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NatBridge Resources Ltd. — Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement 2025
Feb 18, 2025
48338_rns_2025-02-18_ef433a5b-44bd-44d4-81d1-71969759e58c.pdf
Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement
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GREAT EAGLE GOLD CORP.
NOTICE OF MEETING
AND
INFORMATION CIRCULAR
FOR THE
ANNUAL GENERAL & SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON
THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025
GREAT EAGLE GOLD CORP.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL & SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual general & special meeting (the "Meeting") of the holders ("Shareholders") of common shares ("Shares") of Great Eagle Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Great Eagle") will be held at Suite 501, 3292 Production Way, Burnaby, B.C., V5A 4R4, on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific time) for the following purposes:
- to receive the audited financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2024 together with the auditors' report thereon;
- to fix the number of directors to be elected at the Meeting at seven (7);
- to elect the directors of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of Shareholders;
- to re-appoint Davidson & Company LLP as the auditor for the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of Shareholders and to authorize the directors to fix their remuneration;
- to consider, and if thought fit, to pass an ordinary resolution (not including votes attaching to securities beneficially owned by related persons (as such term is defined in National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions) to whom securities may be issued as compensation or under the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan), to ratify, confirm and approve the adoption of the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, as described in the accompanying information circular and granting of equity awards thereunder in an amount up to 20% of the Company's total number of issued and outstanding common shares from time to time; and
- to transact such further or other business as may properly come before the Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.
This notice of Meeting is accompanied by the information circular and a form of proxy (the "Form of Proxy"). The information circular is expressly made part of this notice of Meeting. The information circular should be consulted for further details on matters to be acted upon.
DATED at Vancouver, British Columbia this 7th day of February, 2025.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GREAT EAGLE GOLD CORP.
(signed) Andrew Fletcher
Andrew Fletcher
President, CEO and Director
IMPORTANT
Only holders of Shares of record at the close of business on February 6, 2025 are entitled to notice of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof and only those holders of the Shares of record at the close of business on February 6, 2025, or who subsequently become Shareholders and comply with the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), are entitled to vote thereat.
If you are a registered Shareholder, please complete and submit the enclosed Form of Proxy or other appropriate form of proxy. Completed forms of proxy must be received by Endeavor Trust Corporation at their offices located at 702-777 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1S4, by mail or fax (604-559-8908), or email [email protected], in accordance with the instructions set out in the Proxy and in the Circular, at least 48 hours before the time of the Meeting (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), or any adjournment thereof.
If you are not a registered Shareholder, please complete the voting instruction form from your intermediary/broker and follow the instructions set out under "Advice to Beneficial Shareholders on Voting Their Shares" in the Circular.
GREAT EAGLE GOLD CORP.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR
INTRODUCTION
This management information circular (the "Circular") is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the management of Great Eagle Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Great Eagle") for use at the annual general and special meeting (the "Meeting") of holders ("Shareholders") of common Shares ("Shares") of the Company to be held at Suite 501, 3292 Production Way, Burnaby, B.C., V5A 4R4, on March 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific time) and at any adjournment or postponement thereof for the purposes set out in the accompanying Notice of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Notice of Meeting"). Unless otherwise stated, the information contained in the Circular is given as at February 6, 2025.
In order to ensure as many Shares as possible are represented at the Meeting, Registered Shareholders (as defined below) are strongly encouraged to complete the enclosed form of proxy (the "Form of Proxy") and return it as soon as possible in the envelope provided for that purpose. Beneficial Shareholders (as defined below) are strongly encouraged to complete the voting instruction form received from their respective intermediary/broker ("Intermediary") as soon as possible and to follow the instructions set out under "Advice to Beneficial Shareholders on Voting Their Shares" in the Circular.
Unless otherwise stated, all amounts are reported in Canadian dollars (CAD).
GENERAL PROXY INFORMATION
Solicitation of Proxies
This solicitation is made on behalf of the management of Great Eagle. Although it is expected that the solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail, proxies may also be solicited personally or by telephone by directors, officers, employees or agents of the Company. Pursuant to National Instrument 54-101 Communication With Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer ("NI 54-101"), arrangements have been made with clearing agencies, brokerage houses and other financial intermediaries to forward proxy solicitation material to Beneficial Shareholders. The cost of any such solicitation will be borne by the Company.
Appointment and Revocation of Proxies
The information provided in this section applies to Shareholders who hold Shares in their own name and have a share certificate or direct registration system (DRS) statement (a "Registered Shareholder"). As a Registered Shareholder, you are identified on the share register maintained by the Company's register and transfer agent, Endeavor Trust Corporation, as being a Shareholder.
The persons named in the Form of Proxy are directors and/or officers of the Company. A Registered Shareholder has the right to appoint a person (who need not be a Shareholder) to attend and represent such Registered Shareholder at the Meeting other than the persons designated in the Form of Proxy. To exercise this right, the Registered Shareholder should insert the name of the desired representative in the blank space provided in the Form of Proxy or submit another appropriate form of proxy.
In order to be effective, a proxy must be forwarded so as to reach, or be deposited with, the Company's registrar and transfer agent, Endeavor Trust Corporation at their offices located at 702-777 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1S4, by mail or fax (604-559-8908), or email [email protected], in accordance with the instructions set out in the Proxy and in the Circular, at least 48 hours before the time of the Meeting (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), preceding the Meeting or an adjournment or postponement thereof; provided that the Chairperson of the Meeting may, in his or her sole discretion, at the Meeting, elect to waive the requirement that proxies be deposited prior to the
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aforementioned time and accept any and all proxies deposited at or before the time of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
An instrument of proxy may be revoked at any time prior to the exercise thereof. In addition to revocation in any other manner permitted by law, a Registered Shareholder may revoke a proxy by:
(i) depositing an instrument in writing executed by the Registered Shareholder or by the Registered Shareholder's attorney authorized in writing or, if the Registered Shareholder is a corporation, by a duly authorized officer or attorney of the corporation:
(a) at the offices of the registrar and transfer agent of the Company, Endeavor Trust Corporation at their offices located at 702-777 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1S4, Canada, at any time, not less than 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays, preceding the Meeting, or an adjournment or postponement of the Meeting, at which the proxy is to be used;
(b) at the registered office of the Company, Suite 501, 3292 Production Way, Burnaby, BC V5A 4R4 Canada, at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting, at which the proxy is to be used; or
(c) with the Chairperson of the Meeting before the Meeting begins or, if the Meeting is adjourned or postponed, before the adjourned or postponed Meeting begins;
(ii) completing and signing another proxy form with a later date and delivering it to the registrar and transfer agent of the Company not less than 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays, preceding the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof; or
(iii) personally attending at the Meeting and voting the Shares represented by the proxy or, if the Registered Shareholder is a corporation, by a duly authorized officer or attorney of such corporation attending at the Meeting and voting such Shares.
Only Registered Shareholders have the right to revoke a proxy. Beneficial Shareholders who wish to change their vote must arrange for their respective Intermediary to revoke the proxy on their behalf in accordance with any requirements of the Intermediaries.
Voting of Proxies
All Shares represented at the Meeting by properly executed proxies will be voted and where a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon has been specified in the Form of Proxy, the Shares represented by the proxy will be voted in accordance with such specifications. In the absence of any such specifications, the management designees, if named as proxy, will vote in favour of all the matters set out herein.
The Form of Proxy confers discretionary authority upon the management designees, or other persons named as proxy, with respect to amendments to or variations of matters identified in the Notice of Meeting and any other matters that may properly come before the Meeting. At the date of the Circular, the Company is not aware of any amendments to, or variations of, or other matters that may come before the Meeting. In the event that other matters come before the Meeting, then the management designees intend to vote in accordance with the judgment of the management of the Company.
Advice to Beneficial Shareholders on Voting Their Shares
The information set forth in this section is of significant importance to many Shareholders, as a substantial number of Shareholders do not hold their Shares in their own name. Shareholders who do not hold their Shares in their own name (referred to in the Circular as "Beneficial Shareholders") should note that only Shareholders whose names appear on the records of the Company as the registered holders of Shares or their proxyholders are permitted to
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vote at the Meeting. If Shares are listed in an account statement provided to a Shareholder by a broker, then, in almost all cases, those shares will not be registered in the Shareholder's name on the records of the Company. Such shares will more likely be registered under the name of the Shareholder's broker or an agent of that broker. In Canada, the vast majority of such shares are registered under the name of CDS & Co. (the nominee of The Canadian Depository for Securities Limited, which acts as depositary for many Canadian brokerage firms). Shares held by brokers or their agents or nominees can only be voted (for or against resolutions) upon the instructions of the Beneficial Shareholder. Without specific instructions, a broker and its agents and nominees are prohibited from voting shares for the broker's clients. Therefore, Beneficial Shareholders should ensure that instructions respecting the voting of their Shares are communicated to the appropriate person.
