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Eloro Resources Ltd. — Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement 2020
Dec 9, 2020
44112_rns_2020-12-09_03acce7c-1d99-477b-a882-88b3fc4133c6.pdf
Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement
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ELORO RESOURCES LTD.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual and Special Meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders of ELORO RESOURCES LTD. (the "Corporation") will be convened on Wednesday, the 30th day of December, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., Toronto time, and at any adjournment thereof, by way of a conference call using the dial-in information provided below for the following purposes:
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- to elect as directors for the forthcoming year the nominees proposed by management of the Corporation in the enclosed management information circular (the "Information Circular");
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- to pass, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution re-appointing RSM Canada LLP as the auditors of the Corporation and authorizing the directors to fix the terms of engagement and remuneration for such auditors;
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- to consider and, if deemed advisable, to pass, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution to ratify the Corporation's existing stock option plan; and
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- to transact such further or other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The details of the matters proposed to be put before the Meeting are set forth in the Information Circular accompanying this Notice, which is supplemental to and expressly made a part of this Notice. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 27, 2020 (the "Record Date") will be entitled to vote at the Meeting and at any adjournment or adjournments thereof.
In light of COVID-19 and social distancing best practices, shareholders are encouraged to vote in advance of the Meeting by proxy ("Proxy") or voting instruction form, as applicable, since the Meeting will not be held in person.
Shareholders can participate in the Meeting by phone using the following dial-in information (however, voting in advance by Proxy or voting instruction form is advised):
Dial-in Primary (Toll Free in North America): 1-866-512-0904
Alternate Dial-in (Not Toll Free): (416) 507-9740
Access Code: 6483977#
Important Notice Regarding Social Distancing
We are continuously monitoring the current COVID-19 pandemic, and we reserve the right to take any additional precautionary measures we deem appropriate in relation to the Meeting in response to further developments in respect of the COVID-19 outbreak including, if we consider necessary or advisable, hosting the Meeting solely by means of remote communication. As of the date of this Notice, we are NOT intending to hold the Meeting in physical face to face format, and the Meeting will be held by phone using the dial-in information provided above. Changes to the Meeting date and/or means of holding the Meeting may be announced by way of press release. Please monitor our press releases under the Corporation's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) for updated information.
In order to ensure as many common shares of the Corporation as possible are represented at the Meeting, the Corporation strongly encourages registered shareholders to complete the enclosed Proxy and return it as soon as possible in accordance with the instructions set out in the accompanying Information Circular. Shareholders who do not hold their common shares in their own name are strongly encouraged to complete the voting instruction forms received from the Corporation or their broker as soon as possible and to follow the instructions set out in the accompanying Information Circular. In addition, only registered shareholders or their duly appointed proxy holders will be permitted to attend the Meeting by using the dial-in information provided above.
Please review the enclosed Information Circular and date, sign and return the enclosed Proxy to the Corporation's transfer agent, TSX Trust Company. To be effective, the Proxy must be delivered by facsimile to (416) 595-9593 or mailed so as to reach or be deposited with the Secretary of the Corporation, c/o TSX Trust Company, 100 Adelaide Street West, Suite 301, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 4H1, not later than forty-eight (48) hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays in the Province of Ontario), prior to the time set for the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Late proxies may be accepted or rejected by the Chairman of the Meeting in his discretion, and the Chairman is under no obligation to accept or reject any particular late proxy.
The persons named in the enclosed Proxy are directors or officers of the Corporation. Each Shareholder has the right to appoint a proxyholder other than such persons, who need not be a Shareholder, to act for such Shareholder and on such Shareholders behalf at the Meeting. To exercise such right, the names of the nominees of management should be crossed out and the name of the Shareholder's appointee should be legibly printed in the blank space provided.
________________________________________
DATED at the City of Toronto, in the Province of Ontario, as of November 30, 2020.
By Order of the Board of Directors of ELORO RESOUCES LTD.
(signed) "Thomas Larsen"
Thomas Larsen Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
ELORO RESOURCES LTD. 20 Adelaide Street East, Suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5C 2T6
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR FOR THE ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS to be held on December 30, 2020
PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION
THIS INFORMATION CIRCULAR IS FURNISHED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOLICITATION OF PROXIES BY THE MANAGEMENT OF ELORO RESOURCES LTD. (THE "CORPORATION") FOR USE AT THE ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF THE CORPORATION TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, THE 30th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2020 AT 1:00 P.M., TORONTO TIME (THE "MEETING"), AND AT ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF, BY WAY OF A CONFERENCE CALL USING THE DIAL-IN INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN, FOR THE PURPOSES SET OUT IN THE ACCOMPANYING NOTICE OF MEETING.
Although it is expected that the solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail, proxies may also be solicited personally or by telephone by directors or officers of the Corporation. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries to forward proxy solicitation material to the beneficial owners of the common shares of the Corporation (the "Common Shares") pursuant to the requirements of National Instrument 54-101 Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer ("NI 54-101"). The cost of any such solicitation will be borne by the Corporation.
In light of COVID-19 and social distancing best practices, shareholders are encouraged to vote in advance of the Meeting by proxy ("Proxy") or voting instruction form, as applicable, since the Meeting will not be held in person.
Shareholders can participate in the Meeting by phone using the following dial-in information (however, voting in advance by Proxy or voting instruction form is advised):
Dial-in Primary (Toll Free in North America): 1-866-512-0904
Alternate Dial-in (Not Toll Free): (416) 507-9740
Access Code: 6483977#
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING SOCIAL DISTANCING
We are continuously monitoring the current COVID-19 pandemic, and we reserve the right to take any additional precautionary measures we deem appropriate in relation to the Meeting in response to further developments in respect of the COVID-19 outbreak including, if we consider necessary or advisable, hosting the Meeting solely by means of remote communication. As of the date of this Notice, we are NOT intending to hold the Meeting in physical face to face format, and the Meeting will be held by phone using the dial-in information provided above. Changes to the Meeting date and/or means of holding the Meeting may be announced by way of press release. Please monitor our press releases under the Company's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) for updated information.
In order to ensure as many common shares of the Company as possible are represented at the Meeting, the Corporation strongly encourages registered shareholders to complete the enclosed Proxy and return it as soon as possible in accordance with the instructions set out in the accompanying Circular. Shareholders who do not hold their common shares in their own name are strongly encouraged to complete the voting instruction forms received from the Corporation or their broker as soon as possible and to follow the instructions set out in the accompanying Circular. In addition, only registered shareholders or their duly appointed proxy holders will be permitted to attend the Meeting by using the dial-in information provided above.
This Circular describes the matters to be acted on at the Meeting and the procedures for attending or appointing proxies to vote at the Meeting. Unless otherwise stated, the information provided herein is given as of the 30th day of November, 2020.
PART ONE
VOTING INFORMATION
APPOINTMENT AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
Registered Shareholders
If you are a registered shareholder, you can vote your shares at the Meeting via teleconference or by proxy. If you wish to vote via teleconference at the Meeting, do not complete or return the form of proxy included with this Circular. Your vote can be cast by you via teleconference and counted at the Meeting. If you do not wish to attend the Meeting or do not wish to vote in person, complete and deliver a form of proxy in accordance with the instructions given below.
