSUs may vest and be paid out for a period of up to three years after the grant date, provided that: (i) upon a Participant's termination for Cause, all RSUs, whether vested (if not yet paid out) or not as at the Termination Date will automatically and immediately expire and be forfeited; (ii) upon the death of a Participant, all unvested RSUs as at the Termination Date shall automatically and immediately vest and be paid out; (iii) in the case of the Disability of a Participant, all RSUs shall remain and continue to vest in accordance with the terms of the Plan for a period of 12 months after the Termination Date, provided that any RSUs that have not been vested within 12 months after the Termination Date shall automatically and immediately expire and be forfeited on such date; (iv) in the case of the retirement of a Participant, the Board shall have discretion, with respect to such RSUs, to determine whether to accelerate the vesting of such RSUs, cancel such RSUs with or without payment and determine how long, if at all, such RSUs may remain outstanding following the Termination Date, provided, however, that in no event shall such RSUs be exercisable for more than 12 months after the Termination Date; and (v) in all other cases where a Participant ceases to be eligible under the Plan, including a termination without Cause or a voluntary resignation, unless otherwise determined by the Board, all unvested RSUs shall automatically and immediately expire and be forfeited as of the Termination Date, and all vested RSUs will be paid out in accordance with the Plan.
The number of RSUs to be issued to any Participant will be determined by the Board at the time of grant. Each RSU will entitle the holder to receive at the time of vesting for each RSU held, either one Common Share or a cash payment equal to the fair market value of a Common Share or a combination of the two, at the election of the Board. In addition, the Board may determine that holders of RSUs be credited with consideration equivalent to dividends declared by the Board and paid on outstanding Common Shares. In the event settlement is made by payment in cash, such payment shall be made by the earlier of (i) $2 \frac{1}{2}$ months after the close of the year in which such conditions or restrictions were satisfied or lapsed and (ii) December 31 of the third year following the year of the grant date. Subject to any vesting restrictions imposed by the CSE, or as may otherwise be determined by the Board at the time of grant, RSUs shall vest equally over a three-year period such that $\frac{1}{3}$ of the RSUs shall vest on the first, second and third anniversary dates of the date that the RSUs were granted.
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
-7
Share Appreciation Rights
SARs may be issued together with Options or as standalone awards. Upon the exercise of a SAR, a Participant shall be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount representing the difference between the fair market value of the underlying Common Shares on the date of exercise over the grant price of the SAR. At the discretion of the Board, the payment upon the exercise of a SAR may be in cash, Common Shares of equivalent value, in some combination thereof, or in any other form approved by the Board in its sole discretion. Subject to any requirements of the CSE, the Board may determine the vesting terms and expiry date of each SAR. Subject to a limited extension if a SAR expires during a Black Out Period, SARs will not be exercisable later than the tenth anniversary date of its grant. Subject to compliance with the rules of the CSE, the Board may determine, at the time of grant, the treatment of SARs upon a Participant ceasing to be eligible to participate in the Plan.
Deferred Share Units
The number and terms of DSUs to be issued to any Participant will be determined by the Board at the time of grant. Each DSU will entitle the holder to receive at the time of settlement for each DSU held, either one Common Share or a cash payment equal to the fair market value of a Common Share or a combination of the two, at the election of the Board. In addition, the Board may determine that holders of DSUs be credited with consideration equivalent to dividends declared by the Board and paid on outstanding Common Shares. Subject to any requirements of the CSE, the Board may determine the vesting terms and expiry date of each DSU, provided that if a DSU would otherwise settle or expire during a Black Out Period, the Board may extend such date. Subject to compliance with the rules of the CSE, the Board may determine, at the time of grant, the treatment of DSUs upon a Participant ceasing to be eligible to participate in the Plan.
