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Germanium Mining Corp. — Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement 2025
Feb 10, 2025
47316_rns_2025-02-10_78de752c-1f0a-40d8-9768-37c7a3ded20b.pdf
Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement
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MUSK METALS CORP.
2905 - 700 W. Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V7Y 1C6
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL & SPECIAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MARCH 3, 2025
AND
INFORMATION CIRCULAR
January 29, 2025
This document requires immediate attention. If you are in doubt as to how to deal with the documents or matters referred to in this Information Circular, you should immediately contact your advisors.
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MUSK METALS CORP.
2905 - 700 W. Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1C6
Telephone: (604) 685-5150
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL & SPECIAL MEETING
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual general and special meeting (the "Meeting") of Musk Metals Corp. (the "Company") will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 AM (Pacific Standard Time) for the following purposes:
- to receive the audited financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2024, and the accompanying report of the auditors;
- to set the number of directors of the Company for the ensuing year at four (4) persons;
- to elect Emily Sewell, Benoit Moreau, Mario Pezzente and Dennis Aalderink as directors of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting of the Company, or until such time as their successors are duly elected or appointed in accordance with the Company's constating documents;
- to appoint Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as the auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 and to authorize the directors of the Company to fix the remuneration to be paid to the auditors for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025; and
- to transact such further or other business as may properly come before the Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.
The accompanying Information Circular provides additional information relating to the matters to be dealt with at the Meeting and is supplemental to, and expressly made a part of, this Notice of Meeting.
The Company's board of directors has fixed January 14, 2025 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. Each registered shareholder at the close of business on that date is entitled to such notice and to vote at the Meeting in the circumstances set out in the accompanying Information Circular.
If you are a registered shareholder of the Company and unable to attend the Meeting in person, please complete, date and sign the accompanying form of proxy and deposit it with the Company's transfer agent, Odyssey Trust Company, Attn: Proxy Department, #350 - 409 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2 or by fax within North America to 1-800-517-4553, or online at http://odysseytrust.com/ca-en/help/ not later than 10:00 a.m. (local time) at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays recognized in the Province of British Columbia) before the time and date of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
If you are a non-registered shareholder of the Company and received this Notice of Meeting and accompanying materials through a broker, a financial institution, a participant, a trustee or administrator of
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a self-administered retirement savings plan, retirement income fund, education savings plan or other similar self-administered savings or investment plan registered under the Income Tax Act (Canada), or a nominee of any of the foregoing that holds your securities on your behalf (the "Intermediary"), please complete and return the materials in accordance with the instructions provided to you by your Intermediary.
DATED at Vancouver, British Columbia, this 29th day of January, 2025.
By Order of the Board of Directors of
MUSK METALS CORP.
"Mario Pezzente"
Mario Pezzente
CEO, Secretary and Director
MUSK METALS CORP.
2905 - 700 W. Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1C6
Telephone: (604) 685-5150
INFORMATION CIRCULAR
January 29, 2025
INTRODUCTION
This information circular ("Information Circular") accompanies the notice of annual general meeting (the "Notice") and is furnished to shareholders (the "Shareholders") and each a "Shareholder") holding common shares (the "Shares") and each a "Share") in the capital of Musk Metals Corp. (the "Company") in connection with the solicitation by the management of the Company of proxies to be voted at the annual general and special meeting (the "Meeting") of the Shareholders to be held on Monday, January 29, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 AM (Vancouver time) at Suite 2501, 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Date and Currency
The date of this Information Circular is January 29, 2025. Unless otherwise stated, all amounts herein are in Canadian dollars.
PROXIES AND VOTING RIGHTS
Management Solicitation
The solicitation of proxies by management of the Company will be conducted by mail and may be supplemented by telephone or other personal contact to be made without special compensation by the directors, officers and employees of the Company. The Company does not reimburse Shareholders, nominees or agents for costs incurred in obtaining from their principals authorization to execute forms of proxy, except that the Company has requested brokers and nominees who hold stock in their respective names to furnish this proxy material to their customers, and the Company will reimburse such brokers and nominees for their related out of pocket expenses. No solicitation will be made by specifically engaged employees or soliciting agents. The cost of solicitation will be borne by the Company.
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representation other than as contained in this Information Circular in connection with the solicitation of proxies. If given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Company. The delivery of this Information Circular shall not create, under any circumstances, any implication that there has been no change in the information set forth herein since the date of this Information Circular. This Information Circular does not constitute the solicitation of a proxy by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such solicitation is not authorized, or in which the person making such solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer of solicitation.
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Appointment of Proxy
Registered Shareholders are entitled to vote at the Meeting. A Shareholder is entitled to one vote for each Share that such Shareholder holds on the record date of January 14, 2025 (the "Record Date") on the resolutions to be voted upon at the Meeting, and any other matter to come before the Meeting.
The persons named as proxyholders (the "Designated Persons") in the enclosed form of proxy are directors and/or officers of the Company.
A SHAREHOLDER HAS THE RIGHT TO APPOINT A PERSON OR COMPANY (WHO NEED NOT BE A SHAREHOLDER) TO ATTEND AND ACT FOR OR ON BEHALF OF THAT SHAREHOLDER AT THE MEETING, OTHER THAN THE DESIGNATED PERSONS NAMED IN THE ENCLOSED FORM OF PROXY.
TO EXERCISE THE RIGHT, THE SHAREHOLDER MAY DO SO BY STRIKING OUT THE PRINTED NAMES AND INSERTING THE NAME OF SUCH OTHER PERSON AND, IF DESIRED, AN ALTERNATE TO SUCH PERSON, IN THE BLANK SPACE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF PROXY. SUCH SHAREHOLDER SHOULD NOTIFY THE NOMINEE OF THE APPOINTMENT, OBTAIN THE NOMINEE'S CONSENT TO ACT AS PROXY AND SHOULD PROVIDE INSTRUCTION TO THE NOMINEE ON HOW THE SHAREHOLDER'S SHARES SHOULD BE VOTED. THE NOMINEE SHOULD BRING PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION TO THE MEETING.
In order to be voted, the completed form of proxy must be received by the Company's registrar and transfer agent, Odyssey Trust Company (the "Transfer Agent") at their offices located at #350 - 409 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2, by mail or by fax within North America to 1-800-517-4553 or online at http://odysseytrust.com/ca-en/help/ not later than 10:00 a.m. (local time) at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays recognized in the Province of British Columbia) before the time and date of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
A proxy may not be valid unless it is dated and signed by the Shareholder who is giving it or by that Shareholder's attorney-in-fact duly authorized by that Shareholder in writing or, in the case of a corporation, dated and executed by a duly authorized officer or attorney-in-fact for the corporation. If a form of proxy is executed by an attorney-in-fact for an individual Shareholder or joint Shareholders, or by an officer or attorney-in-fact for a corporate Shareholder, the instrument so empowering the officer or attorney-in-fact, as the case may be, or a notarially certified copy thereof, must accompany the form of proxy.
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 that Shareholder or by that Shareholder's attorney-in-fact authorized in writing or, where the Shareholder is a corporation, by a duly authorized officer of, or attorney-in-fact for, the corporation; and (b) delivered either: (i) to the Transfer Agent at their offices located at #350 - 409 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2, at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting or, if adjourned or postponed, any reconvening thereof, or (ii) to the Chairman of the Meeting prior to the vote on matters covered by the proxy on the day of the Meeting or, if adjourned or postponed, any reconvening thereof, or (iii) in any other manner provided by law.
Also, a proxy will automatically be revoked by either: (a) attendance at the Meeting and participation in a poll (ballot) by a Shareholder, or (b) submission of a subsequent proxy in accordance with the foregoing
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procedures. A revocation of a proxy does not affect any matter on which a vote has been taken prior to any such revocation.
Voting of Shares and Proxies and Exercise of Discretion by Designated Persons
A Shareholder may indicate the manner in which the Designated Persons are to vote with respect to a matter to be voted upon at the Meeting by marking the appropriate space. If the instructions as to voting indicated in the proxy are certain, the Shares represented by the proxy will be voted or withheld from voting in accordance with the instructions given in the proxy. If the Shareholder specifies a choice in the proxy with respect to a matter to be acted upon, then the Shares represented will be voted or withheld from the vote on that matter accordingly. The Shares represented by a 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 NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED IN THE PROXY WITH RESPECT TO A MATTER TO BE ACTED UPON, THE PROXY CONFERS DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY WITH RESPECT TO THAT MATTER UPON THE DESIGNATED PERSONS NAMED IN THE FORM OF PROXY. IT IS INTENDED THAT THE DESIGNATED PERSONS WILL VOTE THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THE PROXY IN FAVOUR OF EACH MATTER IDENTIFIED IN THE PROXY.
The enclosed form of proxy confers discretionary authority upon the persons named therein with respect to other matters which may properly come before the Meeting, including any amendments or variations to any matters identified in the Notice, and with respect to other matters which may properly come before the Meeting. At the date of this Information Circular, management of the Company is not aware of any such amendments, variations, or other matters to come before the Meeting.
In the case of abstentions from, or withholding of, the voting of the Shares on any matter, the Shares that are the subject of the abstention or withholding will be counted for determination of a quorum, but will not be counted as affirmative or negative on the matter to be voted upon.
ADVICE TO BENEFICIAL SHAREHOLDERS
Only registered shareholders or duly appointed proxyholders are permitted to vote at the Meeting. Most shareholders are "non-registered" shareholders because the shares they own are not registered in their names but are instead registered in the name of the brokerage firm, bank or trust company through which they purchased the shares. More particularly, a person is not a registered shareholder in respect of shares which are held on behalf of that person (the "Non-Registered Holder") but which are registered either: (a) in the name of an intermediary (an "Intermediary") that the Non-Registered Holder deals with in respect of the shares (Intermediaries include, among others, banks, trust companies, securities dealers or brokers and trustees or administrators or self-administered RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs and similar plans); or (b) in the name of a clearing agency (such as CDS Clearing and Depositary Services Inc.) of which the Intermediary is a participant. In accordance with the requirements set out in National Instrument 54-101 Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer ("NI 54-101"), the Company has distributed copies of the Notice, this Information Circular and the form of proxy (collectively, the "Meeting Materials") to the clearing agencies and Intermediaries for onward distribution to Non-Registered Holders.
Intermediaries are required to forward the Meeting Materials to Non-Registered Holders unless a Non-Registered Holder has waived the right to receive them. Very often, Intermediaries will use service
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companies to forward the Meeting Materials to Non-Registered Holders. Generally, Non-Registered Holders who have not waived the right to receive Meeting Materials will either:
(a) be given a form of proxy which has already been signed by the Intermediary (typically by a facsimile, stamped signature), which is restricted as to the number of common shares beneficially owned by the Non-Registered Holder but which is otherwise not completed. Because the Intermediary has already signed the form of proxy, this form of proxy is not required to be signed by the Non-Registered Holder when submitting the proxy. In this case, the Non-Registered Holder who wishes to submit a proxy should otherwise properly complete the form of proxy and deposit it with the Transfer Agent as provided above; or
(b) more typically, be given a voting instruction form which is not signed by the Intermediary, and which, when properly completed and signed by the Non-Registered Holder and returned to the Intermediary or its service company, will constitute voting instructions (often called a “proxy authorization form”) which the Intermediary must follow. Typically, the proxy authorization form will consist of a one page pre-printed form. Sometimes, instead of a one page pre-printed form, the proxy authorization will consist of a regular printed proxy form accompanied by a page of instructions, which contains a removable label containing a bar-code and other information. In order for the form of proxy to validly constitute a proxy authorization form, the Non-Registered Holder must remove the label from the instructions and affix it to the form of proxy, properly complete and sign the form of proxy and return it to the Intermediary or its service company in accordance with the instructions of the Intermediary or its service company.
In either case, the purpose of this procedure is to permit a Non-Registered Holder to direct the voting of the Shares which they beneficially own. Should a Non-Registered Holder who receives one of the above forms wish to vote at the Meeting in person, the Non-Registered Holder should strike out the names of the Designated Persons named in the form and insert the Non-Registered Holder’s name in the blank space provided. In either case, Non-Registered Holders should carefully follow the instructions of their Intermediary, including those regarding when and where the proxy or proxy authorization form is to be delivered.
There are two kinds of beneficial owners – those who object to their name being made known to the issuers of securities which they own (called OBOs for Objecting Beneficial Owners) and those who do not object to the issuers of the securities they own knowing who they are (called NOBOs for Non-Objecting Beneficial Owners). Pursuant to NI 54-101, issuers can obtain a list of their NOBOs from Intermediaries for distribution of proxy-related materials directly to NOBOs.
These Meeting Materials are being sent to both registered shareholders and Non-Registered Holders. If you are a Non-Registered Holder, and the Company or its agent has sent these materials directly to you, your name and address and information about your holdings of Shares have been obtained in accordance with applicable securities regulatory requirements from the Intermediary holding shares on your behalf.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Shares and preferred shares ("Preferred Shares") without par value. As of the Record Date, a total of 40,446,520 Shares were issued and outstanding and Nil Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. Each Share carries the right to one vote at
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the Meeting. Only registered Shareholders as of the Record Date are entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting.
To the knowledge of the directors and executive officers of the Company, no person or company beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over, Shares carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to the outstanding Shares of the Company.
NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to pass an ordinary resolution to set the number of directors of the Company for the ensuing year at four. The number of directors will be approved if the affirmative vote of the majority of Shares present or represented by proxy at the Meeting and entitled to vote are voted in favour of setting the number of directors at four.
Management recommends the approval of the resolution to set the number of directors of the Company for the ensuing year at four.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At present, the directors of the Company are elected at each annual general meeting and hold office until the next annual general meeting, or until their successors are duly elected or appointed in accordance with the Company's Articles or until such director's earlier death, resignation or removal. In the absence of instructions to the contrary, the enclosed form of proxy will be voted for the nominees listed in the form of proxy, all of whom are presently members of the board of directors (the "Board").
Management of the Company proposes to nominate the persons named in the table below for election by the Shareholders as directors of the Company. Information concerning such persons, as furnished by the individual nominees, is as follows:
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| Name, Province, Country of Residence and Position(s) with the Company | Principal Occupation, Business or Employment for Last Five Years | Periods during which Nominee has Served as a Director | Number of Shares Beneficially Owned, or Controlled or Directed, Directly or Indirectly (1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Pezzente(2) | |||
| BC, Canada | |||
| Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Director | Real estate Development and Property Management | April 3, 2019 | 1,051,375 |
| Emily Sewell(2) | |||
| BC, Canada | |||
| Chief Financial Officer | Consultant, previously VP Finance and Development Textiles Company, previously RBC GAM Associate | August 13, 2021 | 225,000 |
| Benoit Moreau | |||
| QC, Canada | |||
| Director | Geologist and business consultant | N/A | 1,500,000 |
| Dennis Aalderink(2) | |||
| BC, Canada | |||
| Director | Self-employed businessman offering consulting services to public companies | December 27, 2023 | 150,000 |
(1) Shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or over which control or direction is exercised, as at January 29, 2025, based upon information furnished to the Company by the individual directors and on SEDI.