Appointment of Proxy
A form of proxy is enclosed and, if it is not your intention to be present in person at the Meeting, you are asked to sign, date and return the form of proxy in the envelope provided. The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy are directors or officers of the Corporation. A shareholder has the right to appoint a person (who need not be a shareholder of the Corporation), other than the persons designated in the enclosed form of proxy, to attend and vote for and on behalf of the shareholder at the Meeting. Such right may be exercised by striking out the names of the persons designated in the enclosed form of proxy and by inserting in the blank space provided for that purpose the name of the person to be appointed or by completing another proper form of proxy.
The form of proxy must be executed in writing or by electronic signature by the shareholder or his attorney duly authorized in writing or, if the shareholder is a corporation, by instrument in writing executed (under corporate seal if so required by the rules and laws governing the corporation) by a duly authorized signatory of such corporation. If the proxy is executed by a duly authorized attorney or authorized signatory of the shareholder, the proxy should reflect such person's capacity following his or her signature and should be accompanied by the appropriate instrument evidencing such person's qualifications and authority to act (unless such evidence has been previously filed with the Corporation or the Corporation's registrar and transfer agent, the TSX Trust Company.
Depositing Proxy
Proxies to be exercised at the Meeting must be mailed to or deposited with the TSX Trust Company, 301 – 100 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H 4H1, facsimile (416) 595-9593, Attention:
Proxy Department, such that they are received at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays in the Province of Ontario) prior to the commencement of the Meeting or any adjournment thereof, in default of which they may be treated as invalid, although the Chairman of the Meeting has the discretion to accept proxies filed less than 48 hours prior to the commencement of the Meeting, or any adjournment thereof.
A proxy is valid only at the meeting in respect of which it is given or any adjournment of that meeting.
Non-Registered or Beneficial Shareholders
Your shares may not be registered in your name but in the name of an intermediary (which is usually a bank, trust company, securities dealer or stock broker, or a clearing agency in which such an intermediary participates). If shares are listed in an account statement provided to you by a broker, then it is likely that those shares will not be registered in your name but under the broker's name or under the name of an agent of the broker such as CDS & Co. (the registration name for The Canadian Depository for Securities Limited), the nominee for many Canadian brokerage firms.
If your shares are registered in the name of an intermediary or a nominee, you are a non-registered or beneficial shareholder (a "beneficial shareholder"). Beneficial shareholders should be aware that only shareholders whose names appear on the share register of the Corporation are entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the Meeting.
The Corporation has distributed copies of this Circular, and the accompanying Notice of Meeting (the "Notice of Meeting") to intermediaries for distribution to beneficial shareholders together with the intermediary's form of proxy or voting instruction form. Unless you have waived your rights to receive these meeting materials, intermediaries are required to deliver them to you as a beneficial shareholder of the Corporation and to seek your instructions as to how to vote your shares.
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.
If you have received the Issuers Voting Instruction Form, you may return it to the TSX Trust Company:
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- By regular mail in the return envelope provided,
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- By fax at 416.595.9593
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- By voting online at www.voteproxyonline.com and entering your control number as instructed on the log on page.
Objecting Beneficial Owners ("OBOs") and other beneficial holders receive a Voting Instruction Form ("VIF") from an Intermediary by way of instruction of their Financial Institution. Detailed instructions of how to submit your vote will be on the VIF.
In either case, the purpose of this procedure is to permit non-registered holders to direct the voting of the shares they beneficially own. Should a non-registered holder who receives either form of proxy wish to vote at the Meeting in person, the non-registered holder should strike out the persons named in the form of proxy and insert the non-registered holder's name in the blank space provided. Non-registered holders
Every broker or agent has its own mailing procedure and provides its own instructions. Typically, a beneficial shareholder will be given a voting instruction form which must be completed and signed by the beneficial shareholder in accordance with the instructions provided by the intermediary. The purpose of this form is to seek permission from the beneficial shareholder on how to vote on behalf of or otherwise represent the beneficial shareholder. A beneficial shareholder cannot use this form to vote or otherwise represent shares in person at the Meeting. If you are a beneficial shareholder, you must follow the instructions provided by the intermediary in order to ensure that your shares are voted or otherwise represented at the Meeting.
The majority of brokers now delegate responsibility for obtaining instructions from clients to Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions ("Broadridge"). Broadridge mails the voting instruction form to the beneficial shareholders and asks beneficial shareholders to return the instruction forms to Broadridge. Broadridge then tabulates the results of all instructions respecting the shares to be represented at the Meeting. The instruction form must be returned to Broadridge well in advance of the Meeting in order to have the shares voted or otherwise represented at the Meeting.
Occasionally, a beneficial shareholder may be given a proxy that has already been signed by the intermediary. This form of proxy is restricted to the number of shares owned by the non-registered shareholder but is otherwise not completed. This form of proxy does not need to be signed by you. In this case, you can complete and deliver the proxy as described above under the heading "Registered Shareholders".
If a beneficial shareholder who receives a voting instruction form wishes to attend and vote at the meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on their behalf), the beneficial shareholder should strike out the names of the persons designated in the form of proxy as the proxy holder and insert the name of the beneficial shareholder (or of such other person who will attend and vote on their behalf) in the blank space provided or, in the case of a voting instruction form, follow the corresponding instructions provided by the intermediary. A beneficial shareholder has the right to demand and to receive from an intermediary holding shares on behalf of the beneficial shareholder a proxy enabling the beneficial shareholder to attend the Meeting and to vote the shares.
Beneficial shareholders should follow the instructions on the forms they receive and contact their intermediaries promptly if they need assistance.
Revocation of Proxies and Voting Instruction Forms
Any shareholder who executes and returns a proxy may revoke it to the extent it has not been exercised by depositing a written instrument executed by the shareholder or his, her or its attorney duly authorized in writing or by electronic signature or by transmitting by facsimile or electronic means, a revocation that is signed by electronic signature, or, if the shareholder is a corporation, by written instrument executed (under corporate seal if so required by the rules and laws governing the corporation) by a duly authorized signatory of such corporation:
- (a) with the TSX Trust Company, 301 100 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H 4H1, facsimile (416) 595-9593, Attention: Proxy Department, at any time up to the close of business on the last business day prior to the Meeting, or any adjournment thereof;
- (b) with the Chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, at any time prior to a vote being taken in reliance on such proxy; or
- (c) in any other manner permitted by law.
A beneficial shareholder may revoke a voting instruction form or may revoke a waiver of the right to receive meeting materials or a waiver of the right to vote given to an intermediary at any time by written notice to the intermediary, except that an intermediary is not required to act on any such revocation that is not received by the intermediary well in advance of the Meeting.
VOTING AND DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY
The proxyholders named in the accompanying form of proxy shall and will vote the shares represented thereby on any ballot in accordance with the shareholder's direction set forth in the proxy. IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH DIRECTION, THE SHARES REPRESENTED THEREBY WILL BE VOTED (i) FOR THE ELECTION OF THE MANAGEMENT NOMINEES NAMED IN THIS CIRCULAR AS DIRECTORS, (ii) FOR THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF RSM CANADA LLP, AS THE AUDITORS OF THE CORPORATION AND THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE DIRECTORS TO FIX THE AUDITORS' REMUNERATION AND TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT, AND (iii) FOR THE ANNUAL RATIFICATION OF THE STOCK OPTION PLAN, all as discussed below.
