AI assistant
Centurion Minerals Ltd. — Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement 2024
Mar 26, 2024
45895_rns_2024-03-26_6c378e3e-f3b0-47c1-8213-0c4be1787522.pdf
Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement
Open in viewerOpens in your device viewer
CENTURION MINERALS LTD.
NOTICE AND MANAGEMENT PROXY CIRCULAR
FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD AT
9:00 a.m. (Pacific time) Thursday, April 25, 2024
520 – 470 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6C 1V5 Canada
CENTURION MINERALS LTD.
Suite 520 – 470 Granville St.
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1V5
Toll-Free: 1-855-683-1991 Tel: 604-484-2161 Fax: 604-683-8544
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual general meeting (the " Meeting ") of the shareholders of Centurion Minerals Ltd. (the " Company ") will be held at Suite 520 – 470 Granville St, Vancouver, BC, V6C 1V5, on April 25, 2024 at 09:00 a.m. (Pacific Time), for the following purposes:
-
To receive and consider the audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended July 31, 2022 together with the auditor's report thereon;
-
To fix the number of directors for the ensuing year at 3;
-
To elect directors for the ensuing year;
-
To appoint Manning Elliott LLP Chartered Accountants as the Company’s auditors for the ensuing fiscal year at a remuneration to be fixed by the directors;
-
To consider and, if thought advisable, approve an ordinary resolution reconfirming the Company’s 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as more particularly described in the Information Circular.
-
To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The accompanying Information Circular provides additional information relating to the matters to be dealt with at the Meeting and is deemed to form part of this Notice.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on the 15[th] day of March, 2024, as the record date for determination of shareholders entitled to notice of this Meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof and the right to vote thereat.
This notice is accompanied by the Circular, a form of proxy and a supplemental mailing list return card.
Proxies to be used at the Meeting must be deposited with the Company, c/o the Company's transfer agent, Endeavor Trust Corporation, Proxy Department, Suite 702, 777 Hornby Street,
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1S4 no later than 09:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, or no later than 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays) prior to the date on which the Meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof is held. See also the form of proxy for instructions as to the use of telephone and internet voting.
Non-registered shareholders who receive these materials through their broker or other intermediary are requested to follow the instructions for voting provided by their broker or intermediary, which may include the completion and delivery of a voting instruction form.
DATED at Vancouver, British Columbia this 15[th] day of March, 2024.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
"David Tafel"
_____ David Tafel Chief Executive Officer and Director
CENTURION MINERALS LTD.
520 – 470 Granville Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6C 1V5 Toll-Free: 1-855-683-1991 Tel: 604-484-2161 Fax: 604-683-8544
INFORMATION CIRCULAR
dated March 15, 2024
MANAGEMENT SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
This Information Circular is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the management of Centurion Minerals Ltd. (the “Company”) for use at the annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Company to be held at suite 520-470 Granville Steet, Vancouver and via telephone conference with call number 1-866-305-1460 and Passcode is 7680289 for those shareholders who wish to follow the proceedings, at 9:00 a.m. (Pacific time) on Thursday, the 25[th] day of April, 2024 (the “Meeting”), and at any adjournment thereof, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual General Meeting (the “Notice of Meeting”). Unless specified otherwise, the information contained in this Information Circular is current as at March 15, 2024.
Delivery of Proxy Materials
The Company has elected to use the notice and access method of delivering meeting materials to both registered and beneficial shareholders. Registered shareholders will still be mailed a form of proxy, and beneficial shareholders will still be mailed a voting instruction form, allowing them to vote at the Meeting. Shareholders will also receive in the mail a notice with information about the Meeting and instructions on how they can access electronic copies of the meeting materials rather than receiving printed copies. The meeting materials will be available on SEDARplus.ca and the Company’s website (www.centurionminerals.com/s/AGM.asp)
Shareholders may access electronic copies of the meeting materials online at the Company’s website or SEDARplus.ca on or after March 26, 2024, which is the date that the Company intends to commence mailing notice packages to the shareholders of record.
The Company does not intend to use “stratification” (i.e. sending a paper information circular and/or annual financial statements and MD&A to certain shareholders); however, the Company will comply with standing instructions or other requests for paper information circular and/or annual financial statements and MD&A received from beneficial holders.
The Company intends to mail directly to its non-objecting beneficial owners (“NOBOs”) in compliance with National Instrument 54-101 Communications with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer (“NI 54-101”) .
These securityholder materials are being sent to both registered and non-registered owners of the securities. If you are a non-registered owner, and the issuer or its agent has sent these materials directly to you, your name and address and information about your holdings of securities, have been obtained in accordance with applicable securities regulatory requirements from the intermediary holding on your behalf.
By choosing to send these materials to you directly, the issuer (and not the intermediary holding on your behalf) has assumed responsibility for (i) delivering these materials to you, and (ii) executing your proper voting instructions. Please return your voting instructions as specified in the request for voting instructions.
The Company does not intend to pay for Intermediaries (as defined in the section ‘ Notice to Beneficial Holders ’ below) to forward meeting materials to the objecting beneficial owners (“OBOs”) pursuant to NI 54-101. Therefore, OBOs will not receive materials unless their Intermediary assumes the cost of delivery.
How to Obtain Paper Copies of the Proxy Materials
Shareholders may request that the Company mail to them a paper copy of this Information Circular and/or the Company’s Fiscal 2022 Annual Financial Statements and MD&A, at no cost to them, at any time up to one year from the date the documents were filed on SEDARplus.ca.
Requests to receive a paper copy of this Information Circular and/or the Company’s Fiscal 2022 Annual Financial Statements and MD&A may be made by telephone by calling 1-855-683-1991. Requests to receive a paper copy of this Information Circular must be received by the Company by the close of business on March 29, 2024, in order to ensure that shareholders receive the mailed documents with sufficient time to allow them to complete and return their proxy or voting instruction form before the Proxy cut-off date and time.
Please note that if you request a paper copy of this Information Circular and/or the Company’s Fiscal 2022 Annual Financial Statements and MD&A, you will not receive a new proxy or voting instruction form so you should retain the form mailed to you in order to vote.
PROXIES
Appointment of Proxies
The persons named in the form of proxy or voting instruction form (both referred to herein as the “Proxy”) are nominees of the Company’s management. A shareholder wishing to appoint a person (who need not be a shareholder) to attend and act for him on his behalf at the Meeting, other than the persons designated as proxy holders in the enclosed Proxy, may do so by striking out the printed names and inserting the name of such other person in the blank space provided in the Proxy or by completing another proper form of proxy. The completed Proxy or other proper form of proxy must be delivered or faxed to Endeavor Trust Company, Proxy Department, or as otherwise instructed in the Proxy, not later than 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before the time for holding the Meeting. The Chairman of the Meeting has the discretion to accept proxies on the day of the Meeting.
Revocation of Proxies
A shareholder who has given a Proxy may revoke it at any time before it is exercised by an instrument in writing (a) executed by the shareholder or by his attorney authorized in writing, or, where the shareholder is a corporation, by a duly authorized officer or attorney of the corporation;
and (b) delivered or faxed to Endeavor Trust Company, Proxy Department, or to the registered office of the Company at 520 – 470 Graville St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1V5 (fax: 604-683-8544), at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, or to the Chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting or any adjournment thereof, before any vote in respect of which the Proxy is to be used shall have been taken, or in any other manner provided by law. Attendance at the Meeting and participation in a poll by a shareholder will automatically revoke the Proxy.
Voting of Proxies and Exercise of Discretion by Proxyholders
The shares represented by the Proxy will be voted or withheld from voting in accordance with the instructions of the shareholder on any ballot that may be called for and if the shareholder specifies a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the shares will be voted accordingly. IF A CHOICE IS NOT SO SPECIFIED, IT IS INTENDED THAT THE PERSON DESIGNATED BY MANAGEMENT IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY WILL VOTE THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THE PROXY IN FAVOUR OF EACH MATTER IDENTIFIED ON THE PROXY.
The Proxy confers discretionary authority upon the persons named therein with respect to amendments or variations to any matters identified in the Notice of Meeting and with respect to other matters which may properly come before the Meeting. At the date of this Information Circular, management of the Company knows of no such amendments, variations, or other matters to come before this Meeting.
Solicitation of Proxies
Solicitations of proxies will be made by mail and may be supplemented by telephone or other personal contact to be made without special compensation by regular officers and employees of the Company. The Company may reimburse shareholders’ nominees or agents (including brokerage houses holding shares on behalf of clients) for the cost incurred in obtaining their authorization to execute forms of proxy. The cost of solicitation will be borne by the Company.
Notice to Beneficial Owners
Most beneficial owners of the Company’s shares are NOT listed on the Company’s register of shareholders. Beneficial owners will not be listed if they hold their shares through an intermediary, such as a brokerage firm, bank, trust company, RRSP, RRIF, TFSA, or other firm, financial institution or company. In this discussion, such owners are referred to as “you” or as a “Beneficial Owner”, and the firm, financial institution or company through which you hold your shares are referred to as “Intermediaries”. This discussion does not apply to owners of shares of the Company who hold their shares directly instead of through an Intermediary and who are therefore listed directly on the Company’s register of shareholders.
The Company can only recognize votes and take instructions from shareholders who are listed on its register of shareholders.
The Company intends to mail directly to non-objecting beneficial owners (“NOBOs”). Therefore, if you are a NOBO, in order to vote at the Meeting, you will either need to instruct the Company on
how to vote your shares or instruct the Company to authorize you or someone you appoint to attend and vote at the Meeting. To do so, you will need to complete the Proxy sent to you by the Company, sign it and return it as instructed in the Proxy. If you want to attend and vote at the Meeting yourself, then you will need to strike out the names of the Management nominees just before the blank space on the Proxy and insert your own name in the blank space. You can also appoint someone else to attend the Meeting and vote on your behalf by inserting that person’s name in the blank space instead of your own on the Proxy.
Intermediaries may assume the cost of delivery and mail to objecting beneficial owners (“OBOs”). The Company will provide Meeting materials to the Intermediaries as requested. Therefore, if you are an OBO, in order to vote at the Meeting, you will either need to instruct your Intermediary on how to vote your shares or instruct the Intermediary to authorize you or someone you appoint to attend and vote at the Meeting. To do so, you will need to complete the Proxy sent to you by or on behalf of your Intermediary, sign it and return it to your Intermediary or to another party directed by your Intermediary. If you want to attend and vote at the Meeting yourself, then you will need to strike out the names of the Management nominees just before the blank space on the Proxy, and insert your own name in the blank space, or as otherwise instructed by your Intermediary. You can also appoint someone else to attend the Meeting and vote on your behalf by inserting that person’s name in the blank space instead of your own on the Proxy, or as otherwise instructed by your Intermediary.
Again, if you wish to give voting instructions to persons listed on the Proxy to vote on your behalf at the Meeting or if you wish to attend the Meeting and vote in person or have someone else attend and vote on your behalf, you must complete the Proxy and return it in accordance with the instructions and time limits provided. This will enable persons listed on the Proxy either to vote your shares as you have directed, or to give formal notice to the Company that you or someone you have appointed has the authority to attend and vote at the Meeting.
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
None of the Directors or Executive Officers of the Company, nor any person who has held such a position since the beginning of the last completed financial year of the Company, nor any proposed nominee for election as a director of the Company, nor any associate or affiliate of the foregoing persons, has any substantial or material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted on at the Meeting other than the election of directors.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
The Company is authorized to issue unlimited common shares without par value, of which the Company has outstanding 15,734,521 common shares as at March 15, 2024, each common share carrying the right to one vote. The Directors have fixed March 15, 2024, as the record date for determination of shareholders entitled to notice of this Meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof. Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2024, are entitled to vote at the Meeting or adjournments thereof.
To the knowledge of the Directors and Executive Officers of the Company, there are no shareholders who beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over,
voting shares of the Company carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all of the issued and outstanding voting shares of the Company.
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
Shareholders will be asked to vote for the re-appointment of the Company’s auditors, Manning Elliott LLP, Chartered Accountants, at a remuneration to be fixed by the directors. Manning Elliott LLP, Chartered Accountants, was appointed as Auditor of the Company effective April 18, 2019. On the representations of the said accountants, neither that firm nor any of its partners has any direct financial interest or any material indirect financial interest in the Company or any of its subsidiaries or has had any connection during the past three years with the Company or any of its subsidiaries in the capacity of promoter, underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer or employee. Shareholders will be asked to approve the following resolution:
“ RESOLVED, AS AN ORDINARY RESOLUTION, that Manning Elliott LLP, Chartered Accountants, be appointed as auditor of the Company, at a remuneration to be fixed by the Board of Directors, provided that the Board of Directors in their discretion may seek proposals from other qualified accounting firms for the position of auditor of the Company for the ensuing year, and, should one or more favourable proposals be received, the Directors may replace Manning Elliott LLP, Chartered Accountants, as the Company’s auditor at any time during the ensuing year with a qualified accounting firm at a remuneration to be fixed by the Board of Directors, subject to compliance by the Company with the requirements of the BC Securities Commission.”
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Management proposes to nominate the persons named in the following table for election as directors of the Company. Management does not contemplate that any of these nominees will be unable to serve as a director. Each director elected will hold office until the next annual general meeting or until his successor is duly elected or appointed, unless his office is earlier vacated.
At the Meeting, the Shareholders will be asked to vote on a resolution fixing the number of directors of the Company at three (3) and elect as directors the following Management nominees:
David G. Tafel Joseph Del Campo Jeremy Wright
The following table sets out the names of the nominees for election as directors, the province or state in which each is ordinarily resident, a brief biography of each, all offices of the Company now held by each of them, their principal occupations, the period of time for which each has been a director of the Company, and the number of voting shares of the Company beneficially owned by each of them, directly or indirectly, or over which control or direction is exercised, as at the date hereof.
Management of the Company proposes to nominate each of the following persons for election as a director. Information concerning such persons, as furnished by the individual nominees, is as follows:
| Name, Jurisdiction of Residence and Position |
Principal Occupation or employment and, if not a previously elected Director, occupation during the past 5 years |
Previous Service as a Director |
Number of Common Shares Beneficially Owned, Controlled or Directed, Directly or Indirectly(3)(4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| David G. Tafel(1)(2) British Columbia, Canada Director, President and CEO |
President and CEO of the Company since November 7, 2008. Mr. Tafel currently also serves as CEO and Director for Portofino Resources Inc.; CEO and Director of Westmount Minerals Corp; and a Director of Gold Mountain Mining Corp. He has served as a director and officer of a number of public companies involved in the mining industry. |
Director since June 12, 2008 |
1,703,150 Common Shares |
Joseph Del Campo(1)(2) Ontario, Canada Director |
Interim President & CEO of Unigold Inc. from February 2015 to October 2019. Interim Chief Financial Officer of Viper Gold Ltd. from August 2010 to November 2015. Mr. Del Campo was Chief Financial Officer of First Nickel Inc. from June 2005 to December 2011. He is a former Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Unigold Inc. He serves as a director for a number of public companies including Unigold Inc., Terreno Resources Inc., and PJX Resources Inc. |
Director since Nov. 7, 2008 |
18,012 Common Shares |
| Name, Jurisdiction of Residence and Position |
Principal Occupation or employment and, if not a previously elected Director, occupation during the past 5 years |
Previous Service as a Director |
Number of Common Shares Beneficially Owned, Controlled or Directed, Directly or Indirectly(3)(4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Wright(1)(2) British Columbia, Canada Director & CFO |
Mr. Wright brings over 20 years’ experience to the Company as President and CEO of Seatrend Strategy Group (April 2013 to present), is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CMA) having extensive negotiation training, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in Environmental Economics from Brock University. His experience includes: CFO of Portofino Resources Inc. (October 2016 to present) CFO (Nov 2015 to present) and Director (October 2019 to present) of Centurion Minerals Ltd. CFO and Director of Westmount Minerals Corp. (Nov 2020 to present) CFO of Alpha Cognition Inc. (August 2020 to April 2022) CFO (April 2018 to March 2021) and Director (April 2018 to March 2022) of Pontus Protein Ltd. (formerly AmWolf Capital Corp.) CFO and Director of Gold Mountain Mining Corp. (formerly Freeform Capital Partners Inc.)(April 2018 to December 2020) Director of TGS eSports Inc. (July 2020 to December 2020) CFO of Avant Brands Inc. (formerly GTEC Cannabis Co.)(June 2018 to August 2019)(March 2024 to present) |
Director since Oct. 17, 2019 |
1,616,199 Common Shares |
(1) Member of the Audit Committee.