Performance Share Units
The number and terms (including applicable performance criteria) of PSUs to be issued to any Participant will be determined by the Board at the time of grant. Each PSU will entitle the holder to receive at the time of settlement for each PSU held, either one Common Share or a cash payment equal to the fair market value of a Common Share or a combination of the two, at the election of the Board. In addition, the Board may determine that holders of PSUs be credited with consideration equivalent to dividends declared by the Board and paid on outstanding Common Shares. Subject to any requirements of the CSE, the Board may determine the vesting terms and expiry date of each PSU, provided that in no event will delivery of Common Shares or payment of any cash amounts be made later than the earlier of (i) $2 \frac{1}{2}$ months after the close of the year in which the performance conditions or restrictions are satisfied or lapse, and (ii) December 31 of the third year following the year of the grant date. Subject to compliance with the rules of the CSE, the Board may determine, at the time of grant, the treatment of PSUs upon a Participant ceasing to be eligible to participate in the Plan.
Shareholders will be asked at the Meeting to approve, with or without variation, the following ordinary resolution:
"BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
- the Company’s 2024 omnibus equity incentive plan (the “Plan”) be and is hereby approved, and that in connection therewith a maximum of $10\%$ of the issued and outstanding common shares at the time of each grant be approved for granting as options, and a maximum of 11,758,524 common shares issuable pursuant to restricted share units, share appreciation rights, deferred share units, and performance share units be approved for granting as awards;
- the Board of Directors of the Company be authorized in its absolute discretion to administer the Plan, and amend or modify the Plan in accordance with its terms and conditions and with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE);
- all issued and outstanding stock options of the Company previously granted shall be continued under and governed by the Plan;
- all unallocated entitlements under the Plan be approved, and the Company has the ability to continue granting options and awards under the Plan until December 31, 2027, which is the date that is three (3) years from the date at which shareholder approval is being sought; and
- any one or more director(s) or officer(s) of the Company be authorized and directed to do all acts and things and to execute and deliver all documents required, as in the opinion of such director or officer may be necessary or appropriate in order to give effect to this resolution."
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
A copy of the Plan is available at the records office of the Company, until the business day immediately preceding the date of the Meeting, and a copy will also be made available at the Meeting.
OTHER BUSINESS
As of the date of this Information Circular, management of the Company knows of no other matters to be acted upon at the Meeting. However, should any other matters properly come before the Meeting, the Common Shares represented by the Proxy solicited hereby will be voted on such matters in accordance with the best judgment of the persons voting the Common Shares represented by the Proxy.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
For the purposes set out below a “Named Executive Officer” or “NEO” means:
(a) the Company’s chief executive officer (“CEO”);
(b) the Company’s chief financial officer (“CFO”);
(c) in respect of the Company and its subsidiaries, the most highly compensated executive officer other than the CEO and the CFO, at the end of the most recently completed financial year whose total compensation was more than $150,000 for that financial year; and
(d) each individual who would be a named executive officer under subsection (c) above but for the fact that the individual was not an executive officer of the Company, and was not acting in a similar capacity, at the end of that financial year.
As at March 31, 2024, the end of the most recently completed financial year of the Company, the Company had two NEOs, whose names and positions held within the Company are set out in the summary compensation table below.
An NEO or director of the Company is not permitted to purchase financial instruments, including, for greater certainty, prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, or units of exchange funds, that are designed to hedge or offset a decrease in market value of equity securities granted as compensation or held, directly by the NEO or director.
Director and Named Executive Officer Compensation
The following table is a summary of compensation (excluding compensation securities) paid, payable, awarded, granted, given, or otherwise provided, directly or indirectly, by the Company, or a subsidiary of the Company to each NEO and director for each of the Company’s two most recently completed financial years.
| Table of compensation excluding compensation securities | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name and position | Year Ended March 31 | Salary, consulting fee, retainer or commission ($) | Bonus ($) | Committee or meeting fees ($) | Value of perquisites ($) | Value of all other compensation ($)^{(1)} | Total compensation ($) |
| Rana Vig | |||||||
| CEO, President, Corporate Secretary and Director | 2024 | 144,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 144,000 |
| 2023 | 144,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 144,000 | |
| Regina Lara Yunes^{(1)} | |||||||
| CFO | 2024 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| 2023 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
| Carmelo Marrelli^{(2)} | |||||||
| Former CFO | 2024 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| 2023 | 10,506 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 10,506 |
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
-9
| Table of compensation excluding compensation securities | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name and position | Year Ended March 31 | Salary, consulting fee, retainer or commission ($) | Bonus ($) | Committee or meeting fees ($) | Value of perquisites ($) | Value of all other compensation ($)(1) | Total compensation ($) |
| Norman Brewster | |||||||
| Director | 2024 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| 2023 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
| Gurdeep Bains | |||||||
| Director | 2024 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| 2023 | 18,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 18,000 |
(1) Regina Lara Yunes was appointed as CFO on September 8, 2023.