The enclosed form of proxy confers discretionary authority upon the persons named therein with respect to amendments or variations to the matters identified in the Notice of Meeting and with respect to other matters as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof. At the date of this Circular, management of the Corporation knows of no amendments, variations or other matters to come before the Meeting other than the matters referred to in the Notice of Meeting. If amendments, variations to matters identified in the Notice of Meeting or if other matters properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote in accordance with their judgment on such matters.
RECORD DATE
The board of directors of the Corporation (the "Board of Directors") has determined that the holders of Common Shares at the close of business on November 27, 2020 (the "Record Date") shall be entitled to receive notice of the Meeting and to vote at the Meeting, and any adjournment thereof. Accordingly, only shareholders of record on such Record Date are entitled to vote at the Meeting.
OUTSTANDING VOTING SHARES, VOTING AT MEETINGS AND QUORUM
The authorized capital of the Corporation consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares without par value. As at the date hereof, the Corporation had 47,778,862 Common Shares outstanding, each of which carries one vote per share. Holders of Common Shares as of the Record Date shall be entitled to vote their shares personally or by proxy at the Meeting. Unless otherwise required by law, every question coming before the Meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes duly cast on the matter.
Proxies returned by intermediaries as "non-votes" because the intermediary has not received instructions from the beneficial shareholder with respect to the voting of certain shares or, under applicable regulatory rules, the intermediary does not have the discretion to vote those shares on one or more of the matters that come before the Meeting, will be treated as not entitled to vote on any such matter and will not be counted as having been voted in respect of any such matter. Shares represented by such intermediary "non-votes" will, however, be counted in determining whether there is a quorum.
A quorum for the Meeting and any adjournments thereof is two persons present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote thereat.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
To the knowledge of the directors and senior officers of the Corporation, as at the date hereof, no person or company beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, controls or directs Common Shares carrying 10% or more of the voting rights attached to the outstanding Common Shares. except for:
- (a) Thomas Larsen (6,385,814 Common Shares, representing 13.3% of the outstanding Common Shares); and
- (b) Crescat Portfolio Management LLC (4,797,815 Common Shares, representing 10.0% of the outstanding Common Shares)
As at the date hereof, the directors and officers of the Corporation own or control, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate 13,715,707 Common Shares representing approximately 28.7% of the outstanding Common Shares as of November 30, 2020.
PART TWO
PARTICULARS OF MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
To the knowledge of the Corporation's directors, the only matters to be dealt with at the Meeting are those matters set forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting and more fully described below:
I. Election of Directors
The Articles of the Corporation currently provide for a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of nine (9) directors. The Board of Directors currently consists of five (5) directors, all of whom are elected annually. It is proposed that the number of directors for the ensuing year continue to be fixed at five (5).
It is proposed that the persons named below will be nominated at the Meeting. Each director elected will hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until his successor is duly elected or appointed pursuant to the by-laws of the Corporation unless his office is earlier vacated in accordance with the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) or the Corporation's by-laws. IT IS THE INTENTION OF THE MANAGEMENT DESIGNEES, IF NAMED AS PROXY, TO VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF SAID PERSONS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. MANAGEMENT DOES NOT CONTEMPLATE THAT ANY OF SUCH NOMINEES WILL BE UNABLE TO SERVE AS DIRECTORS. HOWEVER, IF FOR ANY REASON ANY OF THE PROPOSED NOMINEES DOES NOT STAND FOR ELECTION OR IS UNABLE TO SERVE AS SUCH, PROXIES IN FAVOUR OF MANAGEMENT DESIGNEES WILL BE VOTED FOR ANOTHER NOMINEE IN THEIR DISCRETION UNLESS THE SHAREHOLDER HAS SPECIFIED IN HIS OR HER PROXY THAT HIS OR HER COMMON SHARES ARE TO BE WITHHELD FROM VOTING IN THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.
The following information relating to the nominees as directors is based on information received by the Corporation from said nominees:
| Name of ProposedNominees, Place ofResidence and Positionwith the Corporation | Principal Occupation for Past Five Years andPositions with other Reporting Issuers | DirectorSince | Common SharesBeneficiallyOwned(2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas LarsenBurlington, OntarioDirector, Chairman andChief Executive Officer | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of theCorporation since 1997; Cartier Iron Corporationfrom 1997 to 2012 and from 2014 to present; (allresource exploration corporations). Mr. Larsen is adirector of the Corporation and of Cartier IronCorporation. | 2002 | 1,661,672 (3)4,724,142 (4) |
| Name of ProposedNominees, Place ofResidence and Positionwith the Corporation | Principal Occupation for Past Five Years andPositions with other Reporting Issuers | DirectorSince | Common SharesBeneficiallyOwned(2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Francis Sauve(1)Tilbury, OntarioDirector | Entrepreneur. Director of the Corporation andCartier Iron Corporation (resource explorationcorporations). | 2002 | 1,595,575 (3) |
| Alexander S. Horvath (1)L'Orignal, OntarioDirector | Professional Engineer. President of A.S. HorvathEngineering Inc. (a geological engineering servicescompany). Chief Operating Officer of ChampionIron Limited from April 2014 to December 31,2016, Executive Vice President of Exploration andProject Development of Champion Iron MinesLimited from 2008 to 2016.A director of theCorporation since 2010; Champion Iron MinesLimited from 2007 to 2014; and Cartier IronCorporation from 2013 to 2014 and since 2017 (allresource exploration corporations). | 2010 | 300,000 (3)519,850 (4) |
| Dusan Berka (1)Vancouver, BCDirector | Professional Engineer. Director of the Corporationsince 2011; President and CEO of MegastarDevelopment Corp. since 2003; Director of AquilaAmerican Gold Ltd. since 2011; Director of GaiaMetals Corp. (formerly 92 Resources Corp.) sinceMarch 2012. Director of King's Bay ResourcesCorp.sinceJanuary2016; andDirector ofStraightup Resources Inc. since January 2020 (allresource exploration corporations). | 2011 | 101,720 (3)270,914 (4) |
| Richard StoneToronto, OntarioDirector | Chairman and CEO of Stone Asset ManagementLimited since 1999 and of Stone Investment GroupLimitedsince2006(investmentmanagementcorporations). Director of the Corporation sinceJanuary 2017. | 2017 | 237,000 (3) |
Notes:
(1) Member of the Audit Committee of the Corporation. The Corporation does not have a Compensation Committee, Reserves Committee or an Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
(2) Not including stock options or warrants of the Corporation.
(3) Held directly.
(4) Held indirectly through a corporation owned and/or controlled by the respective director.
The current directors and officers of the Corporation, as a group, own directly or indirectly or control in aggregate 13,715,707 Common Shares representing approximately 28.7% of the outstanding Common Shares, and prior to giving effect to the exercise of any stock options or warrants of the Corporation.
To the knowledge of the Corporation, no proposed director is, at the date of this Information Circular, or has been, within 10 years before the date of this Information Circular, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company (including the Corporation) that, while that person was acting in that capacity, (a) was the subject of a cease trade order or similar order or an order that denied the issuer access to any exemption under securities legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, or (b) was subject to an event that resulted, after that person ceased to be a director or executive officer, in the issuer being the subject of a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the issuer access to any exemption under securities legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days.