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee.
(3) Shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or over which control or direction is exercised, as at the Record Date, based upon information furnished to the Company by individual directors. Unless otherwise indicated, such Shares are held directly.
(4) Common Shares are represented on a post-consolidated basis following the Share Consolidation.
No proposed director is to be elected under any arrangement or understanding between the proposed director and any other person or company, except the directors and executive officers of the Company acting solely in such capacity.
Except as set out in this Circular, to the knowledge of the Company, no proposed director:
-
is, as at the date of this Circular, or has been, within 10 years before the date of this Circular, a director, chief executive officer (" CEO ") or chief financial officer (" CFO ") of any company (including the Company) that:
-
(i) was the subject, while the proposed director was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer (" CEO ") or chief financial officer (" CFO ") of such company, of a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days; or
-
(ii) was subject to a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, that was issued after the proposed director ceased to be a director, CEO or CFO but which resulted from an event that occurred while the proposed director was acting in the capacity as director, CEO or CFO of such company; or
-
is, as at the date of this Circular, or has been within 10 years before the date of this Circular, a director or executive officer of any company (including the Company) that, 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; or
-
has, within the 10 years before the date of this 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; or
-
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.
Each of the current Board, Mr. Tafel, Mr. Del Campo and Mr. Wright were directors and or officers of the Company on December 5, 2017, when the BCSC issued a Cease Trade Order against the Company for failure to file its audited annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2017. Subsequently, the Company dismissed its auditor as it had lost confidence
in the former auditors’ ability to complete the audit in a timely fashion, if at all. The Company engaged a new auditor effective February 13, 2018, which enabled the Company to file its audited annual financials on March 1, 2018 and on March 13, 2018 file its interim financials for the quarter ended October 31, 2017. The Cease Trade Order was revoked by the BCSC on May 3, 2018.
The following directors of the Company hold directorships in other reporting issuers as set out below:
| Name of Director | Name of Other Reporting Issuer |
Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| David Tafel | Portofino Resources Inc. Gold Mountain Mining Corp. Westmount Minerals Corp. 1364565 BC LTD. |
TSX-V TSX-V CSE Non-Trading |
| Joseph Del Campo | PJX Resources Inc. Terreno Resources Corp. Unigold Inc. |
TSX-V TSX-V TSX-V |
| Jeremy Wright | Portofino Resources Inc. Westmount Minerals Corp. Avant Brands Inc. 1364565 BC LTD. |
TSX-V CSE TSX Non-Trading |
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Overview of the Compensation Philosophy
The Company’s compensation philosophy for executive officers follows three underlying principles:
-
to provide compensation packages that encourage and motivate performance;
-
to be competitive with other companies of similar size and scope of operations so as to attract and retain talented executives; and
-
to align the interests of its executive officers with the long-term interests of the Company and its Shareholders through stock related programs.
Elements of Executive Compensation
In keeping with the Company’s philosophy to link executive compensation to corporate performance and to motivate executives to achieve exceptional levels of performance, the Company has adopted a compensation model that includes both base salary and "at-risk" compensation comprised of participation in the Company’s Long-Term incentive plan in the form of stock options, as described below.
In the most recently completed financial year, no compensation was directly tied to a specific performance goal such as a milestone or the completion of a transaction, no significant events occurred that significantly affected compensation, and no peer group was formally used to determine compensation – the Company does not expect this to change in the upcoming financial year.
Base Salary
During the financial year ended July 31, 2022, the Company's executive officers did not receive base salary compensation. However, certain executive officers accrued management fees payable to their wholly-owned companies (see " Chief Executive Officer Compensation "). These management fees were, and it is anticipated that any base salaries paid in the future will be, reviewed annually to ensure that they are appropriate to the respective executive's experience and performance in fulfilling his or her role, and promote executive retention. The Board considers this approach to be appropriate for the Company's current stage of development.
Long-Term Incentive Plan
The current (10% rolling) Long-Term Incentive “ Plan ” was accepted for filing by the TSX Venture Exchange (the " Exchange ") subsequent to its initial adoption in August 2022 and was approved by the shareholders at the Company’s most recent AGM in August 2022. (As at the date of this Information Circular, no equity incentives have been granted.)
The Plan authorizes the Board to grant options and other equity incentives to directors, officers, employees and consultants to acquire up to 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company, from time to time. The underlying purpose of the Plan is to attract and motivate the directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and to advance the interests of the Company by affording such persons with the opportunity to acquire an equity interest in the Company through rights granted under the Plan.
At the Meeting, the Company will be seeking re-approval of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, the full text of which is attached as Schedule "G" hereto. See “ Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon – Approval of Long-Term Incentive Plan ” below for further details and a summary of the material terms.
- Other Compensation Benefits and Perquisites
The Company’s NEOs (as defined herein) do not receive any benefits or perquisites.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
The components of the Chief Executive Officer compensation are the same as those which apply to the other senior executive officers of the Company, namely base salary (which is received in the form of management fees, as discussed below) and long-term equity incentives.
In annually setting the salary and long-term incentives for the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee evaluates the performance of the Chief Executive Officer in light of the Company’s success in achieving its goals and objectives. In setting the Chief Executive Officer’s base salary, the Compensation Committee may also take into consideration its understanding of the salaries paid to other chief executive officers by similarly situated companies in the mining industry. Although it has not done so to date, in the future, the Compensation Committee may also obtain and consider the recommendations of independent compensation consultants.
David Tafel is currently Chief Executive Officer and a Director for the Company. The Company has a services agreement (" CEO Agreement ") in relation to David Tafel’s services as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Pursuant to the CEO Agreement, David Tafel is entitled to a monthly management fee in the amount of $9,000 and the contract can be terminated without cause by the Company with a 6 month cash payment in the amount of $60,000.
Further details appear in the " Summary Compensation Table " below.
Compensation Governance
The Company has established a Compensation Committee, which is responsible for recommending levels of executive compensation for the directors and executive officers of the Company.
The Compensation Committee has not adopted any formal policies and practices to determine director or executive compensation. The Compensation Committee undertakes the specific work required from time to time to discharge the committee’s responsibilities in relation to the Company’s compensation policies. The Compensation Committee does not employ any formal objectives, criteria or analysis, other than those set forth in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis. When determining compensation policies and individual compensation levels for the Company’s executive officers, the Compensation Committee takes into consideration a variety of factors including the committee’s understanding of the amount of compensation generally paid by similarly situated companies to their executives who have similar roles and responsibilities; each executive officer’s individual performance during the fiscal year; each executive officer’s experience, skills and level of responsibility; the executive’s historical compensation and performance within the Company; and existing market standards within the mining industry.
The Compensation Committee annually reviews the performance of the directors and executive officers in light of the Company's objectives and considers other factors that may have impacted the success of the Company in achieving its objectives.
During the financial year ended July 31, 2022, the Compensation Committee was composed of David Tafel, Kenneth Cawkell, and Joseph Del Campo, of which Kenneth Cawkell and Joseph Del Campo were "independent directors" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws at the relevant times. See " Corporate Governance Disclosure – Independence of Members of the Board " in
this Circular. As Mr. Cawkell is not running as a Director, it is anticipated the committee will be comprised of the full Board post AGM. The skills and experience of the Compensation Committee members that are relevant to their responsibilities in executive compensation include the following:
1. David Tafel - Mr. Tafel holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Western Ontario and contributes over 30 years of corporate structuring, strategic planning, financing and management experience to the Company. Prior to Centurion he has been an officer and director of a number of publicly listed companies. He has been instrumental in raising well over $100 million for resource, life sciences and technology companies.
He co-founded MBMI Resources Inc., which became a nickel producer in the Philippines (reaching a market capitalization of $400 million). He led the spin-out of Garson Gold Corp (from MBMI) and as CEO went on to acquire the New Britannia gold mine in Manitoba from Kinross/High River. Garson was subsequently acquired by a Canadian based mining company. Prior to his public company experience, Mr. Tafel managed private investment funds at the largest independent Canadian securities firm.
2. Kenneth Cawkell - Mr. Cawkell is a member of the British Columbia Bar Association, and, in 1987, he co-founded the law firm Cawkell Brodie LLP, where he remains as Managing Partner. For over 25 years, he has been involved in technology industries within public, private and venture capital markets; successfully fulfilling the roles as a professional advisor and as a principal / investor. In his professional capacity, he has focused on intellectual property, technology transfer, financial and transaction structuring, and securities law. Mr. Cawkell is an investor and founder of a number of private companies, where he has held executive management positions, and currently sits on the board of a number of private and public companies. He has served as director and officer of a number of public companies involved in the life sciences, technology and mining industries. He is also a past member of the National Research Council of Canada IMB/ INH Advisory Board and the British Columbia Securities Commission’s Securities Law Advisory Committee.
3. Joseph Del Campo - Mr. Del Campo holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation. Mr. Del Campo began his career with Falconbridge Limited and spent over 19 years working within the Falconbridge group of companies at progressive financial positions, including Controller and Treasurer of Falconbridge Dominicana which operated in the Dominican Republic and Falconbridge Gold Corporation which had operations in Africa and Canada. Over the past 20 years, Mr. Del Campo has been a director and Vice-President Finance and CFO of a number of companies listed on the TSX and the TSX Venture Exchange.
The Company did not retain professional executive compensation consultants during the financial year ended July 31, 2022.
Compensation Risk Oversight and Assessment
The Board has not proceeded to a formal evaluation of the implications of the risks associated with the Company’s compensation policies and practices. The Board intends to review at least once annually the risks, if any, associated with the Company’s compensation policies and practices.
As discussed above, the Company employs a compensation model which ensures that an adequate portion of overall compensation for the NEOs is "at risk" and only realized through the performance of the Company over both the short-term and longer-term. With respect to the longer-term component of executive compensation, options granted under the Company’s Current Plan are generally: subject to vesting at the time of grant, unless otherwise specified by the Board, priced at market-value at the time of grant and the number of stock options granted is based on a fixed annual dollar amount using the then applicable Black-Scholes-Merton value per option granted. Therefore, the realization of value from the long-term incentive component of the executive compensation program is largely aligned with longer-term appreciation in Shareholder value. The Company is now seeking shareholder approval to approve the Long-Term Incentive Plan. A summary of the Long-Term Incentive Plan is set forth under the heading “ Particulars of Other Matters to be Acted Upon – Approval of the Long-Term Incentive Plan .” The full text of the LongTerm Incentive Plan is attached hereto as Schedule “G.”
Further, all elements of executive compensation are discretionary. As a result, it is less likely that an executive officer would take inappropriate or excessive risks at the expense of the Company or the Shareholders that would be beneficial to their short-term compensation when their long-term compensation might be put at risk from their actions. Due to the organizational structure of the Company, the Board is able closely monitor executive performance such that any risks associated with the Company’s compensation policies and practices may be promptly identified and mitigated.
The Company has not adopted a formal policy forbidding directors or officers from purchasing financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset a decrease in market value of equity securities granted as compensation or held, directly or indirectly, by directors or officers. The Company is not, however, aware of any directors or officers having entered into this type of transaction.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table is presented in accordance with National Instrument Form 51-102F6 – Statement of Executive Compensation (" Statement of Executive Compensation ") and sets forth all annual and Long-Term compensation for services in all capacities to the Company for the financial years ended July 31, 2022, in respect of each of the following executive officers of the Company: (a) the Chief Executive Officer of the Company; (b) the Chief Financial Officer of the Company; and, where applicable, (c) the other three most highly compensated executive officers of the Company during the financial year ended July 31, 2022 whose individual total compensation exceeded $150,000 and any individual who would have satisfied these criteria but for the fact that the individual was neither an Executive Officer of the Company nor acting in a similar capacity at the end of the financial year ended July 31, 2022 (collectively the " Named Executive Officers " or " NEOs ").
| NEO Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary Accrual ($) |
Share- Based Awards ($) |
Option- Based Awards ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
Pension Value ($) |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total Compensation ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Incentive Plans |
Long- term Incentive Plans |
||||||||
| David Tafel(1) President, CEO and Director |
2022 | 108,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 108,000 |
| 2021 | 108,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 108,000 | |
| Jeremy Wright(2) CFO & Director |
2022 | 90,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 90,000 |
| 2021 | 90,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | 90,000 | |
| Kenneth A. Cawkell(3) Director |
2022 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| 2021 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |
| Joseph del Campo(3) Director |
2022 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| 2021 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Notes:
-
Mr. Tafel accrued his compensation in the amount of $108,000 in his position as President and CEO. He receives no compensation in his position as a director.
-
Mr. Wright has accrued his compensation in the amount of $90,000 as CFO of the Company.
-
No compensation was paid to Directors of the Company.
INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS
The Company does not have any incentive plans, pursuant to which compensation that depends on achieving certain performance goals or similar conditions within a specified period is awarded, earned, paid or payable to the Named Executive Officer(s), except as described above under the heading “ Long-Term Incentive Plan .”
Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
The following table sets forth information concerning all awards outstanding under incentive plans of the Company that provide compensation that depends on achieving certain performance goals or similar conditions within a specified period, at the end of the financial year ended July 31, 2022, to each of the Named Executive Officers:
| Option-Based Awards | Option-Based Awards | Share-Based Awards | Share-Based Awards | Share-Based Awards | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value of Unexercised In- The-Money Options(2) ($) |
Market or | ||||||
| Market or | |||||||
| Payout Value | |||||||
| Number of | Number of | Payout Value | of Vested |
||||
| Securities | Shares Or Units | Of Share-Based | Share-Based |
||||
| Underlying | Of Shares That | Awards That | Awards Not | ||||
| Unexercised | Option | Option | Have Not | Have Not | Paid Out or | ||
| Options | Exercise Price | Vested | Vested | Distributed | |||
| Expiration | |||||||
| Name | (#) | ($) | Date (1) |
(#) | ($) | ($) | |
| David Tafel, President, CEO & Director |
Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||
| Jeremy Wright, CFO & Director |
Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||
| Kenneth A. Cawkell, Director |
Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||
| Joseph del Campo, Director |
Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Incentive Plan Awards - Value Vested Or Earned During The Year
The value vested or earned during the financial year ended July 31, 2022 of incentive plan awards granted to Named Executive Officers are as follows:
| Non-Equity Incentive Plan | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Option-Based Awards - Value | Share-Based Awards - | Compensation - |
|
| Vested | Value Vested | Value Earned | |
| During The Year | During The Year | During The Year | |
| NEO Name | |||
| ($) | ($) | ($) | |
| David Tafel, President, CEO & Director |
Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Kenneth A. Cawkell, Director |
Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Joseph del Campo, Director |
Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Jeremy Wright, CFO & Director |
Nil | Nil | Nil |
The Company does not have any incentive plans in place other than the Current Plan. The Company is now seeking shareholder for re-approval of the Long-Term Incentive Plan. A summary of the Plan is set forth under the heading “ Particulars of Other Matters to be Acted Upon – Approval of the Long-Term Incentive Plan .” The full text of the Long-Term Incentive Plan is attached hereto as Schedule “G.”
MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS
For the year ended July 31, 2022, no management functions of the Company or its subsidiaries were performed to any substantial degree by a person other than the directors or executive officers of the Company or its subsidiaries.
PENSION PLAN BENEFITS
The Company does not have a pension plan that provides for payments or benefits to the Named Executive Officers at, following, or in connection with retirement.
TERMINATION AND CHANGE OF CONTROL BENEFITS
The Company has entered into agreements pursuant to which its Officers and Directors are entitled to receive compensation in the event of their resignation, retirement or other termination of their employment, a change of control of the Company or a change in any of their responsibilities following a change of control.
Included in Mr. Tafel’s Management contract, he would receive an amount equal to two years’ salary plus any bonuses approved by the Board of Directors of the Company that remain unpaid ($216,000).
The Company has entered into a service contract with Jeremy Wright, the CFO, entitling the CFO to receive a payment equal to four times his monthly retainer for each year he has been retained by the Company, including a prorated amount for partial years. In the event of a Change of Control Mr. Wright shall be entitled to receive an amount equal to a minimum of eighteen times his monthly retainer ($135,000).
The agreements with Officers and non-management Directors provide for severance payments in the event of a change of control. Previously, the Company’s Board had established a Compensation Committee who recommended that the agreements with senior management and directors include a change of control clause.
For the purposes of the service contracts and MOUs, a “Change of Control” shall be deemed to have occurred when:
-
a person, other than the current control person of the Company, if any, either alone or acting jointly or in concert with any person, beneficially owns, or exercises control or direction over, 30 per cent (30%) or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company; or
-
a majority of the directors elected at any annual or special general meeting of shareholders of the Company are not individuals nominated by the Company's then-incumbent Board;
“person” includes an individual, corporation, partnership, party, trust, fund, association and any other organized group of persons and the personal or other legal representative of a person to whom the context can apply according to law.
In the event of a Change of Control, the Company shall continue to engage the individual in the same capacity and with the same authority, responsibilities and status as he had as of the date
immediately prior to the Change of Control. Within 45 days of a Change of Control, the individual may terminate the agreement upon notice to the Company. The Company shall pay the individual, within 5 days of such termination notice, a severance payment as follows: i) Mr. Cawkell and Mr. Del Campo each receive an amount equal to $100,000 plus any bonuses approved by the Board of Directors of the Company that remain unpaid;
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The directors, who are each not also a Named Executive Officer, for the Company’s financial year ended July 31, 2022 received $ NIL compensation.
The Company is seeking shareholder re-approval of the Long-Term Incentive Plan. A summary of the Long-Term Incentive Plan is set forth under the heading “ Particulars of Other Matters to be Acted Upon – Approval of the Long-Term Incentive Plan .” The full text of the Long-Term Incentive Plan is attached hereto as Schedule “G.”
Further information regarding the administration of, and the granting of awards under, the Current Plan appears under " Statement of Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis. "
INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS - OUTSTANDING SHARE-BASED AWARDS AND OPTION-BASED AWARDS
As at the financial year ended July 31, 2022 the Company had NIL share-based awards or optionbased awards outstanding.
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
As at the Record Date, there was no indebtedness outstanding of any current or former director, executive officer or employee of the Company or its subsidiaries which is owing to the Company or its subsidiaries, or, which is owing to another entity which indebtedness is the subject of a guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or other similar arrangement or understanding provided by the Company or its subsidiaries, entered into in connection with a purchase of securities or otherwise.
No individual who is, or at any time during the financial year ended July 31, 2022 was, a director or executive officer of the Company, no proposed nominee for election as a director of the Company and no associate of such persons:
-
(i) is or at any time since the beginning of the financial year ended July 31, 2022 has been, indebted to the Company or its subsidiaries; or
-
(ii) is indebted to another entity, which indebtedness is, or at any time since the beginning of the financial year ended July 31, 2022 has been, the subject of a guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or other similar arrangement or understanding provided by the Company or its subsidiaries,
in relation to a securities purchase program or other program.
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
Except as set out herein, no person who has been a director or executive officer of the Company at any time since the beginning of the Company's last financial year, no proposed nominee of management of the Company for election as a director of the Company and no associate or affiliate of the foregoing persons, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership or otherwise, in matters to be acted upon at the Meeting other than:
-
(i) the election of directors or the appointment of auditors; and
-
(ii) (the interests of individuals who are eligible participants under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (as defined herein) in the approval of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, (as more particularly set out under “ Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon - Approval of Long-Term Incentive Plan ".
INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
No informed person (as defined in National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations ) or proposed director of the Company and no associate or affiliate of the foregoing persons has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the commencement of the Company's financial year ended July 31, 2022 or in any proposed transaction which in either such case has materially affected or would materially affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
APPENDIX 1.1
CENTURION MINERALS LTD. CHARTER OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Audit Committee Charter
The Audit Committee Charter of the Company was adopted by the Board on December 23, 2008.
Role of Audit Committee
The Committee shall assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the Company’s financial accounting and reporting, the system of internal controls established by management, and the adequacy of internal and independent auditing relative to these activities.
Authority to Retain Experts
The Committee shall have the authority to retain outside counsel or other experts as necessary to assist the Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities.
Reporting
The Audit Committee shall report to the Board.
Appointment and Composition
The Committee and its Chair shall be appointed by the Board. The Chair shall be a member of the Committee.
The Committee shall consist of at least three directors, a majority of whom are independent (as that term is used in the report of the TSX Venture Exchange’s Committee on Corporate Governance), that is, who are independent of management and are free from any interest and any business or other relationship which could, or might reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with their ability to act with a view to the best interests of the Company, other than interests and relationships arising from shareholding.
Each of the members of the Committee shall have a working familiarity with basic finance and accounting practices, and shall have experience with reviewing and approving public company financial statements, either as part of management or as a member of a public company’s audit committee.
Duties
The Committee shall:
-
Provide for an open avenue of communications between the independent auditors, management and the Board and, at least once annually, meet with the independent auditors independently of management.
-
Review the qualifications and evaluate the performance of the independent auditors and make recommendations to the Board regarding the selection, fee arrangements, appointment or termination of the independent auditors. The independent auditors shall be ultimately accountable to the Board and the Committee, as representatives of the shareholders.
-
Receive on an annual basis a formal written statement from the independent auditors that they are in fact independent, and discuss with the auditors any relationships that may impact the auditor’s independence and recommend to the Board any actions necessary to oversee the auditor’s independence.
-
Review and approve the independent auditors’ annual engagement letter.
-
Review with the independent auditors (1) the proposed scope of their examination with emphasis on accounting and financial areas where the Committee, the independent auditors or management believe special attention should be directed, (2) the results of their audit, including their letter of recommendations for management (3) their evaluation of the adequacy of the Company’s system of internal controls, (4) significant areas of disagreement, if any, with management (5) cooperation received from management in the conduct of the audit and (6) significant accounting, reporting, regulatory or industry developments affecting the Company.
-
Discuss with management and the independent auditors any issues regarding significant business risks or exposures and assess the steps management has taken to minimize such risk.
-
Review with management and the independent auditors the Company’s unaudited quarterly financial statements and the Company’s audited annual financial statements and make a recommendation to the Board as to approval thereof.
-
In reviewing the quarterly and annual financial statements, include a review of estimates, reserves, accruals, writedowns, judgemental areas, audit adjustments, difficulties encountered in performing any audit, and such other review as may be appropriate.
-
Perform such other functions as assigned by law, the Company’s bylaws or as the Board deems necessary and appropriate.
Committee Meetings and Board Reporting
Meetings will be held as required, but not less than quarterly. Minutes will be recorded and reports of committee meetings will be presented at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.
Committee Charter Review and Approval
This Audit Committee Charter shall be reviewed, reassessed and approved by the Board annually.
Whistleblower Policy
The Audit Committee shall establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and for the confidential, anonymous submission by the Company’s employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
Composition of the Audit Committee
The following are the members of the Audit Committee as of the date of this Circular.
| David Tafel | Not independent(1) | Financially literate(1) |
|---|---|---|
| Joseph Del Campo | Independent(1) | Financially literate(1) |
| Kenneth Cawkell | Independent(1) | Financially literate(1) |
1. As defined by National Instrument 52-110 – Audit Committees (" NI 52-110 ").
Relevant Education and Experience
Please refer to Compensation Committee relevant education experience
Audit Committee Oversight
See Appendix 1.1 Roles and Responsibilities. Since the commencement of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, no recommendation of the audit committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor was not adapted by the Board of Directors.
Reliance on Certain Exemptions
At no time since the commencement of the Company's financial year ended July 31, 2022 has the Company relied on the exemptions in Section 2.4 of NI 52-110 (De Minimis Non-audit Services) , subsection 6.1.1(4) ( Circumstances Affecting the Business or Operations of the Venture Issuer ), subsection 6.1.1(5) ( Events Outside Control of Member ), subsection 6.1.1(6) ( Death, Incapacity or Resignation ) or an exemption from NI 52-110, in whole or in part, granted under Part 8 of NI 52110.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee has adopted specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services as described above under the heading " External Auditors " of the Audit Committee Charter for the Company.
External Auditors Service Fees (By Category)
The aggregate fees billed by the Company's external auditors, Manning Elliott LLP, for the fiscal years listed below:
| Financial Year Ending | Audit Fees(1) | Audit Related Fees(2) | Tax Fees(3) | All Other Fees(4) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 31, 2022 | 28,500 | Nil | 2,500 | Nil |
| July 31, 2021 | 23,500 | Nil | 1,950 | Nil |
- (1) "Audit Fees" include the aggregate fees billed in each financial year for audit fees.
(2) "Audit Related Fees" include the aggregate fees billed in each financial year for assurance and related services to the performance of the audit or review of the Company's financial statements not already disclosed under "Audit Fees".
(3) "Tax Fees" are the aggregate fees billed by the auditor for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
(4) "All Other Fees" include aggregate fees billed for products or services not already reported in the above table.
Exemption in Section 6.1 of NI 52-110
The Company is relying on the exemption in Section 6.1 of NI 52-110 from the requirement of Parts 3 (Composition of the Audit Committee) and 5 (Reporting Obligations).
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DISCLOSURE
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 who are charged with the day to day management of the Company. The Board is committed to sound corporate governance practices which are both in the interest of its Shareholders and contribute to effective and efficient decision making.
National Policy 58-201 - Corporate Governance Guidelines (" NP 58-201 ") establishes corporate governance guidelines which apply to all public companies. The guidelines deal with such matters as the constitution and independence of corporate boards, their functions, the effectiveness and education of board members and other items dealing with sound corporate governance practices. The Company has reviewed its own corporate governance practices in light of these guidelines. In certain cases, the Company’s practices comply with the guidelines, however, the Board considers that some of the guidelines are not suitable for the Company at its current stage of development and therefore these guidelines have not been adopted. National Instrument 58-101 - Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices mandates disclosure of corporate governance practices which disclosure is set out below.
Independence of Members of the Board
As of the date of this Circular, the Company's Board consists of four (4) directors, Kenneth Cawkell and Joseph Del Campo of whom are independent based upon the tests for independence set forth in NI 52-110 and David Tafel and Jeremy Wright of whom are not independent as they are officers of the Company.
Management Supervision by Board
The size of the Company is such that all the Company's operations are conducted by a small management team which is also represented on the Board. The Board considers that management is effectively supervised by the independent directors on an informal basis as the independent directors are actively and regularly involved in reviewing and supervising the operations of the Company and have regular and full access to management. The independent directors are, however, able to meet at any time without any members of management including the nonindependent director being present. Further supervision is performed through the Audit Committee. The independent directors exercise their responsibilities for independent oversight of management through their majority control of the Board.
Participation of Directors in Other Reporting Issuers
The participation of the directors in other reporting issuers is described in the table provided under " Election of Directors " in this Circular.
Orientation and Continuing Education
While the Company does not have formal orientation and training programs, new Board members are provided with:
-
information respecting the functioning of the Board, committees and copies of the Company's corporate governance policies;
-
access to recent, publicly filed documents of the Company, technical reports and other reports; and
-
access to management.
Board members are encouraged to communicate with management, auditors and technical consultants; to keep themselves current with industry trends and developments and changes in
legislation with management’s assistance; and to attend related industry seminars and visit the Company’s operations. Board members have full access to the Company's records.
Ethical Business Conduct
The Board views good corporate governance as an integral component to the success of the Company and to meet responsibilities to Shareholders. The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the " Code ") and has instructed its management and employees to abide by the Code. A copy of the Code is available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR . The Board intends that it will review compliance with the Code on an annual basis until the Company has grown to a size which warrants more frequent monitoring.
The Board, through its meetings with management and other informal discussions with management, encourages a culture of ethical business conduct and believes the Company’s high caliber management team promotes a culture of ethical business conduct throughout the Company’s operations and is expected to monitor the activities of the Company’s employees, consultants and agents in that regard.
It is a requirement of applicable corporate law that directors and senior officers who have an interest in a transaction or agreement with the Company promptly disclose that interest at any meeting of the Board at which the transaction or agreement will be discussed and, in the case of directors, abstain from discussions and voting in respect to same if the interest is material. These requirements are also contained in the Company’s Articles, which are made available to directors and senior officers of the Company.
Nomination of Directors
The Company does not have a stand-alone nomination committee. The full Board has responsibility for identifying potential Board candidates. The Board assesses potential Board candidates to fill perceived needs on the Board for required skills, expertise, independence and other factors. The Board determines new nominees, although a formal process has not been adopted. The nominees are generally the result of recruitment efforts by the Board members, including both formal and informal discussions among Board members and the Chief Executive Officer. Both members of the Board and representatives of the mining industry are consulted for possible candidates.
Compensation of Directors and the CEO
The Compensation Committee has responsibility for determining compensation for the directors and senior management. As of the date of this Circular the members of the Compensation Committee are David Tafel, Kenneth Cawkell, and Joseph Del Campo of which Kenneth Cawkell and Joseph Del Campo are independent.
To determine compensation payable, the Compensation Committee reviews compensation paid for directors and CEOs of companies of similar size and stage of development in the mining industry and determines an appropriate compensation reflecting the need to provide incentive and compensation for the time and effort expended by the directors and senior management while taking into account the financial and other resources of the Company. In setting the compensation, the Compensation Committee periodically reviews the performance of the CEO in light of the Company's objectives and considers other factors that may have impacted the success of the
Company in achieving its objectives. The Compensation Committee’s role in the compensation of directors and the CEO of the Company is further described under " Statement of Executive Compensation – Compensation Governance " in this Circular.