(2) Carmelo Marrelli resigned as CFO on September 8, 2023
Stock Options and Other Compensation Securities
No compensation securities were granted or issued to the directors and NEOs of the Company by the Company in the most recently completed financial year for services provided or to be provided, directly or indirectly, to the Company.
As at March 31, 2024, Rana Vig owned an aggregate of 400,000 compensation securities, comprised solely of stock options, each of which is exercisable into one Common Share. As at March 31, 2024, Norman Brewster owned an aggregate of 50,000 compensation securities, comprised solely of stock options, each of which is exercisable into one Common Share. As at March 31, 2024, Gurdeep Bains owned an aggregate of 100,000 compensation securities, comprised solely of stock options, each of which is exercisable into one Common Share.
During the Company’s most recently completed financial year, no compensation securities were exercised by a director or NEO.
Stock option plans and other incentive plans
See “Approval of Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan” above for the material terms of the Company’s Plan. The Plan will be placed before the Meeting for shareholder approval.
Employment, consulting and management agreements
Other than as disclosed herein, the Company does not have any agreement or arrangement under which compensation was provided during the most recently completed financial year or is payable in respect of services provided to the Company or any of its subsidiaries that were performed by a director or NEO, or performed by any other party but are services typically provided by a director or a NEO.
The Company entered into a management agreement with Rana Vig dated September 1, 2019 (the “Management Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Vig agreed to provide management services to the Company in consideration for $12,000 per month for a period of two years. The Management Agreement was extended for a further two years on the same terms. The Management Agreement provides that Mr. Vig is entitled to a lump sum payment equal to two times his annual fee, as set out in the Management Agreement, in the event of termination, including termination following a change of control.
Oversight and Description of Director and Named Executive Officer Compensation
The objective of the Company’s compensation program is to compensate the directors and executive officers for their services to the Company at a level that is both in line with the Company’s fiscal resources and competitive with companies at a similar stage of development.
The Company compensates its directors and executive officers based on their skill, qualifications, experience level, level of responsibility involved in their position, the existing stage of development of the Company, the Company’s resources, industry
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
-10
practice and regulatory guidelines regarding executive compensation levels.
The Board has implemented three levels of compensation to align the interests of the directors and executive officers with those of the Shareholders. First, directors and executive officers may be paid a monthly consulting fee or salary. Second, the Board may award directors and executive officers long term incentives in the form of stock options. Finally, and only in special circumstances, the Board may award cash or share bonuses for exceptional performance that results in a significant increase in Shareholder value. The Company provides medical and dental benefits but it does not provide pension or other benefits to the directors and executive officers.
The base compensation of the directors and executive officers is reviewed and set annually by the Board. The CEO has substantial input in setting annual compensation levels. The CEO is directly responsible for the financial resources and operations of the Company. In addition, the CEO and Board from time to time determine the stock option grants to be made pursuant to the Company's stock option plan. Previous grants of stock options are taken into account when considering new grants. The Board awards bonuses at its sole discretion. The Board does not have pre-existing performance criteria or objectives.