To the knowledge of the Corporation, 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 or executive officer of any company (including the Corporation) 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, arrangements or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.
To the knowledge of the Corporation, no proposed director 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 became 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.
To the knowledge of the Corporation, no proposed director (a) has been subject to any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation, or by a securities regulatory authority; or (b) since December 31, 2000, has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority or, before January 1, 2001, entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority which would likely be important to a reasonable securityholder in deciding whether to vote for a proposed director; or (c) 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.
Directors will be elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the resolution and will hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until the directors' respective successors are duly elected or appointed.
II. Appointment of Auditors
The Corporation is proposing to reappoint RSM Canada LLP as auditors of the Corporation for the ensuing year and to authorize the directors to fix the terms of engagement and remuneration of the auditors. RSM Canada LLP was first appointed as auditors of the Corporation on March 27, 2008.
The management designees, if named as proxy, intend to vote the shares represented by any such proxy FOR the reappointment of RSM Canada LLP, as auditors of the Corporation, at a remuneration and on terms of engagement to be fixed by the Board of Directors, unless a shareholder has specified on his or her proxy that his or her shares are to be withheld from voting on the appointment of auditors.
III. Annual Ratification of Stock Option Plan
The Board and management have recommended that the Corporation's stock option plan (the "Plan"), being a "rolling" 10% stock option plan, be approved and ratified, subject to such amendments, additions or deletions as may be necessary or desirable in the opinion of the directors within the authority granted to the directors under the Plan or otherwise to meet the requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). In this regard the following resolution will be proposed:
"BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
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- the Plan, substantially in the form summarized and described in this information circular, is hereby approved and ratified by the shareholders of the Corporation, subject to such amendments, additions or deletions as may be necessary or desirable in the opinion of the directors within the authority granted to the directors under the Plan or otherwise to meet the requirements of the TSXV; and
-
- Any one director or officer of the Corporation be and is hereby authorized and directed for and on behalf of the Corporation (whether under its corporate seal or otherwise), at such time as the directors may determine, to execute all documents and instruments and to take all such other actions as such officer or director may deem necessary or desirable to implement the foregoing resolution and the matters authorized hereby, such determinations to be conclusively evidenced by the execution and delivery of such documents or other instruments or the taking of any such action."
To be approved, the foregoing resolution requires the affirmative vote of at least the majority of the votes cast on the resolution. Proxies received in favour of management will be voted FOR the resolution to approve and ratify the Plan, unless the shareholder has specified in a proxy that his, her or its shares are to be voted against the resolution.
Other Business at the Meeting
Management of the Corporation is not aware of any other matter to come before the Meeting, other than as set out in this Information Circular. However, if any other business is properly presented at the Meeting and may properly be considered and acted upon, proxies will be voted by those persons named in the Proxy in their discretion, including with respect to any amendments or variation to the matters identified in the Meeting materials.
Interest of Informed Persons In Material Transactions and Matters to be Acted Upon
Except as set out under the heading "Particulars of Matters to be Acted Upon" above, management is not aware of any material interest, direct or indirect, of any "informed person" of the Corporation, insider of the Corporation, director, or any associate or affiliate of any informed person or director, in any transaction since the commencement of the Corporation's most recently completed financial year or in any proposed transaction which has materially affected or would materially affect the Corporation
An "informed person" means (i) a director or executive officer of the Corporation or of a subsidiary of the Corporation, (ii) any person or company who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, voting securities of the Corporation or who exercises control or direction over voting securities of the Corporation carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all outstanding voting securities of the Corporation, (iii) a director or officer of a company that is itself an informed person of the Corporation or of a subsidiary of the Corporation, and (iv) any person who has been a director or officer of the Corporation at any time since the beginning the Corporation's last fiscal year.
Certain corporate entities that are related to the Corporation's officers and directors provide consulting services to the Corporation. Such transactions were conducted in the normal course of operations and are measured at the exchange amounts. Details are available in the Corporation's financial statements for the year-ended March 31, 2020.
PART THREE
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (FORM 51-102F6)
In accordance with the requirements of applicable securities legislation in Canada, the section below entitled "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" sets out the "Summary Compensation Table" and related tables and narrative disclosures, all as required under Form 51-102F6. The stated objective of Form 51-102F6 is to provide insight into executive compensation as a key aspect of the overall stewardship and governance of a corporation and to help investors understand how decisions about executive compensation are made.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
All matters relating specifically to senior executive compensation are reviewed and approved by the full Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has elected not to appoint a Compensation Committee. The Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to compensation of the Corporation's executive officers, including base salaries, annual bonuses and long-term equity participation levels. The CEO also plays a major role in setting performance objectives and outlining
progress in meeting corporate objectives. The Board of Directors gives final approval on compensation matters.
The Corporation's overall policy regarding compensation of the Corporation's executive officers is structured to provide competitive salary levels and compensation incentives that support both the shortterm and long-term goals of the Corporation, attract and retain suitable and qualified executive management and establish a compensation framework which is industry competitive. The Corporation's policy is to recognize and reward individual performance as well as to place executive compensation within the range of compensation levels in the industry.
Summary Compensation Table
The "Summary Compensation Table" below details all of the compensation paid, payable, awarded, granted, given or otherwise provided, directly or indirectly for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the other individuals (to a maximum of three) who were the most highly compensated executive officers of the Corporation and its subsidiaries and whose total compensation from the Corporation and its subsidiaries exceeded $150,000 in 2020, (collectively, with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the "Named Executive Officers" or the "NEOs" of the Corporation). During the financial year ended March 31, 2020, the Company had two Named Executive Officers: Thomas Larsen and Miles Nagamatsu.
The following table sets forth particulars concerning the compensation paid for services rendered to the Corporation by its NEOs in all capacities during the most recently completed financial year ended March 31, 2020:
| Non-equityincentive plancompensation($) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name andprincipalposition | Year | Salary (1)($) | Sharebasedawards($) | Optionbasedaward(2) ($) | Annualincentiveplans | Longtermincentiveplans | Pensionvalue($) | All othercompensation($) | Totalcompensation($) | |
| Thomas LarsenPresident andCEO | 202020192018 | 96,00096,00096,000 | NilNilNil | 57,094NilNil | NilNilNil | NilNilNil | NilNilNil | 7,500(3)11,737(3)Nil | 160,594107,73796,000 | |
| Miles NagamatsuCFO | 202020192018 | 60,00060,00060,000 | NilNilNil | 42,821NilNil | NilNilNil | NilNilNil | NilNilNil | 3,250(3)Nil5,689(3) | 106,07160,00065,689 |
Notes:
(1) Compensation paid or payable as consulting fees to a corporation controlled by the NEO.
(2) The amount shown in the column represents the grant date fair value of options and may not represent the amount the NEO will actually receive from the awards. The grant date fair value of these options has been calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
(3) Bonus payable to a corporation controlled by the NEO.