(2) Member of the Audit Committee.
Management recommends the approval of each of the nominees listed above for election as directors of the Company for the ensuing year.
Cease Trade Orders
No proposed director of the Company, as 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 that:
(a) was subject to (i) a cease trade order; (ii) an order similar to a cease trade order; or (iii) 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 while the proposed director was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or
(b) was subject to (i) a cease trade order; (ii) an order similar to a cease trade order; or (iii) 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, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer.
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Bankruptcies
No proposed director of the Company is, as at the date of this Information Circular, or has been within 10 years before the date of this Information Circular, a director or executive officer of any 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.
No proposed director of the Company has, within 10 years before the date of this Information Circular, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or became subject to or instituted proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the proposed director.
Penalties and Sanctions
No proposed director of the Company has been subject to:
(a) 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
(b) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely to be considered important to a reasonable shareholder in deciding whether to vote for a proposed director.
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
General
For the purpose of this Statement of Executive Compensation:
"compensation securities" includes stock options, convertible securities, exchangeable securities and similar instruments including stock appreciation rights, deferred share units and restricted stock units granted or issued by the Company or one of its subsidiaries (if any) for services provided or to be provided, directly or indirectly to the Company or any of its subsidiaries (if any);
"external management company" includes a subsidiary, affiliate or associate of the external management company;
"named executive officer" or "NEO" means each of the following individuals:
(a) each individual who, in respect of the Company, during any part of the most recently completed financial year, served as chief executive officer, including an individual performing functions similar to a chief executive officer;
(b) each individual who, in respect of the Company, during any part of the most recently completed financial year, served as chief financial officer, including an individual performing functions similar to a chief financial officer;
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(c) in respect of the Company and its subsidiaries (if any), the most highly compensated executive officer other than the individuals identified in paragraphs (a) and (b) at the end of the most recently completed financial year whose total compensation was more than $150,000, as determined in accordance with subsection 1.3(5) of Form 51-102F6V Statement of Executive Compensation – Venture Issuers; and
(d) each individual who would be a named executive officer under paragraph (c) but for the fact that the individual was not an executive officer of the Company, and was not acting in a similar capacity, at the end of that financial year;
“plan” includes any plan, contract, authorization, or arrangement, whether or not set out in any formal document, where cash, securities, similar instruments or any other property may be received, whether for one or more persons; and
“underlying securities” means any securities issuable on conversion, exchange or exercise of compensation securities.
Director and NEO Compensation
Table of Compensation Excluding Compensation Securities
The following table sets forth all direct and indirect compensation paid, payable, awarded, granted, given or otherwise provided, directly or indirectly, by the Company or any subsidiary thereof to each NEO and each director of the Company, in any capacity, including, for greater certainty, all plan and non-plan compensation, direct and indirect pay, remuneration, economic or financial award, reward, benefit, gift or perquisite paid, payable, awarded, granted, given or otherwise provided to the NEO or director for services provided and for services to be provided, directly or indirectly, to the Company or any subsidiary thereof as of the years ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:
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| Name and Position | Year | Salary, Consulting Fee, Retainer or Commission ($) | Bonus ($) | Committee or Meeting fees ($) | Value of Perquisites ($) | Total Compensation ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Pezzente (1) | ||||||
| BC, Canada | ||||||
| Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Director | 2024 | 30,000^{(2)} | Nil | Nil | Nil | 30,000 |
| 2023 | 30,000^{(2)} | Nil | Nil | Nil | 30,000 | |
| Emily Sewell^{(3)} | ||||||
| BC, Canada | ||||||
| Chief Financial Office and Director | 2024 | 60,000^{(4)} | Nil | Nil | Nil | 60,000 |
| 2023 | 60,000^{(4)} | Nil | Nil | Nil | 60,000 | |
| Dennis Aaldernick^{(5)} | ||||||
| BC, Canada | ||||||
| Director | 2024 | 1,500^{(2)} | Nil | Nil | Nil | 1,500 |
| Nader Vatanchi^{(6)} | ||||||
| BC, Canada | ||||||
| Former Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Director | 2024 | 30,000^{(4)} | Nil | Nil | Nil | 30,000 |
| 2023 | 30,000^{(4)} | Nil | Nil | Nil | 30,000 | |
| Alson Niu^{(7)} | ||||||
| BC, Canada | ||||||
| Former Director | 2023 | 18,000^{(2) (8)} | Nil | Nil | Nil | 18,000 |
(1) Mario Pezzente was appointed as a director of the Company on April 3, 2019. He was appointed CEO and Corporate Secretary on August 1, 2024. His directors fees were incurred by his wholly owned company.
(2) Director Fees
(3) Emily Sewell was appointed as a director and Chief Financial Officer of the Company on August 13, 2021.
(4) Management Fees
(5) Dennis Aalderink was appointed as a director of the Company on December 27, 2023.
(6) Nader Vatanchi was appointed as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), Secretary and a director of the Company on March 9, 2021. He resigned as a director and officer on August 1, 2024. His management fees were incurred by his wholly owned company.
(7) Alson Niu was appointed as a director of the Company on November 26, 2020 and he ceased to be a director as of December 27, 2023.
(8) Mr. Niu’s director fees were incurred by a company that he is an employee of for part of the fiscal year and incurred by him directly for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Other than as set forth in the foregoing, no NEO of the Company has received, during the most recently completed financial year, compensation pursuant to:
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a. any standard arrangement for the compensation of NEOs for their services in their capacity as NEOs, including any additional amounts payable for committee participation or special assignments;
b. any other arrangement, in addition to, or in lieu of, any standard arrangement, for the compensation of NEOs in their capacity as NEOs; or
c. any arrangement for the compensation of NEOs for services as consultants or expert.
Stock Options and Other Compensation Securities
The following table sets out all compensation securities granted or issued to each director and NEO by the Company or any subsidiary thereof in the year ended March 31, 2024 for services provided, or to be provided, directly or indirectly, to the Company or any subsidiary thereof.
| Name and Position | Type of Compensation Security | Number of Compensation Securities, Number of Underlying Securities and Percentage of Class | Date of Issue or Grant | Issue, Conversion or Exercise Price ($) | Closing Price of Security or Underlying Security on Date of Grant | Closing Price of Security or Underlying Security at Year End | Expiry Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mario Pezzente Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Director | RSU’s | 225,000(1)/* | March 25, 2024 | N/A | $0.03 | $0.03 | March 25, 2025 |
| Emily Sewell Chief Financial Office and Director | RSU’s | 225,000(2)/* | March 25, 2024 | N/A | $0.03 | $0.03 | March 25, 2025 |
| Dennis Aaldernick Director | RSU’s | 150,000(3)/* | March 25, 2024 | N/A | $0.03 | $0.03 | March 25, 2025 |
| Nader Vatanchi Former Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and Director | RSU’s | 225,000(4)/* | March 25, 2024 | N/A | $0.03 | $0.03 | March 25, 2025 |
| Alson Niu Former Director | RSU’s | Nil | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
- Represents less than 1% of the issued and outstanding common shares.
(1) Mario Pezzente’s RSU’s were granted to his wholly owned company.
(2) Emily Sewell’s RSU’s were granted to her wholly owned company.
(3) Dennis Aaldernick’s RSU’s were granted to his wholly owned company.
(4) Nader Vatanchi’s RSU’s were granted to his wholly owned company. 135,000 RSU’s were forfeited due to resignation.
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Exercise of Compensation Securities by Directors and NEOs
There were no compensation securities exercised by a director or NEO during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024.
Exercise of Compensation Securities by Directors and NEOs
On October 2, 2023, the Board adopted an omnibus equity incentive plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”) and the Shareholders approved the Equity Incentive Plan at the Company’s annual general and special meeting held on December 27, 2023. The Equity Incentive Plan provides flexibility to the Company to grant equity-based incentive awards in the form of RSUs and PSUs.
The purpose of the Equity Incentive Plan is to, among other things, provide the Company with a share related mechanism to attract, retain and motivate qualified directors, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries, to reward such of those directors, employees and consultants as may be granted awards under the Equity Incentive Plan by the Board from time to time for their contributions toward the long-term goals and success of the Company and to enable and encourage such directors, employees and consultants to acquire Shares as long-term investments and proprietary interests in the Company.
As of the Record Date, there were no RSUs or stock options outstanding under the Equity Incentive Plan.
The full text of the Equity Incentive Plan is attached hereto as Schedule “B”.
Employment, Consulting and Management Agreements
As of March 31, 2024, the Company did not have any employment, consulting or management agreements or arrangements with any of the Company’s current NEOs or directors except for director service agreements with Mario Pezzente and Dennis Aalderink. The agreement does not contain any change of control, severance, termination or constructive dismissal provisions.
Pursuant to a director services agreement dated effective November 1, 2020, between the Company and Mario Pezzente, who is a director of the Company. In consideration for Mr. Pezzente’s services as a director, he was paid consideration of $2,500 per month. Pursuant to a director services agreement dated effective January 1, 2024,, between the Company and Wellington Star Consulting Inc., which is Mr. Aalderink’s wholly-owned company. In consideration for Mr. Aalderink’s services as a director, is company is paid consideration of $500 per month.
Oversight and Description of Director and NEO Compensation
The Company’s compensation program is intended to attract, motivate, reward and retain the management talent needed to achieve the Company’s business objectives of improving overall corporate performance and creating long-term value for the Company’s shareholders. The compensation program is intended to reward executive officers based on individual performance and achievement of corporate objectives, including the advancement of the exploration and development goals of the Company. The Company’s current compensation program is comprised of base salary or fees, short term incentives such as discretionary bonuses and long-term incentives such as stock options and RSUs.
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The Company's board of directors (the "Board") has not created or appointed a compensation committee given the Company's current size and stage of development. All tasks related to developing and monitoring the Company's approach to the compensation of the Company's NEOs and directors are performed by the members of the Board. The compensation of the NEOs, directors and the Company's employees or consultants, if any, is reviewed, recommended and approved by the Board without reference to any specific formula or criteria. NEOs that are also directors of the Company are involved in discussion relating to compensation, and disclose their interest in and abstain from voting on compensation decisions relating to them, as applicable, in accordance with applicable corporate legislation.
In making compensation decisions, the Board strives to find a balance between short-term and long-term compensation and cash versus equity incentive compensation. Base salaries or fees and discretionary cash bonuses primarily reward recent performance, and incentive stock options encourage NEOs and directors to continue to deliver results over a longer period of time and serve as a retention tool. The annual salary or fee for each NEO, as applicable, is determined by the Board based on the level of responsibility and experience of the individual, the relative importance of the position to the Company, the professional qualifications of the individual and the performance of the individual over time. The NEOs' performances and salaries or fees are reviewed periodically. Increases in salary or fees are to be evaluated on an individual basis and are performance and market-based. The amount and award of cash bonuses to key executives and senior management is discretionary, depending on, among other factors, the financial performance of the Company and the position of a participant.
Pension Plan Benefits
The Company does not have any pension, defined benefit, defined contribution or deferred compensation plans in place.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table sets forth details of all the Company's equity compensation plans as of March 31, 2024. The Company's equity compensation plan consists of the Equity Incentive Plan:
| Plan Category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (1) | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 2,475,000 | - | 3,977(2) |
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| Total | 2,475,000 | - | 3,977(2) |
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(1) The Company does not have any warrants or rights outstanding under any equity compensation plans. The number of RSUs outstanding was 2,475,000
(2) Based on the Company's issued and outstanding common shares of 24,789,777 at March 31, 2024.
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR
At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to vote for the appointment of Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as auditor of the Company and to authorize the directors of the Company to fix the auditor's remuneration. Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants were first appointed as the auditor of the Company on June 20, 2017.
Management recommends Shareholders vote for the appointment of Dale Matheson Carr-Hilton Labonte LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as the auditor of the Company and authorizing the directors of the Company to fix the auditor's remuneration.
AUDIT COMMITTEE DISCLOSURE
National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees ("NI 52-110") requires the Company, as a venture issuer, to disclose annually in its Information Circular certain information concerning the constitution of its Audit Committee and its relationship with its independent auditor.
The Audit Committee Charter
The Company's Audit Committee Charter was adopted by the Board on September 8, 2017. A copy of the Company's Audit Committee Charter is attached to this Information Circular as 0.
Composition of the Audit Committee
The Company's Audit Committee is currently comprised of three directors consisting of Emily Sewell, Mario Pezzente and Dennis Aalderink. As defined in NI 52-110, Mario Pezzente and Emily Sewell, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectfully, are not "independent" as they are executive officers of the Company. Dennis Aalderink is independent. Management is proposing that the Audit Committee be comprised of Emily Sewell, Dennis Aalderink, and Benoit Moreau, who is nominated to be a director, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.
The Company is exempt from the Audit Committee composition requirements in NI 52-110 which require all Audit Committee members to be independent. All of the Audit Committee members are "financially literate", as defined in NI 52-110, as all have the industry experience necessary to understand and analyze financial statements of the Company, as well as an understanding of internal controls and procedures necessary for financial reporting.
The Audit Committee is responsible for review of both interim and annual financial statements for the Company. For the purposes of performing their duties, the members of the Audit Committee have the right, at all times, to inspect all the books and financial records of the Company and any subsidiaries and to discuss with management and the external auditors of the Company any accounts, records and matters relating to the financial statements of the Company. The audit committee members meet periodically with management and annually with the external auditors.
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Relevant Education and Experience
Each member of the Company’s present Audit Committee has adequate education and experience that is relevant to his or her performance as an Audit Committee member and, in particular the requisite education and experience that have provided the member with:
(a) an understanding of the accounting principles used by the Company to prepare its financial statements and the ability to assess the general application of those principles in connection with estimates, accruals and reserves;
(b) experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Company’s financial statements or experience actively supervising individuals engaged in such activities; and
(c) an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting.
Emily Sewell
Emily Sewell is a director of Stearman Resources Inc. and Hi-View Resources Inc. Ms. Sewell was the VP, Finance and Development of a clothing design and manufacturing company, May 2021 to September 2023. She was an associate at RBC Dominion Securities from August 2017 to May 2018 and then an associate at RBC Global Asset Management from May 2018 to May 2021.