Compensation for the most recently completed financial year should not be considered an indicator of expected compensation levels in future periods. All compensation is subject to and dependent on the Company's financial resources and prospects.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table sets out information as at the end of the Company's most recently completed financial year with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance.
| Plan Category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plan (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity compensation plans approved by Shareholders (Stock Option Plan) | 3,787,500 | $0.81 | 7,616,024 |
| Equity compensation plans not approved by Shareholders | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Total: | 3,787,500 | 7,616,024 |
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year, none of the directors, executive officers, employees, proposed nominees for election as directors or their associates, or any former executive officers, directors and employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, have been indebted to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
No informed person (a director, officer or holder of 10% or more of the Common Shares) or nominee for election as a director of the Company or any associate or affiliate of any informed person or proposed director had any interest in any transaction since the commencement of the Company's most recently completed financial year or in any proposed transaction which has materially affected or would materially affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS
Management functions of the Company or any of its subsidiaries are not to any substantial degree performed by anyone other than the directors or executive officers of the Company or subsidiary.
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
-11
STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Corporate Governance
Corporate governance relates to the activities of the Board, the members of which are elected by and are accountable to the Shareholders, and takes into account the role of the individual members of management who are appointed by the Board and charged with the day-to-day management of the Company. The Canadian Securities Administrators (“CSA”) have adopted National Policy 58-201 Corporate Governance Guidelines, which provides non-prescriptive guidelines on corporate governance practices for reporting issuers such as the Company. In addition, the CSA has implemented National Instrument 58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices (“NI 58-101”), which prescribes certain disclosure by the Company of its corporate governance practices. This disclosure is presented below.
Board of Directors
The Board currently consists of three members, Rana Vig, Norman Brewster, and Gurdeep Bains and it is proposed that all three be nominated at the Meeting.
The Board has concluded that two directors, Norman Brewster and Gurdeep Bains are “independent” for purposes of membership on the Board, as provided in NI 58-101. Rana Vig, President and CEO, is not “independent” for the purposes of membership on the Board, as provided in NI 58-101.
The independent directors do not hold regularly scheduled meetings at which non-independent directors and members of management are not in attendance. The Board facilitates open and candid discussion among its independent directors through collective communication among its directors and management.
Other Directorships
The following table sets forth the directors of the Company who are directors of other reporting issuers:
| Name | Name of other reporting issuer |
|---|---|
| Rana Vig | Troy Minerals Inc. |
| Hylands International Holdings Inc. | |
| Norman Brewster | BWR Exploration Inc. |
| Cadillac Ventures Inc. | |
| Blackbird Critical Metals Corp. | |
| Hispania Resources Inc. | |
| Troy Minerals Inc. | |
| Gurdeep Bains | Troy Minerals Inc. |
Orientation and Continuing Education
New Board members receive an orientation package which includes reports on operations and results, and any public disclosure filings by the Company, as may be applicable. Board meetings are sometimes held at the Company's offices and, from time to time, are combined with presentations by the Company's management to give the directors additional insight into the Company's business. In addition, management of the Company makes itself available for discussion with all Board members.
Ethical Business Conduct
The Board has not adopted a formal code of business conduct and ethics. The Board is of the view that the fiduciary duties placed on individual directors by the Company’s governing legislation and common law together with corporate statutory restrictions on an individual director’s participation in Board decisions in which the director has an interest are sufficient to ensure that the Board operates independently of management and in the best interests of the Company.
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
-12
Nomination of Directors
The Board considers its size each year when it considers the number of directors to recommend to the Shareholders for election at the annual general meeting. The Board takes in to account the number of directors required to carry out the Board’s duties effectively and to maintain diversity of views and experience.
The Board has not established a nominating committee and this function is currently performed by the Board as a whole. However, if there is a change in the number of directors required by the Company, this policy will be reviewed.
Compensation
The Board has not established a formal compensation committee. Rather, the independent Board members are responsible for reviewing and determining the adequacy and form of compensation paid to the Company’s executives and key employees. The independent Board members evaluate the performance of the CEO and other senior management measured against the Company’s business goals and industry compensation levels.
Other Board Committees
The Board has no committees other than the audit committee.