Long-Term Incentive Plans
The Corporation has no long-term incentive plans, other than stock options granted from time to time by the Board under the provisions of the existing stock option plan of the Corporation (the "Plan"). On August 29, 2017 the Board approved the adoption of a restricted unit plan (the "RSU Plan") which received TSXV acceptance following shareholder approval. No grants have been made to date pursuant to the RSU Plan.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The Board and Management have recommended that the shareholders of the Corporation approve and ratify the Plan, as set forth in greater detail below.
The Plan was approved by the Board on September 14, 2012 and subsequently approved by the Corporation`s shareholders. The Plan was ratified by the Corporation's shareholders at the last annual and special meeting of shareholders which was held on September 30, 2019. The purpose of the Plan is to encourage ownership of Common Shares by directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation and thereby provide additional incentive for them to promote the success of the Corporation.
Stock Option Plan
The purpose of the Plan is to attract, retain and motivate Eligible Persons (as defined below) by affording such persons the opportunity to acquire an equity interest in Eloro through rights granted to purchase Common Shares.
Under the Plan, stock options ("Options") may be granted in favour of directors, officers, key employees (part-time or full-time) or consultants or corporations that are wholly-owned by any of the foregoing, or consultant companies of Eloro or any Eloro subsidiary (any of the foregoing, an "Eligible Person").
The Plan is an "evergreen" stock option plan reserving for issuance a maximum number of Common Shares equal to 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares at the applicable time (on a nondiluted basis). Under the Plan, the maximum number of Common Shares reserved shall be approximately 4,777,886 and, being a "rolling" 10% plan, such maximum number shall increase or decrease automatically in accordance with the terms of the Plan such that the maximum number shall be 10% of the Common Shares outstanding from time to time.
Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the directors may receive recommendations of management or any committee of the Board and shall determine from time to time those Eligible Persons to whom Options should be granted, the number of Options which will be granted from time to time and the terms and conditions of each such grant of Options, including the term and any vesting provisions. The Board will comply with all TSXV and other regulatory requirements in granting Options and otherwise administering the Plan.
The following is a summary of the Plan:
Under the terms of the Plan, the Board of Directors of the Corporation may, at its discretion, grant options to purchase Common Shares to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation, provided that: (i) no individual may be granted options for Common Shares exceeding 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares in a twelve (12) month period; (ii) the maximum aggregate number of Common Shares which may be reserved for issuance under the Plan at any time may not exceed 10% of the number of the issued and outstanding Common Shares; (iii) the maximum number of Common Shares which may be reserved for issuance under options granted to insiders may not exceed, in the aggregate, 10% of the outstanding Common Shares at the date of the grant; (iv) the maximum number of options which may be granted to insiders within a 12-month period may not exceed, in the aggregate, 10% of the issued shares; (v) the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued to any one optionee in any twelve (12) month period is 5% of the outstanding Common Shares at the date of issuance; (vi) the maximum number of Common Shares which may be reserved for issuance under options granted to any consultant in a twelve (12) month period is 2% of the outstanding Common Shares at the date of the grant; and (vii) the maximum number of Common Shares which may be reserved for issuance under options granted to any person engaged in investor relations activities in a 12-month period is 2% of the outstanding Common Shares at the date of the grant.
Options granted under the Plan are non-assignable and non-transferable. The option price per share granted under the Plan may not be less than the closing market price for the Common Shares on the TSXV on the last day of trading immediately preceding the date on which the option is granted, less any applicable discount permitted by the rules and policies of the TSXV. The maximum term of any option is five years from the date on which the option is granted. Subject to an express resolution of the Board of Directors, all options expire ninety (90) days after a person ceases to be at least one of an officer, director or employee of the Corporation and its subsidiaries or leaves the employ of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, other than for "just cause" which options expire immediately and other than options granted to the optionee in relation to its performance of investor relations activities, which options must be exercised within thirty (30) days of the close of any such transaction). Entitlements of consultants upon termination shall be in accordance with the terms of the consulting agreement with the Corporation. In the event of the death of an optionee, his or her legal representative may exercise the outstanding vested options within twelve (12) months of the death but prior to the expiry of the options in accordance with the terms thereof, after which all of such options will expire. In the event of a change in control of the Corporation or in the event of a sale by the Corporation of all or substantially all of the property or assets of the Corporation, all optionees under the Plan become entitled to exercise all options held by such optionee, whether or not vested at such time, within ninety (90) days of the close of any such transaction (other than options granted to the optionee in relation to its performance of investor relations activities, which options must be exercised within thirty (30) days of the close of any such transaction).
Compensation Policy and Key Compensation Components
The Corporation does not have a compensation program other than paying base salaries, incentive bonuses, and incentive stock options to the NEOs. The Corporation recognizes the need to provide a compensation package that will attract and retain qualified and experienced executives, as well as align the compensation level of each executive to that executive's level of responsibility.
The Corporation has no other forms of compensation, although payments may be made from time to time to individuals or companies they control for the provision of consulting services. Such consulting services are paid for by the Company at competitive industry rates for work of a similar nature by reputable arm's length services providers.
Base Salary
The objectives of base salary are to recognize market pay, and acknowledge the competencies and skills of individuals. The base salary paid to the NEOs shall be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors as part of the annual review of executive officers. The decision on whether to grant an increase to the executive's base salary and the amount of any such increase shall be in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors.
Incentive Bonuses
The objectives of incentive bonuses in the form of cash payments are designed to add a variable component of compensation, based on corporate and individual performances for executive officers and employees. No incentive bonuses were paid to NEOs, other executive officers or employees during the most recently completed fiscal year.
Stock Option Plan
The objectives of the Corporation's stock option plan are to reward achievement of long-term financial and operating performance and focus on key activities and achievements critical to the ongoing success of the Corporation. As of the date hereof, 4,360,000 Options are currently outstanding and 350,000 stock options were granted to NEOs, 350,000 to other directors, 175,000 to other executive officers or employees and 880,000 stock options were granted to consultants during the most recently completed fiscal year.
Restricted Share Unit Plan
On August 29, 2017, the Board approved the adoption of the RSU Plan, which subsequently received TSXV acceptance following shareholder approval. The purpose of the RSU Plan is to assist and encourage eligible participants to work towards and participate in the growth and development of the Company and its related entities and provide such persons with the opportunity to acquire an ownership interest in the Company. To date, there have been no issuances pursuant to the RSU Plan.
Incentive Plan Awards
Outstanding share-based awards and option-based awards
NEOs were granted 350,000 stock options to purchase or acquire securities of the Corporation during the most recently completed financial year ended March 31, 2020. The following table set forth all options granted to the NEOs to purchase or acquire securities of the Corporation which were outstanding on March 31, 2020:
| Option-based Awards | Share-based Awards | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Number ofsecuritiesunderlyingunexercisedoptions(#) | OptionExerciseprice($) | Optionexpirationdate | Value ofunexercisedin-themoneyoptions (1)($) | Number ofshares orunits ofshares thathave notvested(#) | Market orpayout valueof share-basedawards thathave notvested($) | Market orpayoutvalue ofvestedshare-basedawards notpaid out ordistributed |
| ThomasLarsenPresident andCEO | 200,000275,000 | 0.400.55 | Feb. 18, 2025Jan. 27, 2022 | NilNil | NilNil | NilNil | NilNil |
| MilesNagamatsuCFO | 150,000125,000 | 0.400.55 | Feb. 18, 2025Jan. 27, 2022 | NilNil | NilNil | NilNil | NilNil |
Notes:
(1) This amount is based on the difference between the closing market price of the Common Shares on the TSXV of $0.265 per share on March 31, 2020, and the exercise price of the option.