Board Committees
As of the date of this Circular, the Company has two (2) committees, that being the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee.
The Audit Committee is comprised of three (3) of the Company’s four (4) directors: David Tafel, Kenneth Cawkell and Joseph Del Campo.
The Compensation Committee is comprised of three (3) of the Company’s four (4) directors: David Tafel, Kenneth Cawkell and Joseph Del Campo.
As the directors are actively involved in the operations of the Company and the size of the Company's operations does not warrant a larger board of directors, the Board has determined that additional standing committees are not necessary at this stage of the Company's development.
Assessments
The Board does not consider that formal assessments would be useful at this stage of the Company's development. The Board monitors but does not formally assess the performance of individual Board members or committee members or their contributions.
Expectations of Management
The Board expects management to operate the business of the Company in a manner that enhances Shareholder value and is consistent with the highest level of integrity. Management is expected to execute the Company's business plan and to meet performance goals and objectives.
PARTICULARS OF OTHER MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
APPROVAL OF THE LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
Background Information
The Company currently has in place, the Current Plan, pursuant to which the Board is authorized to grant up to 10% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company as it may be from time to time.
The Company is seeking shareholder re-approval of the Long-Term Incentive plan (the “ Plan ”). The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of shareholder value by: (a) encouraging the attraction and retention of Eligible Persons (as defined in the Long-Term Incentive Plan); (b) encouraging such Eligible Persons to focus on critical long-term objectives; and (c) promoting greater alignment of the interests of such Eligible Persons with the interests of the Company, in each case as applicable to the type of Eligible Person to whom an Award (as defined in the ~~P~~ lan) is granted.
Summary of the Plan
The following is a summary of the key provisions of the Plan, that is intended to replace the Current Plan. The following summary is qualified in all respects by the full text of the Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Schedule "G".
The Plan shall provide for the award of Restricted Share Units (" RSUs "), Performance Share Units (" PSUs "), Deferred Share Units (" DSUs "), Stock Appreciation Rights (" SARs ") and options to purchase Shares (" Options " and together with RSUs, PSUs, DSUs and SARs, " Awards ") to Directors, Officers, Employees, Management Company Employees and Consultants (as such terms are defined by TSX Venture Exchange Policy 4.4) of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, or an Eligible Charitable Organization (collectively, " Eligible Persons "), as further described in the following summary. The RSUs, PSUs, DSUs, SARs and Options issuable to any Participant under the Plan, or in the case of Options, any pre-existing stock option plan of the Company, shall be hereinafter referred to as " Incentive Securities ".
All capitalized terms used but not defined in this section have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Plan.
Purpose
The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of shareholder value by: (a) encouraging the attraction and retention of Eligible Persons; (b) encouraging such Eligible Persons to focus on critical long-term objectives; and (c) promoting greater alignment of the interests of such Eligible Persons with the interests of the Company, in each case as applicable to the type of Eligible Person to whom an Award is granted.
Plan Administration
The Long-Term Incentive Plan shall be administered and interpreted by the Board or, if the Board by resolution so decides, by a committee appointed by the Board. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made or approved by the Board in good faith shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding on any Participants of the Long-Term Incentive Plan and the Company, subject to any required approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
Shares Available for Awards
Unless otherwise approved by the TSX Venture Exchange and the Shareholders (disinterested, if required) from time to time, the maximum aggregate number of Shares issuable in respect of all Incentive Securities granted or issued under the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan, at any point, shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total number of issued and outstanding Shares on a nondiluted basis at such point in time. For greater certainty, this limitation applies to all Incentive Securities granted or issued under the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan at any point in time, including those held by Insiders (as a group) at any point in time.
Participation Limits
The Long-Term Incentive Plan provides the following limitations on grants:
-
The aggregate number of Shares issuable to any one Consultant in any twelve (12) month period in respect of Incentive Securities shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis, calculated at the date an Award is granted to the Consultant.
-
The aggregate number of Shares issuable to any one person in any twelve (12) month period in respect of Incentive Securities shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis, calculated on the date an Award is granted to the person, unless the Company has obtained the requisite disinterested shareholder approval.
-
The aggregate number of Shares issuable to all Insiders (as a group) in any twelve (12) month period in respect of Incentive Securities, shall not exceed ten (10%) of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis, calculated on the date an Award is granted to a particular Insider, unless the Company has obtained the requisite disinterested shareholder approval.
-
Eligible Persons who are Investor Relations Service Providers may only receive Options as Awards under the Plan (if the Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange) and the aggregate number of Shares issuable to all Investor Relations Service Providers in respect of Incentive Securities in any twelve (12) month period shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis, calculated on the date an Award is granted to the Investor Relations Service Provider.
-
Eligible Persons who are Eligible Charitable Organizations may only receive Options as Awards under the Plan (if the Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange) and the aggregate number of Shares issuable to all Eligible Charitable Organizations at any point in time in respect of Incentive Securities shall not exceed one (1%) of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis at such point in time. Options granted to Eligible Charitable Organizations will not be included in the other limits set out in the Plan.
Eligibility and Participation
Subject to the provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, restrictions on grants to Investor Relations Service Providers and Eligible Charitable Organizations) and such other terms and conditions as the Board may prescribe, the Board may, from time to time, grant Awards of RSUs, PSUs, DSUs, SARs and Options to all categories of Eligible Persons.
General Vesting Requirement
No Award granted or issued under the Plan, other than Options, may vest before the date that is one year following the date it is granted or issued. Subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange with respect to Awards held by Investor Relations Service Providers, vesting may be accelerated by the Board for Awards held by a Participant in the event of death or who ceases to be an Eligible Person under the Plan in connection with a change of control, take-over bid, reverse takeover or other similar transaction. All Options granted to Investor Relations Service Providers must vest and become exercisable in stages over a period of not less than twelve (12) months, with
no more than one-quarter (1/4) of such Options vesting and becoming exercisable in any three (3) month period.
Description of RSUs
A RSU is an Award that is a bonus for services rendered in the year of grant that, upon settlement, entitles the recipient Participant to receive a number of Shares equal to the number of RSUs credited to a Participant's Account on certain vesting dates.
RSUs shall be subject to such restrictions as the Board, in its discretion, may establish or determine in the applicable Award Agreement or at the time an Award is granted. Unless otherwise provided for in an Award Agreement, all RSUs will vest and become payable by the issuance of Shares at the end of the restricted period as specified by the Board in the applicable Award Agreement. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, upon the occurrence of a change of control event, all restrictions upon any RSUs shall lapse immediately and all such RSUs shall become fully vested.
Effect of Termination on RSUs
Except as otherwise set forth in an applicable Award Agreement and subject to the provisions of the Plan, RSUs shall be subject to the following conditions:
-
Death: Upon death of a Participant, any RSUs granted to such Participant which, prior to the Participant's death, had not vested, will be immediately and automatically forfeited and cancelled. Any RSUs granted to such Participant, which prior to the Participant's death, had vested, will accrue to the Participant's estate in accordance with the provisions of the LongTerm Incentive Plan.
-
Termination of Employment or Service for Cause: Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company for cause, or where a Participant's consulting agreement is terminated as a result of the Participant's breach, all RSUs granted to such Participant will be immediately and automatically forfeited and cancelled.
-
Termination of Employment or Service for Cause, Voluntary Termination, Retirement or Disability: Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company without cause, by voluntary termination, due to retirement or due to disability, or where a Participant's consulting agreement is terminated for a reason other than the Participant's breach or due to disability, any RSUs granted to such Participant which, prior to termination, had not vested, will be immediately and automatically forfeited and cancelled. Any RSUs granted to such Participant, which prior to termination, had vested, will accrue to the Participant in accordance with the provisions of the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
-
Directorships: Where a Participant ceases to be a Director for any reason, any RSUs granted to such Participant which, prior to cessation, have not vested, will be immediately and automatically forfeited and cancelled. Any RSUs granted to such Participant, which prior to cessation, have vested, will accrue to the Participant in accordance with the provisions of the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Description of PSUs
A PSU is an Award that is awarded based on the attainment of performance criteria within a certain period, which criteria and period shall be selected, settled and determined by the Board. An Award Agreement may provide the Board with the right during a Performance Cycle or after it has ended, to revise Performance Criteria and Award amounts if unforeseen events occur.
All PSUs will vest and become payable to the extent that the Performance Criteria set forth in the Award Agreement are satisfied for a Performance Cycle, as determined by the Board. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, upon the occurrence of a change of control event, all PSUs shall become fully vested.
Effect of Termination on PSUs
Except as otherwise set forth in an applicable Award Agreement and subject to the provisions of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, PSUs shall be subject to the following conditions:
-
Death: Upon death of a Participant, any PSUs granted to such Participant which, prior to the Participant's death, had not vested, will be immediately and automatically forfeited and cancelled. However, the Board may determine that certain PSUs have vested based on the extent which Performance Criteria have been satisfied in that portion of the Performance Cycle that has lapsed. Any PSUs granted to such Participant, which prior to the Participant's death, had vested, will accrue to the Participant's estate in accordance with the provisions of the Plan.
-
Termination of Employment or Service for Cause: Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company for cause, or where a Participant's consulting agreement is terminated as a result of the Participant's breach, all PSUs granted to such Participant will be immediately and automatically forfeited and cancelled.
-
Termination of Employment or Service for Cause, Voluntary Termination, Retirement or Disability: Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company without cause, by voluntary termination, due to retirement or due to disability, or where a Participant's consulting agreement is terminated for a reason other than the Participant's breach or due to disability, any PSUs granted to such Participant which, prior to termination, had not vested, will be immediately and automatically forfeited and cancelled. However, the Board may determine that certain PSUs have vested based on the extent which Performance Criteria have been satisfied in that portion of the Performance Cycle that has lapsed. Any PSUs granted to such Participant, which prior to termination, had vested, will accrue to the Participant in accordance with the provisions of the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
-
Directorships: Where a Participant ceases to be a Director for any reason, any PSUs granted to such Participant which, prior to cessation, had not vested, will be immediately and automatically forfeited and cancelled. However, the Board may determine that certain PSUs have vested based on the extent which Performance Criteria have been satisfied in that portion of the Performance Cycle that has lapsed. Any PSUs granted to such Participant,
which prior to cessation, had vested, will accrue to the Participant in accordance with the provisions of the Plan.
Description of DSUs
A DSU is an Award that is payable after the effective date that a Participant ceases to be an Eligible Person under the Plan, subject to certain vesting criteria. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, upon the occurrence of a change of control event, all DSUs shall become fully vested.
The payment of DSUs will occur on the date that is designated by the Participant and communicated to the Company by the Participant in writing at least fifteen (15) days prior to the designated day, or such earlier date as the Participant and Company may agree. If no notice is given by the Participant for a designated day, the DSUs shall be payable on the first anniversary of the date on which the Participant ceases to be an Eligible Person for any reason or any earlier period on which the DSUs vested, as the case may be, at the sole discretion of the Participant.
Election by Directors – DSUs
Under the Plan, Directors may elect to receive directorship fees in the form of DSUs which election must be made within certain timeframes as specified in the Long-Term Incentive Plan. In case of an election by a Director, the number of DSUs to be credited shall be determined by dividing applicable directorship fees with the Market Price on the Grant Date of the DSUs or if more appropriate, another trading range that best represents the period for which the DSUs were earned (subject to minimum pricing requirements under Exchange policies). No fractional DSUs shall be credited to any Director.
Description of Options
An Option is an Award that gives a Participant the right to purchase one Share at a specified price in accordance with the terms of the Option and the Plan. The exercise price of the Options shall be determined by the Board at the time the Option is granted but in no event shall such exercise price be lower than the discounted Market Price permitted by the TSX Venture Exchange.
The maximum term of any Option shall not exceed ten (10) years and the Board shall determine the vesting, performance and other conditions, if any, that must be satisfied before all or part of an Option may be exercised, subject to any vesting restrictions set out in TSX Venture Exchange Policy 4.4. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, upon the occurrence of a change of control event, all Options shall become fully vested except for Options held by Investor Relations Service Providers which acceleration is subject to acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.
Options will be exercised pursuant to their applicable Award Agreement which exercise shall be contingent upon receipt by the Company of a written notice of exercise set forth in the applicable Award Agreement and of a form of cash payment acceptable to the Company for the full purchase price of the Shares to be issued.
Effect of Termination on Options
Except as otherwise set forth in an applicable Award Agreement and subject to the provisions of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, Options shall be subject to the following conditions:
-
Death: Upon death of a Participant, any Options held by such Participant at the date of death shall be exercisable (by an inheritor or the Participant's estate) for a period of 120 days after the date of death or prior to the expiration of the Option, whichever is sooner, only to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise the Option at the date of death of such Participant.
-
Termination of Employment or Service for Cause: Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company for cause, or where a Participant's consulting agreement is terminated as a result of the Participant's breach, no Option shall be exercisable from the date of termination as determined by the Board.
-
Termination of Employment or Service for Cause, Voluntary Termination or Retirement: Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company without cause, by voluntary termination, due to retirement, or where a Participant's consulting agreement is terminated for a reason other than the Participant's breach, any Options held by such Participant at the date of termination shall be exercisable for a period of 90 days after the date of termination determined by the Board or prior to the expiration of the Option, whichever is sooner, only to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination.
-
Disability: Where a Participant's employment or consulting agreement is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company due to disability, any Options held by such Participant at the date of termination shall be exercisable for a period of 120 days after the date of termination determined by the Board or prior to the expiration of the Option, whichever is sooner, only to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination.
-
Directorships: Where a Participant ceases to be a Director for any reason, any Options held by such Participant on the Cessation Date shall be exercisable for a period of 90 days (120 days in case of termination due to disability) after the Cessation Date or prior to the expiration of the Option, whichever is sooner, only to the extent the Director was entitled to exercise the Option at the Cessation Date.
Description of SARs
A SAR is an Award that gives a Participant the right to receive payment equal to the excess of the Market Price at the date which a SAR is exercised over the applicable grant price of a SAR. The grant price of a SAR shall be determined by the Board at the time the SAR is granted, which in no event shall be lower than the discounted Market Price permitted by the TSX Venture Exchange. Where a SAR is granted in relation to an Option, it shall be a right in respect of the same number of Shares and the grant price shall be the same as the exercise price of the Option it is granted in relation to. The actual number of Shares to be granted to the Participant upon payment of a SAR shall be the
aggregate SAR excess amount (Market Price at the date of exercise over grant price of a SAR) divided by the Market Price at the time of exercise.
The maximum term of any SAR shall not exceed ten (10) years and the Board shall determine the vesting, settlement and other terms of any SAR. SARs granted in relation to an Option shall only be exercisable at the same time and to the same extent the related Option is exercisable. In the sole discretion of the Board, the Award Agreement for a SAR may provide that the Company may elect to satisfy the exercise of a SAR by paying to the Participant cash in the amount equal to the SAR excess amount in lieu of Shares.
SARs will be exercised pursuant to their applicable Award Agreement which exercise shall be contingent upon receipt by the Company of a written notice of exercise set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, upon the occurrence of a change of control event, all SARs shall become fully vested, subject to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.
Effect of Termination on SARs
Except as otherwise set forth in an applicable Award Agreement and subject to the provisions of the Long-Term Incentive Plan, SARs shall be subject to the following conditions:
-
Death: Upon death of a Participant, any SARs held by such Participant at the date of death shall be exercisable (by an inheritor or the Participant's estate) for a period of 120 days after the date of death or prior to the expiration of the SAR, whichever is sooner, only to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise the SAR at the date of death of such Participant.