Applicable regulatory rules require Intermediaries to seek voting instructions from Beneficial Shareholders in advance of Shareholders' meetings. Every Intermediary has its own mailing procedures and provides its own return instructions to clients, which should be carefully followed by Beneficial Shareholders in order to ensure that their Shares are voted at the Meeting. The majority of brokers now delegate responsibility for obtaining instructions from clients to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. ("Broadridge"). Broadridge typically provides a scannable voting instruction form or applies a special sticker to the proxy forms, mails those forms to the Beneficial Shareholders and asks Beneficial Shareholders to return the voting instruction forms to Broadridge. Often Beneficial Shareholders are alternatively provided with a toll-free telephone number to vote their shares or a website address where shares can be voted. Broadridge then tabulates the results of all instructions received and provides appropriate instructions respecting the voting of shares to be represented at the Meeting. A Beneficial Shareholder receiving a voting instruction form or a proxy with a Broadridge sticker on it cannot use that voting instruction form or proxy to vote Shares directly at the Meeting. The voting instruction form or proxy must be returned to Broadridge well in advance of the Meeting in order to have the Shares voted at the Meeting. If you have any questions respecting the voting of Shares held through an Intermediary, please contact that Intermediary for assistance.
Although a Beneficial Shareholder may not be recognized directly at the Meeting for the purposes of voting Shares registered in the name of their Intermediary (or an agent of the Intermediary), a Beneficial Shareholder may attend at the Meeting as proxyholder for the Registered Shareholder and vote the Shares in that capacity. Beneficial Shareholders who wish to attend the Meeting and indirectly vote their Shares as proxyholder for the Registered Shareholder should enter their own names in the blank space on the proxy form or voting instruction form provided to them and return the same to their Intermediary (or the agent of the Intermediary) in accordance with the instructions provided by such Intermediary (or agent), well in advance of the Meeting. Beneficial Shareholders should follow the instructions on the forms that they receive and contact their Intermediaries promptly if they require assistance.
Beneficial Shareholders who have not objected to their Intermediary disclosing certain ownership information about themselves to the Company are referred to as non-objecting beneficial owners or "NOBOs". Those Beneficial Shareholders who have objected to their Intermediary disclosing ownership information about themselves to the Company are referred to as objecting beneficial owners or "OBOs".
Pursuant to NI 54-101, the Company has distributed copies of proxy-related materials in connection with this Meeting (including the Circular) indirectly to all Beneficial Shareholders. The Company will be not be paying for Intermediaries to deliver to OBOs (who have not otherwise waived their right to receive proxy-related materials) copies of the proxy-related materials and related documents. The Company is not relying on the notice and access delivery procedures outlined in NI 54-101 to distribute copies of the proxy related materials in connection with the Meeting.
VOTING SHARES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Shares, of which 50,256,805 Shares and are issued and outstanding as of February 6, 2025.
The holders of Shares of record at the close of business on the record date, set by the directors of the Company to be February 6, 2025 (the "Record Date"), are entitled to vote such Shares at the Meeting on the basis of one (1) vote for each Common Share held, except to the extent that:
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such person transfers his, her or its Shares after the Record Date; and
- the transferee of those Shares produces properly endorsed share certificates or otherwise establishes his, her or its ownership of the Shares,
and makes a demand to the registrar and transfer agent of the Company, not later than ten (10) days before the Meeting, that his, her or its name be included on the Shareholders list for the Meeting.
The articles of the Company provide that two persons who are, or who represent by proxy, shareholders who, in the aggregate, hold at least 5% of the issued shares entitled to be voted at the Meeting.
To the knowledge of the directors and executive officers of the Company, as of the date hereof, no person or company (other than securities depositories) beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly, Shares carrying 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all outstanding Shares.
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The following information is presented in accordance with National Instrument Form 51-102F6V – Statement of Executive Compensation-Venture Issuers.
General
For the purposes of this Statement of Executive Compensation:
“CEO” means an individual who acted as chief executive officer of the Company, or acted in a similar capacity, for any part of the most recently completed financial year;
“CFO” means an individual who acted as chief financial officer of the Company, or acted in a similar capacity, for any part of the most recently completed financial year;
“Named Executive Officer” or “NEO” means each of the following individuals:
(a) a CEO;
(b) a CFO;
(c) each of the three most highly compensated executive officers of the Company, including any of its subsidiaries, or the three most highly compensated individuals acting in a similar capacity, other than the CEO and CFO, at the end of the most recently completed financial year and whose total compensation was, individually, more than $150,000 as determined in accordance with applicable securities laws; and
(d) each individual who would be a NEO under paragraph (c) but for the fact that the individual was neither an executive officer of the Company, nor acting in a similar capacity at the end of the most recently completed financial year.
For the purposes of the following disclosure, the Company’s NEOs for the financial year ended June 30, 2024 are: Andrew Fletcher, President and CEO and Gary Harbottle, CFO and Corporate Secretary.
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Director and Named Executive Officer Compensation, excluding Compensation Securities
The following table is a summary of compensation (excluding compensation securities) paid, awarded to or earned by the Named Executive Officers and any director who is not a Named Executive Officer for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
| Table of Compensation Excluding Compensation Securities | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name and Position | Year | Salary, consulting fee, retainer or commission ($) | Bonus ($) | Committee or Meeting Fees ($) | Value of Perquisites ($)(1) | Value of all other compensation ($) | Total compensation ($) |
| Andrew Fletcher(2) | |||||||
| President, CEO and Director | 2024 | 81,600 | - | - | - | 240,192 | 321,792 |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Christopher Hansen(3) | |||||||
| Director and Former Chairman and Former CEO | 2024 | - | - | - | - | 154,734 | 154,734 |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Gary Harbottle(4) | |||||||
| CFO and Corporate Secretary | 2024 | - | - | - | - | 89,742 | 89,742 |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Lawrence Segerstrom(5) | |||||||
| Director | 2024 | 26,097 | - | - | - | 80,829 | 106,926 |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Robert Seguin(6) | |||||||
| Director | 2024 | - | - | - | - | 56,089 | 56,089 |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Simon Langelier(7) | |||||||
| Director | 2024 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Michael Moses(8) | |||||||
| Director | 2024 | - | - | - | - | 34,603 | 34,603 |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Laura Ines Pacheco Hernandez(9) | |||||||
| Former Director | 2024 | - | - | - | - | 53,114 | 53,114 |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Patricia Kovacevic(10) | |||||||
| Former Director | 2024 | - | - | - | - | 55,429 | 55,429 |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Kate Fehlenberg(11) | |||||||
| Former Director | 2024 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Martin Bajic(12) | |||||||
| Former CFO | 2024 | 3,150 | - | - | - | 110,858 | 114,008 |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Yari Nieken(13) | |||||||
| Former Director | 2024 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Alberto Vasquez-Rodriguez(14) | |||||||
| Former Director | 2024 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| William Macdonald(15) | |||||||
| Former Director | 2024 | 68,030 | - | - | - | 92,381 | 160,411 |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Nizar Bharmal(16) | |||||||
| Former Director and former CFO | 2024 | 5,000 | - | - | - | - | 5,000 |
| 2023 | 7,000 | - | - | - | - | 7,000 |
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| Table of Compensation Excluding Compensation Securities | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name and Position | Year | Salary, consulting fee, retainer or commission ($) | Bonus ($) | Committee or Meeting Fees ($) | Value of Perquisites ($)(1) | Value of all other compensation ($) | Total compensation ($) |
| Azim Dhalla(17) | |||||||
| Former Director, President, CEO and Corporate Secretary | 2024 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2023 | 48,000 | - | - | - | - | 48,000 | |
| Carlos Hernandez Nunez(18) | |||||||
| Former Director and former President | 2024 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Notes:
- The value of perquisites, if any, was less than $15,000.
- Mr. Fletcher was appointed President, CEO and director on January 12, 2024.
- Mr. Hansen was first appointed as CEO, Chairman and director on October 16, 2023. Mr. Hansen resigned as CEO on January 12, 2024. Mr. Hansen resigned as Chairman on October 11, 2024 but will remain as a director.
- Mr. Harbottle was appointed as Corporate Secretary on February 12, 2024 and as CFO on March 12, 2024.
- Mr. Segerstrom was appointed as a director on January 12, 2024.
- Mr. Seguin was appointed as a director on February 5, 2024.
- Mr. Moses was appointed as a director on April 11, 2024.
- Mr. Langelier was appointed as a director on September 6, 2024.
- Ms. Hernandez resigned as director on October 11, 2024.
- Ms. Kovacevic resigned as director on July 31, 2024.
- Ms. Fehlenberg resigned as director on March 29, 2024.
- Mr. Bajic resigned as CFO on March 12, 2024.