Incentive plan awards - value vested or earned during the year
The following table sets forth the value vested or earned during the year of option-based awards, sharebased awards and non-equity incentive plan compensation paid to NEOs during the most recently completed financial year ended March 31, 2020:
| Name | Option-based awards -Value vested during the year(1)($) | Share-based awards - Value vestedduring the year($) | Non-equity incentive plancompensation - Value earnedduring the year($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas LarsenPresident and CEO | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Miles NagamatsuCFO | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Notes:
(1) This amount is based on the difference between the closing market price of the Common Shares on the TSXV of $0.265 per share on March 31, 2020, and the exercise price of all "in-the-money" options granted during the recently completed financial year ended March 31, 2020.
Pension Plan Benefits
No pension plan or retirement benefit plans have been instituted by the Corporation and none are proposed at this time.
NEO Employment Contracts, Termination and Change of Control Benefits
The Corporation has written consulting services contracts with its NEOs. Each contract provides for the payment and provision of other benefits triggered by a termination without cause or as a result of a change of control.
The Corporation has a consulting services contract with a corporation controlled and wholly-owned by the Chief Executive Officer, Thomas G. Larsen. Mr. Larsen's contract was for a two-year period which expired on January 31, 2019, and thereafter automatically extends on an annual basis for an additional term of one year. Under the terms of the consulting services contract, Mr. Larsen is entitled to receive annual consulting fees of up to $240,000 payable to a corporation controlled and wholly-owned by Mr. Larsen. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the year ended March 31, 2020, Mr. Larsen elected to receive consulting fees of $96,000 with no additional amounts accrued or payable for that period. Pursuant to the services contract, if there is a change in control of the Corporation which results in the termination of office for Mr. Larsen, he would be entitled to receive an amount equal to three times his then current maximum annual consulting services fee as described in the table below. As well, in the event of a corporate reorganization, plan of arrangement, spin-out or change of control in respect of which Mr. Larsen loses his office with the Corporation, Mr. Larsen's stock options will retain their original expiry date which will not be subject to accelerated expiry under the general terms of the Plan.
The Corporation also has a consulting services contract with a corporation controlled and wholly-owned by its Chief Financial Officer, Miles Nagamatsu. Mr. Nagamatsu's contract was for a two-year period which expired on January 31, 2019, and thereafter automatically extends on an annual basis for an additional term of one year. Under the terms of the consulting services contract, Mr. Nagamatsu is entitled to receive annual consulting fees of up to $150,000 payable to a corporation controlled and wholly-owned by Mr. Nagamatsu. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the year ended March 31, 2020, Mr. Nagamatsu elected to receive consulting fees of $60,000 with no additional amounts accrued for that period. If there is a change in control of the Corporation which results in the termination of office for Mr. Nagamatsu, he would be entitled to receive an amount equal to three times his then current maximum annual consulting services fee as described in the table below. As well, in the event of a corporate reorganization, plan of arrangement, spin-out or change of control in respect of which Mr. Nagamatsu loses his office with the Corporation, Mr. Nagamatsu's stock options will retain their original expiry date which will not be subject to accelerated expiry under the general terms of the Plan.
The following table sets forth the estimated incremental payments that would have been required to have been made to each NEO, assuming a triggering event (change of control or termination without cause) took place on March 31, 2020.
[remainder of page left intentionally blank]
| Estimated Cash Payout on Termination | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name and principalposition | Without Cause($) | Change of Controland Termination($) | Estimated Value Vested Option-BasedAwards on Termination without Cause (1)($) |
| Thomas LarsenPresident and CEO | 240,000 | 720,000 | Nil |
| Miles NagamatsuCFO | 150,000 | 450,000 | Nil |
Notes:
(1) This amount is based on the difference between the closing market price of the Corporation's common shares on the TSXV of $0.265 per share on March 31, 2020, and the exercise price of all "in the money" options.
Director's Compensation
During the year ended March 31, 2020, none of the directors of the Corporation, other than one director who is a NEO, were compensated by the Corporation.
Share-based awards and option-based awards
There were 350,000 options granted to four directors of the Corporation who were not NEOs to purchase or acquire securities of the Corporation outstanding at the end of the most recently completed financial year ended March 31, 2020. The following table set forth the options granted to the directors to purchase or acquire securities of the Corporation which were outstanding on March 31, 2020:
| Option-based Awards | Share-based Awards | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Number ofsecuritiesunderlyingunexercisedoptions(#) | Optionexerciseprice($) | Optionexpirationdate | Value ofunexercised inthe-moneyoptions (1)($) | Number ofshares or unitsof shares thathave not vested(#) | Market orpayout valueof share-basedawards thathave notvested($) |
| Francis Sauve | 100,000 | 0.40 | Feb. 18, 2025 | Nil | N/A | N/A |
| 50,000 | 0.55 | Jan. 27, 2022 | Nil | N/A | N/A | |
| Alexander Horvath | 100,000 | 0.40 | Feb. 18, 2025 | Nil | N/A | N/A |
| 50,000 | 0.55 | Jan. 27, 2022 | Nil | N/A | N/A | |
| Dusan Berka | 100,000 | 0.40 | Feb. 18, 2025 | Nil | N/A | N/A |
| 50,000 | 0.55 | Jan. 27, 2022 | Nil | N/A | N/A | |
| Richard Stone | 50,000 | 0.40 | Feb. 18, 2025 | Nil | N/A | N/A |
| 100,000 | 0.55 | Jan. 27, 2022 | Nil | N/A | N/A |
Notes:
(1) Based on a closing price of the common shares on the TSXV of $0.265 on March 31, 2020.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth the Corporation's equity compensation plan, which is the Corporation's stock option plan.
| Plan Category | (A)Number of securities tobe issued upon exerciseof outstanding options,warrants and rights(#) | (B)Weighted average optionprice of outstandingoptions, warrants andrights($) | (C)Number of securitiesavailable for futureissuance under equitycompensation plans(excluding securitiesreflected in column A)(#) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity compensation plansapproved by securityholders | 4,360,000 | 0.50 | 417,886(1) |
| Equity compensation plansnot approved by securityholders | N/A | N/A | Nil |
| Total | 4,360,000 | 0.50 | 417,886 (1) |
Notes: (1) Based on a maximum number reserved for issuance of 4,777,886 Common Shares as at November 30, 2020.
The maximum number of Common Shares reserved under the Plan as of the date of this Circular is 4,777,886 and, being a "rolling" 10% plan, such maximum number shall increase or decrease automatically in accordance with the terms of the Plan such that the maximum number shall be 10% of the Common Shares outstanding from time to time.
Stock Option Plan
Details of the Corporation's Plan can be found under the heading "Equity Compensation Plan Information" above.
Indebtedness of Directors and Officers
No director or senior officer of the Corporation or associate of the foregoing persons, was indebted to the Corporation at any time during the most recently completed financial year ended March 31, 2020.