-
Termination of Employment or Service for Cause: Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company for cause, or where a Participant's consulting agreement is terminated as a result of the Participant's breach, no SAR shall be exercisable from the date of termination as determined by the Board.
-
Termination of Employment or Service for Cause, Voluntary Termination or Retirement: Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company without cause, by voluntary termination, due to retirement, or where a Participant's consulting agreement is terminated for a reason other than the Participant's breach, any SARs held by such Participant at the date of termination shall be exercisable for a period of 90 days after the date of termination determined by the Board or prior to the expiration of the SAR, whichever is sooner, only to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise the SAR at the date of termination.
-
Disability: Where a Participant's employment or consulting agreement is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company due to disability, any SARs held by such Participant at the date of termination shall be exercisable for a period of 120 days after the date of termination determined by the Board or prior to the expiration of the SAR, whichever is sooner, only to the extent the Participant was entitled to exercise the SAR at the date of termination.
-
Directorships: Where a Participant ceases to be a Director for any reason, any SARs held by such Participant on the Cessation Date shall be exercisable for a period of 90 days (120 days in case of termination by disability) after the Cessation Date or prior to the expiration of the SAR, whichever is sooner, only to the extent the Director was entitled to exercise the SAR at the Cessation Date.
Non-Transferability of Awards
No Award and no right under any such Award, shall be assignable, alienable, saleable, or transferable by a Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. No Award and no right under any such Award, may be pledged, alienated, attached, or otherwise encumbered, and any purported pledge, alienation, attachment, or encumbrance thereof shall be void and unenforceable against the Company.
Amendment and Termination of the Long-Term Incentive Plan
The Board may at any time or from time to time, in its sole and absolute discretion, amend, suspend, terminate or discontinue the Long-Term Incentive Plan and may amend the terms and conditions of any Awards granted thereunder, subject to (a) any required approval of any applicable regulatory authority or TSX Venture Exchange, and (b) any required approval of Shareholders in accordance with the TSX Venture Exchange Policy 4.4 or applicable law. Without limitation, Shareholder approval shall not be required for the following amendments:
-
(a) amendments to fix typographical errors;
-
(b) amendments to clarify existing provisions of the Long-Term Incentive Plan that do not have the effect of altering the scope, nature and intent of such provisions; and
-
(c) amendments that are necessary to comply with applicable law or the requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange.
Amendments to Awards
Subject to compliance with applicable laws and TSX Venture Exchange policies, the Board may make amendments or alterations to Awards, provided that no amendment or alteration shall be made which would impair the rights of any Participant, without such Participant's consent, provided that no such consent shall be required if the amendment or alteration is: (a) either required or advisable in respect of compliance with any law, regulation or requirement of any accounting standard; or (b) not reasonably likely to significantly diminish the benefits provided under such Award.
The Company will be required to obtain disinterested Shareholder approval in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange Policy 4.4 in respect of any extension or reduction in the exercise price of Options granted to any Participant if the Participant is an Insider at the time of the proposed reduction or extension.
Long-Term Incentive Plan Resolution
At the Meeting, the following resolution (the “ Long-Term Incentive Plan Resolution ”), with or without variation, will be placed before the Shareholders:
BE IT RESOLVED , as an ordinary resolution of the Company's shareholders, that
-
(a) the proposed 10% long-term incentive plan of the Company (the " Long-Term Incentive Plan "), substantially in the form attached to the Information Circular of the Company dated March 15, 2024 (the “ Information Circular ”) as Schedule “G” is hereby approved and confirmed as the Long-Term Incentive Plan of the Company;
-
(b) the Board or any director or officer is authorized to make amendments to the Long-Term Incentive Plan from time to time as required or deemed necessary by the TSX Venture Exchange or as the Board, or director or officer may, in its sole discretion, deem to be necessary, advisable or desirable, provided that such amendments will be subject to the approval of all applicable regulatory authorities; and
-
(c) any director or officer of the Company is hereby authorized and directed, acting for, in the name of and on behalf of the Company, to execute or cause to be executed, and to deliver or cause to be delivered, all such other deeds, documents, instruments and assurances and to do or cause to be done all such other acts as in the opinion of such director or officer of the Company may be necessary, advisable or desirable to carry out the terms of the foregoing resolutions.
If the Long-Term Incentive Plan Resolution is passed by a simple majority of Shareholder votes cast in person or by proxy at the Meeting, the Long-Term Incentive Plan will take effect following the Meeting. Management recommends that Shareholders vote in favour of the Long-Term Incentive Plan Resolution. In the absence of instructions to the contrary, the enclosed form of proxy will be voted FOR the Long-Term Incentive Plan Resolution.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The Company's registrar and transfer agent is Endeavor Trust Corporation, Suite 702, 777 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1S4.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no pending legal proceedings to which the Company is or is likely to be a party or of which any of its properties are, or to the best of knowledge of management of the Company is likely to be subject.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Company is on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca Shareholders may contact the Company at (604) 484-2161 to request copies of the Company’s financial statements and MD&A.
Financial information is provided in the Company’s comparative audited financial statements and MD&A for its financial year ended July 31, 2022 which are filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca
Additional information relating to the indebtedness of directors and executive officers, the governance of the Company by the board of directors and fees paid to the auditor can be found in the Company’s prior Management Information Circular dated August 12, 2022 under the Company’s profile on SEDARplus.ca
OTHER MATTERS
Except as set out immediately below, management of the Company is not aware of any other matter to come before the Meeting other than as set forth in the Notice of Meeting. If any other matter properly comes before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote the Shares represented thereby in accordance with their best judgment on such matter.
DIRECTORS’ APPROVAL
DATED at Vancouver, British Columbia this 15[th] day of March, 2024
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
"David Tafel"
_____
David Tafel Chief Executive Officer and Director
SCHEDULE G
FORM OF LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
CENTURION MINERALS LTD. (the "Company")
Long-Term Incentive Plan
SECTION 1 ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
The Company wishes to establish this long-term incentive plan ( "Plan" ). The purpose of this Plan is to promote the long-term success of the Company and the creation of shareholder value by: (a) encouraging the attraction and retention of Eligible Persons; (b) encouraging such Eligible Persons to focus on critical long-term objectives; and (c) promoting greater alignment of the interests of such Eligible Persons with the interests of the Company, in each case as applicable to the type of Eligible Person to whom an Award is granted.
This Plan provides for the grant of Restricted Share Units, Performance Share Units, Deferred Share Units, Stock Appreciation Rights and Options to Eligible Persons, as further described herein.
This Plan and the Restricted Share Units, Performance Share Units, Deferred Share Units, Stock Appreciation Rights and Options issuable under the Plan are subject to Policy 4.4 – Security Based Compensation of the Exchange (the “ Policy ”).
This Plan is a “ rolling up to 10% ” Long-Term incentive plan, as such term is used in the Policy, permitting outstanding Incentive Securities in a maximum aggregate amount that is equal to ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding Shares at the date of any Award.
SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS
As used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
-
(a) "Associate" has the meaning ascribed thereto in the Securities Act;
-
(b) "Award” means any award of RSUs, PSUs, DSUs, Options or SARs granted under this Plan or, in the case of Options, any pre-existing stock option plan of the Company;
-
(c) "Award Agreement" means any written agreement, contract, or other instrument or document, including an electronic communication, as may from time to time be designated by the Company as evidencing any Award granted under this Plan;
-
(d) "Board" means the board of directors of the Company;
-
(e) "Blackout Period" means an interval of time during which the Company has determined that one or more Participants may not trade any securities of the Company because they may be in possession of publicly undisclosed confidential information pertaining to the Company;
-
(f) "Cessation Date" means the effective date on which a Participant ceases to be an Eligible Person for any reason;
-
(g) "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:
-
(i) a consolidation, reorganization, amalgamation, merger, acquisition or other business combination (or a plan of arrangement in connection with any of the foregoing), other than solely involving the Company and any one or more of its affiliates, with respect to which all or substantially all of the persons who were the beneficial owners of the Shares and other securities of the Company immediately prior to such consolidation, reorganization, amalgamation, merger, acquisition, business combination or plan of arrangement do not, following the completion of such consolidation, reorganization, amalgamation, merger, acquisition, business combination or plan of arrangement, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the resulting voting rights (on a fully-diluted basis) of the Company or its successor;
-
(ii) the sale, exchange or other disposition to a person other than an affiliate of the Company of all, or substantially all of the Company’s assets;
-
(iii) a resolution is adopted to wind-up, dissolve or liquidate the Company;
-
(iv) a change in the composition of the Board, which occurs at a single meeting of the shareholders of the Company or upon the execution of a shareholders’ resolution, such that individuals who are members of the Board immediately prior to such meeting or resolution cease to constitute a majority of the Board, without the Board, as constituted immediately prior to such meeting or resolution, having approved of such change; or
-
(v) any person, entity or group of persons or entities acting jointly or in concert (an “ Acquiror ”) acquires or acquires control (including, without limitation, the right to vote or direct the voting) of Voting Securities of the Company which, when added to the Voting Securities owned of record or beneficially by the Acquiror or which the Acquiror has the right to vote or in respect of which the Acquiror has the right to direct the voting, would entitle the Acquiror and/or associates and/or affiliates of the Acquiror to cast or to direct the casting of 20% or more of the votes attached to all of the Company's outstanding Voting Securities which may be cast to elect directors of the Company or the successor Company (regardless of whether a meeting has been called to elect directors);
For the purposes of the foregoing, “ Voting Securities ” means Shares and any other shares entitled to vote for the election of directors and shall include any security, whether or not issued by the Company, which are not shares entitled to vote for the election of directors but are convertible into or exchangeable for shares which are entitled to vote for the election of directors including any options or rights to purchase such shares or securities;
-
(h) "Committee" means such committee of the Board performing functions in respect of compensation as may be determined by the Board from time to time;
-
(i) "Company" means Centurion Minerals Ltd., a company incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), and any of its successors or assigns;
-
(j) "Consultant" means a “Consultant” as defined in the Policy;
(k) "Deferred Share Unit" or "DSU" means a right to receive on a deferred basis a payment in Shares as provided in Subsection 5.3 hereof and subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement;
(l) "Determination Date" means a date determined by the Board in its sole discretion but not later than 90 days after the expiry of a Performance Cycle;
-
(m) "Director" means a “Director” as defined in the Policy;
-
(n) "Disability" means any disability with respect to a Participant which the Board, in its sole and unfettered discretion, considers likely to prevent permanently the Participant from:
-
(i) being employed or engaged by the Company, its subsidiaries or another employer, in a position the same as or similar to that in which he was last employed or engaged by the Company or its subsidiaries; or
-
(ii) acting as a Director or Officer;
-
(o) "DSU Payment Date" has the meaning set out in Subsection 5.3.5;
-
(p)
-
"Effective Date" has the meaning set out in Section 8;
-
(q) "Election Form" means the form to be completed by a Director specifying the amount of Fees he or she wishes to receive in DSUs under this Plan;
-
(r) "Eligible Person" means a Director, Officer, Employee, Management Company Employee or Consultant of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, or an Eligible Charitable Organization;
-
(s) "Employee" means an “Employee” as defined in the Policy;
-
(t) "Exchange" means the TSX Venture Exchange and, if applicable, any other stock exchange on which the Shares are listed;
-
(u) "Exchange Hold Period" means “Exchange Hold Period” as defined in Policy 1.1 – Interpretation of the TSX Venture Exchange;
-
(v) “ Extension Period ” has the meaning set out in Section 5.4.5;
(w) "Fees" means the annual board retainer, chair fees, meeting attendance fees or any other fees payable to a Director by the Company;
(x) "Grant Date" means, for any Award, the date specified in an Award Agreement as the date on which an Award is granted;
(y) "Incentive Securities" means the Options, DSUs, RSUs, PSUs and SARs issuable to any Participant under this Plan or, in the case of Options, any preexisting stock option plan of the Company;
(z) "Insider" means an “Insider” as defined in Policy 1.1 – Interpretation of the TSX Venture Exchange;
(aa)
"Investor Relations Activities" means "Investor Relations Activities" as defined in Policy 1.1 – Interpretation of the TSX Venture Exchange;
(bb) "Investor Relations Service Provider" means "Investor Relations Service Provider" as defined in the Policy;
(cc)
" Management Company Employee " means a "Management Company Employee" as defined in the Policy;
(dd)
" Market Price " of Shares at any Grant Date means the market price per Share as determined by the Board, provided that if the Company is listed on an Exchange, such price shall not be less than the market price determined in accordance with the rules of such Exchange;
(ee)
“ Officer ” means an “Officer” as defined in the Policy;
(ff)
"Option" means an option to purchase Shares granted pursuant to, or governed by, this Plan and any pre-existing stock option plan of the Company;
- (gg) “ Option Plan ” means the Company’s Stock Option Plan dated December 10, 2010, as may be amended or restated from time to time;
(hh) "Participant" means any Eligible Person to whom Awards are granted;
(ii)
"Participant's Account" means a notional account maintained for each Participant's participation in this Plan which will show any Incentive Securities credited to a Participant from time to time;
(jj)
"Performance Criteria" means criteria established by the Board which, without limitation, may include criteria based on the Participant's personal performance and/or financial performance of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and that are to be used to determine the vesting of the PSUs;
(kk) "Performance Cycle" means the applicable performance cycle of the PSUs as may be specified by the Board in the applicable Award Agreement;
(ll) "Performance Share Unit" or "PSU" means a right awarded to a Participant to receive a payment in Shares as provided in Section 5.2 hereof and subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement;
(mm) "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, or governmental authority or body;
(nn) "Restriction Period" means the time period between the Grant Date and the Vesting Date of an Award of RSUs specified by the Board in the applicable Award Agreement, which is subject to the requirements of this Plan with respect to vesting;
(oo) "Restricted Share Unit" or "RSU" means a right awarded to a Participant to receive a payment in Shares as provided in Subsection 5.1 hereof and subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement;
(pp) "Retirement" means retirement from active employment with the Company or a subsidiary of the Company with the consent of an Officer;
(qq) "Security Based Compensation" means "Security Based Compensation" as defined in the Policy;
(rr) "Security Based Compensation Plans" has the meaning set out in Subsection 4.1.1;
(ss) "Stock Appreciation Right" or “SAR" means a right awarded to a Participant to receive a payment in Shares as provided in Subsection 5.5 hereof and subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement;
(tt) "SAR Amount" has the meaning set out in Subsection 5.5.3;
- (uu) "SAR Grant Price" has the meaning set out in Subsection 5.5.2;
(vv) "Securities Act" means the Securities Act (British Columbia), as amended from time to time;
- (ww) "Shares" means the common shares of the Company;
(xx) "Trading Day" means any date on which the Exchange is open for trading;
and
(yy) "Vesting Date" means, for any Award, the date when the Award is fully vested in accordance with the provisions of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.
SECTION 3 ADMINISTRATION
-
3.1 BOARD TO ADMINISTER PLAN. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Plan shall be administered by the Board and the Board shall have full authority to administer this Plan, including the authority to interpret and construe any provision of this Plan and to adopt, amend and rescind such rules and regulations for administering this Plan as the Board may deem necessary in order to comply with the requirements of this Plan.