Ms. Sewell holds a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC’s Sauder School of Business with a major in Finance. Ms. Sewell’s education and business experience has given her significant exposure to the preparation and review of financial statements.
Dennis Aalderink
Mr. Aalderink has acted as a director for a public junior mining company since February 2016. Mr. Aalderink’s years of experience with public companies has given him significant exposure to the preparation and review of financial statements.
Benoit Moreau
Mr. Moreau is the VP Exploration of Musk since June 2023. Mr. Moreau has acted as a director or officer for public mining junior companies since 2007. Mr. Moreau holds a Bachelor of Geology from Université de Montréal, a Bachelor in Mining Engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal, and a MBA from UQAM. Mr. Moreau’s business experience has given him significant exposure to the preparation and review of financial statements.
Audit Committee Oversight
At no time since the beginning of the Company’s most recent completed financial year was a recommendation of the Audit Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor not adopted by the Company’s Board.
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Reliance on Certain Exemptions
Since the commencement of the Company's financial year ended March 31, 2024, the Company has not relied on the exemptions contained in sections 2.4 or 8 of NI 52-110. Section 2.4 (De Minimis Non-audit Services) provides an exemption from the requirement that the Audit Committee must pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided by the auditor, where the total amount of fees related to the non-audit services are not expected to exceed 5% of the total fees payable to the auditor in the fiscal year in which the non-audit services were provided. Section 8 (Exemptions) permits a company to apply to a securities regulatory authority for an exemption from the requirements of NI 52-110 in whole or in part.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee has not adopted specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services. However, the Company's Audit Committee Charter provides that the Audit Committee will pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided by the auditor to the Company or its subsidiaries. The text of the Audit Committee Charter is attached to this Information Circular as Schedule A.
External Auditor Service Fees
In the following table, "audit fees" are fees billed by the Company's external auditor for services provided in auditing the Company's annual financial statements for the subject year. "Audit-related fees" are fees not included in audit fees that are billed by the auditor for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit review of the Company's financial statements. "Tax fees" are fees billed by the auditor for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. "All other fees" are fees billed by the auditor for products and services not included in the foregoing categories.
The aggregate fees billed by the Company's external auditors in the financial years ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 with respect to the Company, by category, are as follows:
| Financial Year Ended March 31 | Audit Fees | Audit Related Fees | Tax Fees | All Other Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $30,366 | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| 2023 | $26,317 | Nil | $7,200 | Nil |
Exemption
The Company is relying on the exemption provided by section 6.1 of NI 52-110 which provides that the Company, as a venture issuer, is not required to comply with Part 3 (Composition of the Audit Committee) and Part 5 (Reporting Obligations) of NI 52-110.
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
To the Company's knowledge, no current director, executive officer, employee, or proposed nominee for election as a director, or associate of such person is, or at any time during the most recently completed financial year has been, indebted to the Company.
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No indebtedness of a current director, executive officer, employee, or proposed nominee for election as a director, or associate of such person to another entity is, or at any time during the most recently completed financial year has been, the subject of a guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or other similar arrangement or understanding provided by the Company.
INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
No (a) director, proposed director or executive officer of the Company; (b) person or company who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, Shares or who exercises control or direction of Shares, or a combination of both carrying more than ten percent of the voting rights attached to the Shares outstanding (an "Insider"); (c) director or executive officer of an Insider; or (d) associate or affiliate of any of the directors, executive officers or Insiders, has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the commencement of the Company's most recently completed financial year or in any proposed transaction which has materially affected or would materially affect the Company, except with an interest arising from the ownership of Shares where such person will receive no extra or special benefit or advantage not shared on a pro rata basis by all holders of the same class of Shares.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS
There were no management functions of the Company which were, to any substantial degree, performed by a person other than the directors or executive officers of the Company. As of March 31, 2024, the Company did not have any employment, consulting or management agreements or arrangements with any of the Company's current NEOs or directors except for director service agreements with Mario Pezzente and Dennis Aalderink. The agreements do not contain any change of control, severance, termination, or constructive dismissal provisions.
Pursuant to a director services agreement, in consideration for Mr. Pezzente's services as a director, he was paid consideration of $2,500 per month. Pursuant to a director services agreement, in consideration for Mr. Aalderink's services as a director, he was paid consideration of $500 per month.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Pursuant to National Instrument 58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices ("NI 58-101"), the Company is required to disclose its corporate governance practices. 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.
National Policy 58-201 Corporate Governance Guidelines ("NP 58-201") establishes corporate governance guidelines which apply to all public companies. These guidelines are not intended to be prescriptive but to be used by issuers in developing their own corporate governance practices. The Board is committed to sound corporate governance practices and feels that the Company's corporate governance practices are appropriate and effective for the Company given its current size.
Composition of the Board
Management of the Company proposes to nominate Emily Sewell, Mario Pezzente, Benoit Moreau and Dennis Aalderink for election by the Shareholders as directors of the Company. NP 58-201 suggests that
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the board of directors of a public company should be constituted of a majority of individuals who qualify as "independent" directors. An "independent" director is a director who is independent of management and is free from any interest and any business or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be expected to, interfere with the exercise of the director's independent judgment.
Benoit Moreau and Deniss Aalderink are considered by the Board to be "independent" within the meaning of NI 58-101. Mario Pezzente and Emily Sewell are executive officers of the Company and accordingly are considered to be "non-independent".
Board Mandate
The Board plans to meet for formal board meetings on an as needed basis to review and discuss the Company's business activities and to consider and if thought fit, to approve matters presented to the Board for approval, and to provide guidance to management. In addition, management will informally provide updates to the Board at least once per quarter between formal meetings. In general, management consults with the Board when deemed appropriate to keep it informed regarding the Company's affairs.
The Board will facilitate the exercise of independent supervision over management through these various meetings. At present, the Board does not have any formal committees other than its Audit Committee.
When necessary, the Board will strike a special committee of independent directors to deal with matters requiring independence. The composition of the Board is such that the independent directors have experience in business affairs and, as a result, these directors are able to provide independent supervision over management.
In the event of a conflict of interest at a meeting of the Board, the conflicted director will in accordance with corporate law and in accordance with his or her fiduciary obligations as a director of the Company, disclose the nature and extent of the interest to the other directors and abstain from voting on any matter in which the conflicted director has declared an interest.
Directorships
The following director is presently director of other reporting issuers as set out below:
| Name of Director | Name of Reporting Issuer | Market |
|---|---|---|
| Emily Sewell | Stearman Resources Inc | CSE |
| Hi-View Resources Inc. | CSE | |
| Dennis Aalderink | Sienna Resources Inc. | TSX.V |
| Spearmint Resources Inc. | CSE |
Orientation and Continuing Education
The Company has not yet developed an official orientation or training program for new directors. As required, new directors will have the opportunity to become familiar with the Company by meeting with the other directors and with officers and employees. Orientation activities will be tailored to the particular needs and experience of each director and the overall needs of the Board.
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Ethical Business Conduct
The Board has not adopted a formal code of ethics. The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to:
(a) the financial reporting process and the quality, transparency and integrity of the financial statements and other related public disclosures;
(b) internal controls over financial reporting;
(c) compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relevant to the financial statements and financial reporting; and
(d) ensuring that there is an appropriate standard of corporate conduct for senior financial personnel.
Nomination of Directors
The entire Board is involved in nomination of new candidates for Board positions. Board members are asked for recommendations of people that they know of or have heard of that would contribute to the success of the Company if added to the Board.
Compensation
The Board does not have a Compensation Committee. All tasks related to developing and monitoring the Company's approach with respect to the compensation of directors and officers of the Company are performed by the members of the Board. The compensation of the directors and NEOs is reviewed, recommended and approved by the Board as a whole, including the independent directors.
Board Committees
The Board has no committees other than the Audit Committee. See "Audit Committee Disclosure."
Assessments
Any committee of the Board and individual directors will be assessed on an ongoing basis by the Board. The Board has not, as of yet, adopted formal procedures for assessing the effectiveness of the Board, its committees or individual directors.
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS OR COMPANIES IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this Information Circular, no director or executive officer of the Company who was a director or executive officer since the beginning of the Company's last financial year, each proposed nominee for election as a director of the Company, or any associate or affiliates of any such directors, officers or nominees, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of Shares or other securities in the Company or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Meeting other than the election of directors.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Company is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Shareholders may contact the Company at its office by mail at Suite 2905, 700 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1C6, to request copies of the Company's financial statements and related Management's Discussion and Analysis (the "MD&A"). Financial information is provided in the Company's audited financial statements and MD&A for the year ended March 31, 2024.
PARTICULARS OF MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
Transaction of Other Business
In addition to matters described in this Information Circular, there may be other business which properly comes before the Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof. The form of proxy accompanying this Information Circular gives the person or company named as proxyholder discretionary authority regarding other business that may properly come before the Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof. In the event that other business is properly brought before the Meeting, it is the intention of the management appointees to vote in accordance with their best judgment on such matters or business. At the time of printing of this Information Circular, management does not know of any other matters which may be brought before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. See "Appointment of Proxy" above.
OTHER MATTERS
Management of the Company knows of no other matters to come before the Meeting other than those referred to in the Notice of Meeting. However, if any other matters that are not known to management should properly come before the Meeting, the accompanying form of proxy confers discretionary authority upon the persons named therein to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The contents of this Information Circular have been approved and the delivery of it to each Shareholder of the Company entitled thereto and to the appropriate regulatory agencies has been authorized by the Board.
DATED at Vancouver, British Columbia, this 29th day of January, 2025.
By Order of the Board of Directors of
MUSK METALS CORP.
"Mario Pezzente"
Mario Pezzente
CEO, Secretary and Director
SCHEDULE A
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
This Charter establishes the composition, the authority, roles and responsibilities and the general objectives of the Company's audit committee, or its Board of Directors in lieu thereof (the "Audit Committee"). The roles and responsibilities described in this Charter must at all times be exercised in compliance with the legislation and regulations governing the Company and any subsidiaries.
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Composition
(a) Number of Members. The Audit Committee must be comprised of a minimum of three directors of the Company, a majority of whom will be independent. Independence of the board members will be as defined by applicable legislation.
(b) Chair. If there is more than one member of the Audit Committee, members will appoint a chair of the Audit Committee (the "Chair") to serve for a term of one (1) year on an annual basis. The Chair may serve as the chair of the Audit Committee for any number of consecutive terms.
(c) Financially Literacy. All members of the audit committee will be financially literate as defined by applicable legislation. If upon appointment a member of the Audit Committee is not financially literate as required, the person will be provided with a period of three months to acquire the required level of financial literacy. -
Meetings
(a) Quorum. The quorum required to constitute a meeting of the Audit Committee is set at a majority of members.
(b) Agenda. The Chair will set the agenda for each meeting, after consulting with management and the external auditor. Agenda materials such as draft financial statements must be circulated to all Audit Committee members for members to have a reasonable amount of time to review the materials prior to the meeting.
(c) Notice to Auditors. The Company's auditors (the "Auditors") will be provided with notice as necessary of any Audit Committee meeting, will be invited to attend each such meeting and will receive an opportunity to be heard at those meetings on matters related to the Auditor's duties.
(d) Minutes. Minutes of the Audit Committee meetings will be accurately recorded, with such minutes recording the decisions reached by the committee. -
Roles and Responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of the Audit Committee include the following:
External Auditor
The Audit Committee will:
(a) Selection of the external auditor. Select, evaluate and recommend to the Board, for shareholder approval, the Auditor to examine the Company's accounts, controls and financial statements.
(b) Scope of Work. Evaluate, prior to the annual audit by the Auditors, the scope and general extent of the Auditor's review, including the Auditor's engagement letter.
(c) Compensation. Recommend to the Board the compensation to be paid to the external auditors.
(d) Replacement of Auditor. If necessary, recommend the replacement of the Auditor to the Board of Directors.
(e) Approve Non-Audit Related Services. Pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided by the Auditor to the Company or its subsidiaries.
(f) Direct Responsibility for Overseeing Work of Auditors. Must directly oversee the work of the Auditor. The Auditor must report directly to the Audit Committee.
(g) Resolution of Disputes. Assist with resolving any disputes between the Company's management and the Auditors regarding financial reporting.
Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Information
The Audit Committee will:
(h) Review Audited Financial Statements. Review the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company, discuss those statements with management and with the Auditor, and recommend their approval to the Board.
(i) Review of Interim Financial Statements. Review and discuss with management the quarterly consolidated financial statements, and if appropriate, recommend their approval by the Board.
(j) MD&A, Annual and Interim Earnings Press Releases, Audit Committee Reports. Review the Company's management discussion and analysis, interim and annual press releases, and audit committee reports before the Company publicly discloses this information.
(k) Auditor Reports and Recommendations. Review and consider any significant reports and recommendations issued by the Auditor, together with management's response, and the extent to which recommendations made by the Auditor have been implemented.
Risk Management, Internal Controls and Information Systems
The Audit Committee will:
(l) Internal Control. Review with the Auditors and with management, the general policies and procedures used by the Company with respect to internal accounting and financial controls. Remain informed, through communications with the Auditor, of any weaknesses in internal control that could cause errors or deficiencies in financial reporting or deviations from the accounting policies of the Company or from applicable laws or regulations.
(m) Financial Management. Periodically review the team in place to carry out financial reporting functions, circumstances surrounding the departure of any officers in charge of financial reporting, and the appointment of individuals in these functions.
(n) Accounting Policies and Practices. Review management plans regarding any changes in accounting practices or policies and the financial impact thereof.
(o) Litigation. Review with the Auditors and legal counsel any litigation, claim or contingency, including tax assessments, that could have a material effect upon the financial position of
the Company and the manner in which these matters are being disclosed in the consolidated financial statements.
(p) Other. Discuss with management and the Auditors correspondence with regulators, employee complaints, or published reports that raise material issues regarding the Company's financial statements or disclosure.
Complaints
(q) Accounting, Auditing and Internal Control Complaints. The Audit Committee must establish a procedure for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters.
(r) Employee Complaints. The Audit Committee must establish a procedure for the confidential transmittal on condition of anonymity by the Company's employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
4. Authority
(a) Auditor. The Auditor, and any internal auditors hired by the company, will report directly to the Audit Committee.
(b) To Retain Independent Advisors. The Audit Committee may, at the Company's expense and without the approval of management, retain the services of independent legal counsels and any other advisors it deems necessary to carry out its duties and set and pay the monetary compensation of these individuals.