PART FOUR
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND OTHER INFORMATION
General
The Board of Directors believes that good corporate governance improves corporate performance and benefits all shareholders. The Canadian Securities Administrators (the "CSA") have adopted National Policy 58-201 Corporate Governance Guidelines, which provides non-prescriptive guidelines on corporate governance practices for reporting issuers such as the Corporation. In addition, the CSA have implemented National Instrument 58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices ("NI 58-101"), which prescribes certain disclosure by the Corporation of its corporate governance practices. This disclosure is presented below.
The focus of the Board of Directors is to provide objective, prudent guidance to the Corporation's management. In developing and supervising implementation of the Corporation's strategic plan, the Board of Directors sets objectives for the Chief Executive Officer and the Corporation's senior management. In the financial year ended March 31, 2020, the Board of Directors continued to further its commitment to corporate governance through reviewing existing processes, and where appropriate, developing new ones. The Board of Directors will continue to ensure an effective process and structure for the management of the Corporation at all levels.
Board of Directors
Composition of the Board
NI 58-101, when taken with section 1.4 of National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees, ("NI 52-110") provides that a member is "independent" if the member has no direct or indirect material relationship with the Corporation, a "material relationship" being one which could, in the view of the Corporation's Board of Directors, reasonably interfere with the exercise of a member's independent judgment.
Based on the foregoing, the Corporation has determined that the following individuals are independent within the meaning of NI 58-101 and NI 52-110:
Francis Sauve - Independent Director Dusan Berka – Independent Director Richard Stone – Independent Director
The Corporation has determined that the following individuals are not independent based on the guidelines set forth in NI 58-101 and NI 52-110:
Thomas Larsen is not independent as a result of having served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since 1997 and as Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2002.
Alexander Horvath is not independent as a result of his role as a technical consultant to the Corporation.
| Director | Other Reporting Issuers |
|---|---|
| Thomas Larsen | Cartier Iron Corporation |
| Francis Sauve | Cartier Iron Corporation |
| Alexander Horvath | Cartier Iron Corporation |
| Dusan Berka | Gaia Metals Corp., Megastar Development Corp., Aguila American |
| Gold Ltd.,King's Bay ResourcesCorp.,Straightup Resources Inc. | |
| Richard Stone | Stone Investment GroupLimited |
Certain of the directors are also directors of other reporting issuers, as follows:
Mandate of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors approved a mandate which includes, among other duties and responsibilities, the following objectives: to approve and monitor the strategic, business and financial plans of the Corporation; to supervise performance and succession planning of senior officers; to assess the principal risk factors relating to the business of the Corporation; and to monitor and oversee the integrity of the financial reporting and disclosure practices of the Corporation. Every Director is required to act honestly and in good faith and in the best interests of the Corporation and to exercise the care, diligence and skill of a reasonably prudent person. Responsibilities not delegated to senior management or to a committee of the Board of Directors remain those of the full Board of Directors.
Orientation and Continuing Education of Board Members
New members to the Board of Directors receive an orientation package which includes company policies and public disclosure filings by the Corporation. Meetings of the Board of Directors are held at the Corporation's facilities and are combined with presentations by the Corporation's management and employees to give the directors additional insight into the Corporation's business. In addition,
management of the Corporation makes itself available for discussion with all members of the Board of Directors.
Measures to Encourage Ethical Business Conduct
The Board of Directors has adopted a written code of business conduct and ethics that encourages and promotes a culture of ethical business conduct. A whistle blower policy has also been implemented whereby employees are encouraged to report unethical behaviour directly to the Board of Directors.
Nomination of Members to the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors considers its size each year when it considers the number of directors to recommend to the shareholders for election at the annual meeting of shareholders, taking into account the number required to effectively carry out the duties of the Board of Directors and to maintain a diversity of views and experience.
The Board of Directors does not have a nominating committee and these functions are currently performed by the Board of Directors as a whole. However, if there is a change in the number of directors required by the Corporation, this policy will be reviewed.
Board Composition and Committees
The Board of Directors is currently comprised of five (5) members of which three are independent directors. The Board of Directors has also appointed an Audit Committee.
Audit Committee
The Board of Directors has developed written terms of reference outlining the Audit Committee's roles and responsibilities and providing appropriate guidance to Audit Committee members as to their duties. The Audit Committee reviews the annual and interim financial statements of the Corporation and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to such statements. The Audit Committee also reviews the nature and scope of the annual audit as proposed by the auditors and management, and the adequacy of the internal accounting control procedures and systems within the Corporation. The Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring that management has implemented an effective system of internal control and has oversight responsibility for management reporting on internal control. The full text of the Audit Committee Charter is attached as Schedule "A" hereto.
Composition of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is currently comprised of Francis Sauve, Dusan Berka and Alexander Horvath. Messrs. Berka and Sauve are independent and all of the members of the Audit Committee are financially literate within the meaning of NI 52-110. Mr. Horvath is not considered independent, but the Board believes that Mr. Horvath, as an experienced director and officer of public companies, is sufficiently versed in the expectation of an independent director and fully capable of exercising independent judgment.
Relevant Education and Experience
The following relevant education and experience of the members of the Audit Committee have been used in assessing their financial literacy:
Francis Sauve owns his own business and in such capacity has experience in the preparation, analysis and/or evaluation of financial statements generally and an understanding of internal
control and procedures for financial reporting. Over the past 25 years, Mr. Sauve has been, and is currently, a director of a number of publicly traded resource exploration companies.
Dusan Berka has obtained significant financial experience and exposure to accounting and financial issues in past positions as an officer and/or director of a number of publicly traded resource exploration companies.
Alexander Horvath has obtained significant financial experience and exposure to accounting and financial issues in past positions as an officer and/or director of a number of publicly traded resource exploration companies.
Audit Committee Oversight
At no time since the commencement of the Corporation's most recently completed financial year was a recommendation of the Audit Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor not adopted by the Board of Directors.
Reliance on Certain Exemptions
As the Corporation is a venture issuer on the TSXV, it relies on the exemptions provided by Section 6.1 of NI 52-110, which exempts venture issuers from the requirements of Part 3 Composition of the Audit Committee and Part 5 Reporting Obligations of NI 52-110. Specifically, Part 3 of NI 52-110 requires that an audit committee be composed of a minimum of three members, who must all be directors of the Corporation, independent (subject to a few exceptions) and financially literate. Since venture issuers are not required to file an annual information form, Part 5 of the NI 52-110 does not apply to the Corporation.
Pre-approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit services and all permitted non-audit services in excess of $5,000.
External Auditor Service Fees (By Category)
The following table provides information about the fees billed to the Corporation for professional services rendered by RSM Canada LLP, during the financial years ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 and paid or estimated to be payable for services rendered in the year indicated:
| 2020($) | 2019($) | |
|---|---|---|
| Audit Fees(1) | 23,500 | 22,000 |
| Audit-Related Fees(2) | Nil | Nil |
| Tax Fees(3) | 4,500 | 4,500 |
| All Other Fees | Nil | Nil |
| Total: | 28,000 | 26,500 |
Notes:
(1) Audit fees were for professional services rendered by RSM Canada LLP, Chartered Accountants, for the audit of the Corporation's annual consolidated financial statements.