-
3.2 DELEGATION TO COMMITTEE. All of the powers exercisable hereunder by the Board may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and as determined by resolution of the Board, be delegated to and exercised by the Committee or such other committee as the Board may determine.
-
3.3 INTERPRETATION. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made or approved by the Board in good faith shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding on the Participants and the Company, subject to any required approval of the Exchange.
-
3.4 NO LIABILITY. No Director shall be personally liable for any action taken or determination or interpretation made or approved in good faith in connection with this Plan and the Directors shall, in addition to their rights as Directors, be fully protected, indemnified and held harmless by the Company with respect to any such action taken or determination or interpretation made. The appropriate officers of the Company are hereby authorized and empowered to do all things and execute and deliver all instruments, undertakings and applications and writings as they, in their absolute discretion, consider necessary for the implementation of this Plan and of the rules and regulations established for administering this Plan. All costs incurred in connection with this Plan shall be for the account of the Company.
SECTION 4 SHARES AVAILABLE FOR AWARDS
-
a. LIMITATIONS ON SHARES AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE.
-
i. The maximum aggregate number of Shares issuable in respect of all Incentive Securities granted or issued under this Plan and all of the Company’s other previously established or proposed Long-Term Incentive plans to which these limitations apply under Exchange policies (collectively, “ Security Based Compensation Plans ”), at any point in time, shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total number of issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis at such point in time.
-
ii. The maximum aggregate number of Shares issuable to any one Consultant in any twelve (12) month period in respect of all Incentive Securities granted or issued under Long-Term Incentive Plans shall not exceed two
percent (2%) of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis on the Grant Date.
-
iii. The maximum aggregate number of Shares issuable to any one Participant in any twelve (12) month period in respect of all Incentive Securities granted or issued under Long-Term Incentive Plans shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis on the Grant Date, unless the Company has obtained the requisite disinterested shareholder approval pursuant to the Policy.
-
iv. The maximum aggregate number of Shares issuable to all Insiders (as a group) at any point in time in respect of all Incentive Securities granted or issued under Long-Term Incentive Plans shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis at such point in time.
-
v. The maximum aggregate number of Shares issuable to all Insiders (as a group) in any twelve (12) month period in respective of all Incentive Securities granted or issued under Long-Term Incentive Plans shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding Shares on a nondiluted basis on the Grant Date, unless the Company has obtained the requisite disinterested shareholder approval pursuant to the Policy.
-
vi. Eligible Persons who are Investor Relations Service Providers may only receive Options as Awards under this Plan if the Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange at the time of issuance or grant, and the maximum aggregate number of Shares issuable to all Investor Relations Service Providers in any twelve (12) month period pursuant to the exercise of Options shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis on the Grant Date.
-
vii. Eligible Persons who are Eligible Charitable Organizations may only receive Options as Awards under this Plan if the Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange at the time of issuance or grant, and the maximum aggregate number of Shares issuable to all Eligible Charitable Organizations at any point in time in respect of all Incentive Securities granted or issued under Security Based Compensation Plans shall not exceed one percent (1%) of the issued and outstanding Shares on a non-diluted basis at such point in time. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Plan, Options granted to Eligible Charitable Organizations will not be included in the other limits set out in this Section 4 or elsewhere in this Plan.
-
b. ACCOUNTING FOR AWARDS. The number of Shares underlying an Award, or to which such Award relates, shall be counted on the Grant Date of such Award against the aggregate number of Shares available for granting or issuing Awards under this Plan. As this Plan is a “rolling up to 10%” Long-Term Incentive plan, as such term is used in the Policy, the number of Incentive Securities issuable under this Plan will
replenish in an amount equal to the number of Shares issued pursuant to the exercise or vesting, as applicable, of such Incentive Securities at any point in time. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any Shares related to Awards which have been settled in cash, cancelled, surrendered, forfeited, expired or otherwise terminated without the issuance of such Shares shall be available again for granting Awards under this Plan.
-
c. ADJUSTMENTS FOR SHARE SPLITS AND CONSOLIDATIONS. If the number of outstanding Shares is increased or decreased as a result of a Share split or consolidation, the Board may make appropriate adjustments, in accordance with the terms of this Plan, the policies of the Exchange, and applicable laws, to the number and price (or other basis upon which an Award is measured) of Incentive Securities credited to a Participant. Any determinations by the Board as to the required adjustments shall be made in its sole discretion and all such adjustments shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes under this Plan.
-
d. OTHER ADJUSTMENTS. Any adjustment, other than as noted in section 4.3, to an Award granted or issued under this Plan must be subject to the prior acceptance of the Exchange, including adjustments related to an amalgamation, merger, arrangement, reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off, dividend or other distribution. Any increase in the number of Shares underlying outstanding Awards as a result of the adjustment provisions provided in this section 4.3 or 4.4 is subject to compliance with the limits set out in section 4.1 and, if any increase in the number of Shares underlying outstanding Awards as a result of the adjustment provisions provided in section 4.3 or 4.4 would result in any limit set out in section 4.1 being exceeded, then the Company may, if determined by the Board in its sole and unfettered discretion (subject to the prior approval of the Exchanges, if applicable), make payment in cash to the Participant in lieu of increasing the number of Shares underlying outstanding Awards in order to properly reflect any diminution in value of the underlying Shares as a result of the event that triggers the adjustment.
-
e. VESTING REQUIREMENT. No Award granted or issued under this Plan, other than Options, may vest before the date that is one year following the date it is granted or issued. Notwithstanding this provision, subject to the approval of the Exchange with respect to Awards held by Investor Relations Service Providers, vesting may be accelerated by the Board in its sole discretion for Awards held by a Participant who dies or who ceases to be an Eligible Person under this Plan in connection with a change of control, take-over bid, reverse takeover or other similar transaction. All Options granted to Investor Relations Service Providers must vest and become exercisable in stages over a period of not less than twelve (12) months, with no more than one-quarter (1/4) of such Options vesting and becoming exercisable in any three (3) month period.
-
f. OPTION PLAN. As of the Effective Date, Options which are outstanding under the Option Plan shall continue to be exercisable and shall be deemed to be governed by and be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan except to the extent that the terms of this Plan are more restrictive than the terms of the Option Plan under which such Options were originally granted, in which case the Option Plan shall govern, provided that any Options granted, issued or amended after November 23, 2021 must comply with the Policy (as at November 24, 2021).
-
g. RESALE RESTRICTIONS. All Incentive Securities shall be subject to any applicable resale restrictions pursuant to applicable securities laws. In addition, Incentive Securities and Shares underlying Incentive Securities that are subject to the Exchange Hold Period pursuant to Exchange Policy 1.1 must contain a legend with the Exchange Hold Period commencing on the Grant Date, and the Award Agreement shall contain any applicable resale restriction or Exchange Hold Period.
-
h. BONA FIDE PARTICIPANTS. In respect of Awards granted to Employees, Consultants, Consultant Companies or Management Company Employees, the Company and the Participant is representing herein and in the applicable Award Agreement that the Participant is a bona fide Employee, Consultant, Consultant Company or Management Company Employee, as the case may be, of the Company or a subsidiary of the Company. The execution of an Award Agreement shall constitute conclusive evidence that it has been completed in compliance with this Plan.
SECTION 5. AWARDS
-
5.1 RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS
-
5.1.1 ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION. Subject to the provisions of this Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Board may prescribe, the Board may, from time to time, grant Awards of RSUs to Eligible Persons. RSUs granted to a Participant shall be credited, as of the Grant Date, to the Participant's Account. The number of RSUs to be credited to each Participant shall be determined by the Board in its sole discretion in accordance with this Plan. Each RSU shall, contingent upon the lapse of any restrictions, represent one (1) Share, unless otherwise specified in the applicable Award Agreement. The number of RSUs granted pursuant to an Award and the Restriction Period in respect of such RSUs shall be specified in the applicable Award Agreement.
-
5.1.2 RESTRICTIONS. RSUs shall be subject to such restrictions as the Board, in its sole discretion, may establish in the applicable Award Agreement, which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such time or times and on such terms, conditions and satisfaction of objectives as the Board may, in its discretion, determine at the time an Award is granted.
-
5.1.3 VESTING. All RSUs will vest and become payable by the issuance of Shares at the end of the Restriction Period if all applicable restrictions have lapsed, as such restrictions may be specified in the Award Agreement.
-
5.1.4 CHANGE OF CONTROL. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, in the event of a Change of Control, all restrictions upon any RSUs shall lapse immediately and all such RSUs shall become fully vested in the Participant and will accrue to the Participant in accordance with Subsection 5.1.9.
-
5.1.5 DEATH. Other than as may be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, upon the death of a Participant, any RSUs granted to such Participant which, prior to the Participant's death, have not vested, will be immediately and automatically forfeited and cancelled without further action and without any cost or payment, and the Participant or his or her estate, as the case may be, shall have no right, title or interest therein whatsoever. Any RSUs granted to such Participant which, prior to the Participant's death, had vested pursuant to the terms of the applicable Award Agreement will accrue to the Participant's estate in accordance with Subsection 5.1.9 hereof.
-
5.1.6 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE.
-
(a) Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company for cause, or where a Participant’s consulting agreement is terminated as a result of the Participant's breach, all RSUs granted to the Participant under this Plan will immediately terminate without payment, be forfeited and cancelled and shall be of no further force or effect as of the date of termination determined by the Board.
-
(b) Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company without cause, by voluntary termination or due to Retirement by the Participant, or where a Participant’s consulting agreement is terminated for a reason other than the Participant’s breach, unless the applicable Award Agreement provides otherwise and subject to the provisions below, all RSUs granted to the Participant under this Plan that have not vested will immediately terminate without payment, be forfeited and cancelled and shall be of no further force or effect as of the date of termination determined by the Board, provided, however, that any RSUs granted to such Participant which, prior to the Participant's termination without cause, voluntary termination, Retirement or breach of agreement, had vested pursuant to the terms of the applicable Award Agreement will accrue to the Participant in accordance with Subsection 5.1.9 hereof.
-
5.1.7 DISABILITY. Where a Participant becomes afflicted by a Disability, all RSUs granted to the Participant under this Plan will continue to vest in accordance with the terms of such RSUs, provided, however, that no RSUs may be redeemed during a leave of absence. Where a Participant's employment or consulting agreement with the Company or a subsidiary of the Company is terminated due to Disability, unless the applicable Award Agreement provides otherwise and subject to the provisions below, all RSUs granted to the Participant under this Plan that have not vested will immediately terminate without payment, be forfeited and cancelled and shall be of no further force or effect as of the date of termination determined by the Board, provided, however, that any RSUs granted to such Participant that, prior to the Participant's termination due to Disability, had vested pursuant to term of the applicable Award Agreement will accrue to the Participant in accordance with Subsection 5.1.9 hereof.
-
5.1.8 CESSATION OF DIRECTORSHIP. Where, in the case of Directors, a Participant ceases to be a Director for any reason, any RSUs granted to the Participant under this Plan that have not yet vested will, unless the applicable Award Agreement provides otherwise and subject to the provisions below, immediately terminate without payment, be forfeited and cancelled and shall be of no further force or effect as of the Cessation Date, provided, however, that any RSUs granted to such Participant which, prior to the Cessation Date for any reason, had vested pursuant to the terms of the applicable Award Agreement will accrue to the Participant in accordance with Subsection 5.1.9 hereof.
-
5.1.9 PAYMENT OF AWARD. As soon as practicable after each Vesting Date of an Award of RSUs, and subject to the applicable Award Agreement, the Company shall issue from treasury to the Participant, or if Subsection 5.1.5 applies, to the Participant's estate, a number of Shares equal to the number of RSUs credited to the Participant's Account that become payable on the Vesting Date. As of the Vesting Date, the RSUs in respect of which such Shares are issued shall be cancelled and no further payments shall be made to the Participant under this Plan in relation to such RSUs. Such payments shall be made entirely in Shares, unless otherwise provided for in the applicable Award Agreement.
-
5.2 PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS
-
5.2.1 ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION. Subject to the provisions of this Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Board may prescribe, the Board may, from time to time, grant Awards of PSUs to Eligible Persons. PSUs granted to a Participant shall be credited, as of the Grant Date, to the Participant's Account. The number of PSUs to be credited to each Participant shall be determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, in accordance with this Plan. Each PSU shall, contingent upon the attainment of the Performance Criteria within the Performance Cycle, represent one (1) Share, unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Award Agreement. The number of PSUs granted pursuant to an Award, the Performance Criteria that must be satisfied in order for the PSUs to vest and the Performance Cycle in respect of such PSUs shall be specified in the applicable Award Agreement.
-
5.2.2 PERFORMANCE CRITERIA. The Board will select, settle and determine the Performance Criteria (including without limitation the attainment thereof), for purposes of the vesting of the PSUs, in its sole discretion. An Award Agreement may provide the Board with the right, during a Performance Cycle or after it has ended, to revise the Performance Criteria and the Award amounts if unforeseen events (including, without limitation, changes in capitalization, an equity restructuring, an acquisition or a divestiture) occur which have a substantial effect on the financial results and which in the sole judgment of the Board make the application of the original Performance Criteria unfair or inappropriate unless a revision is made. Notices will be provided by the Company to the Exchange, if required, with respect to the foregoing.
-
5.2.3 VESTING. All PSUs will vest and become payable to the extent that the Performance Criteria set forth in the Award Agreement are satisfied for the Performance Cycle, the determination of which shall be made by the Board on the Determination Date.
-
5.2.4 CHANGE OF CONTROL. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, in the event of a Change of Control, all PSUs granted to a Participant shall become fully vested in such Participant (without regard to the attainment of any Performance Criteria) and shall become payable to the Participant in accordance with Subsection 5.2.9 hereof.
-
5.2.5 DEATH. Other than as may be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement and below, upon the death of a Participant, all PSUs granted to the Participant which, prior to the Participant's death, have not vested, will immediately and automatically be forfeited and cancelled without further action and without any cost or payment, and the Participant or his or her estate, as the case may be, shall have no right, title or interest therein whatsoever, provided, however, the Board may determine, in its sole discretion, the number of the Participant's PSUs that will vest based on the extent to which the applicable Performance Criteria set forth in the Award Agreement have been satisfied in that portion of the Performance Cycle that has lapsed. The PSUs that the Board determines to have vested shall become payable in accordance with Subsection 5.2.9 hereof.
-
5.2.6 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE.
-
(a) Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company for cause, or where a Participant’s consulting agreement is terminated as a result of the Participant’s breach, all PSUs granted to the Participant under this Plan will immediately terminate without payment, be forfeited and cancelled and shall be of no further force or effect as of the date of termination determined by the Board.
-
(b) Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company without cause, by voluntary termination or due to Retirement by the Participant, or where a Participant’s consulting agreement is terminated for a reason other than the Participant’s breach, unless the applicable Award Agreement provides otherwise and subject to the provisions below, all PSUs granted to the Participant which, prior to the Participant's termination, have not vested, will immediately and automatically be forfeited and cancelled without further action and without any cost or payment, and the Participant shall have no right, title or interest therein whatsoever as of the date of termination determined by the Board, provided, however, the Board may determine, in its sole discretion, the number of the Participant's PSUs that will vest based on the extent to which the applicable Performance Criteria set forth in the Award Agreement have been satisfied in that portion of the Performance Cycle that has lapsed. The PSUs that the Board determines to have vested shall become payable in accordance with Subsection 5.2.9 hereof.