- Mr. Nieken resigned as director on January 12, 2024.
- Mr. Vasquez-Rodriguez resigned as director on January 12, 2024.
- Mr. Macdonald resigned as director on January 12, 2024.
- Mr. Bharmal resigned as director on October 16, 2023 and as CFO on January 12, 2024.
- Mr. Dhalla resigned as director, CEO, and Corporate Secretary on June 16, 2023 and as President on May 25, 2023.
- Mr. Nunez resigned as director and President on December 31, 2023.
Stock Options and Other Compensation Securities
The following table provides a summary of all compensation securities granted or issued to each Named Executive Officer and to each director of the Company during the year ended June 30, 2024:
| Stock Options and Other Compensation Securities | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name and Position | Type of compensation security | Number of compensation securities, number of underlying securities and % of class | Date of grant | Conversion or exercise price ($) | Closing price of security or underlying security on date of grant ($) | Closing price of security or underlying security at year end ($) | Expiry date |
| Andrew Fletcher | |||||||
| President, CEO and Director | Stock Options(1)(2) | 650,000 options | |||||
| 650,000 shares (1.5%) | January 23, 2024 | $0.42 | $0.42 | $0.095 | January 23, 2029 | ||
| Gary Harbottle | |||||||
| CFO | Stock Options(1)(2) | 200,000 options | |||||
| 200,000 shares (0.47%) | March 12, 2024 | $0.51 | $0.51 | $0.095 | March 12, 2029 | ||
| Robert Seguin | |||||||
| Director | Stock Options(1)(2) | 125,000 options | |||||
| 125,000 shares (0.3%) | March 12, 2024 | $0.51 | $0.51 | $0.095 | March 12, 2029 | ||
| Michael Moses | |||||||
| Director | Stock Options(1)(2) | 100,000 options | |||||
| 100,000 shares (0.2%) | April 11, 2024 | $0.51 | $0.40 | $0.095 | April 11, 2029 |
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| Stock Options and Other Compensation Securities | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name and Position | Type of compensation security | Number of compensation securities, number of underlying securities and % of class | Date of grant | Conversion or exercise price ($) | Closing price of security or underlying security on date of grant ($) | Closing price of security or underlying security at year end ($) | Expiry date |
| Christopher Hansen Director | Stock Options^{(1)(2)} | 400,000 options | |||||
| 400,000 shares and | |||||||
| 20,000 options | |||||||
| 20,000 shares (0.09%) | January 23, 2024 and April 25, 2024 | $0.42 and $0.51 | $0.42 and $0.40 | $0.095 | January 23, 2029 and April 25, 2029 | ||
| Lawrence Segerstrom Director | Stock Options^{(1)(2)} | 200,000 options | |||||
| 200,000 shares and | |||||||
| 20,000 options | |||||||
| 20,000 shares (0.05%) | January 23, 2024 and April 25, 2024 | $0.42 and $0.51 | $0.42 and $0.40 | $0.095 | January 23, 2029 and April 25, 2029 | ||
| Laura Ines Pacheco Hernandez^{(3)} | |||||||
| Former Director | Stock Options^{(1)(2)} | 125,000 options | |||||
| 125,000 shares and | |||||||
| 20,000 options | |||||||
| 20,000 shares (0.3%) | January 23, 2024 and April 25, 2024 | $0.42 and $0.51 | $0.42 and $0.40 | $0.095 | January 23, 2029 and April 25, 2029 | ||
| Patricia Kovacevic^{(4)} | |||||||
| Former Director | Stock Options^{(1)(2)} | 150,000 options | |||||
| 150,000 shares (0.35%) | January 23, 2024 | $0.42 | $0.42 | $0.095 | January 23, 2029 |
NOTES:
(1) Stock options granted during the financial year ended June 30, 2024 are exercisable into the equivalent amount of Shares.
(2) Stock options granted during the financial year ended June 30, 2024 contain no vesting provisions.
(3) As at June 30, 2024, Laura Ines Pacheco Hernandez held an aggregate of 145,000 stock options exercisable into 145,000 Shares. In addition to the above, 125,000 stock options are exercisable at $0.42 per share and expire January 23, 2029 and 20,000 stock options are exercisable at $0.51 per share and expire April 25, 2029. Ms. Hernandez resigned as a director on October 11, 2024.
(4) As of June 30, 2024, Patricia Kovacevic held 150,000 stock options exercisable into 150,000 Shares at an exercise price of $0.42 per share and expire on January 23, 2029. Ms. Kovacevic resigned as a director on July 31, 2024.
Exercise of Compensation Securities
During the financial year ended June 30, 2024, none of the NEOs or directors exercised or converted any compensation securities.
Stock Option Plans and Other Incentive Plans
Stock Option Plan
On September 13, 2023, the Company's board of directors (the "Board") approved the adoption of a 10% rolling stock option plan (the "Option Plan") pursuant to which the Board may grant options (the "Options") to purchase Shares to NEOs, directors, employees and consultants retained by the Company. The Company's shareholders ratified, confirmed and approved the Option Plan at the annual general and special meeting of the Company held on October 16, 2023.
The purpose of the Option Plan is to attract, retain, and motivate NEOs, directors and other service providers by providing them with the opportunity, through options, to acquire an interest in the Company and benefit from the Company's growth. Under the Option Plan, the maximum number of Shares reserved for issuance, including Options currently outstanding, is equal to 10% of the Shares outstanding from time to time (the "10% Maximum"). The 10% Maximum is an "evergreen" provision, meaning that, following the exercise, termination, cancellation or expiration of any Options,
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a number of Shares equivalent to the number of options so exercised, terminated, cancelled or expired would automatically become reserved and available for issuance in respect of future Option grants.
The number of Shares, which may be the subject of Options on a yearly basis to any one person cannot exceed 5% of the number of issued and outstanding Shares at the time of the grant. Options may be granted to any employee, officer, director, consultant, affiliate or subsidiary of the Company exercisable at a price which is not less than the market price of Shares on the date of the grant. The Board may, by resolution, determine the time period during which any option may be exercised (the "Exercise Period"), provided that the Exercise Period does not contravene any rule or regulation of such exchange on which the Shares may be listed. All Options will terminate on the earliest to occur of (a) the expiry of their term; (b) the date of termination of an optionee's employment, office or position as director, if terminated for just cause; (c) 90 days (or such other period of time as permitted by any rule or regulation of such exchange on which the Shares may be listed) following the date of termination of an optionee's position as a director or NEO, if terminated for any reason other than the optionee's disability or death; (d) 30 days following the date of termination of an optionee's position as a consultant engaged in investor relations activities, if terminated for any reason other than the optionee's disability, death, or just cause; and (e) the date of any sale, transfer or assignment of the Option.
Options are non-assignable and are subject to early termination in the event of the death of a participant or in the event a participant ceases to be a NEO, director, employee, consultant, affiliate, or subsidiary of the Company, as the case may be. Subject to the foregoing restrictions, and certain other restrictions set out in the Option Plan, the Board is authorized.
Restricted Share Unit Plan
On September 13, 2023, the Board approved adoption of the Company's restricted share unit plan (the "RSU Plan"), which was approved and ratified at the Company's annual general and special meeting held on October 16, 2023.
The RSU Plan is designed to provide certain directors, officers, consultants and other key employees (an "Eligible Person") of the Company and its related entities with the opportunity to acquire restricted share units ("RSUs") of the Company. The acquisition of RSUs allows an Eligible Person to participate in the long-term success of the Company thus promoting the alignment of an Eligible Person's interests with that of the shareholders.
The RSU Plan allows the Company to award, in aggregate, up to a rolling 10% maximum of the issued and outstanding Shares from time to time, under and subject to the terms and conditions of the RSU Plan. The grant of an RSU Award pursuant to the RSU Plan entitles the Participant thereunder, at the election of the Company, the conditional right to receive for each RSU credited to the Participant's account, at the election of the Board, either (a) one Share of the Company, or (b) an amount in cash, net of applicable taxes and contributions to government sponsored plans, as determined by the Board, equal to the Market Price of one Share for each vested RSU credited. Fractional Shares will not be issued pursuant to the RSU Plan, and any fractional entitlement arising is to be settled by adjustment such that the Participant shall only have the right to receive the next lowest whole number of Shares.
Proposed New Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan
On February 6, 2025, the Board adopted the Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "Omnibus Plan"). The Omnibus Plan provides flexibility to the Company to grant equity-based incentive awards in the form of options ("Options"), restricted share units ("RSUs"), performance share units ("PSUs") and deferred share units ("DSUs"). The purpose of the Omnibus Plan is to, among other things, provide the Company with a share related mechanism to attract, retain and motivate qualified directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries, to reward such of those directors, officers, employees and consultants as may be granted awards under the Omnibus 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, officers, employees and consultants to acquire Shares as long-term investments and proprietary interests in the Company.