5. Reporting
The Audit Committee will report to the Board on:
(a) the Auditor's independence;
(b) the performance of the Auditor and any recommendations of the Audit Committee in relation thereto;
(c) the reappointment and termination of the Auditor;
(d) the adequacy of the Company's internal controls and disclosure controls;
(e) the Audit Committee's review of the annual and interim consolidated financial statements;
(f) the Audit Committee's review of the annual and interim management discussion and analysis;
(g) the Company's compliance with legal and regulatory matters to the extent they affect the financial statements of the Company; and
(h) all other material matters dealt with by the Audit Committee.
SCHEDULE B
MUSK METALS CORP.
OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
OCTOBER 2, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1 PURPOSE
1.1 Purpose ... 1
ARTICLE 2 INTERPRETATION
2.1 Definitions ... 1
2.2 Interpretation ... 9
ARTICLE 3 ADMINISTRATION
3.1 Administration ... 9
3.2 Delegation to Committee ... 10
3.3 Determinations Binding ... 11
3.4 Eligibility ... 11
3.5 Plan Administrator Requirements ... 11
3.6 Total Shares Subject to Awards ... 11
3.7 Award Agreements ... 12
3.8 Non-transferability of Awards ... 12
ARTICLE 4 OPTIONS
4.1 Granting of Options ... 12
4.2 Exercise Price ... 12
4.3 Term of Options ... 12
4.4 Vesting and Exercisability ... 13
4.5 Payment of Exercise Price ... 13
ARTICLE 5 RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS
5.1 Granting of RSUs ... 14
5.2 RSU Account ... 14
5.3 Vesting of RSUs ... 14
5.4 Settlement of RSUs ... 14
ARTICLE 6 PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS
6.1 Granting of PSUs ... 15
6.2 Terms of PSUs ... 15
6.3 Performance Goals ... 16
6.4 PSU Account ... 16
6.5 Vesting of PSUs ... 16
6.6 Settlement of PSUs ... 16
ARTICLE 7 DEFERRED SHARE UNITS
7.1 Granting of DSUs ... 17
7.2 DSU Account ... 18
7.3 Vesting of DSUs ... 18
7.4 Settlement of DSUs ... 18
7.5 No Additional Amount or Benefit ... 19
ARTICLE 8 ADDITIONAL AWARD TERMS ... 19
8.1 Dividend Equivalents ... 19
8.2 Black-out Period ... 20
8.3 Withholding Taxes ... 20
8.4 Recoupment ... 20
ARTICLE 9 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICES ... 20
9.1 Termination of Employee, Consultant or Director ... 20
9.2 Discretion to Permit Acceleration ... 22
ARTICLE 10 EVENTS AFFECTING THE CORPORATION ... 23
10.1 General ... 23
10.2 Change in Control ... 23
10.3 Reorganization of Corporation’s Capital ... 24
10.4 Other Events Affecting the Corporation ... 24
10.5 Immediate Acceleration of Awards ... 24
10.6 Issue by Corporation of Additional Shares ... 24
10.7 Fractions ... 25
ARTICLE 11 U.S. TAXPAYERS ... 25
11.1 Provisions for U.S. Taxpayers ... 25
11.2 ISOs ... 25
11.3 ISO Grants to 10% Shareholders ... 25
11.4 $100,000 Per Year Limitation for ISOs ... 25
11.5 Disqualifying Dispositions ... 26
11.6 Section 409A of the Code ... 26
11.7 Section 83(b) Election ... 27
11.8 Application of Article 11 to U.S. Taxpayers ... 27
ARTICLE 12 AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN ... 27
12.1 Amendment, Suspension, or Termination of the Plan ... 27
12.2 Shareholder Approval ... 27
12.3 Permitted Amendments ... 28
ARTICLE 13 MISCELLANEOUS ... 29
13.1 Legal Requirement ... 29
13.2 No Other Benefit ... 29
13.3 Rights of Participant ... 29
13.4 Corporate Action ... 29
13.5 Conflict ... 29
13.6 Anti-Hedging Policy ... 29
13.7 Participant Information ... 29
13.8 Participation in the Plan ... 30
13.9 International Participants ... 30
13.10 Successors and Assigns ... 30
13.11 General Restrictions or Assignment ... 30
13.12 Severability ... 30
13.13 Notices ... 30
13.14 Effective Date... 31
13.15 Governing Law... 31
13.16 Submission to Jurisdiction... 31
MUSK METALS CORP.
Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan
ARTICLE 1
PURPOSE
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Plan is to provide the Corporation with a share-related mechanism to attract, retain and motivate qualified Directors, Officers, Employees and Consultants of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, to reward such of those Directors, Officers, Employees and Consultants as may be granted Awards under this Plan by the Board from time to time for their contributions toward the long-term goals and success of the Corporation and to enable and encourage such Directors, Officers, Employees and Consultants to acquire Shares as long-term investments and proprietary interests in the Corporation.
ARTICLE 2
INTERPRETATION
2.1 Definitions
When used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms have the indicated meanings, respectively:
(a) “Affiliate” means any entity that is an “affiliate” for the purposes of National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions of the Canadian Securities Administrators, as amended from time to time;
(b) “Award” means any Option, Restricted Share Unit, Performance Share Unit or Deferred Share Unit granted under this Plan which may be denominated or settled in Shares, cash or in such other form as provided herein;
(c) “Award Agreement” means a signed, written agreement between a Participant and the Corporation, in the form or any one of the forms approved by the Plan Administrator, evidencing the terms and conditions on which an Award has been granted under this Plan and which need not be identical to any other such agreements;
(d) “Board” means the board of directors of the Corporation as it may be constituted from time to time;
(e) “Business Day” means a day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which the principal commercial banks in the City of Vancouver are open for commercial business during normal banking hours;
(f) “Canadian Taxpayer” means a Participant that is resident of Canada for purposes of the Tax Act;
(g) “Cash Fees” has the meaning set forth in Subsection 7.1(a);
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(h) “Cashless Exercise” has the meaning set forth in Subsection 4.5(b);
(i) “Cause” means, with respect to a particular Participant:
(i) “cause” (or any similar term) as such term is defined in the employment or other written agreement between the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation and the Employee;
(ii) in the event there is no written or other applicable employment or other agreement between the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation or “cause” (or any similar term) is not defined in such agreement, “cause” as such term is defined in the Award Agreement; or
(iii) in the event neither (a) nor (b) apply, then “cause” as such term is defined by applicable law or, if not so defined, such term shall refer to circumstances where (i) an employer may terminate an individual’s employment without notice or pay in lieu thereof or other damages, or (ii) the Corporation or any subsidiary thereof may terminate the Participant’s contract without notice or without pay in lieu thereof or other termination fee or damages;
(j) “Change in Control” means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:
(i) any transaction at any time and by whatever means pursuant to which any Person or any group of two (2) or more Persons acting jointly or in concert hereafter acquires the direct or indirect “beneficial ownership” (as defined in the Securities Act (British Columbia)) of, or acquires the right to exercise Control or direction over, securities of the Corporation representing more than 50% of the then issued and outstanding voting securities of the Corporation, including, without limitation, as a result of a take-over bid, an exchange of securities, an amalgamation of the Corporation with any other entity, an arrangement, a capital reorganization or any other business combination or reorganization;
(ii) the sale, assignment or other transfer of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Corporation to a Person other than a subsidiary of the Corporation;
(iii) the dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation, other than in connection with the distribution of assets of the Corporation to one (1) or more Persons which were Affiliates of the Corporation prior to such event;
(iv) the occurrence of a transaction requiring approval of the Corporation’s shareholders whereby the Corporation is acquired through consolidation, merger, exchange of securities, purchase of assets, amalgamation, statutory arrangement or otherwise by any other Person (other than a short form amalgamation or exchange of securities with a subsidiary of the Corporation);
(v) individuals who comprise the Board as of the date hereof (the “Incumbent Board”) for any reason cease to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board, unless the election, or nomination for election by the Corporation’s shareholders, of any new director was approved by a vote of at least a majority
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of the Incumbent Board, and in that case such new director shall be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board; or
(vi) any other event which the Board determines to constitute a change in control of the Corporation;
provided that, notwithstanding clause (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, a Change in Control shall be deemed not to have occurred if immediately following the transaction set forth in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above: (A) the holders of securities of the Corporation that immediately prior to the consummation of such transaction represented more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of directors of the Corporation hold (x) securities of the entity resulting from such transaction (including, for greater certainty, the Person succeeding to assets of the Corporation in a transaction contemplated in clause (ii) above) (the "Surviving Entity") that represent more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of directors or trustees ("voting power") of the Surviving Entity, or (y) if applicable, securities of the entity that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of 100% of the securities eligible to elect directors or trustees of the Surviving Entity (the "Parent Entity") that represent more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities eligible to vote for the election of directors or trustees of the Parent Entity, and (B) no Person or group of two or more Persons, acting jointly or in concert, is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting power of the Parent Entity (or, if there is no Parent Entity, the Surviving Entity) (any such transaction which satisfies all of the criteria specified in clauses (A) and (B) above being referred to as a "Non-Qualifying Transaction" and, following the Non-Qualifying Transaction, references in this definition of "Change in Control" to the "Corporation" shall mean and refer to the Parent Entity (or, if there is no Parent Entity, the Surviving Entity) and, if such entity is a company or a trust, references to the "Board" shall mean and refer to the board of directors or trustees, as applicable, of such entity).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of any Award that constitutes "deferred compensation" (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), the payment of which is triggered by or would be accelerated upon a Change in Control, a transaction will not be deemed a Change in Control for Awards granted to any Participant who is a U.S. Taxpayer unless the transaction qualifies as "a change in control event" within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code;
(k) "Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. Any reference to a section of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any regulations promulgated thereunder;
(l) "Committee" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(b);
(m) "Consultant" means any individual or entity engaged by the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation to render consulting or advisory services (including as a director or officer of any subsidiary of the Corporation), other than as an Employee, Officer, or Director, and whether or not compensated for such services provided, however, that any Consultant who is in the United States or is a U.S. Person at the time such Consultant
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receives any offer of Award or executes any Award Agreement must be a natural person, and must agree to provide bona fide services to that Corporation that are not in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction, and do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Corporation's securities;
(n) "Control" means the relationship whereby a Person is considered to be "controlled" by a Person if:
(i) when applied to the relationship between a Person and a corporation, the beneficial ownership by that Person, directly or indirectly, of voting securities or other interests in such corporation entitling the holder to exercise control and direction in fact over the activities of such corporation;
(ii) when applied to the relationship between a Person and a partnership, limited partnership, trust or joint venture, means the contractual right to direct the affairs of the partnership, limited partnership, trust or joint venture; and
(iii) when applied in relation to a trust, the beneficial ownership at the relevant time of more than 50% of the property settled under the trust, and
the words "Controlled by", "Controlling" and similar words have corresponding meanings; provided that a Person who controls a corporation, partnership, limited partnership or joint venture will be deemed to Control a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, trust or joint venture which is Controlled by such Person and so on;
(o) "Corporation" means Musk Metals Corp., or any successor entity thereof;
(p) "Date of Grant" means, for any Award, the date specified by the Plan Administrator at the time it grants the Award or if no such date is specified, the date upon which the Award was granted;
(q) "Deferred Share Unit" or "DSU" means a unit equivalent in value to a Share, credited by means of a bookkeeping entry in the books of the Corporation in accordance with Article 7;
(r) "Director" means a director of the Corporation who is not an Employee;
(s) "Director Fees" means the total compensation (including annual retainer and meeting fees, if any) paid by the Corporation to a Director in a calendar year for service on the Board;
(t) "Disabled" or "Disability" means, with respect to a particular Participant:
(i) "disabled" or "disability" (or any similar terms) as such terms are defined in the employment or other written agreement between the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation and the Participant;
(ii) in the event there is no written or other applicable employment or other agreement between the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, or
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"disabled" or "disability" (or any similar terms) are not defined in such agreement, "disabled" or "disability" as such term are defined in the Award Agreement; or
(iii) in the event neither (i) or (ii) apply, then the incapacity or inability of the Participant, by reason of mental or physical incapacity, disability, illness or disease (as determined by a legally qualified medical practitioner or by a court) that prevents the Participant from carrying out his or her normal and essential duties as an Employee, Officer, Director or Consultant for a continuous period of six months or for any cumulative period of 180 days in any consecutive twelve month period, the foregoing subject to and as determined in accordance with procedures established by the Plan Administrator for purposes of this Plan;
(u) "Effective Date" means the effective date of this Plan, being October 2, 2023;
(v) "Elected Amount" has the meaning set forth in Subsection 7.1(a);
(w) "Electing Person" means a Participant who is, on the applicable Election Date, a Director;
(x) "Election Date" means the date on which the Electing Person files an Election Notice in accordance with Subsection 7.1(b);
(y) "Election Notice" has the meaning set forth in Subsection 7.1(b);
(z) "Employee" means an individual who:
(i) is considered an employee of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation for purposes of source deductions under applicable tax or social welfare legislation; or
(ii) works full-time or part-time. on a regular weekly basis for the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation providing services normally provided by an employee and who is subject to the same control and direction by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation over the details and methods of work as an employee of the Corporation or such subsidiary;
(aa) "Exchange" means the primary exchange on which the Shares are then listed, if applicable;
(bb) "Exercise Notice" means a notice in writing, signed by a Participant and stating the Participant's intention to exercise a particular Option;
(cc) "Exercise Price" means the price at which an Option Share may be purchased pursuant to the exercise of an Option;
(dd) "Expiry Date" means the expiry date specified in the Award Agreement (which shall not be later than the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant) or, if not so specified, means the tenth anniversary of the Date of Grant;
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(ee) "In the Money Amount" has the meaning given to it in Subsection 4.5(b);
(ff) "Insider" means an "insider" as defined in applicable Securities Laws or in the rules of the Exchange;
(gg) "Market Price" at any date in respect of the Shares shall be the greater of the closing market price of the Shares on (i) the trading day prior to the date of grant and (ii) the date of grant, and as otherwise required pursuant to the policies of the Exchange, if applicable. In the event that such Shares are not listed and posted for trading on any Exchange, the Market Price shall be (i) the issuance price per Share of the most recent financing completed by the Corporation within the last three (3) months; or (ii) otherwise, the fair market value of such Shares as determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion and, with respect to an Award made to a U.S. Taxpayer, in accordance with Section 409A of the Code;
(hh) "Officer" has the meaning defined in applicable Securities Laws;
(ii) "Option" means a right to purchase Shares under Article 4 of this Plan that is non-assignable and non-transferable, unless otherwise approved by the Plan Administrator;
(jj) "Option Shares" means Shares issuable by the Corporation upon the exercise of outstanding Options;
(kk) "Participant" means a Director, Officer, Employee or Consultant to whom an Award has been granted under this Plan;
(II) "Performance Goals" means performance goals expressed in terms of attaining a specified level of the particular criteria or the attainment of a percentage increase or decrease in the particular criteria, and may be applied to one or more of the Corporation, a subsidiary of the Corporation, a division of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, or an individual, or may be applied to the performance of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation relative to a market index, a group of other companies or a combination thereof, or on any other basis, all as determined by the Plan Administrator in its discretion;