-
5.2.7 DISABILITY. Where a Participant becomes afflicted by a Disability, all PSUs granted to the Participant under this Plan will continue to vest in accordance with the terms of such PSUs, provided, however, that no PSUs may be redeemed during a leave of absence. Where a Participant's employment or consulting agreement with the Company or a subsidiary of the Company is terminated due to Disability, unless the applicable Award Agreement provides otherwise and subject to the provisions below, all PSUs granted to the Participant under this Plan that have not vested will immediately and automatically be forfeited and cancelled without further action and without any cost or payment, and the Participant shall have no right, title or interest therein whatsoever as of the Termination Date, provided, however, that the Board may determine, in its sole discretion, the number of the Participant's PSUs that will vest based on the extent to which the applicable Performance Criteria set forth in the Award Agreement have been satisfied in that portion of the Performance Cycle that has lapsed. The PSUs that the Board determines to have vested shall become payable in accordance with Subsection 5.2.9 hereof.
-
5.2.8 CESSATION OF DIRECTORSHIP. Where, in the case of Directors, a Participant ceases to be a Director for any reason, any PSUs granted to the Participant under this Plan that have not yet vested will, unless the applicable Award Agreement provides otherwise and subject to the provisions below, immediately terminate without payment, be forfeited and cancelled and shall be of no further force or effect as of the Cessation Date, provided, however, that the Board may determine, in its sole discretion, the number of the Participant's PSUs that will vest based on the extent to which the applicable Performance Criteria set forth in the Award Agreement have been satisfied in that portion of the Performance Cycle that has lapsed. The PSUs that the Board determines to have vested shall become payable in accordance with Subsection 5.2.9 hereof.
-
5.2.9 PAYMENT OF AWARD. Subject to the applicable Award Agreement, payment to Participants in respect of vested PSUs shall be made after the Determination Date for the applicable Award and in any case within ninety (90) days after the last day of the Performance Cycle to which such Award relates. Such payments shall be made entirely in Shares, unless otherwise provided for in the applicable Award Agreement. The Company shall issue from treasury to the Participant, or if Subsection 5.2.5 applies, to the Participant's estate, a number of Shares equal to the number of PSUs that have vested. As of the Vesting Date, the PSUs in respect of which such Shares are issued shall be cancelled and no further payments shall be made to the Participant under this Plan in relation to such PSUs.
-
5.2.10 PERFORMANCE EVALUATION; ADJUSTMENT OF GOALS. At the time that a PSU is first issued, the Board, in the Award Agreement or in another written document, may specify whether performance will be evaluated including or excluding the effect of any of the following events that occur during the Performance Cycle or Restriction Period, as the case may be: (A) judgments entered or settlements reached in litigation; (B) the write down of assets; (C) the impact of any reorganization or restructuring; (D) the impact of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, regulatory actions or other laws affecting reported results; (E) extraordinary non-recurring items as may be described in the Company's management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the applicable financial year; (F) the impact of any mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs or other divestitures; (G) foreign exchange gains and losses; and (H) other extraordinary events having a similar impact on a Participant’s ability to satisfy Performance Criteria, as determined in the discretion of the Board.
-
5.2.11 ADJUSTMENT OF PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS. The Board shall have the sole discretion to adjust the determination of the degree of attainment of the preestablished Performance Criteria or restrictions, as the case may be, as may be set out in the applicable Award Agreement governing the relevant PSU. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, the Board may not make any adjustment or take any other action with respect to any PSU that will increase the amount payable under any such PSU. The Board shall retain the sole discretion to adjust PSUs downward or to otherwise reduce the amount payable with respect to any Award of PSUs.
5.3 DEFERRED SHARE UNITS
- 5.3.1 ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION. Subject to the provisions of this Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Board may prescribe, the Board may, from time to time, grant Awards of DSUs to Eligible Persons. DSUs granted to a Participant shall be credited, as of the Grant Date, to the Participant's Account. The number of DSUs to be credited to each Participant shall be determined by the Board in its sole discretion in accordance with this Plan. Each DSU shall, contingent upon the
occurrence of the applicable vesting criteria, represent one (1) Share. The number of DSUs granted pursuant to an Award and the vesting criteria in respect of such DSUs shall be specified in the applicable Award Agreement.
-
5.3.2 ELECTION BY DIRECTORS. Each Director may elect to receive any part or all of his or her Fees in DSUs under this Plan. Elections by Participants regarding the amount of their Fees that they wish to receive in DSUs shall be made no later than 90 days after this Plan is adopted by the Board, and thereafter no later than December 31 of any given year with respect to Fees for the following year. Any Director who becomes a Participant during a fiscal year and wishes to receive an amount of his or her Fees for the remainder of that year in DSUs must make his or her election within 60 days of becoming a Director.
-
5.3.3 CALCULATION. In the case of an election by a Director, the number of DSUs to be credited to the Participant's Account shall be calculated by dividing the amount of Fees selected by an Director in the applicable Election Form by the Market Price on the Grant Date, or if more appropriate, another trading range that best represents the period for which the award was earned (subject to minimum pricing requirements under Exchange policies). If, as a result of the foregoing calculation, a Participant shall become entitled to a fractional DSU, the Participant shall only be credited with a full number of DSUs (rounded down) and no payment or other adjustment will be made with respect to the fractional DSU.
-
5.3.4 CHANGE OF CONTROL. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, in the event of a Change of Control, all DSUs granted to a Participant shall become fully vested in such Participant and shall become payable to the Participant in accordance with Subsection 5.3.5 hereof.
-
5.3.5 PAYMENT OF AWARD. After the effective date that the Participant ceases to be an Eligible Person for any reason or any earlier vesting period(s) as may be set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, each Participant shall be entitled to receive on the DSU Payment Date that number of Shares equal to the number of DSUs credited to the Participant's Account, such Shares to be issued from treasury of the Company. The aforementioned payment will occur on the date (the “ DSU Payment Date ”) that is one of two (2) dates designated by the Participant and communicated to the Company by the Participant in writing at least fifteen (15) days prior to the designated day (or such earlier date as the Participant and the Company may agree, which dates shall be no earlier than then ninetieth (90) day following the year of the Cessation Date and no later than the end of the calendar year following the year of the Cessation Date, or any earlier period in which the DSUs vested, as the case may be) and if no such notice is given, then on the first anniversary of the Cessation Date or any earlier period on which the DSUs vested, as the case may be, at the sole discretion of the Participant.
-
5.3.6 DEATH. Upon death of a Participant, the Participant's estate shall be entitled to receive, within 120 days after the Participant's death and at the sole discretion of the Board, such Shares that would have otherwise been payable in accordance with Subsection 5.3.5 hereof to the Participant upon such Participant ceasing to be an Eligible Person.
-
5.4 OPTIONS
-
5.4.1 ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION. Subject to the provisions of this Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Board may prescribe, the Board may, from time to time, grant Awards of Options to Eligible Persons. Options granted to a Participant shall be credited, as of the Grant Date, to the Participant's Account. The number of Options to be credited to each Participant shall be determined by the Board in its sole discretion in accordance with this Plan. Each vested Option shall represent the right to purchase one (1) Share in accordance with its terms and the terms of this Plan. The number of Options granted pursuant to an Award shall be specified in the applicable Award Agreement.
-
5.4.2 EXERCISE PRICE. The exercise price of the Options shall be determined by the Board at the time the Option is granted. In no event shall such exercise price be lower than the discounted Market Price permitted by the Exchange. The Board shall not reprice any Options granted under this Plan, except in accordance with the rules and policies of the Exchange. For greater certainty, the Company will be required to obtain disinterested shareholder approval in accordance with the Policy in respect of any extension or reduction in the exercise price of Options granted to any Participant if the Participant is an Insider at the time of the proposed reduction or extension.
-
5.4.3 TIME AND CONDITIONS OF EXERCISE. The Board shall determine the time or times at which an Option may be exercised in whole or in part, provided that the term of any Option granted under this Plan shall not exceed ten years. The Board shall also determine the vesting, performance and/or other conditions, if any, that must be satisfied before all or part of an Option may be exercised. Vesting provisions applied to Options granted to Participants who are Investor Relations Service Providers must be in compliance with Section 4.5.
-
5.4.4 EVIDENCE OF GRANT. All Options shall be evidenced by a written Award Agreement. The Award Agreement shall reflect the Board's determinations regarding the exercise price, time and conditions of exercise (including vesting provisions) and such additional provisions as may be specified by the Board.
-
5.4.5 EXERCISE. The exercise of any Option will be contingent upon receipt by the Company of a written notice of exercise in the manner and in the form set forth in
the applicable Award Agreement, which written notice shall specify the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised, and which shall be accompanied by a cheque, bank draft or other method of cash payment as is acceptable to the Company for the full purchase price of such Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Certificates for such Shares shall be issued and delivered to the Participant within a reasonable time following the receipt of such notice and payment. Neither the Participants nor their legal representatives, legatees or distributees will be, or will be deemed to be, a holder of any Shares unless and until the certificates for the Shares issuable pursuant to Options under this Plan are issued to such Participants under the terms of this Plan. In the event that the expiry date of an Option falls during a Blackout Period, the expiry date of such Option shall automatically be extended to a date which is ten (10) trading days following the end of such Blackout Period (the “ Extension Period ”), subject to no cease trade order being in place under applicable securities laws; provided that if an additional Blackout Period is subsequently imposed by the Company during the Extension Period, then such Extension Period shall be deemed to commence following the end of such additional Blackout Period to enable the exercise of such Option within ten (10) trading days following the end of the last imposed Blackout Period.
-
5.4.6 CHANGE OF CONTROL. In the event of a Change of Control, each outstanding Option, to the extent that it has not otherwise become vested and exercisable, and subject to the applicable Award Agreement, shall automatically become fully and immediately vested and exercisable, without regard to any other applicable vesting requirement, subject to the Policy. For greater certainty, any acceleration of vesting of Options held by a Participant who is a Investor Relations Servicer Provider is subject to prior Exchange acceptance.
-
5.4.7 DEATH. Where a Participant shall die, any Option held by such Participant at the date of death shall be exercisable in whole or in part only by the person or persons to whom the rights of the Participant under the Option shall pass by the will of the Participant or the laws of descent and distribution for a period of 120 days after the date of death of the Participant or prior to the expiration of the Option, whichever is sooner, and then only to the extent that such Participant was entitled to exercise the Option at the date of death of such Participant.
5.4.8 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE.
-
(a) Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company for cause, or where a Participant’s consulting agreement is terminated as a result of the Participant’s breach, no Option held by such Participant shall be exercisable from the date of termination determined by the Board.
-
(b) Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company without cause, by voluntary termination or due to Retirement by the Participant, or where a Participant’s consulting agreement is terminated for a reason other than the Participant’s breach, any Option held by such Participant at such time shall remain exercisable in full at any time, and in part from time to time, for a period of 90 days after the date of termination determined by the Board (subject to any longer period set out in the applicable Award Agreement, which period shall not, in any event, exceed twelve (12) months from the date of termination determined by the Board) or prior to the expiration of the Option, whichever is sooner, and then only to the extent that such Participant was entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination determined by the Board.
-
(c) Where a Participant becomes afflicted by a Disability, all Options granted to the Participant under this Plan will continue to vest in accordance with the terms of such Options. Where a Participant's employment or consulting agreement with the Company or a subsidiary of the Company is terminated due to Disability, unless the applicable Award Agreement provides otherwise and subject to the provisions below, any Option held by such Participant shall remain exercisable for a period of 120 days after the date of termination determined by the Board (subject to any longer period set out in the applicable Award Agreement, which period shall not, in any event, exceed twelve (12) months from the date of termination determined by the Board) or prior to the expiration of the Option, whichever is sooner, and then only to the extent that such Participant was entitled to exercise the Option at the date of termination determined by the Board.
-
5.4.9 CESSATION OF DIRECTORSHIP. Where, in the case of Directors, a Participant ceases to be a Director for any reason, any Option held by such Participant at such time shall, subject to the applicable Award Agreement and the provisions below, remain exercisable in full at any time, and in part from time to time, for a period of 90 days after the Cessation Date (subject to any longer period set out in the applicable Award Agreement, which period shall not, in any event, exceed twelve (12) months from the Cessation Date) or prior to the expiration of the Option, whichever is sooner, and then only to the extent that such Participant was entitled to exercise the Option as of the Cessation Date. Where, in the case of Directors, a Participant becomes afflicted by a Disability, all Options granted to the Participant under this Plan will continue to vest in accordance with the terms of such Options, provided that if a Participant ceases to be a Director due to Disability, subject to the applicable Award Agreement, any Option held by such Participant shall remain exercisable for a period of 120 days after the Cessation Date (subject to any longer period set out in the applicable Award Agreement, which period shall not, in any event, exceed twelve (12) months from the Cessation Date) or prior to the expiration of the Option, whichever is sooner, and
then only to the extent that such Participant was entitled to exercise the Option as of the Cessation Date.
-
5.5 STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
-
5.5.1 ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION. Subject to the provisions of this Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Board may determine, the Board may, from time to time, in its discretion, grant Awards of SARs to Eligible Persons either on a stand-alone basis or in relation to any Option. SARs granted to a Participant shall be credited, as of the Grant Date, to the Participant's Account. The number of SARs to be credited to each Participant shall be determined by the Board in its sole discretion in accordance with this Plan. The number of SARs granted pursuant to an Award shall be specified in the applicable Award Agreement.
-
5.5.2 SAR GRANT PRICE. The exercise price of the SAR (the "SAR Grant Price") shall be determined by the Board at the time the SAR is granted. In no event shall the SAR Grant Price be lower than the discounted Market Price permitted by the Exchange. Where a SAR is granted in relation to an Option, it shall be a right in respect of the same number of Shares, and the SAR Grant Price shall be the same as the exercise price of the Option it is granted in relation to. The Board shall not reprice the SAR Grant Price of any SAR granted under this Plan, except in accordance with the rules and policies of the Exchange. For greater certainty, the Company will be required to obtain disinterested shareholder approval in accordance with the Policy in respect of any reduction in the SAR Grant Price applicable to SARs granted to any Participant if the Participant is an Insider at the time of the proposed reduction.
-
5.5.3 PAYMENT.
-
(a) Subject to the provisions hereof, a SAR is the right to receive a payment in Shares equal to the excess, if any, of:
-
(i) the Market Price at the date such SAR is exercised; over
-
(ii) the SAR Grant Price,
-
-
multiplied by the number of Shares in respect of which the SAR is being exercised (less any amount required to be withheld for taxes by applicable law) (the "SAR Amount ") .
- (b) For greater clarity, the actual number of Shares to be granted to the
Participant pursuant to Subsection 5.5.3(a) shall be equal to the aggregate SAR Amount divided by the Market Price at the time of exercise.
-
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the sole discretion of the Board, the Award Agreement may provide that the Company may elect to satisfy the exercise of a SAR (in whole or in part) by paying to the Participant cash in an amount equal to the SAR Amount in lieu of Shares.
-
5.5.4 TERMS OF SARs GRANTED IN CONNECTION WITH AN OPTION. SARs may be granted in relation to an Option either at the time of the grant of the Option or by adding the SAR to an existing Option. SARs granted in relation to an Option shall be exercisable only at the same time, by the same persons and to the same extent, that the related Option is exercisable. Upon the exercise of any SAR related to an Option, the corresponding portion of the related Option shall be surrendered to the Company and cancelled, and upon the exercise of any Option which has an accompanying SAR, the corresponding portion of the related SAR shall be surrendered to the Company and cancelled.