The Omnibus Plan is a rolling plan which, subject to the adjustment provisions provided for therein (including a subdivision or consolidation of Shares), provides that the aggregate maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise or settlement of awards granted under the Omnibus Plan shall not exceed 20% of the Company's
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issued and outstanding Shares from time to time. The Omnibus Plan is considered an "evergreen" plan, since the Shares covered by awards that have been exercised, settled or terminated shall be available for subsequent grants under the Omnibus Plan and the number of awards available to grant increases as the number of issued and outstanding Shares increases. As of the date hereof, the Company could grant up to an aggregate of 6,161,361 in Options, RSUs, PSUs and DSUs, being 20% of the issued and outstanding Shares (10,051,361 Shares) less 3,890,000 Options currently outstanding under the Option Plan as of February 6, 2025.
As of the date hereof, the Company has not granted any Options, RSUs, PSUs and DSUs to its directors, officers and consultants under the Omnibus Plan.
The Omnibus Plan is subject to approval of the disinterested shareholders of the Company at the Meeting. At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to ratify, confirm and adopt the Omnibus Plan. Upon approval by the Shareholders of the Omnibus Plan, no further Options will be granted under the Option Plan and no further RSUs will be issued under the RSU Plan.
A copy of the Omnibus Plan is available at the Company's registered and records office at Suite 501, 3292 Production Way, Burnaby, BC, V5A 4R4 during normal business hours up to and including the date of the Meeting and is attached to this Circular as Schedule "C".
For additional details regarding the terms of the Omnibus Plan, see below under the heading "Particulars of Other Matters to be Acted Upon - Approval of Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan".
Employment, Consulting and Management Agreements
Other than as described below, the Company has not entered into any agreement or arrangement under which compensation was provided during the most recently completed fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, or is payable in respect of services provided to the Company or any of its subsidiaries that were: (a) performed by a director or NEO, or (b) performed by any other party but are services typically provided by a director or a NEO.
Mr. Andrew Fletcher – CEO, President and Director
By an agreement with the Company as of January 23, 2024 for a one year term, Mr. Fletcher provides consulting services to the Company and, in particular, his services as the Company's President and CEO, in consideration of consulting fees payable monthly at US$10,000/month. For actual amounts paid to Mr. Fletcher for the financial year ended June 30, 2024, see "Table of Compensation Excluding Compensation Securities".
Oversight and description of director and Named Executive Officer Compensation
Director Compensation
The Board determines director compensation from time to time. Directors are not generally compensated in their capacities as such but the Company may, from time to time, grant to its directors incentive stock options to purchase Shares in the capital of the Company or restricted share units pursuant to the terms of the Option Plan, the RSU Plan and in accordance with the Exchange policies.
Named Executive Officer Compensation
The Board as a whole determines executive compensation from time to time. The Company has adopted a compensation committee charter. The main objectives the Company hopes to achieve through its compensation are to attract and retain executives critical to the Company's success, who will be key in helping the Company on achieve its corporate objectives and increase shareholder value. The Company looks at industry standards and its compensation committee charter when compensating its executive officers.
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Pension Arrangements
The Company does not have any pension arrangements in place for the NEOs and directors.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table sets forth certain information pertaining to the Company's Option Plan and RSU Plan at June 30, 2024:
| Plan Category | Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options (a)(1) | Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options (b) | Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) (c) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equity compensation plans approved by securityholders | 3,335,000(2) | $0.44 | 5,229,456 |
| Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Total | 3,335,000 | $0.44 | 5,229,456 |
(1) The Company does not have any rights outstanding under any equity compensation plans.
(2) The Option Plan is a rolling stock option plan under which the Company can issue such number of options as is equal to 10% of the Company's issued and outstanding Shares from time to time. The RSU Plan is a rolling plan under which the Company can grant such number of RSUs as is equal to 10% of the Company's issued and outstanding Shares from time to time. As of February 6, 2025, there were 50,256,805 Shares issued and outstanding and the Company could issue up to 10,051,361 options/RSUs to acquire Shares on such date.
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
As at the date of the Circular, no executive officer, director, employee or former executive officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is indebted to the Company, or any of its subsidiaries, nor are any of these individuals indebted to another entity which indebtedness is the subject of a guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or other similar arrangement or understanding provided by the Company, or any of its subsidiaries.
INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
No informed person of the Company, no proposed nominee for election as a director of the Company, and no associate or affiliate of any of these persons, has any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the commencement of the Company's most recent financial year or in any proposed transaction, which, in either case, has materially affected or will materially affect the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
An "informed person" means:
(a) a director or executive officer of the Company;
(b) a director or executive officer of a person or company that is itself an informed person or subsidiary of the Company;
(c) any person or company who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, voting securities of the Company or who exercises control or direction over voting securities of the Company or a combination of both carrying more
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than 10 percent of the voting rights attached to all outstanding voting securities of the Company other than voting securities held by the person or company as underwriter in the course of a distribution; and
(d) the Company if it has purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired any of its securities, for so long as it holds any of its securities.
MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS
Management functions of the Company are generally performed by directors and executive officers of the Company and not, to any substantial degree, by any other person to whom the Company has contracted.
AUDIT COMMITTEE DISCLOSURE
The Company is including the disclosure required by Form 52-110F2 of National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees ("NI 52-110") under this heading. The Company is a "venture issuer" under NI 52-110 and is relying on the exemption in section 6.1 of NI 52-110.
The audit committee (the "Audit Committee") is a committee of the Board established for the purpose of overseeing the accounting and financial reporting process of the Company and annual external audits of the financial statements. The Audit Committee has set out its responsibilities and composition requirements in fulfilling its oversight in relation to the Company's internal accounting standards and practices, financial information, accounting systems and procedures, which procedures are set out in the Company's audit committee mandate.
Audit Committee Charter
The Board has developed a written audit committee charter (the "Charter"). A copy of the Charter is attached hereto as Schedule "A" to the Circular.
Composition of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee consists of Andrew Fletcher, Christopher Hansen (Chairman), and Simon Langelier, all of whom are financially literate within the meaning of National Instrument 52-110 Audit Committees ("NI 52-110"). Mr. Hansen and Mr. Langelier are considered to be independent within the meaning of NI 52-110. Mr. Fletcher is not considered to be independent as he is the President and CEO of the Company.
Relevant Education and Experience
Andrew Fletcher: Mr. Fletcher, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience, has generated over $100 million in online sales through self-funded ventures. He co-founded Niwali, an integrated online health and beauty company, in Bogota, Colombia, in 2010, and established Ad Bullion, a successful traffic and affiliate network. In 2014, he co-founded Mi Aguila, a technology-driven corporate transport company, serving as COO for 18 months from 2016. During his tenure, he spearheaded the company's expansion. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Andrew was integral to the creation of Katapult Commerce from the group in 2021, providing software development services and incubating startups through Katapult Technologies. His visit to artisanal gold mines in Choco, Colombia, in 2019 inspired him to lead in setting social and environmental standards in the gold industry.
Christopher Hansen – Mr. Hansen is an investment banker and has served on numerous boards and held senior management positions in several US and Colombian companies. From 2006 to 2014, Mr. Hansen was Deputy Director of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and led initiatives in Latin America including 3 years in Colombia. He was CFO and Director for Sea Farms International, a large shrimp farming operation in Honduras and Venezuela. As Chief of Party for the Colombian Enterprise Development Program (USAID), Mr. Hansen raised capital for Colombian exporters. Previously, he worked for 8 years as Deputy Director of FUNDES, specializing in loan guarantees for SME's in 10 countries in Latin America. From 1982-1996 he worked with the International
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Finance Corporation (IFC/World Bank), responsible for structuring investments in Latin America and Caribbean Region. Mr. Hansen holds a BA in Political Science from University of California-Berkeley. He is fluent in Spanish.
Simon Langelier - Mr. Langelier brings decades of senior executive expertise, having served in leadership roles across diverse global markets. Mr. Langelier's career includes his role as President of Philip Morris Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EEMA) from 2002 to 2005, where he led operations across 87 countries and managed a team of 8,500 employees, generating annual revenues of $6.9 billion. He was instrumental in negotiating market expansions in Russia, Ukraine, South Africa, Iraq, and other key regions. Later, as President of East Asia at Philip Morris Asia Limited in Hong Kong from 2005 to 2007, Mr. Langelier directed operations generating annual revenues of $5.7 billion across Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Greater China. His successful negotiations with the Chinese monopoly led to a landmark joint venture for the international marketing of Chinese brands and a licensing agreement for Marlboro in China. Mr. Langelier's strategic acumen was further demonstrated as President of Next Generation Products and Adjacent Businesses at Philip Morris International, where he led the establishment and expansion of PMI's non-tobacco product line. His governance experience includes serving as an independent non-executive director at Imperial Brands PLC and as a board member at Tribeca Asset Management, showcasing his extensive experience in corporate governance and strategic planning.