(mm) "Performance Share Unit" or "PSU" means a unit equivalent in value to a Share, credited by means of a bookkeeping entry in the books of the Corporation in accordance with Article 6;
(nn) "Person" means an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, unincorporated association, unincorporated syndicate, unincorporated organization, trust, body corporate, and a natural person in his or her capacity as trustee, executor, administrator or other legal representative;
(oo) "Plan" means this Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, as may be amended from time to time;
(pp) "Plan Administrator" means the Board, or if the administration of this Plan has been delegated by the Board to the Committee pursuant to Section 3.2, the Committee;
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(qq) “PSU Service Year” has the meaning given to it in Section 6.1;
(rr) “Restricted Share Unit” or “RSU” means a unit equivalent in value to a Share, credited by means of a bookkeeping entry in the books of the Corporation in accordance with Article 5;
(ss) “Retirement” means, unless otherwise defined in the Participant’s written or other applicable employment agreement or in the Award Agreement, the termination of the Participant’s working career at the age of 65 or such other retirement age, with consent of the Plan Administrator, if applicable, other than on account of the Participant’s termination of service by the Corporation or its subsidiary for Cause;
(tt) “RSU Service Year” has the meaning given to it in Section 5.1;
(uu) “Section 409A of the Code” or “Section 409A” means Section 409A of the Code and all regulations, guidance, compliance programs, and other interpretive authority issued thereunder;
(vv) “Securities Laws” means securities legislation, securities regulation and securities rules, as amended, and the policies, notices, instruments and blanket orders in force from time to time that govern or are applicable to the Corporation or to which it is subject;
(ww) “Security Based Compensation Arrangement” means a stock option, stock option plan, employee stock purchase plan or any other compensation or incentive mechanism involving the issuance or potential issuance of Shares to Directors, Officers, Employees and/or service providers of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation, including a share purchase from treasury which is financially assisted by the Corporation by way of a loan, guarantee or otherwise;
(xx) “Share” means one (1) common share in the capital of the Corporation as constituted on the Effective Date or any share or shares issued in replacement of such common share in compliance with Canadian law or other applicable law, and/or one share of any additional class of common shares in the capital of the Corporation as may exist from time to time, or after an adjustment contemplated by Article 10, such other shares or securities to which the holder of an Award may be entitled as a result of such adjustment;
(yy) “subsidiary” means an issuer that is Controlled directly or indirectly by another issuer and includes a subsidiary of that subsidiary, or any other entity in which the Corporation has an equity interest and is designated by the Plan Administrator, from time to time, for purposes of this Plan to be a subsidiary;
(zz) “Tax Act” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.5(d);
(aaa) “Termination Date” means, subject to applicable law which cannot be waived:
(i) in the case of an Employee whose employment with the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation terminates, (i) the date designated by the Employee and the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation as the “Termination Date” (or similar term) in a written employment or other agreement between the
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Employee and Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, or (ii) if no such written employment or other agreement exists, the date designated by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, as the case may be, on which the Employee ceases to be an employee of the Corporation or the subsidiary of the Corporation, as the case may be, provided that, in the case of termination of employment by voluntary resignation by the Participant, such date shall not be earlier than the date notice of resignation was given; and in any event, the "Termination Date" shall be determined without including any period of reasonable notice that the Corporation or the subsidiary of the Corporation (as the case may be) may be required by law to provide to the Participant or any pay in lieu of notice of termination, severance pay or other damages paid or payable to the Participant;
(ii) in the case of a Consultant whose agreement or arrangement with the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation terminates, (i) the date designated by the Corporation or the subsidiary of the Corporation, as the "Termination Date" (or similar term) or expiry date in a written agreement between the Consultant and Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, or (ii) if no such written agreement exists, the date designated by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, as the case may be, on which the Consultant ceases to be a Consultant or a service provider to the Corporation or the subsidiary of the Corporation, as the case may be, or on which the Participant's agreement or arrangement is terminated, provided that in the case of voluntary termination by the Participant of the Participant's consulting agreement or other written arrangement, such date shall not be earlier than the date notice of voluntary termination was given; in any event, the "Termination Date" shall be determined without including any period of notice that the Corporation or the subsidiary of the Corporation (as the case may be) may be required by law to provide to the Participant or any pay in lieu of notice of termination, termination fees or other damages paid or payable to the Participant; and
(iii) in the case of a Director or Officer, the date such individual ceases to be a Director or Officer, as applicable,
in each case, unless the individual continues to be a Participant in another capacity.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a U.S. Taxpayer, a Participant's "Termination Date" will be the date the Participant experiences a "separation from service" with the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.
(bbb) "U.S." or "United States" means the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any State of the United States, and the District of Columbia;
(ccc) "U.S. Person" shall mean a "U.S. person" as such term is defined in Rule 902(k) of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act (the definition of which includes, but is not limited to, (i) any natural person resident in the United States, (ii) any partnership or corporation organized or incorporated under the laws of the United States, (iii) any
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partnership or corporation organized outside of the United States by a U.S. Person principally for the purpose of investing in securities not registered under the U.S. Securities Act, unless it is organized, or incorporated, and owned, by accredited investors who are not natural persons, estates or trusts, and (iv) any estate or trust of which any executor or administrator or trustee is a U.S. Person);
(ddd) “U.S. Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and
(eee) “U.S. Taxpayer” shall mean a Participant who, with respect to an Award, is subject to taxation under the applicable U.S. tax laws.
2.2 Interpretation
(a) Whenever the Plan Administrator exercises discretion in the administration of this Plan, the term “discretion” means the sole and absolute discretion of the Plan Administrator.
(b) As used herein, the terms “Article”, “Section”, “Subsection” and “clause” mean and refer to the specified Article, Section, Subsection and clause of this Plan, respectively.
(c) Words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa and words importing any gender include any other gender.
(d) Unless otherwise specified, time periods within or following which any payment is to be made or act is to be done shall be calculated by excluding the day on which the period begins, including the day on which the period ends, and abridging the period to the immediately preceding Business Day in the event that the last day of the period is not a Business Day. In the event an action is required to be taken or a payment is required to be made on a day which is not a Business Day such action shall be taken or such payment shall be made by the immediately preceding Business Day.
(e) Unless otherwise specified, all references to money amounts are to Canadian currency.
(f) The headings used herein are for convenience only and are not to affect the interpretation of this Plan.
ARTICLE 3 ADMINISTRATION
3.1 Administration
This Plan will be administered by the Plan Administrator and the Plan Administrator has sole and complete authority, in its discretion, to:
(a) determine the individuals to whom grants under the Plan may be made;
(b) make grants of Awards under the Plan relating to the issuance of Shares (including any combination of Options, Restricted Share Units, Performance Share Units or Deferred Share Units) in such amounts, to such Persons and, subject to the provisions of this Plan, on such terms and conditions as it determines including without limitation:
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(i) the time or times at which Awards may be granted;
(ii) the conditions under which:
(A) Awards may be granted to Participants; or
(B) Awards may be forfeited to the Corporation,
including any conditions relating to the attainment of specified Performance Goals;
(iii) the number of Shares to be covered by any Award;
(iv) the price, if any, to be paid by a Participant in connection with the purchase of Shares covered by any Awards;
(v) whether restrictions or limitations are to be imposed on the Shares issuable pursuant to grants of any Award, and the nature of such restrictions or limitations, if any; and
(vi) any acceleration of exercisability or vesting, or waiver of termination regarding any Award, based on such factors as the Plan Administrator may determine;
(c) establish the form or forms of Award Agreements;
(d) cancel, amend, adjust or otherwise change any Award under such circumstances as the Plan Administrator may consider appropriate in accordance with the provisions of this Plan;
(e) construe and interpret this Plan and all Award Agreements;
(f) adopt, amend, prescribe and rescind administrative guidelines and other rules and regulations relating to this Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub- plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws or for qualifying for favorable tax treatment under applicable foreign laws; and
(g) make all other determinations and take all other actions necessary or advisable for the implementation and administration of this Plan.
3.2 Delegation to Committee
(a) The initial Plan Administrator shall be the Board.
(b) To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board may, from time to time, delegate to a committee of the Board (the "Committee") all or any of the powers conferred on the Plan Administrator pursuant to this Plan, including the power to sub-delegate to any member(s) of the Committee or any specified officer(s) of the Corporation or its subsidiaries all or any of the powers delegated by the Board. In such event, the Committee or any sub-delegate will exercise the powers delegated to it in the manner and on the
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terms authorized by the delegating party. Any decision made or action taken by the Committee or any sub-delegate arising out of or in connection with the administration or interpretation of this Plan in this context is final and conclusive and binding on the Corporation and all subsidiaries of the Corporation, all Participants and all other Persons.
3.3 Determinations Binding
Any decision made or action taken by the Board, the Committee or any sub-delegate to whom authority has been delegated pursuant to Section 3.2 arising out of or in connection with the administration or interpretation of this Plan is final, conclusive and binding on the Corporation, the affected Participant(s), their legal and personal representatives and all other Persons.
3.4 Eligibility
All Directors, Officers, Employees and Consultants are eligible to participate in the Plan, subject to Section 9.1(f). Participation in the Plan is voluntary and eligibility to participate does not confer upon any Director, Officer, Employee or Consultant any right to receive any grant of an Award pursuant to the Plan. The extent to which any Director, Officer, Employee or Consultant is entitled to receive a grant of an Award pursuant to the Plan will be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Plan Administrator.
3.5 Plan Administrator Requirements
Any Award granted under this Plan shall be subject to the requirement that, if at any time the Plan Administrator shall determine that the listing, registration or qualification of the Shares issuable pursuant to such Award upon any securities exchange or under any Securities Laws of any jurisdiction, or the consent or approval of the Exchange, if applicable, and any securities commissions or similar securities regulatory bodies having jurisdiction over the Corporation is necessary as a condition of, or in connection with, the grant or exercise of such Award or the issuance or purchase of Shares thereunder, such Award may not be accepted or exercised, as applicable, in whole or in part unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been effected or obtained on conditions acceptable to the Plan Administrator. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all Awards shall be issued pursuant to the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act, or pursuant an exemption or exclusion from such registration requirements. Nothing herein shall be deemed to require the Corporation to apply for or to obtain such listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval. Participants shall, to the extent applicable, cooperate with the Corporation in complying with such legislation, rules, regulations and policies.
3.6 Total Shares Subject to Awards
(a) Subject to adjustment as provided for in Article 10 and any subsequent amendment to this Plan, the aggregate number of Shares reserved for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under this Plan shall not exceed 20% of the Corporation's total issued and outstanding Shares from time to time. This Plan is considered an "evergreen" plan, since the shares covered by Awards which have been settled, exercised or terminated shall be available for subsequent grants under the Plan and the number of Awards available to grant increases as the number of issued and outstanding Shares increases.
(b) To the extent any Awards (or portion(s) thereof) under this Plan terminate or are cancelled for any reason prior to exercise in full, or are surrendered or settled by the
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Participant, any Shares subject to such Awards (or portion(s) thereof) shall be added back to the number of Shares reserved for issuance under this Plan and will again become available for issuance pursuant to the exercise of Awards granted under this Plan.
(c) Any Shares issued by the Corporation through the assumption or substitution of outstanding stock options or other equity-based awards from an acquired company shall not reduce the number of Shares available for issuance pursuant to the exercise of Awards granted under this Plan.
3.7 Award Agreements
Each Award under this Plan will be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Award Agreement will be subject to the applicable provisions of this Plan and will contain such provisions as are required by this Plan and any other provisions that the Plan Administrator may direct. Any one Officer of the Corporation is authorized and empowered to execute and deliver, for and on behalf of the Corporation, an Award Agreement to a Participant granted an Award pursuant to this Plan.
3.8 Non-transferability of Awards
Except as permitted by the Plan Administrator and to the extent that certain rights may pass to a beneficiary or legal representative upon death of a Participant, by will or as required by law, no assignment or transfer of Awards, whether voluntary, involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, vests any interest or right in such Awards whatsoever in any assignee or transferee and immediately upon any assignment or transfer, or any attempt to make the same, such Awards will terminate and be of no further force or effect. To the extent that certain rights to exercise any portion of an outstanding Award pass to a beneficiary or legal representative upon death of a Participant, the period in which such Award can be exercised by such beneficiary or legal representative shall not exceed one year from the Participant's death.
ARTICLE 4 OPTIONS
4.1 Granting of Options
The Plan Administrator may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of this Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Plan Administrator may prescribe, grant Options to any Participant. The terms and conditions of each Option grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement.
4.2 Exercise Price
The Plan Administrator will establish the Exercise Price at the time each Option is granted, which Exercise Price must in all cases be not less than the Market Price on the Date of Grant, unless otherwise permitted by the rules of the Exchange and applicable Securities Laws.
4.3 Term of Options
Subject to any accelerated termination as set forth in this Plan, each Option expires on its Expiry Date.
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4.4 Vesting and Exercisability
(a) The Plan Administrator shall have the authority to determine the vesting terms applicable to grants of Options.
(b) Once an Option becomes vested, it shall remain vested and shall be exercisable until expiration or termination of the Option, unless otherwise specified by the Plan Administrator, or as may be otherwise set forth in any written employment agreement, Award Agreement or other written agreement between the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation and the Participant. Each vested Option may be exercised at any time or from time to time, in whole or in part, for up to the total number of Option Shares with respect to which it is then exercisable. The Plan Administrator has the right to accelerate the date upon which any Option becomes exercisable.
(c) Subject to the provisions of this Plan and any Award Agreement, Options shall be exercised by means of a fully completed Exercise Notice delivered to the Corporation.
(d) The Plan Administrator may provide at the time of granting an Option that the exercise of that Option is subject to restrictions, in addition to those specified in this Section 4.4, such as vesting conditions relating to the attainment of specified Performance Goals.