Assessments
The Board annually, and at such other times as it deems appropriate, reviews the performance and effectiveness of the Board, the directors and its committees to determine whether changes in size, personnel or responsibilities are warranted. To assist in its review, the Board conducts informal surveys of its directors and receives a report from the audit committee respecting its effectiveness. As part of the assessments, the Board or the audit committee may review their respective mandate or charter and conduct reviews of applicable corporate policies.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Audit Committee Disclosure
Pursuant to Section 224(1) of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and National Instrument 52-110 of the Canadian Securities Administrators (“NI 52-110”) the Company is required to have an audit committee (the “Committee”) comprising not less than three directors, a majority of whom are not officers, control persons or employees of the Company or an affiliate of the Company. NI 52-110 requires the Company as a venture issuer, to disclose annually in its Information Circular certain information concerning the constitution of its audit committee and its relationship with its independent auditor, as set forth below.
The primary function of the Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its financial oversight responsibilities by: (i) reviewing the financial reports and other financial information provided by the Company to regulatory authorities and Shareholders; (ii) reviewing the systems for internal corporate controls which have been established by the Board and management; and (iii) overseeing the Company’s financial reporting processes generally. In meeting these responsibilities, the Committee monitors the financial reporting process and internal control system; reviews and appraises the work of external auditors and provides an avenue of communication between the external auditors, senior management and the Board. The Committee is also mandated to review and approve all material related party transactions.
The Audit Committee’s Charter
The Company has adopted a Charter of the Audit Committee of the Board a copy of which is annexed hereto as Schedule “A”.
Composition of the Audit Committee
The Committee comprises of the following members: Rana Vig, Norman Brewster, and Gurdeep Bains. Mr. Brewster and Mr. Bains are considered to be independent. In addition, each member of the Committee is considered to be financially literate as defined by NI 52-110 in that they have the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the issues that can presumably be expected to be raised by the Company’s financial statements.
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
The members of the Committee are elected by the Board at its first meeting following the annual shareholders' meeting. Unless a chair is elected by the full Board, the members of the Committee designate a chair by a majority vote of the full Committee membership.
Relevant Education and Experience
Rana Vig – Mr. Vig has over 30 years of business experience and has been involved in publicly traded companies since 2010. In this time Mr. Vig has served on the audit committee for several public companies, including Continental Precious Minerals Inc. and Pampa Metals Corporation. Mr. Vig is very familiar with managing junior listed companies, including financing and compliance with reporting requirements. Based on his experience, Mr. Vig has an understanding of financial reporting requirements respecting financial statements sufficient enough to enable him to discharge his duties as an audit committee member.
Norman Brewster – Mr. Brewster is a Professional Geologist with the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario. Currently, he is a director of Blackbird Critical Metals Corp., a CSE listed company, the CEO and a director of Cadillac Ventures Inc., a NEX listed company, director and CEO of Hispania Resources which trades on the TSXV, and the Chairman of the board of directors of BWR Exploration Inc., a TSXV listed company. Through his experience with junior listed companies, Mr. Brewster has an understanding of financial reporting requirements respecting financial statements sufficient enough to enable him to discharge his duties as an audit committee member.
Gurdeep Bains – Mr. Bains is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) who in 2003 received his Chartered Accountant Designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC and in 2004 graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. From 2000 to 2005, he was a Senior Auditor, Assurance Services at KPMG. Additionally, Mr. Bains was with Canaccord Genuity as Vice President, internal audit and financial analysis from 2005 to 2014, and from June 2014 to October 2017, he was the CFO at OK Tire Stores Inc. Mr. Bains is currently a director of Troy Minerals Inc. since July 2022. As a result, Mr. Bains has an understanding of financial reporting requirements respecting financial statements sufficient enough to enable him to discharge his duties as an audit committee member.
Audit Committee Oversight
Since the commencement of the Company's most recently completed financial year, the Board has not failed to adopt a recommendation of the Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor.