Audit Committee Oversight
At no time since the commencement of the Company’s fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 was a recommendation of the Audit Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor not adopted by the Board.
Reliance on Certain Exemptions
At no time since the commencement of the Company's most recently completed financial year has the Company relied on the exemption in Section 2.4 of NI 52-110 (De Minimis Non-audit Services), in subsection 6.1.1(4) of NI 52-110 (Circumstance Affecting the Business or Operations of the Venture Issuer), in subsection 6.1.1(5) of NI 52-110 (Events Outside Control of Member), in subsection 6.1.1(6) of NI 52-110 (Death, Incapacity or Resignation), or an exemption from NI 52-110, in whole or in part, granted under Part 8 of NI 52-110 (Exemption).
External Auditor Service Fees (By Category)
Fees incurred for audit and non-audit services in the last two fiscal years are outlined in the following table.
| Nature of Services | Fees Paid
in Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023 | Fees Paid
in Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Audit Fees^{(1)} | $6,377 | $45,000 |
| Audit-Related Fees^{(2)} | - | - |
| Tax Fees^{(3)} | - | - |
| All Other Fees^{(4)} | - | - |
| Total | $6,377 | $45,000 |
Notes:
(1) “Audit Fees” include fees necessary to perform the annual audit and quarterly reviews of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Audit Fees include fees for review of tax provisions and for accounting consultations on matters reflected in the financial statements. Audit Fees also include audit or other attest services required by legislation or regulation, such as comfort letters, consents, reviews of securities filings and statutory audits.
(2) “Audit-Related Fees” include services normally performed by the auditor. These audit-related services include employee benefit audits, due diligence assistance, accounting consultations on proposed transactions, internal control reviews and audit or attest services not required by legislation or regulation.
(3) “Tax Fees” include fees for all tax services other than those included in “Audit Fees” and “Audit-Related Fees”. This category includes fees for tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. Tax planning and tax advice includes assistance with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions, and requests for rulings or technical advice from tax authorities.
(4) “All Other Fees” include all other non-audit services.
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Exemption
Great Eagle is classified as a "venture issuer" within the meaning of applicable securities laws and, accordingly, is relying upon the exemption contained in section 6.1 of NI 52-110 from the requirements of Parts 3 (Composition of the Audit Committee) and 5 (Reporting Obligations) of NI 52-110.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DISCLOSURE
The Canadian Securities Administrators (the "CSA") have adopted National Policy 58-201 Corporate Governance Guidelines, which provides non-prescriptive guidelines on corporate governance practices for reporting issuers such as the Company. In addition, the CSA have implemented NI 58-101, which prescribes certain disclosure by the Company of its corporate governance practices. This disclosure is presented below.
Board of Directors
The Board is currently comprised of seven (7) members. The current non-independent members of the Board is Andrew Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher has been determined not to be independent under NI 58-101 as a result of being President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The current independent members of the Board are Christopher Hansen, Lawrence Segerstrom, Michelle Ash, Simon Langelier, Michael Moses and Robert Seguin.
An "independent" director is a director who has no direct or indirect material relationship with the Company. A material relationship is a relationship which could, in the view of the Board, reasonably interfere with the exercise of a director's independent judgement. The independent judgement of the Board in carrying out its responsibilities is the responsibility of all directors. The Board facilitates independent supervision of management through meetings of the Board and through informal discussions among members of the Board and management. In addition, the Board have free access to the Company's external auditors, legal counsel and to any of the Company's officers.
Directorships
Other than as set forth below, none of the directors hold directorships in other reporting issuers (or the equivalent) in jurisdictions in Canada or a foreign jurisdiction.
| Name of Director | Other Reporting Issuer (or equivalent in a foreign jurisdiction) |
|---|---|
| Lawrence Segerstrom | Almadex Minerals Ltd. |
| Giant Mining Corp. | |
| Simon Langelier | Cryomass Technologies Inc. |
| Robert Seguin | Treegenic Gold Corporation |
| Hudson River Minerals Ltd. |
Board Mandate
The Board believes that good corporate governance improves corporate performance and benefits all Shareholders. Corporate governance relates to the activities of the Board, the members of which are elected by and are accountable to the Shareholders, and takes into account the role of the individual members of management who are appointed by the Board and who are charged with the day to day management of the Company. The Board is committed to sound corporate governance practices which are both in the interest of its Shareholders and contribute to effective and efficient decision making.
Position Descriptions
The Board has not developed written position descriptions for the President and CEO of the Company or for the Chair of the Audit Committee. The size and nature of the Company's business allows each director or officer to understand his role in progressing the Company's operations.
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Orientation and Continuing Education
While the Company currently has no formal orientation and education program for new Board members, sufficient information (such as policies, recent financial statements, prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials, marketing and business plans and various other operating, financial and budget reports) will be provided to any new Board member to ensure that new directors are familiarized with the Company’s business and the procedures of the Board. In addition, new directors will be encouraged to visit and meet with management on a regular basis and are given the opportunity to meet with counsel to the Company to discuss their legal obligations. The Company will also encourage continuing education of its directors and officers where appropriate in order to ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to meet their respective obligations to the Company.
Board meetings are combined where necessary with presentations by the Company's management to give the Board additional insight into the Company's business. In addition, management of the Company makes itself available throughout the year for discussion with all Board members.
Ethical Business Conduct
On April 25, 2024, the Board adopted a Business Conduct and Ethics Charter for its directors, officers and employees and the Company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct. Each director, officer and employee is expect to comply with the laws, rules and regulations now or subsequently adopted which pertain to his or her conduct as a director, officer or employee, as applicable.
Nomination of Directors
The Board determines new nominees to the Board, although a formal process has not been adopted. The identification of nominees is generally the result of recruitment efforts by existing members of the Board, including both formal and informal discussions among directors and the CEO. The Board does not have a nominating committee composed entirely of independent directors, but instead the entire Board, takes responsibility for nominating new directors and assessing current directors to ensure an objective nomination process. Proposed directors' credentials are reviewed with one or more members of the Board prior to the proposed director's nomination.
Compensation
On April 25, 2024, the Board adopted a compensation committee charter pursuant to which the Board periodically reviews the compensation paid to directors, management and other employees based on such factors as time commitment and level of responsibility, comparative fees paid by other companies in the industry in North America and the Company’s current position as a mining company with limited operating revenue.
The Board has not yet appointed a compensation committee therefore these functions are currently performed by the Board as a whole. However, this policy may be reviewed in the future depending on the circumstances of the Company.
Environmental Compliance Committee
The members of the Environmental Compliance Committee are Christopher Hansen and Lawrence Segerstrom. Mr. Hansen is the Chairman of the Environmental Compliance Committee. The Environmental Compliance Committee is responsible for overseeing and ensuring that all company operations adhere to environmental laws and regulations. They develop and implement environmental policies, conduct regular audits and assessments, and recommend actions to improve environmental performance and sustainability practices within the organization. The Environmental Compliance Committee is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the following policies within the organization:
- Green Development Policy - Ensuring that all exploration and development activities are conducted using the least intrusive methods and technologies, and in full compliance with environmental best practices.
- Non-Extraction Policy - Monitoring adherence to the protocols that prevent traditional extraction methods, emphasizing sustainable digital mining.
- Reclamation Policy - Overseeing the restoration of environments affected by the previous owners activities, ensuring that land is returned to its natural state or better, following any operational impacts.
The committee's role involves regular assessments, developing improvement strategies, and ensuring all activities align with these policies to uphold the company's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Company adopted a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter on April 25, 2024. At this time the Company has not yet appointed members to the nominating and corporate governance committee.
Other Board Committees
The Company has no other standing committees at this time, other than the Audit Committee and the Environmental Committee, as discussed above.
Assessments
The Board conducts periodic assessments of its members including individual assessments to determine if the Board, its committees and the individual directors are performing efficiently. Based on the Company's size and stage of development, the Board considers a formal assessment process to be inappropriate at this time. As the activities of the Company develop, it will consider the establishment of more formal evaluation procedures, including more quantitative measures of performance.
PARTICULARS OF MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
Management of Great Eagle knows of no amendment, variation or other matter to come before the Meeting other than the matters referred to in the accompanying Notice of Meeting. However, if any other matter properly comes before the Meeting, the management designees, if named as proxy, will vote on such matter in accordance with the best judgment of the person or persons voting the proxy.
I. Receipt of Financial Statements
The directors will place before the Meeting the audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2024 together with the auditors' report thereon. Shareholder approval is not required in relation to these financial statements. The financial statements have been sent to applicable Shareholders in accordance with applicable securities laws and are also available on the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.