4.5 Payment of Exercise Price
(a) Unless otherwise specified by the Plan Administrator at the time of granting an Option and set forth in the particular Award Agreement, the Exercise Notice must be accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. The Exercise Price must be fully paid by certified cheque, wire transfer, bank draft or money order payable to the Corporation or by such other means as might be specified from time to time by the Plan Administrator, which may include (i) through an arrangement with a broker approved by the Corporation (or through an arrangement directly with the Corporation) whereby payment of the Exercise Price is accomplished with the proceeds of the sale of Shares deliverable upon the exercise of the Option, (ii) through the cashless exercise process set out in Section 4.5(b), or (iii) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Securities Laws, or any combination of the foregoing methods of payment.
(b) Unless otherwise specified by the Plan Administrator and set forth in the particular Award Agreement, if permitted by the Plan Administrator, and subject to compliance with the policies of the Exchange and applicable Securities Laws, if applicable, a Participant may, in lieu of exercising an Option pursuant to an Exercise Notice, elect to surrender such Option to the Corporation (a “Cashless Exercise”) in consideration for an amount from the Corporation equal to (i) the Market Price of the Shares issuable on the exercise of such Option (or portion thereof) as of the date such Option (or portion thereof) is exercised, less (ii) the aggregate Exercise Price of the Option (or portion thereof) surrendered relating to such Shares (the “In-the-Money Amount”), by written notice to the Corporation indicating the number of Options such Participant wishes to exercise using the Cashless Exercise, and such other information that the Corporation may require. Subject to Section 8.3, the Corporation shall satisfy payment of the In-the-Money Amount
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by delivering to the Participant such number of Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole number) having a fair market value equal to the In-the-Money Amount.
(c) No Shares will be issued or transferred until full payment therefor has been received by the Corporation, or arrangements for such payment have been made to the satisfaction of the Plan Administrator.
(d) If a Participant surrenders Options through a Cashless Exercise pursuant to Section 4.5(b), to the extent that such Participant would be entitled to a deduction under paragraph 110(1)(d) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act") in respect of such surrender if the election described in subsection 110(1.1) of the Tax Act were made and filed (and the other procedures described therein were undertaken) on a timely basis after such surrender, the Corporation will cause such election to be so made and filed (and such other procedures to be so undertaken).
ARTICLE 5 RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS
5.1 Granting of RSUs
(a) The Plan Administrator may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of this Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Plan Administrator may prescribe, grant RSUs to any Participant in respect of compensation, a bonus or similar payment in respect of services rendered by the applicable Participant in a taxation year (the "RSU Service Year"). The terms and conditions of each RSU grant may be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each RSU will consist of a right to receive a Share, cash payment, or a combination thereof (as provided in Section 5.4(a)), upon the settlement of such RSU.
(b) The number of RSUs (including fractional RSUs) granted at any particular time pursuant to this Article 5 will be calculated by dividing (i) the amount of any bonus or similar payment that is to be paid in RSUs, as determined by the Plan Administrator, by (ii) the greater of (A) the Market Price of a Share on the Date of Grant; and (B) such amount as determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion.
5.2 RSU Account
All RSUs received by a Participant shall be credited to an account maintained for the Participant on the books of the Corporation, as of the Date of Grant.
5.3 Vesting of RSUs
The Plan Administrator shall have the authority to determine any vesting terms applicable to the grant of RSUs, provided that, with respect to a U.S. Taxpayer, the terms comply with Section 409A.
5.4 Settlement of RSUs
(a) The Plan Administrator shall have the sole authority to determine the settlement terms applicable to the grant of RSUs, provided that with respect to a U.S. Taxpayer the terms comply with Section 409A to the extent it is applicable. Subject to Section 11.6(d) below
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and except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, on the settlement date for any RSU, the Participant shall redeem each vested RSU for the following at the election of the Participant but subject to the approval of the Plan Administrator:
(i) one fully paid and non-assessable Share issued from treasury to the Participant or as the Participant may direct,
(ii) a cash payment, or
(iii) a combination of Shares and cash as contemplated by paragraphs (i) and (ii) above.
(b) Any cash payments made under this Section 5.4 by the Corporation to a Participant in respect of RSUs to be redeemed for cash shall be calculated by multiplying the number of RSUs to be redeemed for cash by the Market Price per Share as at the settlement date.
(c) Payment of cash to Participants on the redemption of vested RSUs may be made through the Corporation's payroll in the pay period that the settlement date falls within, if applicable.
(d) Notwithstanding any other terms of this Plan but subject to Section 11.6(d) below and except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, no settlement date for any RSU shall occur, and no Share shall be issued or cash payment shall be made in respect of any RSU, under this Section 5.4 any later than the final Business Day of the third calendar year following the applicable RSU Service Year.
ARTICLE 6
PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS
6.1 Granting of PSUs
The Plan Administrator may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of this Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Plan Administrator may prescribe, grant PSUs to any Participant in respect of compensation, a bonus or similar payment in respect of services rendered by the applicable Participant in a taxation year (the "PSU Service Year"). The terms and conditions of each PSU grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, provided that with respect to a U.S. Taxpayer the terms comply with Section 409A to the extent it is applicable. Each PSU will consist of a right to receive a Share, cash payment, or a combination thereof (as provided in Section 6.6(a)), upon the achievement of such Performance Goals during such performance periods as the Plan Administrator shall establish.
6.2 Terms of PSUs
The Performance Goals to be achieved during any performance period, the length of any performance period, the amount of any PSUs granted, the effect of termination of a Participant's service and the amount of any payment or transfer to be made pursuant to any PSU will be determined by the Plan Administrator and by the other terms and conditions of any PSU, all as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
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6.3 Performance Goals
The Plan Administrator will issue Performance Goals prior to or on the Date of Grant to which such Performance Goals pertain. The Performance Goals may be based upon the achievement of corporate, divisional or individual goals, and may be applied to performance relative to an index or comparator group, or on any other basis determined by the Plan Administrator. Following the Date of Grant, the Plan Administrator may modify the Performance Goals as necessary to align them with the Corporation's corporate objectives, subject to any limitations set forth in an Award Agreement or an employment or other agreement with a Participant. The Performance Goals may include a threshold level of performance below which no payment will be made (or no vesting will occur), levels of performance at which specified payments will be made (or specified vesting will occur), and a maximum level of performance above which no additional payment will be made (or at which full vesting will occur), all as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
6.4 PSU Account
All PSUs received by a Participant shall be credited to an account maintained for the Participant on the books of the Corporation, as of the Date of Grant.
6.5 Vesting of PSUs
The Plan Administrator shall have the authority to determine any vesting terms applicable to the grant of PSUs.
6.6 Settlement of PSUs
(a) The Plan Administrator shall have the authority to determine the settlement terms applicable to the grant of PSUs provided that with respect to a U.S. Taxpayer the terms comply with Section 409A to the extent it is applicable. Subject to Section 11.6(d) below and except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, on the settlement date for any PSU, the Participant shall redeem each vested PSU for the following at the election of the Participant but subject to the approval of the Plan Administrator:
(i) one fully paid and non-assessable Share issued from treasury to the Participant or as the Participant may direct,
(ii) a cash payment, or
(iii) a combination of Shares and cash as contemplated by paragraphs (i) and (ii) above.
(b) Any cash payments made under this Section 6.6 by the Corporation to a Participant in respect of PSUs to be redeemed for cash shall be calculated by multiplying the number of PSUs to be redeemed for cash by the Market Price per Share as at the settlement date.
(c) Payment of cash to Participants on the redemption of vested PSUs may be made through the Corporation's payroll in the pay period that the settlement date falls within, if applicable.
(d) Notwithstanding any other terms of this Plan but subject to Section 11.6(d) below and except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, no settlement date for any PSU shall occur, and no Share shall be issued or cash payment shall be made in respect of any PSU, under this Section 6.6 any later than the final Business Day of the third calendar year following the applicable PSU Service Year.
ARTICLE 7
DEFERRED SHARE UNITS
7.1 Granting of DSUs
(a) The Board may fix from time to time a portion of the Director Fees that is to be payable in the form of DSUs. In addition, each Electing Person is given, subject to the conditions stated herein, the right to elect in accordance with Section 7.1(b) to participate in the grant of additional DSUs pursuant to this Article 7. An Electing Person who elects to participate in the grant of additional DSUs pursuant to this Article 7 shall receive their Elected Amount (as that term is defined below) in the form of DSUs. The “Elected Amount” shall be an amount, as elected by the Director, in accordance with applicable tax law, between 0% and 100% of any Director Fees that would otherwise be paid in cash (the “Cash Fees”).
(b) Each Electing Person who elects to receive their Elected Amount in the form of DSUs will be required to file a notice of election in the form of Schedule A hereto (the “Election Notice”) with the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation: (i) in the case of an existing Electing Person, by December 31st in the year prior to the year to which such election is to apply (other than for Director Fees payable for the 2023 financial year, in which case any Electing Person who is not a U.S. Taxpayer as of the date of this Plan shall file the Election Notice by the date that is 30 days from the Effective Date with respect to compensation paid for services to be performed after such date); and (ii) in the case of a newly appointed Electing Person who is not a U.S. Taxpayer, within 30 days of such appointment with respect to compensation paid for services to be performed after such date. In the case of the first year in which an Electing Person who is a U.S. Taxpayer first becomes an Electing Person under the Plan (or any plan required to be aggregated with the Plan under Section 409A), an initial Election Notice may be filed within 30 days of such appointment only with respect to compensation paid for services to be performed after the end of the 30-day election period. If no election is made within the foregoing time frames, the Electing Person shall be deemed to have elected to be paid the entire amount of his or her Cash Fees in cash.
(c) Subject to Subsection 7.1(d), the election of an Electing Person under Subsection 7.1(b) shall be deemed to apply to all Cash Fees paid subsequent to the filing of the Election Notice. In the case of an Electing Person who is a U.S. Taxpayer, his or her election under Section 7.1(b) shall be deemed to apply to all Cash Fees that are earned after the Election Date. An Electing Person is not required to file another Election Notice for subsequent calendar years.
(d) Each Electing Person who is not a U.S. Taxpayer is entitled once per calendar year to terminate his or her election to receive DSUs by filing with the Chief Financial Officer of
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the Corporation a termination notice in the form of Schedule B. Such termination shall be effective immediately upon receipt of such notice, provided that the Corporation has not imposed a "black-out" on trading. Thereafter, any portion of such Electing Person's Cash Fees payable or paid in the same calendar year and, subject to complying with Subsection 7.1(b), all subsequent calendar years shall be paid in cash. For greater certainty, to the extent an Electing Person terminates his or her participation in the grant of DSUs pursuant to this Article 7, he or she shall not be entitled to elect to receive the Elected Amount, or any other amount of his or her Cash Fees in DSUs again until the calendar year following the year in which the termination notice is delivered. An election by a U.S. Taxpayer to receive the Elected Amount in DSUs for any calendar year (or portion thereof) is irrevocable for that calendar year after the expiration of the election period for that year and any termination of the election will not take effect until the first day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the termination notice in the form of Schedule C is delivered.
(e) Any DSUs granted pursuant to this Article 7 prior to the delivery of a termination notice pursuant to Section 7.1(d) shall remain in the Plan following such termination and will be redeemable only in accordance with the terms of the Plan.
(f) The number of DSUs (including fractional DSUs) granted at any particular time pursuant to this Article 7 will be calculated by dividing (i) the amount of Director Fees that are to be paid as DSUs, as determined by the Plan Administrator or Director Fees that are to be paid in DSUs (including any Elected Amount), by (ii) the Market Price of a Share on the Date of Grant.
(g) In addition to the foregoing, the Plan Administrator may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of this Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Plan Administrator may prescribe, grant DSUs to any Participant.
7.2 DSU Account
All DSUs received by a Participant (which, for greater certainty includes Electing Persons) shall be credited to an account maintained for the Participant on the books of the Corporation, as of the Date of Grant. The terms and conditions of each DSU grant shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement.
7.3 Vesting of DSUs
Except as otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator or as set forth in the particular Award Agreement, DSUs shall vest immediately upon grant.
7.4 Settlement of DSUs
(a) DSUs shall be settled on the date established in the Award Agreement; provided, however that if there is no Award Agreement or the Award Agreement does not establish a date for the settlement of the DSUs, then, for a Participant who is not a U.S. Taxpayer the settlement date shall be the date determined by the Participant (which date shall not be earlier than the Termination Date), and for a Participant who is a U.S. taxpayer, the settlement date shall be the date determined by the Participant in accordance with the Election Notice (which date shall not be earlier than the "separation from service" (within
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the meaning of Section 409A)). On the settlement date for any DSU, the Participant shall redeem each vested DSU for:
(i) one fully paid and non-assessable Share issued from treasury to the Participant or as the Participant may direct; or
(ii) at the election of the Participant and subject to the approval of the Plan Administrator, a cash payment.
(b) Any cash payments made under this Section 7.4 by the Corporation to a Participant in respect of DSUs to be redeemed for cash shall be calculated by multiplying the number of DSUs to be redeemed for cash by the Market Price per Share as at the settlement date.
(c) Payment of cash to Participants on the redemption of vested DSUs may be made through the Corporation's payroll or in such other manner as determined by the Corporation, if applicable.
7.5 No Additional Amount or Benefit
For greater certainty, neither a Participant to whom DSUs are granted nor any person with whom such Participant does not deal at arm's length (for purposes of the Tax Act) shall be entitled, either immediately or in the future, either absolutely or contingently, to receive or obtain any amount or benefit granted or to be granted for the purpose of reducing the impact, in whole or in part, of any reduction in the Market Price of the Shares to which the DSUs relate.
ARTICLE 8 ADDITIONAL AWARD TERMS
8.1 Dividend Equivalents
(a) Unless otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator or as set forth in the particular Award Agreement, an Award of RSUs, PSUs and DSUs shall include the right for such RSUs, PSUs and DSUs be credited with dividend equivalents in the form of additional RSUs, PSUs and DSUs, respectively, as of each dividend payment date in respect of which normal cash dividends are paid on Shares. Such dividend equivalents shall be computed by dividing: (a) the amount obtained by multiplying the amount of the dividend declared and paid per Share by the number of RSUs, PSUs and DSUs, as applicable, held by the Participant on the record date for the payment of such dividend, by (b) the Market Price at the close of the first Business Day immediately following the dividend record date, with fractions computed to three decimal places. Dividend equivalents credited to a Participant's account shall vest in proportion to the RSUs, PSUs and DSUs to which they relate, and shall be settled in accordance with Subsections 5.4, 6.6, and 7.4 respectively.