Reliance on Certain Exemptions
Since the commencement of the Company's most recently completed financial year, the Company has not relied on, the following exemptions:
(a) the exemption in section 2.4 (De Minimis Non-audit Services), which provides an exemption from the requirement that the audit committee must pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided to the Company or its subsidiaries by the Company's external auditor;
(b) the exemption in subsection 6.1.1(4) (Circumstance Affecting the Business or Operations of the Venture Issuer), which provides an exemption from the requirements for the composition of the audit committee if a circumstance arises that affects the business or operations of the venture issuer, and a reasonable person would conclude that the circumstance can be best addressed by a member of the audit committee becoming an executive officer or employee of the venture issuer;
(c) the exemption in subsection 6.1.1(5) (Events Outside Control of Member), which provides an exemption from the requirements for the composition of the audit committee for if an audit committee member becomes a control person of the venture issuer or of an affiliate of the venture issuer for reasons outside the member's reasonable control;
(d) the exemption in subsection 6.1.1(6) (Death, Incapacity or Resignation), which provides an exemption from the requirements for the composition of the audit committee if a vacancy on the audit committee arises as a result of the death, incapacity or resignation of an audit committee member and the Board is required to fill the vacancy; or
(e) an exemption from NI 52-110, in whole or in part, granted under Part 8 (Exemption) of NI 52-110, which permits a company to apply to a securities regulatory authority for an exemption from the requirements of NI 52-110, in whole or in part.
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
-14
Pre-approval Policies and Procedures
The Committee has not adopted specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services. Subject to the requirements of NI 52-110, the engagement of non-audit services is considered by the Board, and where applicable the Committee, on a case-by-case basis.
External Auditor Service Fees
In the following table, “audit fees” are fees billed by the Company’s external auditor for services provided in auditing the Company’s annual financial statements for the subject year. “Audit-related fees” are fees not included in audit fees that are billed by the auditor for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements. “Tax fees” are fees billed by the auditor for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. “All other fees” are fees billed by the auditor for products and services not included in the foregoing categories.
The fees paid by the Company to its auditor in each of the last two fiscal years, by category, are as follows:
| Financial Year Ending | Audit Fees | Audit Related Fees | Tax Fees | All Other Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $45,549 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| 2023 | $55,855 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Exemption
The Company is relying on section 6.1 of NI 52-110 which provides that the Company, as a venture issuer, is not required to comply with Part 3 (Composition of the Audit Committee) and Part 5 (Reporting Obligations) of NI 52-110.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Company is available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedaplus.ca. Financial information is provided in the Company’s comparative annual financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for its most recently completed financial year, and available online at www.sedarplus.ca. Shareholders may request additional copies by mail to Suite 1200 – 750 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 2T8.
DIRECTORS' APPROVAL
The contents and the sending of the Notice of Meeting and this Information Circular have been approved by the Board.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
“Rana Vig”
Rana Vig
President and Chief Executive Officer
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
A-1
Schedule “A”
Charter of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the "Company")
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
This Charter establishes the composition, the authority, roles and responsibilities and the general objectives of the Company's audit committee, or its Board of Directors in lieu thereof (the "Audit Committee"). The roles and responsibilities described in this Charter must at all times be exercised in compliance with the legislation and regulations governing the Company and any subsidiaries.
Composition
- Number of Members. The Audit Committee must be comprised of a minimum of three directors of the Company, a majority of whom will be independent. Independence of the board members will be as defined by applicable legislation.
- The members of the Committee will be appointed by the board of directors of the Company ("Board") annually at the first meeting of the Board following the annual meeting of the shareholders, to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are duly appointed.
- Chair. If there is more than one member of the Audit Committee, members will appoint a chair of the Audit Committee (the "Chair") to serve for a term of one (1) year on an annual basis. The Chair may serve as the chair of the Audit Committee for any number of consecutive terms.
- Financially Literacy. All members of the audit committee will be financially literate as defined by applicable legislation. If upon appointment a member of the Audit Committee is not financially literate as required, the person will be provided with a period of three months to acquire the required level of financial literacy.
Meetings
- Quorum. The quorum required to constitute a meeting of the Audit Committee is set at a majority of members.
- Agenda. The Chair will set the agenda for each meeting, after consulting with management and the external auditor. Agenda materials such as draft financial statements must be circulated to all Audit Committee members for members to have a reasonable amount of time to review the materials prior to the meeting.
- Notice to Auditors. The Company's auditors (the "Auditors") will be provided with notice as necessary of any Audit Committee meeting, will be invited to attend each such meeting and will receive an opportunity to be heard at those meetings on matters related to the Auditor's duties.