II. Fix Number of Directors
The board of directors of the Company (the "Board") presently consists of seven (7) directors. It is proposed that the number of directors for the ensuing year be set at seven (7) and that the persons named below under "Election of Directors" will be nominated at the Meeting. Each director elected at the Meeting will hold office until the next annual meeting of the Shareholders or until his or her successor is elected or appointed in accordance with the constating documents of the Company and the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA"), unless his or her office is earlier vacated. Unless otherwise directed, the management designees, if named as proxy, intend to vote the Shares represented by any such proxy FOR the resolution setting the number of directors to be elected at the Meeting at seven (7) members.
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III. Election of Directors
The directors of the Company are elected annually and hold office until the next annual general meeting of the shareholders or until their successors are elected or appointed. The management of the Company proposes to nominate the persons listed below for election as directors of the Company to serve until their successors are elected or appointed. In the absence of instructions to the contrary, Proxies given pursuant to the solicitation by the management will be voted for the nominees listed in the Circular. Management does not contemplate that any of the nominees will be unable to serve as a director.
Shareholders should note that, as a result of the majority voting policy, a "withhold" vote is effectively the same as a vote against a director nominee in an uncontested election.
The following table sets out the names and places of residence of the persons proposed to be nominated by management for election as directors of the Company; all positions and offices in the Company held by them; their current principal occupation; the periods during which they have served as a director of the Company; and the number of Shares beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by them, as of the date hereof. Each director elected at the Meeting will hold office until the next annual meeting of the Shareholders or until his or her successor is elected or appointed in accordance with the constating documents of the Company and the BCBCA, unless his or her office is earlier vacated.
| Name, Province or State and Country of Residence and Current Position with the Company | Principal Occupation, Business or Employment | Director of Company Since | Shares Beneficially Owned, Directly or Indirectly, Over Which Control or Direction is Exercised (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Fletcher(1) | |||
| Medellin, Colombia | |||
| President, CEO and Director | Entrepreneur and founder of private ventures; CEO and President of Great Eagle Gold Corp. since January, 2024. | January 12, 2024 | 850,000 Shares |
| Christopher Hansen(1) | |||
| California, USA | |||
| Director | Investment Banker; former Managing Director of Indian Ridge Farms; former CEO of Cryomass Technologies Inc. (May, 2018 to March, 2021. | October 16, 2023 | Nil |
| Lawrence Segerstrom | |||
| Arizona, USA | |||
| Director | Geologist | January 12, 2024 | Nil |
| Robert Seguin | |||
| Switzerland | |||
| Director | Managing Partner at Westmount Capital | February 5, 2024 | Nil |
| Michael Moses | |||
| United Kingdom | |||
| Director | Consultant for Allied Corp. – Chief Business Development Officer since September 2023; former Sales Consultant for Allied Corp. from December 2022 to September 2023; Consultant for Parkdale Investment SA since June 2022; and director of Donaco Ltd. from December 2017 to December 2024. | April 11, 2024 | Nil |
| Simon Langelier(1) | |||
| Switzerland | |||
| Director | Non-Executive Director of Cryomas Technologies Inc.; Non-Executive Director of Imperial Brands PLC from 2017 to 2023; Chairman of PharmaCielo from 2015 to 2021. | September 6, 2024 | 333,330 Shares |
| Michelle Ash | |||
| Australia | |||
| Director | Mining Engineer | October 11, 2024 | Nil |
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Notes:
(1) Member of the Audit Committee, of which Christopher Hansen is the Chair.
(2) This is the number of shares of the Company carrying the right to vote in all circumstances, beneficially owned, or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by each director as at the Record Date. This information is not within the knowledge of the management of the Company and has been furnished by the respective individuals, or has been extracted from the register of shareholdings maintained by the Company's transfer agent or from insider reports filed by the individuals and available through the internet at www.sedi.ca. The information does not include voting securities which might be issued upon conversion or exercise of other securities of the Company.
Unless otherwise directed, the management designees, if named as proxy, intend to vote the Shares represented by any such proxy FOR the election of each of the nominees specified above as directors of the Company.
The following is a brief biography for all of the directors who have not previously been elected as a director of the Company at a shareholders' meeting for which an information circular was issued:
Andrew Fletcher: Mr. Fletcher, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience, has generated over $100 million in online sales through self-funded ventures. He co-founded Niwali, an integrated online health and beauty company, in Bogota, Colombia, in 2010, and established Ad Bullion, a successful traffic and affiliate network. In 2014, he co-founded Mi Aguila, a technology-driven corporate transport company, serving as COO for 18 months from 2016. During his tenure, he spearheaded the company's expansion. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Andrew was integral to the creation of Katapult Commerce from the group in 2021, providing software development services and incubating startups through Katapult Technologies. His visit to artisanal gold mines in Choco, Colombia, in 2019 inspired him to lead in setting social and environmental standards in the gold industry.
Lawrence Segerstrom: Mr. Segerstrom, CPG, recognized by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) as a "Qualified or Competent Person" for writing National Instrument (NI) 43-101 resource reports, is a consultant and Director for junior mining exploration companies in North and South America. His extensive experience includes exploring, generating, evaluating, and developing projects in various geologic settings. Larry's notable achievements include leading the team at Paramount Gold and Silver Corp. in discovering new inferred resources at the San Miguel project in Mexico, now a part of Coeur's Palmarejo Mine. He also played a significant role in the development of new ore reserves at Freeport-McMoRan's Grasberg mining district in Indonesia. His expertise in NI 43-101 reports, considered the gold standard for certifying gold resources, further underscores his proficiency in the mining sector.
Robert Seguin: Mr. Seguin brings with him profound institutional sales background garnered over more than 25 years of distinguished service. Robert's career is extensive and varied, having held positions with major global financial institutions such as JP Morgan, Bank of Tokyo, Royal Bank of Canada, and with brokerage firms including Midland Walwyn Capital, Yorkton Securities, Hampton Securities, and National Bank Financial. His work has spanned several of the world's financial capitals, including Milan, London, Geneva, Toronto, and Montreal. Mr. Seguin's expertise is not limited to institutional sales; he has also made significant contributions in strategic management consulting, cross-border M&A, and investor relations, serving as a partner in specialized boutiques in Italy and Canada. As the founder and managing partner of Westmount Capital, a boutique financial firm based in Geneva, Switzerland, Robert has excelled in connecting corporate clients with a vast network of fund managers, asset managers, bankers, and family offices, significantly impacting the investment community. Since 1996, Mr. Seguin and his team have been instrumental in organizing corporate roadshows across Europe, facilitating direct engagement between CEOs and investors, thereby fostering long-term investment relationships through private placements in equity and structured debt.
Michael Moses. Mr. Moses a distinguished figure in business development and strategy within the burgeoning medical cannabis and investment sectors, spearheads growth initiatives since September 2023 as the Chief Business Development Officer and Strategy Consultant for Allied Health, operating in Canada and Colombia. His tenure commenced in November 2022 as a Business Development Consultant, where he was instrumental in steering the company's reorganization and strategic direction. Moses also successfully built the commercial arm of the business from the ground up, from assembling a sales team to establishing pivotal manufacturing and export partnerships across Europe and Australia. Parallel to his role at Allied Health, Moses contributes his strategic expertise to Parkdale
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Investments S.A. in Geneva, Switzerland, since June 2022, enhancing their wealth management and investment solutions. His profound impact was also felt in the restructuring of a Luxembourg-based trade finance fund, showcasing his proficiency in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
As the Founder and CEO of Donaco from 2017 to 2022, Moses pioneered a tech-led platform significantly improving online customer outreach for social impact businesses, notably reducing customer acquisition costs and securing prominent partnerships, including with UNICEF UK and Crisis UK. His venture underscored his dedication to generating social impact through innovative business models.
Moses holds a Master's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Management from Imperial College London, achieved between 2013 and 2017. Michael Moses embodies the intersection of strategic innovation, operational excellence, and social responsibility in his multifaceted career.
Simon Langelier. Mr. Langelier brings decades of senior executive expertise, having served in leadership roles across diverse global markets. Mr. Langelier's career includes his role as President of Philip Morris Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EEMA) from 2002 to 2005, where he led operations across 87 countries and managed a team of 8,500 employees, generating annual revenues of $6.9 billion. He was instrumental in negotiating market expansions in Russia, Ukraine, South Africa, Iraq, and other key regions.
Later, as President of East Asia at Philip Morris Asia Limited in Hong Kong from 2005 to 2007, Mr. Langelier directed operations generating annual revenues of $5.7 billion across Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Greater China. His successful negotiations with the Chinese monopoly led to a landmark joint venture for the international marketing of Chinese brands and a licensing agreement for Marlboro in China.