(b) The foregoing does not obligate the Corporation to declare or pay dividends on Shares and nothing in this Plan shall be interpreted as creating such an obligation.
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8.2 Black-out Period
In the event that an Award expires at a time when a scheduled blackout is in place or an undisclosed material change or material fact in the affairs of the Corporation exists, the expiry of such Award will be the date that is 10 Business Days after which such scheduled blackout terminates or there is no longer such undisclosed material change or material fact.
8.3 Withholding Taxes
Notwithstanding any other terms of this Plan, the granting, vesting or settlement of each Award under this Plan is subject to the condition that if at any time the Plan Administrator determines, in its discretion, that the satisfaction of withholding tax or other withholding liabilities is necessary or desirable in respect of such grant, vesting or settlement, such action is not effective unless such withholding has been effected to the satisfaction of the Plan Administrator. In such circumstances, the Plan Administrator may require that a Participant pay to the Corporation the minimum amount as the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation is obliged to withhold or remit to the relevant taxing authority in respect of the granting, vesting or settlement of the Award. Any such additional payment is due no later than the date on which such amount with respect to the Award is required to be remitted to the relevant tax authority by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, as the case may be. Alternatively, and subject to any requirements or limitations under applicable law, the Corporation or any Affiliate may (a) withhold such amount from any remuneration or other amount payable by the Corporation or any Affiliate to the Participant, (b) require the sale, on behalf of the applicable Participant, of a number of Shares issued upon exercise, vesting, or settlement of such Award and the remittance to the Corporation of the net proceeds from such sale sufficient to satisfy such amount, or (c) enter into any other suitable arrangements for the receipt of such amount.
8.4 Recoupment
Notwithstanding any other terms of this Plan, Awards may be subject to potential cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback or other action in accordance with the terms of any clawback, recoupment or similar policy adopted by the Corporation or the relevant subsidiary of the Corporation, or as set out in the Participant's employment agreement, Award Agreement or other written agreement, or as otherwise required by law or the rules of the Exchange, if applicable. The Plan Administrator may at any time waive the application of this Section 8.4 to any Participant or category of Participants.
ARTICLE 9 TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICES
9.1 Termination of Employee, Consultant or Director
Subject to Section 9.2, unless otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator or as set forth in an employment agreement, Award Agreement or other written agreement:
(a) where a Participant's employment, consulting agreement or arrangement is terminated or the Participant ceases to hold office or his or her position, as applicable, by reason of voluntary resignation by the Participant or termination by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation for Cause, then any Option or other Award held by the Participant that has not been exercised, surrendered or settled as of the Termination Date shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled as of the Termination Date;
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(b) where a Participant’s employment, consulting agreement or arrangement is terminated by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation without Cause (whether such termination occurs with or without any or adequate reasonable notice, or with or without any or adequate compensation in lieu of such reasonable notice) then any unvested Options or other Awards shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled as of the Termination Date. Any vested Options may be exercised by the Participant at any time during the period that terminates on the earlier of: (A) the Expiry Date of such Option; and (B) the date that is 10 days after the Termination Date. If an Option remains unexercised upon the earlier of (A) or (B), the Option shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled for no consideration upon the termination of such period. In the case of a vested Award other than an Option, such Award will be settled within 10 days after the Termination Date;
(c) where a Participant’s employment, consulting agreement or arrangement terminates on account of his or her becoming Disabled, then any Award held by the Participant that has not vested as of the date of the Participant’s Termination Date shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled as of the Termination Date. Any vested Option may be exercised by the Participant at any time until the Expiry Date of such Option. Any vested Award other than an Option will be settled within 90 days after the Termination Date;
(d) where a Participant’s employment, consulting agreement or arrangement is terminated by reason of the death of the Participant, then any Award that is held by the Participant that has not vested as of the date of the death of such Participant shall immediately forfeited and cancelled as of the Termination Date. Any vested Option may be exercised by the Participant’s beneficiary or legal representative (as applicable) at any time during the period that terminates on the earlier of: (A) the Expiry Date of such Option; and (B) the first anniversary of the date of the death of such Participant. If an Option remains unexercised upon the earlier of (A) or (B), the Option shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled for no consideration upon the termination of such period. In the case of a vested Award other than an Option, such Award will be settled with the Participant’s beneficiary or legal representative (as applicable) within 90 days after the date of the Participant’s death;
(e) where a Participant’s employment, consulting agreement or arrangement is terminated due to the Participant’s Retirement, then (i) any outstanding Award that vests or becomes exercisable based solely on the Participant remaining in the service of the Corporation or its subsidiary will become 100% vested, and (ii) any outstanding Award that vests based on the achievement of Performance Goals and that has not previously become vested shall continue to be eligible to vest based upon the actual achievement of such Performance Goals. Any vested Option may be exercised by the Participant at any time during the period that terminates on the earlier of: (A) the Expiry Date of such Option; and (B) the third anniversary of the Participant’s date of Retirement. If an Option remains unexercised upon the earlier of (A) or (B), the Option shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled for no consideration upon the termination of such period. In the case of a vested Award other than an Option that is described in (i), such Award will be settled within 90 days after the Participant’s Retirement. In the case of a vested Award other than an Option that is described in (ii), such Award will be settled at the same time the Award would otherwise have been settled had the Participant remained in active service
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with the Corporation or its subsidiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if, following his or her Retirement, the Participant commences (the “Commencement Date”) employment, consulting or acting as a director of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries (or in an analogous capacity) or otherwise as a service provider to any Person that carries on or proposes to carry on a business competitive with the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, any Option or other Award held by the Participant that has not been exercised or settled as of the Commencement Date shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled as of the Commencement Date;
(f) a Participant’s eligibility to receive further grants of Options or other Awards under this Plan ceases as of:
(i) the date that the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, as the case may be, provides the Participant with written notification that the Participant’s employment, consulting agreement or arrangement is terminated, notwithstanding that such date may be prior to the Termination Date; or
(ii) the date of the death, Disability or Retirement of the Participant;
(g) notwithstanding Subsection 9.1(b), unless the Plan Administrator, in its discretion, otherwise determines, at any time and from time to time, but with due regard for Section 409A, Options or other Awards are not affected by a change of employment or consulting agreement or arrangement, or directorship within or among the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation for so long as the Participant continues to be a Director, Officer, Employee or Consultant, as applicable, of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation; and
(h) notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 9.1, in the case of an Award (other than an Option) granted to a U.S. Taxpayer that is vested or that immediately vests (in whole or in part) as a result of a Participant’s termination of service, then such Award will, subject to Section 11.6(d), be settled as soon as administratively practicable following the Participant’s termination of service, but in no event later than 90 days following the Participant’s termination of service. In the case of an Award (other than an Option) granted to a U.S. Taxpayer that remains eligible to vest (in whole or in part) following a Participant’s termination of service based upon the achievement of one or more Performance Goals, such Award will be settled at the originally scheduled settlement date for such Award.
9.2 Discretion to Permit Acceleration
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 9.1, the Plan Administrator may, in its discretion, at any time prior to, or following the events contemplated in such Section, or in an employment agreement, Award Agreement or other written agreement between the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation and the Participant, permit the acceleration of vesting of any or all Awards or waive termination of any or all Awards, all in the manner and on the terms as may be authorized by the Plan Administrator.
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ARTICLE 10
EVENTS AFFECTING THE CORPORATION
10.1 General
The existence of any Awards does not affect in any way the right or power of the Corporation or its shareholders to make, authorize or determine any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization or any other change in the Corporation's capital structure or its business, or any amalgamation, combination, arrangement, merger or consolidation involving the Corporation, to create or issue any bonds, debentures, Shares or other securities of the Corporation or to determine the rights and conditions attaching thereto, to effect the dissolution or liquidation of the Corporation or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or to effect any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise, whether or not any such action referred to in this Article 10 would have an adverse effect on this Plan or on any Award granted hereunder.
10.2 Change in Control
Except as may be set forth in an employment agreement, Award Agreement or other written agreement between the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation and the Participant and subject to this Section 10.2, but notwithstanding anything else in this Plan or any Award Agreement, the Plan Administrator may, without the consent of any Participant, take such steps as it deems necessary or desirable, including to cause (i) the conversion or exchange of any outstanding Awards into or for, rights or other securities of substantially equivalent value, as determined by the Plan Administrator in its discretion, in any entity participating in or resulting from a Change in Control; (ii) outstanding Awards to vest and become exercisable, realizable, or payable, or restrictions applicable to an Award to lapse, in whole or in part prior to or upon consummation of such merger or Change in Control, and, to the extent the Plan Administrator determines, terminate upon or immediately prior to the effectiveness of such merger or Change in Control; (iii) the termination of an Award in exchange for an amount of cash and/or property, if any, equal to the amount that would have been attained upon the exercise or settlement of such Award or realization of the Participant's rights as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction (and, for the avoidance of doubt, if as of the date of the occurrence of the transaction the Plan Administrator determines in good faith that no amount would have been attained upon the exercise or settlement of such Award or realization of the Participant's rights, then such Award may be terminated by the Corporation without payment); (iv) the replacement of such Award with other rights or property selected by the Board in its sole discretion where such replacement would not adversely affect the holder; or (v) any combination of the foregoing. In taking any of the actions permitted under this Section 10.2, the Plan Administrator will not be required to treat all Awards similarly in the transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of Options held by a Canadian Taxpayer, the Plan Administrator may not cause the Canadian Taxpayer to receive (pursuant to this Section 10.2) any property in connection with a Change in Control other than rights to acquire shares of a corporation or units of a "mutual fund trust" (as defined in the Tax Act), of the Corporation or a "qualifying person" (as defined in the Tax Act) that does not deal at arm's length (for purposes of the Tax Act) with the Corporation, as applicable, at the time such rights are issued or granted.
(a) Notwithstanding Subsection 10.2 and unless otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator, if, as a result of a Change in Control, the Shares will cease trading on an Exchange, then the Corporation may terminate all of the Awards, other than an Option held by a Canadian Taxpayer for the purposes of the Tax Act, granted under this Plan at the time of and subject to the completion of the Change in Control transaction by paying
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to each holder at or within a reasonable period of time following completion of such Change in Control transaction an amount for each Award equal to the fair market value of the Award held by such Participant as determined by the Plan Administrator, acting reasonably, provided that any vested Awards granted to U.S. Taxpayers will be settled within 90 days of the Change in Control.
(b) It is intended that any actions taken under this Section 10.2 will comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code with respect to Awards granted to U.S. Taxpayers.
10.3 Reorganization of Corporation’s Capital
Should the Corporation effect a subdivision or consolidation of Shares or any similar capital reorganization or a payment of a stock dividend (other than a stock dividend that is in lieu of a cash dividend), or should any other change be made in the capitalization of the Corporation that does not constitute a Change in Control and that would warrant the amendment or replacement of any existing Awards in order to adjust the number of Shares that may be acquired on the vesting of outstanding Awards and/or the terms of any Award in order to preserve proportionately the rights and obligations of the Participants holding such Awards, the Plan Administrator will, subject to the prior approval of the Exchange, if applicable, and in compliance with applicable Securities Laws, authorize such steps to be taken as it may consider to be equitable and appropriate to that end.
10.4 Other Events Affecting the Corporation
In the event of an amalgamation, combination, arrangement, merger or other transaction or reorganization involving the Corporation and occurring by exchange of Shares, by sale or lease of assets or otherwise, that does not constitute a Change in Control and that warrants the amendment or replacement of any existing Awards in order to adjust the number and/or type of Shares that may be acquired, or by reference to which such Awards may be settled, on the vesting of outstanding Awards and/or the terms of any Award in order to preserve proportionately the rights and obligations of the Participants holding such Awards, the Plan Administrator will, subject to the prior approval of the Exchange and compliance with applicable Securities Laws, if applicable, authorize such steps to be taken as it may consider to be equitable and appropriate to that end.
10.5 Immediate Acceleration of Awards
In taking any of the steps provided in Sections 10.3 and 10.4, the Plan Administrator will not be required to treat all Awards similarly and where the Plan Administrator determines that the steps provided in Sections 10.3 and 10.4 would not preserve proportionately the rights, value and obligations of the Participants holding such Awards in the circumstances or otherwise determines that it is appropriate, the Plan Administrator may, but is not required to, permit the immediate vesting of any unvested Awards.
10.6 Issue by Corporation of Additional Shares
Except as expressly provided in this Article 10, neither the issue by the Corporation of shares of any class or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of any class, nor the conversion or exchange of such shares or securities, affects, and no adjustment by reason thereof is to be made with respect to the number of Shares that may be acquired as a result of a grant of Awards.
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10.7 Fractions
No fractional Shares will be issued pursuant to an Award. Accordingly, if, as a result of any adjustment under this Article 10 or a dividend equivalent, a Participant would become entitled to a fractional Share, the Participant has the right to acquire only the adjusted number of full Shares and no payment or other adjustment will be made with respect to the fractional Shares, which shall be disregarded.
ARTICLE 11
U.S. TAXPAYERS
11.1 Provisions for U.S. Taxpayers
Options granted under this Plan to U.S. Taxpayers may be non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options qualifying under Section 422 of the Code ("ISOs"). Each Option shall be designated in the Award Agreement as either an ISO or a non-qualified stock option. If an Award Agreement fails to designate an Option as either an ISO or non-qualified stock option, the Option will be a non-qualified stock option. The Corporation shall not be liable to any Participant or to any other Person if it is determined that an Option intended to be an ISO does not qualify as an ISO. Non-qualified stock options will be granted to a U.S. Taxpayer only if (i) such U.S. Taxpayer performs services for the Corporation or any corporation or other entity in which the Corporation has a direct or indirect controlling interest or otherwise has a significant ownership interest, as determined under Section 409A, such that the Option will constitute an option to acquire "service recipient stock" within the meaning of Section 409A, or (ii) such option otherwise is exempt from Section 409A.
11.2 ISOs
The terms and conditions of any ISOs granted to a U.S. Taxpayer on the Date of Grant hereunder, including the eligible recipients of ISOs, shall be subject to the provisions of Section 422 of the Code, and the terms, conditions, limitations and administrative procedures established by the Plan Administrator from time to time in accordance with this Plan. At the discretion of the Plan Administrator, ISOs may only be granted to an individual who is an employee of the Corporation, or of a "parent corporation" or "subsidiary corporation" of the Corporation, as such terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code.