- Minutes. Minutes of the Audit Committee meetings will be accurately recorded, with such minutes recording the decisions reached by the committee.
Roles and Responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of the Audit Committee include the following:
External Auditor
The Audit Committee will:
A. Selection of the external auditor. Select, evaluate and recommend to the Board, for shareholder approval, the Auditor to examine the Company's accounts, controls and financial statements.
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
A-2
B. Scope of Work. Evaluate, prior to the annual audit by the Auditors, the scope and general extent of the Auditor’s review, including the Auditor’s engagement letter.
C. Compensation. Recommend to the Board the compensation to be paid to the external auditors.
D. Replacement of Auditor. If necessary, recommend the replacement of the Auditor to the Board of Directors.
E. Approve Non-Audit Related Services. Pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided by the Auditor to the Company or its subsidiaries.
F. Direct Responsibility for Overseeing Work of Auditors. Must directly oversee the work of the Auditor. The Auditor must report directly to the Audit Committee.
G. Resolution of Disputes. Assist with resolving any disputes between the Company’s management and the Auditors regarding financial reporting.
Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Information
The Audit Committee will:
H. Review Audited Financial Statements. Review the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company, discuss those statements with management and with the Auditor, and recommend their approval to the Board.
I. Review of Interim Financial Statements. Review and discuss with management the quarterly consolidated financial statements, and if appropriate, recommend their approval by the Board.
J. MD&A, Annual and Interim Earnings Press Releases, Audit Committee Reports. Review the Company’s management discussion and analysis, interim and annual press releases, and audit committee reports before the Company publicly discloses this information.
K. Auditor Reports and Recommendations. Review and consider any significant reports and recommendations issued by the Auditor, together with management’s response, and the extent to which recommendations made by the Auditor have been implemented.
Risk Management, Internal Controls and Information Systems
The Audit Committee will:
L. Internal Control. Review with the Auditors and with management, the general policies and procedures used by the Company with respect to internal accounting and financial controls. Remain informed, through communications with the Auditor, of any weaknesses in internal control that could cause errors or deficiencies in financial reporting or deviations from the accounting policies of the Company or from applicable laws or regulations.
M. Financial Management. Periodically review the team in place to carry out financial reporting functions, circumstances surrounding the departure of any officers in charge of financial reporting, and the appointment of individuals in these functions.
N. Accounting Policies and Practices. Review management plans regarding any changes in accounting practices or policies and the financial impact thereof.
O. Litigation. Review with the Auditors and legal counsel any litigation, claim or contingency, including tax assessments, that could have a material effect upon the financial position of the Company and the manner in which these matters are being disclosed in the consolidated financial statements.
P. Other. Discuss with management and the Auditors correspondence with regulators, employee complaints, or published reports that raise material issues regarding the Company’s financial statements or disclosure.
1387-2491-9569, v. 1
A-3
Complaints
Q. Accounting, Auditing and Internal Control Complaints. The Audit Committee must establish a procedure for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters.
R. Employee Complaints. The Audit Committee must establish a procedure for the confidential transmittal on condition of anonymity by the Company’s employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
Authority
- Auditor. The Auditor, and any internal auditors hired by the company, will report directly to the Audit Committee.
- To Retain Independent Advisors. The Audit Committee may, at the Company’s expense and without the approval of management, retain the services of independent legal counsels and any other advisors it deems necessary to carry out its duties and set and pay the monetary compensation of these individuals.
Reporting
The Audit Committee will report to the Board on:
- the Auditor’s independence;
- the performance of the Auditor and any recommendations of the Audit Committee in relation thereto;
- the reappointment and termination of the Auditor;
- the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls and disclosure controls;
- the Audit Committee’s review of the annual and interim consolidated financial statements;
- the Audit Committee’s review of the annual and interim management discussion and analysis;
- the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory matters to the extent they affect the financial statements of the Company; and
- all other material matters dealt with by the Audit Committee.
1387-2491-9569, v. 1