Mr. Langelier's strategic acumen was further demonstrated as President of Next Generation Products and Adjacent Businesses at Philip Morris International, where he led the establishment and expansion of PMI's non-tobacco product line. His governance experience includes serving as an independent non-executive director at Imperial Brands PLC and as a board member at Tribeca Asset Management, showcasing his extensive experience in corporate governance and strategic planning.
Michelle Ash - Ms. Ash is a senior executive with extensive expertise in strategy development, technology transformation, and innovation across the mining and manufacturing sectors. Renowned for her leadership in driving digital transformation and organizational change, she has spearheaded major initiatives in turnarounds, acquisitions, and mergers, prioritizing stakeholder engagement to achieve lasting impact.
Michelle's career spans multiple industries, including iron ore, base metals, coal and gold mining, as well as paper, PVC, and FMCG manufacturing. She is widely recognized for her capabilities in disruptive innovation, asset management, project development, and engineering, with a reputation for fostering leadership and operational excellence.
Across Michelle's distinguished 30+ year career in mining, she has held executive roles including Chief Operating Officer at Acacia Mining, led strategic initiatives at Minerals and Mining Group, and continues to serve on the boards of several prominent companies. Previously, as Chief Innovation Officer at Barrick Gold Corporation, she spearheaded transformative efforts to tackle critical challenges in the gold mining industry. Since 2017, Michelle has been a prominent advocate and keynote speaker on digital mining, driving innovations that capture gold's investment value in an environmentally, socially, and financially responsible manner.
Cease Trade Orders
Other than as disclosed herein, no proposed director of the Company is, as at the date of this Circular, or has been, within 10 years before the date of this Circular, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company that:
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(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.
Each of the director nominees standing for election at the Meeting are current directors of the Company and held such roles on October 29, 2024 when the British Columbia Securities Commission, as principal regulator, issued a management cease trade order for the Company's CEO and CFO in respect of the securities of the Company (the "MCTO"). The MCTO was granted as a result of the Company's delayed filing of its continuous disclosure documents associated with the year ended June 30, 2024 (the "2024 Annual Filings"). The delay in the 2024 Annual Filings was due to the change of the Company's auditor subsequent to the Company's year end of June 30, 2024. The 2024 Annual Filings were filed on SEDAR+ on December 20, 2024. On December 27, 2024, the MCTO was revoked.
Bankruptcy
To the knowledge of the Company, no proposed director of the Company is, as at the date hereof, or has been within 10 years before the date hereof, a director or executive officer of a company (including the Company) that, while that person was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.
Personal Bankruptcy
To the knowledge of the Company, no proposed director of the Company has, within the 10 years before the date hereof, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of that person.
Penalties and Sanctions
To the knowledge of the Company, no proposed director of the Company has been subject to any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority, or has been subject to any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable securityholder in deciding whether to vote for a proposed director.
IV. Appointment of Auditors
Adam Sung Kim Ltd., Chartered Professional Accountants, the former auditors of the Company, resigned, at the request of the Company, as the auditors of the Company effective September 11, 2024. The Board appointed Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as auditors of the Company effective September 11, 2024 to fill the vacancy created. Shareholders are being asked to confirm the actions of the Board and appoint Davidson & Company LLP as auditors of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders.
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Management recommends that Shareholders vote for the confirmation and appointment of Davidson & Company LLP as the auditors of the Company until the next annual meeting of shareholders and to authorize the Board to fix their remuneration.
In accordance with the provisions of National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations, attached to the Circular as Schedule "B" is the requisite reporting package, including the notice of the Company to Adam Sung Kim Ltd. and Davidson & Company LLP stating that there were no reportable events and the letters of each of Adam Sung Kim Ltd. and Davidson & Company LLP to all of applicable securities commission in which the Company is reporting.
Unless otherwise directed by the Shareholders appointing them as proxyholder, the individuals named in the enclosed proxy form intend to vote all Shares in respect of which they are appointed proxyholder FOR the appointment of Davidson & Company LLP as the auditor of the Company for the ensuing year, at such remuneration as may be determined by the directors.
V. Approval of Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan
At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to pass an ordinary resolution to ratify, confirm and approve the Omnibus Plan which was adopted by the Board on February 6, 2025. An ordinary resolution needs to be passed by a simple majority of the votes cast by the Shareholders, present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting, other than votes attaching to securities beneficially owned by related persons to whom securities may be issued as compensation or under the Omnibus Plan.
The term “related person” is defined in National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions and generally refers to a director or executive officer of the issuer or of a related entity of the issuer, an associate of a director or executive officer of the issuer or of a related entity of the issuer, or a permitted assign of a director or executive officer of the issuer or of a related entity of the issuer. The term “permitted assign” includes a spouse of the person.
The Omnibus Plan provides flexibility to the Company to grant equity-based incentive awards in the form of Options, RSUs, PSUs and DSUs, as described in further detail below. The purpose of the Omnibus Plan is to, among other things, provide the Company with a share related mechanism to attract, retain and motivate qualified directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and to reward such of those directors, officers, employees and consultants as may be granted awards under the Omnibus 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.
Key Terms of the Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan
Shares Subject to the Omnibus Plan
The Omnibus Plan is a rolling plan which, subject to the adjustment provisions provided for therein (including a subdivision or consolidation of Shares), provides that the aggregate maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the exercise or settlement of awards granted under the Omnibus Plan shall not exceed 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding Shares from time to time. The Omnibus Plan is considered an “evergreen” plan, since the Shares covered by awards which have been exercised, settled or terminated shall be available for subsequent grants under the Omnibus Plan and the number of awards available to grant increases as the number of issued and outstanding Shares increases. As of the date hereof, the Company could grant up to an aggregate of 10,051,361 in Options, RSUs, PSUs and DSUs, being 20% of the issued and outstanding Shares on February 6, 2025 less than 3,890,000 Options currently outstanding under the Option Plan.
Administration of the Omnibus Plan
The Plan Administrator (as defined in the Omnibus Plan) is determined by the Board, and is initially the Board. The Omnibus Plan may in the future continue to be administered by the Board itself or delegated to a committee of the Board. The Plan Administrator determines which directors, officers, consultants and employees are eligible to receive
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awards under the Omnibus Plan, the time or times at which awards may be granted, the conditions under which awards may be granted or forfeited to the Company, the number of Shares to be covered by any award, the exercise price of any award, whether restrictions or limitations are to be imposed on the Shares issuable pursuant to grants of any award, and the nature of any such restrictions or limitations, any acceleration of exercisability or vesting, or waiver of termination regarding any award, based on such factors as the Plan Administrator may determine.
In addition, the Plan Administrator interprets the Omnibus Plan and may adopt guidelines and other rules and regulations relating to the Omnibus Plan, and make all other determinations and take all other actions necessary or advisable for the implementation and administration of the Omnibus Plan.
Eligibility
All directors, officers, employees and consultants are eligible to participate in the Omnibus Plan. The extent to which any such individual is entitled to receive a grant of an award pursuant to the Omnibus Plan will be determined in the sole and absolute discretion of the Plan Administrator.
Types of Awards
Awards of Options, RSUs, PSUs and DSUs may be made under the Omnibus Plan. All of the awards described below are subject to the conditions, limitations, restrictions, exercise price, vesting, settlement and forfeiture provisions determined by the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, subject to such limitations provided in the Omnibus Plan, and will generally be evidenced by an award agreement. In addition, subject to the limitations provided in the Omnibus Plan and in accordance with applicable law, the Plan Administrator may accelerate or defer the vesting or payment of awards, cancel or modify outstanding awards, and waive any condition imposed with respect to awards or Shares issued pursuant to awards.
Options
An Option entitles a holder thereof to purchase a prescribed number of treasury Shares at an exercise price set at the time of the grant. The Plan Administrator will establish the exercise price at the time each Option is granted, which exercise price must in all cases 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 any stock exchange on which the Shares are listed (the "Market Price"), unless otherwise permitted by applicable securities laws or the policies of a stock exchange on which the Shares are listed. Subject to any accelerated termination as set forth in the Omnibus Plan, each Option expires on its respective expiry date, provided such expiry date does not exceed 10 years. The Plan Administrator will have the authority to determine the vesting terms applicable to grants of Options. 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 otherwise set forth in any written employment agreement, award agreement or other written agreement between the Company or a subsidiary of the Company and the participant. The Plan Administrator has the right to accelerate the date upon which any Option becomes exercisable. 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 the Omnibus Plan, such as vesting conditions relating to the attainment of specified performance goals.
Unless otherwise specified by the Plan Administrator at the time of granting an Option and set forth in the particular award agreement, an exercise notice must be accompanied by payment of the exercise price. Subject to the policies of any stock exchange on which the Shares are listed, a participant may, in lieu of exercising an Option pursuant to an exercise notice, elect to surrender such Option to the Company (a "Cashless Exercise") in consideration for an amount from the Company 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 Company indicating the number of Options such participant wishes to exercise using the Cashless Exercise, and such other information that the Company may require. Subject to the provisions of the Omnibus Plan and the policies of any stock exchange on
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which the Shares are listed, the Company will satisfy payment of the In-the-Money Amount by delivering to the participant such number of Shares having a fair market value equal to the In-the-Money Amount.