(2) Audit-related fees are for services related to performance of limited procedures performed by the Corporation's auditors related to interim reports and attendance at due diligence sessions.
(3) Tax fees are for tax compliance.
The Audit Committee met four (4) times in the year ended March 31, 2020 to fulfill its mandate. The Audit Committee meets with the Corporation's auditors regularly, independent of management, and has
direct communication channels with the external auditors to discuss and review specified issues as appropriate.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Financial information is provided in the Corporation's audited financial statements and accompanying managements' discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended March 31, 2020 available under the Corporation's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Under NI 54-101, any person or company who wishes to receive interim financial statements from the Corporation may deliver a written request for such material to the Corporation or the Corporation's registrar and transfer agent, together with a signed statement that the person or company is the owner of securities of the Corporation. Shareholders who wish to receive interim financial statements are encouraged to send the enclosed mail card, together with the completed form of proxy, in the addressed envelope provided, to the Corporation's registrar and transfer agent, TSX Trust Company, 301 – 100 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H 4H1. The Corporation will maintain a supplemental mailing list of persons or companies wishing to receive interim financial statements.
Additional information relating to the Corporation is available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.
GENERAL
Unless otherwise indicated, all matters referred to herein for approval by the shareholders require a simple majority of the shareholders voting, in person or by proxy, at the Meeting.
The contents and sending of this information circular have been approved by the Board of Directors.
Unless otherwise stated, the information provided herein is given as of the 30th day of November, 2020.
By Order of the Board of Directors
(signed) "Thomas G. Larsen"
Thomas G. Larsen Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
SCHEDULE "A"
1
ELORO RESOURCES LTD.
(the "Corporation")
Audit Committee Charter
OVERALL ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY
The Audit Committee shall:
- (a) assist the Board of Directors in its oversight role with respect to:
- (i) the quality and integrity of financial information;
- (ii) the independent auditor's performance, qualifications and independence;
- (iii) the performance of the Corporation's internal audit function, if applicable; and
- (iv) the Corporation's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; and
- (b) prepare such reports of the Audit Committee required to be included in the Circular in accordance with applicable laws or the rules of applicable securities regulatory authorities.
MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS
The Audit Committee shall consist of three or more Directors appointed by the Board of Directors, the majority of whom shall be independent and unrelated to the Corporation and as such shall not be officers (other than a non-executive Chairman or Corporate Secretary who is not an employee of the Corporation) or employees of or have a meaningful business relationship with the Corporation or any of the Corporation's affiliates or be an immediate family member of any of the foregoing. Each of the members of the Audit Committee shall satisfy the applicable independence and financial literacy of the laws governing the Corporation, the applicable stock exchanges on which the Corporation's securities are listed and applicable securities regulatory authorities.
The Board of Directors shall designate one member of the Audit Committee as the Committee Chair. Each member of the Audit Committee shall be financially literate as such qualification is interpreted by the Board of Directors in its business judgment.
STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS
The affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Audit Committee participating in any meeting of the Audit Committee is necessary for the adoption of any resolution.
The Audit Committee shall meet as often as it determines, but not less frequently than quarterly. The Committee shall report to the Board of Directors on its activities after each of its meetings at which time minutes of the prior Committee meeting shall be tabled for the Board of Directors.
The Audit Committee shall review and assess the adequacy of this Charter periodically and, where necessary, will recommend changes to the Board of Directors for its approval.
The Audit Committee is expected to establish and maintain free and open communication with management and the independent auditor and shall periodically meet separately with each of them.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
Oversight of the Independent Auditor
- Make recommendations to the Board of Directors for the appointment and replacement of the independent auditor.
- Responsibility for the compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work. The independent auditor shall report directly to the Audit Committee.
- Authority to pre-approve all audit services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees, terms and conditions for the performance of such services) to be performed by the independent auditor.
- Evaluate the qualifications, performance and independence of the independent auditor, including (i) reviewing and evaluating the lead partner on the independent auditor's engagement with the Corporation, and (ii) considering whether the auditor's quality controls are adequate and the provision of permitted non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the auditor's independence.
- Obtain from the independent auditor and review the independent auditor's report regarding the management internal control report of the Corporation to be included in the Corporation's annual proxy circular, as required by applicable law.
- Ensure the rotation of the lead (or coordinating) audit partner having primary responsibility for the audit and the audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit as required by law (currently at least every 5 years).
Financial Reporting
-
Review and discuss with management and the independent auditor:
- o prior to the annual audit the scope, planning and staffing of the annual audit,
- o the annual audited financial statements,
- o the Corporation's annual and quarterly disclosures made in management's discussion and analysis,
- o approve any reports for inclusion in the Corporation's Annual Report, as required by applicable legislation,
- o the Corporation's quarterly financial statements, including the results of the independent auditor's review of the quarterly financial statements and any matters required to be communicated by the independent auditor under applicable review standards,
- o significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the Corporation's financial statements,
-
o any significant changes in the Corporation's selection or application of accounting principles,
-
o any major issues as to the adequacy of the Corporation's internal controls and any special steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies, and
-
o other material written communications between the independent auditor and management, such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences.
-
Discuss with the independent auditor matters relating to the conduct of the audit, including any difficulties encountered in the course of the audit work, any restrictions on the scope of activities or access to requested information and any significant disagreements with management.
AUDIT COMMITTEE'S ROLE
The Audit Committee has the oversight role set out in this Charter. Management, the Board of Directors, the independent auditor and the internal auditor (if any) all play important roles in respect of compliance and the preparation and presentation of financial information. Management is responsible for compliance and the preparation of financial statements and periodic reports. Management is responsible for ensuring the Corporation's financial statements and disclosures are complete, accurate, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable laws. The Board of Directors in its oversight role is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibilities. The independent auditor, following the completion of its annual audit, opines on the presentation, in all material respects, of the financial position and results of operations of the Corporation in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
FUNDING FOR THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR AND RETENTION OF OTHER INDEPENDENT ADVISORS
The Corporation shall provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Audit Committee, for payment of compensation to the independent auditor for the purpose of issuing an audit report and to any advisors retained by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee shall also have the authority to retain such other independent advisors as it may from time to time deem necessary or advisable for its purposes and the payment of compensation therefor shall also be funded by the Corporation.
Approval of Audit and Remitted Non-Audit Services Provided by External Auditors
Over the course of any year there will be two levels of approvals that will be provided. The first is the existing annual Audit Committee approval of the audit engagement and identifiable permitted non-audit services for the coming year. The second is in-year Audit Committee pre-approvals of proposed audit and permitted non-audit services as they arise.
Any proposed audit and permitted non-audit services to be provided by the External Auditor to the Corporation or its subsidiaries must receive prior approval from the Audit Committee, in accordance with this Protocol. The CFO shall act as the primary contact to receive and assess any proposed engagements from the External Auditor.
Following receipt and initial review for eligibility by the primary contacts, a proposal would then be forwarded to the Audit Committee for review and confirmation that a proposed engagement is permitted.
In the majority of such instances, proposals may be received and considered by the Chair of the Audit Committee (or such other member of the Audit Committee who may be delegated authority to approve audit and permitted non-audit services), for approval of the proposal on behalf of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee Chair will then inform the Audit Committee of any approvals granted at the next scheduled meeting.