11.3 ISO Grants to 10% Shareholders
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Plan, if an ISO is granted to a person who owns shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of shares of the Corporation or of a "parent corporation" or "subsidiary corporation", as such terms are defined in Section 424(e) and (f) of the Code, on the Date of Grant, the term of the Option shall not exceed five years from the time of grant of such Option and the Exercise Price shall be at least 110% of the Market Price of the Shares subject to the Option.
11.4 $100,000 Per Year Limitation for ISOs
To the extent the aggregate Market Price as at the Date of Grant of the Shares for which ISOs are exercisable for the first time by any person during any calendar year (under all plans of the Corporation and any "parent corporation" or "subsidiary corporation", as such terms are defined in Section 424(e) and (f) of the Code) exceeds US$100,000, such excess ISOs shall be treated as non-qualified stock options.
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11.5 Disqualifying Dispositions
Each person awarded an ISO under this Plan shall notify the Corporation in writing immediately after the date he or she makes a disposition or transfer of any Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of such ISO if such disposition or transfer is made (a) within two years from the Date of Grant or (b) within one year after the date such person acquired the Shares. Such notice shall specify the date of such disposition or other transfer and the amount realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, by the person in such disposition or other transfer. The Corporation may, if determined by the Plan Administrator and in accordance with procedures established by it, retain possession of any Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO as agent for the applicable person until the end of the later of the periods described in (a) or (b) above, subject to complying with any instructions from such person as to the sale of such Shares.
11.6 Section 409A of the Code
(a) This Plan will be construed and interpreted to be exempt from, or where not so exempt, to comply with Section 409A of the Code to the extent required to preserve the intended tax consequences of this Plan. Any reference in this Plan to Section 409A of the Code shall also include any regulation promulgated thereunder or any other formal guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to Section 409A of the Code. Each Award shall be construed and administered such that the Award either (A) qualifies for an exemption from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or (B) satisfies the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. If an Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, (I) distributions shall only be made in a manner and upon an event permitted under section 409A of the Code, (II) payments to be made upon a termination of employment or service shall only be made upon a "separation from service" under Section 409A of the Code, (III) unless the Award specifies otherwise, each installment payment shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, and (IV) in no event shall a Participant, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year in which a distribution is made except in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that an Award or payment, or the settlement or deferral thereof, is subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Award will be granted, paid, settled or deferred in a manner that will meet the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, such that the grant, payment, settlement or deferral will not be subject to the additional tax or interest applicable under Section 409A of the Code. The Corporation reserves the right to amend this Plan to the extent it reasonably determines is necessary in order to preserve the intended tax consequences of this Plan in light of Section 409A of the Code. In no event will the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or Affiliates be liable for any tax, interest or penalties that may be imposed on a Participant under Section 409A of the Code or any damages for failing to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
(b) All terms of the Plan that are undefined or ambiguous must be interpreted in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code if necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
(c) The Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, may permit the acceleration of the time or schedule of payment of a U.S. Taxpayer's vested Awards in the Plan under circumstances that constitute permissible acceleration events under Section 409A of the Code.
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(d) Notwithstanding any provisions of the Plan to the contrary, in the case of any “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code who is a U.S. Taxpayer, distributions of non-qualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code made in connection with a “separation from service” within the meaning set forth in Section 409A of the Code may not be made prior to the date which is six months after the date of separation from service (or, if earlier, the date of death of the U.S. Taxpayer). Any amounts subject to a delay in payment pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be paid as soon practicable following such six-month anniversary of such separation from service.
11.7 Section 83(b) Election
If a Participant makes an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to an Award of Shares subject to vesting or other forfeiture conditions, the Participant shall be required to promptly file a copy of such election with the Corporation.
11.8 Application of Article 11 to U.S. Taxpayers
For greater certainty, the provisions of this Article 11 shall only apply to U.S. Taxpayers.
ARTICLE 12 AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN
12.1 Amendment, Suspension, or Termination of the Plan
The Plan Administrator may from time to time, without notice and without approval of the holders of voting shares of the Corporation, amend, modify, change, suspend or terminate the Plan or any Awards granted pursuant to the Plan as it, in its discretion determines appropriate, provided, however, that:
(a) no such amendment, modification, change, suspension or termination of the Plan or any Awards granted hereunder may materially impair any rights of a Participant or materially increase any obligations of a Participant under the Plan without the consent of the Participant, unless the Plan Administrator determines such adjustment is required or desirable in order to comply with any applicable Securities Laws or Exchange requirements; and
(b) any amendment that would cause an Award held by a U.S. Taxpayer to be subject to income inclusion under Section 409A of the Code shall be null and void ab initio with respect to the U.S. Taxpayer unless the consent of the U.S. Taxpayer is obtained.
12.2 Shareholder Approval
Notwithstanding Section 12.1 and subject to any rules of the Exchange, if applicable, approval of the holders of Shares shall be required for any amendment, modification or change that:
(a) increases the percentage of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, except pursuant to the provisions under Article 10 which permit the Plan Administrator to make equitable adjustments in the event of transactions affecting the Corporation or its capital;
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(b) reduces the exercise price of an Option Award except pursuant to the provisions in the Plan which permit the Plan Administrator to make equitable adjustments in the event of transactions affecting the Corporation or its capital;
(c) extends the term of an Option Award beyond the original Expiry Date (except where an Expiry Date would have fallen within a blackout period applicable to the Participant or within 10 Business Days following the expiry of such a blackout period);
(d) permits an Option Award to be exercisable beyond 10 years from its Date of Grant (except where an Expiry Date would have fallen within a blackout period of the Corporation);
(e) changes the eligible participants of the Plan; or
(f) deletes or reduces the range of amendments which require approval of shareholders under this Section 12.2.
12.3 Permitted Amendments
Without limiting the generality of Section 12.1, but subject to Section 12.2, the Plan Administrator may, without shareholder approval, at any time or from time to time, amend the Plan for the purposes of:
(a) making any amendments to the general vesting provisions of each Award;
(b) making any amendments to the provisions set out in Article 9;
(c) making any amendments to add covenants of the Corporation for the protection of Participants, as the case may be, provided that the Plan Administrator shall be of the good faith opinion that such additions will not be prejudicial to the rights or interests of the Participants, as the case may be;
(d) making any amendments not inconsistent with the Plan as may be necessary or desirable with respect to matters or questions which, in the good faith opinion of the Plan Administrator, having in mind the best interests of the Participants, it may be expedient to make, including amendments that are desirable as a result of changes in law in any jurisdiction where a Participant resides, provided that the Plan Administrator shall be of the opinion that such amendments and modifications will not be prejudicial to the interests of the Participants and Directors; or
(e) making such changes or corrections which, on the advice of counsel to the Corporation, are required for the purpose of curing or correcting any ambiguity or defect or inconsistent provision or clerical omission or mistake or manifest error, provided that the Plan Administrator shall be of the opinion that such changes or corrections will not be prejudicial to the rights and interests of the Participants.
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ARTICLE 13
MISCELLANEOUS
13.1 Legal Requirement
The Corporation is not obligated to grant any Awards, issue any Shares or other securities, make any payments or take any other action if, in the opinion of the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, such action would constitute a violation by a Participant or the Corporation of any provision of any applicable statutory or regulatory enactment of any government or government agency or the requirements of any Exchange upon which the Shares may then be listed, if applicable.
13.2 No Other Benefit
No amount will be paid to, or in respect of, a Participant under the Plan to compensate for a downward fluctuation in the price of a Share, nor will any other form of benefit be conferred upon, or in respect of, a Participant for such purpose.
13.3 Rights of Participant
No Participant has any claim or right to be granted an Award and the granting of any Award is not to be construed as giving a Participant a right to remain as an Employee, Consultant, Officer or Director. No Participant has any rights as a shareholder of the Corporation in respect of Shares issuable pursuant to any Award until the allotment and issuance to such Participant, or as such Participant may direct, of certificates representing such Shares.
13.4 Corporate Action
Nothing contained in this Plan or in an Award shall be construed so as to prevent the Corporation from taking corporate action which is deemed by the Corporation to be appropriate or in its best interest, whether or not such action would have an adverse effect on this Plan or any Award.
13.5 Conflict
In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Plan and an Award Agreement, the provisions of the Award Agreement shall govern. In the event of any conflict between or among the provisions of this Plan or any Award Agreement, on the one hand, and a Participant's employment agreement with the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, as the case may be, on the other hand, the provisions of the employment agreement or other written agreement shall prevail.
13.6 Anti-Hedging Policy
By accepting an Award each Participant acknowledges that he or she is restricted from purchasing financial instruments such as prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, or units of exchange funds that are designed to hedge or offset a decrease in market value of Awards.
13.7 Participant Information
Each Participant shall provide the Corporation with all information (including personal information) required by the Corporation in order to administer the Plan. Each Participant acknowledges that
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information required by the Corporation in order to administer the Plan may be disclosed to any custodian appointed in respect of the Plan and other third parties, and may be disclosed to such persons (including persons located in jurisdictions other than the Participant’s jurisdiction of residence), in connection with the administration of the Plan. Each Participant consents to such disclosure and authorizes the Corporation to make such disclosure on the Participant’s behalf.
13.8 Participation in the Plan
The participation of any Participant in the Plan is entirely voluntary and not obligatory and shall not be interpreted as conferring upon such Participant any rights or privileges other than those rights and privileges expressly provided in the Plan. In particular, participation in the Plan does not constitute a condition of employment or engagement nor a commitment on the part of the Corporation to ensure the continued employment or engagement of such Participant. The Plan does not provide any guarantee against any loss which may result from fluctuations in the market value of the Shares. The Corporation does not assume responsibility for the income or other tax consequences for the Participants and Directors and they are advised to consult with their own tax advisors.
13.9 International Participants
With respect to Participants who reside or work outside Canada and the United States, the Plan Administrator may, in its sole discretion, amend, or otherwise modify, without shareholder approval, the terms of the Plan or Awards with respect to such Participants in order to conform such terms with the provisions of local law, and the Plan Administrator may, where appropriate, establish one or more subplans to reflect such amended or otherwise modified provisions.
13.10 Successors and Assigns
The Plan shall be binding on all successors and assigns of the Corporation and its subsidiaries.
13.11 General Restrictions or Assignment
Except as required by law, the rights of a Participant under the Plan are not capable of being assigned, transferred, alienated, sold, encumbered, pledged, mortgaged or charged and are not capable of being subject to attachment or legal process for the payment of any debts or obligations of the Participant unless otherwise approved by the Plan Administrator.
13.12 Severability
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of the Plan shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision and any invalid or unenforceable provision shall be severed from the Plan.
13.13 Notices
(a) All written notices to be given by a Participant to the Corporation shall be delivered personally, e-mail or mail, postage prepaid, addressed as noted on the Corporation’s SEDAR profile: Attention: Chief Financial Officer
(b) All notices to a Participant will be addressed to the principal address of the Participant on file with the Corporation. Either the Corporation or the Participant may designate a
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different address by written notice to the other. Such notices are deemed to be received, if delivered personally or by e-mail, on the date of delivery, and if sent by mail, on the fifth Business Day following the date of mailing. Any notice given by either the Participant or the Corporation is not binding on the recipient thereof until received.
13.14 Effective Date
This Plan becomes effective on a date to be determined by the Plan Administrator, subject to the approval of the shareholders of the Corporation.
13.15 Governing Law
This Plan and all matters to which reference is made herein shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without any reference to conflicts of law rules.
13.16 Submission to Jurisdiction
The Corporation and each Participant irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of competent jurisdiction in the Province of British Columbia in respect of any action or proceeding relating in any way to the Plan, including, without limitation, with respect to the grant of Awards and any issuance of Shares made in accordance with the Plan.
SCHEDULE A
MUSK METALS CORP.
OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (THE “PLAN”)
ELECTION NOTICE
All capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.
Pursuant to the Plan, I hereby elect to participate in the grant of DSUs pursuant to Article 7 of the Plan and to receive [insert amount]% of my Cash Fees in the form of DSUs.
If I am a U.S. Taxpayer, I hereby further elect for any DSUs subject to this Election Notice to be settled on the later of (i) my “separation from service” (within the meaning of Section 409A) or (ii)
I confirm that:
(a) I have received and reviewed a copy of the terms of the Plan and agreed to be bound by them.
(b) I recognize that when DSUs credited pursuant to this election are redeemed in accordance with the terms of the Plan, income tax and other withholdings as required will arise at that time. Upon redemption of the DSUs, the Corporation will make all appropriate withholdings as required by law at that time.
(c) The value of DSUs is based on the value of the Shares of the Corporation and therefore is not guaranteed.
(d) To the extent I am a U.S. taxpayer, I understand that this election is irrevocable for the calendar year to which it applies and that any revocation or termination of this election after the expiration of the election period will not take effect until the first day of the calendar year following the year in which I file the revocation or termination notice with the Corporation.
The foregoing is only a brief outline of certain key provisions of the Plan. For more complete information, reference should be made to the Plan’s text.
Date: ________
(Signature of Participant)
(Name of Participant)
SCHEDULE B
MUSK METALS CORP.
OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (THE “PLAN”)
ELECTION TO TERMINATE RECEIPT OF ADDITIONAL DSUs
All capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.
Notwithstanding my previous election in the form of Schedule A to the Plan, I hereby elect that no portion of the Cash Fees accrued after the date hereof shall be paid in DSUs in accordance with Article 7 of the Plan.
I understand that the DSUs already granted under the Plan cannot be redeemed except in accordance with the Plan.
I confirm that I have received and reviewed a copy of the terms of the Plan and agree to be bound by them.
Date: _____
(Signature of Participant)
(Name of Participant)
Note: An election to terminate receipt of additional DSUs can only be made by a Participant once in a calendar year.
SCHEDULE C
MUSK METALS CORP.
OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN (THE “PLAN”)
ELECTION TO TERMINATE RECEIPT OF ADDITIONAL DSUs
(U.S. TAXPAYERS)
All capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan.
Notwithstanding my previous election in the form of Schedule A to the Plan, I hereby elect that no portion of the Cash Fees accrued after the effective date of this termination notice shall be paid in DSUs in accordance with Article 5 of the Plan.
I understand that this election to terminate receipt of additional DSUs will not take effect until the first day of the calendar year following the year in which I file this termination notice with the Corporation.
I understand that the DSUs already granted under the Plan cannot be redeemed except in accordance with the Plan.
I confirm that I have received and reviewed a copy of the terms of the Plan and agree to be bound by them.
Date: _____
(Signature of Participant)
(Name of Participant)
Note: An election to terminate receipt of additional DSUs can only be made by a Participant once in a calendar year.