-
5.5.5 TERMS OF SARs GRANTED ON A STAND-ALONE BASIS. SARs shall be granted on such terms as shall be determined by the Board and set out in the Award Agreement (including any terms pertaining to vesting and settlement), provided the term of any SAR granted under this Plan shall not exceed ten (10) years.
-
5.5.6 EXERCISE. The exercise of any SAR will be contingent upon receipt by the Company of a written notice of exercise in the manner and in the form set forth in the applicable Award Agreement, which written notice shall specify the number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is being exercised. If the Participant is to receive Shares, certificates for such Shares shall be issued and delivered to the Participant within a reasonable time following the receipt of such notice. Neither the Participant nor his legal representatives, legatees or distributees will be, or will be deemed to be, a holder of any Shares unless an until the certificates for the Shares issuable pursuant to SARs under this Plan are issued to such Participant under the terms of this Plan. In the event that the expiry date of a SAR falls during a Blackout Period, the expiry date of such SAR shall automatically be extended to the Extension Period, subject to no cease trade order being in place under applicable securities laws; provided that if an additional Blackout Period is subsequently imposed by the Company during the Extension Period, then such Extension Period shall be deemed to commence following the end of such additional Blackout Period to enable the exercise of such SAR within ten (10) trading days following the end of the last imposed Blackout Period.
-
5.5.7 CHANGE OF CONTROL. In the event of a Change of Control, each outstanding SAR issued to Eligible Persons, to the extent that it shall not otherwise have become vested and exercisable, and subject to the applicable Award Agreement, shall
automatically become fully and immediately vested and exercisable, without regard to any otherwise applicable vesting requirement, but subject to the policies of the Exchange.
-
5.5.8 DEATH. Where a Participant shall die while holding a SAR, any SAR held by such Participant at the date of death shall be exercisable in whole or in part only by the person or persons to whom the rights of the Participant under the SAR shall pass by the will of the Participant or the laws of descent and distribution for a period of 120 days after the date of death of the Participant or prior to the expiration of the exercise period in respect of the SAR, whichever is sooner, and then only to the extent that such Participant was entitled to exercise the SAR at the date of death of such Participant.
-
5.5.9 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE.
-
(a) Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company for cause, or where a Participant’s consulting agreement is terminated as a result of the Participant’s breach, no SAR held by such Participant shall be exercisable from the date of termination determined by the Board.
-
(b) Where a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company or a subsidiary of the Company without cause, by voluntary termination or due to Retirement by the Participant, or where a Participant’s consulting agreement is terminated for a reason other than the Participant’s breach, any SAR held by such Participant at such time shall remain exercisable in full at any time, and in part from time to time, for a period of 90 days after the date of termination determined by the Board (subject to any longer period set out in the applicable Award Agreement, which period shall not, in any event, exceed twelve (12) months from the date of termination determined by the Board) or prior to the expiration of the exercise period in respect of the SAR, whichever is sooner, and then only to the extent that such Participant was entitled to exercise the SAR at the date of termination determined by the Board.
-
(c) Where a Participant becomes afflicted by a Disability, all SARs granted to the Participant under this Plan will continue to vest in accordance with the terms of such SARs. Where a Participant's employment or consulting agreement with the Company or a subsidiary of the Company is terminated due to Disability, subject to the applicable Award Agreement, any SAR held by such Participant shall remain exercisable for a period of 120 days after the date of termination determined by the Board (subject to any longer period set out in the applicable Award Agreement, which period shall not, in any event, exceed twelve (12) months from the date of
termination determined by the Board) or prior to the expiration of the exercise period in respect of the SAR, whichever is sooner, and then only to the extent that such Participant was entitled to exercise the SAR at the date of termination determined by the Board.
-
5.5.10 CESSATION OF DIRECTORSHIP. Where, in the case of Directors, a Participant ceases to be a Director for any reason, any SAR held by such Participant at such time shall, subject to the applicable Award Agreement and the provisions below, remain exercisable in full at any time, and in part from time to time, for a period of 90 days after the Cessation Date or prior to the expiration of the exercise period in respect of the SAR, whichever is sooner, and then only to the extent that such Participant was entitled to exercise the SAR as of the Cessation Date. Where, in the case of Directors, a Participant becomes afflicted by a Disability, all SARs granted to the Participant under this Plan will continue to vest in accordance with the terms of such SARs, provided that if a Participant ceases to be a Director due to Disability, subject to the applicable Award Agreement, any SAR held by such Participant shall remain exercisable for a period of 120 days after the Cessation Date or prior to the expiration of the exercise period in respect of the SAR, whichever is sooner, and then only to the extent that such Participant was entitled to exercise the SAR as of the Cessation Date.
-
5.6 GENERAL TERMS APPLICABLE TO AWARDS
-
5.6.1 FORFEITURE EVENTS. The Board will specify in an Award Agreement at the time of the Award that the Participant's rights, payments and benefits with respect to an Award shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions of an Award. Such events shall include, but shall not be limited to, termination of employment for cause, violation of material Company policies, fraud, breach of noncompetition, ~~co~~ nfidentiality or other restrictive covenants that may apply to the Participant or other conduct by the Participant that is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company.
-
5.6.2 AWARDS MAY BE GRANTED SEPARATELY OR TOGETHER. Without limiting Subsection 5.5, Awards may, in the discretion of the Board, be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with, or in substitution for any other Award. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards, may be granted either at the same time as or at a different time from the grant of such other Awards or awards.
-
5.6.3 NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF AWARDS. No Award and no right under any such Award, shall be assignable, alienable, saleable, or transferable by a Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. No Award and no
right under any such Award, may be pledged, alienated, attached, or otherwise encumbered, and any purported pledge, alienation, attachment, or encumbrance thereof shall be void and unenforceable against the Company. The Company does not intend to make Awards assignable or transferable, except where required by law or in certain estate proceedings described herein.
-
5.6.4 CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS UPON SECURITIES SUBJECT TO AWARDS. The Board may provide that the Shares issued under an Award shall be subject to such further agreements, restrictions, conditions or limitations as the Board in its sole discretion may specify, including without limitation, conditions on vesting or transferability and forfeiture or repurchase provisions or provisions on payment of taxes arising in connection with an Award. Without limiting the foregoing, such restrictions may address the timing and manner of any resales by the Participant or other subsequent transfers by the Participant of any Shares issued under an Award, including without limitation: (A) restrictions under an insider trading policy or pursuant to applicable law; (B) restrictions designed to delay and/or coordinate the timing and manner of sales by Participant; (C) restrictions as to the use of a specified brokerage firm for such resales or other transfers; and (D) provisions requiring Shares to be sold on the open market or to the Company in order to satisfy tax withholding or other obligations.
-
5.6.5 SHARE CERTIFICATES. All Shares delivered under this Plan pursuant to any Award shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Board may deem advisable under this Plan or the rules , regulations, and other requirements of any securities commission, the Exchange, and any applicable securities legislation, regulations, rules, policies or orders, and the Board may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
-
5.6.6 CONFORMITY TO PLAN. In the event that an Award is granted which does not conform in all particulars with the provisions of this Plan, or purports to grant an Award on terms different from those set out in this Plan, the Award shall not be in any way void or invalidated, but the Award shall be adjusted by the Board to become, in all respects, in conformity with this Plan.
SECTION 6 AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
-
1.1 SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL OF PLAN. This Plan is subject to annual shareholder approval in accordance with the Policy. The initial shareholder approval requirements and related matters are set out in section 8.1 of this Plan.
-
1.2 AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION OF THIS PLAN. The Board may at any time or from time to time, in its sole and absolute discretion, amend, suspend, terminate or discontinue this Plan and may amend the terms and conditions of any Awards granted hereunder, subject
to (a) any required approval of any applicable regulatory authority or Exchange, and (b) any required approval of shareholders of the Company in accordance with the Policy or applicable law. Without limitation, shareholder approval shall not be required for the following amendments:
-
1.2.1 amendments to fix typographical errors;
-
1.2.2 amendments to clarify existing provisions of the Plan that do not have the effect of altering the scope, nature and intent of such provisions; and
-
1.2.3 amendments that are necessary to comply with applicable law or the requirements of the Exchange.
If this Plan is terminated, Awards granted or issued prior to the date of termination shall remain outstanding and in effect in accordance with their applicable terms and conditions.
- 1.3 AMENDMENTS TO AWARDS. Subject to compliance with applicable laws and Exchange policies, the Board may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate, any Awards theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively. No such amendment or alteration shall be made which would impair the rights of any Participant, without such Participant's consent, under any Award theretofore granted, provided that no such consent shall be required with respect to any amendment or alteration if the Board determines in its sole discretion that such amendment or alteration either (i) is required or advisable in order for the Company, this Plan or the Award to satisfy or conform to any law or regulation or to meet the requirements of any accounting standard, or (ii) is not reasonably likely to significantly diminish the benefits provided under such Award.
SECTION 7 GENERAL PROVISIONS
-
7.1 NO RIGHTS TO AWARDS. No Eligible Person shall have any claim to be granted any Award under this Plan, or, having been selected to receive an Award under this Plan, to be selected to receive a future Award, and further there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Eligible Persons under this Plan. The terms and conditions of Awards need not be the same with respect to each recipient, subject to compliance with the terms of this Plan and the Policy.
-
7.2 WITHHOLDING. The Company shall be authorized to withhold from any Award granted or any payment due or transfer made under any Award or under this Plan the amount (in cash, Shares, other securities, or other Awards) of withholding taxes due in respect of an Award, its exercise, or any payment or transfer under such Award or under this Plan and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy statutory withholding obligations for the payment of such taxes. Without in any way
limiting the generality of the foregoing, whenever cash is to be paid on the redemption, exercise or vesting of an Award, the Company shall have the right to deduct from all cash payments made to a Participant any taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such payments. Whenever Shares are to be delivered on the redemption, exercise or vesting of an Award, the Company shall have the right to deduct from any other amounts payable to the Participant any taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such delivery of Shares, or if any payment due to the Participant is not sufficient to satisfy the withholding obligation, to require the Participant to remit to the Company in cash an amount sufficient to satisfy any taxes required by law to be withheld. At the sole discretion of the Board, a Participant may be permitted to satisfy the foregoing requirement by:
-
7.2.1 electing to have the Company withhold from delivery Shares having a value equal to the amount of tax required to be withheld, or
-
7.2.2 delivering (on a form prescribed by the Company) an irrevocable direction to a securities broker approved by the Company to sell all or a portion of the Shares and to deliver to the Company from the sales proceeds an amount sufficient to pay the required withholding taxes.
For greater certainty, the application of this Section 7.2 to any payment due or transfer made under any Award or under this Plan shall not conflict with the policies of the Exchange that are in effect at the relevant time and the Company will obtain prior Exchange acceptance and/or shareholder approval of any application of this Section 7.2 if required pursuant to such policies.
-
7.3 NO LIMIT ON OTHER SECURITY-BASED COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS. Subject to compliance with the Policy, nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Company or a subsidiary of the Company from adopting or continuing in effect other security-based compensation arrangements, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.
-
7.4 NO RIGHT TO EMPLOYMENT. The grant of an Award shall not constitute an employment contract nor be construed as giving a Participant the right to be retained in the employ of the Company. Further, the Company may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment, free from any liability, or any claim under this Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in this Plan or in any Award Agreement.
-
7.5 NO RIGHT AS SHAREHOLDER. Neither the Participant nor any representatives of a Participant's estate shall have any rights whatsoever as shareholders in respect of any Shares covered by such Participant's Award, until the date of issuance of a share
certificate to such Participant or representatives of a Participant's estate for such Shares.
-
7.6 CURRENCY. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all dollars amounts in this Plan are in Canadian dollars.
-
7.7 GOVERNING LAW. This Plan and all of the rights and obligations arising here from shall be interpreted and applied in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
-
7.8 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Plan or any Award is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or as to any Person or Award, or would disqualify this Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Board, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to applicable laws, or if it cannot be so construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Board, materially altering the intent of this Plan or the Award, such provision shall be stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person, or Award, and the remainder of this Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.
-
7.9 NO TRUST OR FUND CREATED. Neither this Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and a Participant or any other Person. To the extent that any Person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company pursuant to an Award, such right shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured creditor of the Company.
-
7.10 NO FRACTIONAL SHARES. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to this Plan or any Award, and the Board shall determine whether cash, or other securities shall be paid or transferred in lieu of any fractional Shares, or whether such fractional Shares or any rights thereto shall be cancelled, terminated, or otherwise eliminated.
-
7.11 HEADINGS. Headings are given to the Sections and Subsections of this Plan solely as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings shall not be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction or interpretation of this Plan or any provision thereof.
-
7.12 NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY. The Company makes no representation or warranty as to the value of any Award granted pursuant to this Plan or as to the future value of any Shares issued pursuant to any Award.
-
7.13 NO REPRESENTATIONS OR COVENANTS WITH RESPECT TO TAX QUALIFICATION.
Although the Company may, in its discretion, endeavor to (i) qualify an Award for favourable Canadian tax treatment or (ii) avoid adverse tax treatment, the Company
makes no representation to that effect and expressly disavows any covenant to maintain favorable or avoid unfavorable tax treatment. The Company shall be unconstrained in its corporate activities without regard to the potential negative tax impact on holders of Awards under this Plan.
-
7.14 CONFLICT WITH AWARD AGREEMENT. In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the provisions of this Plan and an Award Agreement, the provisions of this Plan shall govern for all purposes.
-
7.15 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. The granting of Awards and the issuance of Shares under this Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or stock exchanges on which the Company is listed as may be required. The Company shall have no obligation to issue or deliver evidence of title for Shares issued under this Plan prior to:
-
7.15.1 obtaining any approvals from governmental agencies that the Company determines are necessary or advisable; and
-
7.15.2 completion of any registration or other qualification of the Shares under any applicable national or foreign law or ruling of any governmental body that the Company determines to be necessary or advisable or at a time when any such registration or qualification is not current, has been suspended or otherwise has ceased to be effective.
The inability or impracticability of the Company to obtain or maintain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained.
SECTION 8 EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS PLAN AND SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL
- 8.1 EFFECTIVE DATE AND SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL. This Plan shall become effective upon the date (the "Effective Date") of approval by the Board and will remain subject to shareholder approval and Exchange approval, provided that, if the Company grants or issues Awards under this Plan that it would not otherwise be permitted to grant under its existing Option Plan prior to the requisite shareholder approval for this Plan having been obtained, the Company must also obtain specific (and separate) shareholder approval for such grants or issuances. If shareholder approval for this Plan is obtained after the Effective Date, no right under any Award (other than an Option, which was or could have been granted under the Option Plan) that is granted or issued under this Plan prior to such shareholder approval may vest or be exercised, as applicable, before the date of the shareholders’ meeting held to approve this Plan and such grants or issuances (as applicable). The requisite shareholder approvals must be obtained in accordance with the
Policy and, if the requisite shareholder approvals are not obtained, this Plan and all Awards granted hereunder (other than Options, which were or could have been granted under the Option Plan), will terminate.
Approved by the Board of Directors of the Company effective June 27, 2022.
Approved by the shareholders of the Company on August 12, 2022.