Restricted Share Units
An RSU is a unit equivalent in value to a Share credited by means of a bookkeeping entry in the books of the Company which entitles the holder to receive one Share (or the value thereof) for each RSU after a specified vesting period. The Plan Administrator may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of the Omnibus Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Plan Administrator may prescribe, grant RSUs to any participant in respect of a bonus or similar payment in respect of services rendered by the applicable participant in a taxation year (the “RSU Service Year”).
The number of RSUs (including fractional RSUs) granted at any particular time under the Omnibus Plan will be calculated by dividing (a) the amount of any bonus or similar payment that is to be paid in RSUs, as determined by the Plan Administrator, by (b) the greater of (i) the Market Price of a Share on the date of grant and (ii) such amount as determined by the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion. The Plan Administrator shall have the authority to determine any vesting terms applicable to the grant of RSUs, provided that the terms comply with Section 409A of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, to the extent applicable.
Upon settlement, holders will redeem each vested RSU for the following at the election of such holder but subject to the approval of the Plan Administrator: (a) one fully paid and non-assessable Share in respect of each vested RSU, (b) a cash payment or (c) a combination of Shares and cash. Any such cash payments made by the Company 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. Subject to the provisions of the Omnibus Plan 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 any later than the final business day of the third calendar year following the applicable RSU Service Year.
Performance Share Units
A PSU is a unit equivalent in value to a Share credited by means of a bookkeeping entry in the books of the Company, which entitles the holder to receive one Share (or the value thereof) for each PSU after specific performance-based vesting criteria determined by the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, have been satisfied. 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. The Plan Administrator may, from time to time, subject to the provisions of the Omnibus Plan and such other terms and conditions as the Plan Administrator may prescribe, grant PSUs to any participant in respect of a bonus or similar payment in respect of services rendered by the applicable participant in a taxation year (the “PSU Service Year”).
The Plan Administrator shall have the authority to determine any vesting terms applicable to the grant of PSUs. Upon settlement, holders will redeem each vested PSU for the following at the election of such holder but subject to the approval of the Plan Administrator: (a) one fully paid and non-assessable Share in respect of each vested PSU, (b) a cash payment, or (c) a combination of Shares and cash. Any such cash payments made by the Company to a participant 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. Subject to the provisions of the Omnibus Plan 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 any later than the final business day of the third calendar year following the applicable PSU Service Year.
Deferred Share Units
A DSU is a unit equivalent in value to a Share credited by means of a bookkeeping entry in the books of the Company which entitles the holder to receive one Share (or, at the election of the holder and subject to the approval of the Plan Administrator, the cash value thereof) for each DSU on a future date. The Board may fix from time to time a portion of the total compensation (including annual retainer) paid by the Company to a director in a
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calendar year for service on the Board (the "Director Fees") that are to be payable in the form of DSUs. In addition, each director is given, subject to the provisions of the Omnibus Plan, the right to elect to receive a portion of the cash Director Fees owing to them in the form 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. The number of DSUs (including fractional DSUs) granted at any particular time will be calculated by dividing (a) the amount of Director Fees that are to be paid in DSUs, as determined by the Plan Administrator, by (b) the Market Price of a Share on the date of grant. Upon settlement, holders will redeem each vested DSU for: (a) one fully paid and non-assessable Share issued from treasury in respect of each vested DSU, or (b) at the election of the holder and subject to the approval of the Plan Administrator, a cash payment on the date of settlement. Any cash payments made under the Omnibus Plan by the Company 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.
Dividend Equivalents
Except as otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator or as set forth in the particular award agreement, RSUs, PSUs and DSUs shall be credited with dividend equivalents in the form of additional RSUs, PSUs and DSUs, as applicable, as of each dividend payment date in respect of which normal cash dividends are paid on Shares. Dividend equivalents shall vest in proportion to, and settle in the same manner as, the awards to which they relate. 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.
Black-out Periods
In the event 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 Company 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.
Term
While this does not stipulate a specific term for awards granted thereunder, as discussed below, awards may not expire beyond 10 years from its date of grant, except where shareholder approval is received or where an expiry date would have fallen within a blackout period of the Company. All awards must vest and settle in accordance with the provisions of the Omnibus Plan and any applicable award agreement, which award agreement may include an expiry date for a specific award.
Termination of Employment or Services
The following table describes the impact of certain events upon the participants under the Omnibus Plan, including termination for cause, resignation, termination without cause, disability, death or retirement, subject, in each case, to the terms of a participant's applicable employment agreement, award agreement or other written agreement:
| Event | Provisions |
|---|---|
| Termination for Cause/Resignation | Any Option or other award held by the participant that has not been exercised, surrendered or settled as of the Termination Date (as defined in the Omnibus Plan) shall be immediately forfeited and cancelled as of the Termination Date. |
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| Event | Provisions |
|---|---|
| Termination without Cause | A portion of 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 90 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 90 days after the Termination Date. |
| Disability | Any award held by the participant that has not vested as of the date of such 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. |
| Death | Any award that is held by the participant that has not vested as of the date of the death of such participant shall be 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 Termination Date. |
| Retirement | Any (i) outstanding award that vests or becomes exercisable based solely on the participant remaining in the service of the Company or its subsidiary will become 100% vested, and (ii) outstanding award that vests based on the achievement of Performance Goals (as defined in the Omnibus Plan) 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 with the Company 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 Company 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 Company 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. |
Change in Control
Unless otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator, if, as a result of a Change in Control, the Shares will cease trading on the CSE, the Company may terminate all of the awards, other than an Option held by a participant that is a resident of Canada for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada), granted under the Omnibus Plan at the time of and subject to the completion of the Change in Control transaction by paying 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 (as defined in the Omnibus Plan) will be settled within 90 days of the Change in Control.
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Subject to certain exceptions, a “Change in Control” includes (a) any transaction pursuant to which a person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding Shares, (b) the sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, (c) the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, (d) the acquisition of the Company via consolidation, merger, exchange of securities, purchase of assets, amalgamation, statutory arrangement or otherwise, (e) individuals who comprise the Board at the last annual meeting of shareholders (the “Incumbent Board”) cease to constitute at least a majority of the Board, unless the election, or nomination for election by the shareholders, of any new director was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Incumbent Board, in which case such new director shall be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board, or (f) any other event which the Board determines to constitute a change in control of the Company.
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 the 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.
Amendments to the Omnibus Plan
The Plan Administrator may also from time to time, without notice and without approval of the holders of voting Shares, amend, modify, change, suspend or terminate Omnibus Plan or any awards granted pursuant thereto as it, in its discretion, determines appropriate, provided that (a) no such amendment, modification, change, suspension or termination of the Omnibus Plan or any award granted pursuant thereto may materially impair any rights of a participant or materially increase any obligations of a participant under the Omnibus Plan without the consent of such participant, unless the Plan Administrator determines such adjustment is required or desirable in order to comply with any applicable securities laws or stock exchange requirements, and (b) any amendment that would cause an award held by a U.S. Taxpayer to be subject to the income inclusion under Section 409A of the United States Internal Revenue Code, as amended, shall be null and void ab initio.
Notwithstanding the above, and subject to the rules of any applicable stock exchange, the approval of Shareholders is required to effect any of the following amendments to the Omnibus Plan:
- increasing the number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Omnibus Plan, except pursuant to the provisions in the Omnibus Plan which permit the Plan Administrator to make equitable adjustments in the event of transactions affecting the Company or its capital;
- reducing the exercise price of an option award except pursuant to the provisions in the Omnibus Plan which permit the Plan Administrator to make equitable adjustments in the event of transactions affecting the Company or its capital;
- extending 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);
- permitting 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);
- changing the eligible participants; and
- deleting or otherwise limiting the amendments that require approval of the Shareholders.
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Except for the items listed above, amendments to the Omnibus Plan will not require Shareholder approval. Such amendments include (but are not limited to): (a) amending the general vesting provisions of an award, (b) amending the provisions for early termination of awards in connection with a termination of employment or service, (c) adding covenants of the Company for the protection of the participants, (d) amendments that are desirable as a result of changes in law in any jurisdiction where a participant resides, and (e) curing or correcting any ambiguity or defect or inconsistent provision or clerical omission or mistake or manifest error.
Anti-Hedging Policy
Participants are 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 granted to them.
As of the date hereof, the Company has not granted any Options, RSUs, PSUs and DSUs to its directors, officers and consultants.
A copy of the Omnibus Plan is available at the registered and records office of the Company, at Suite 501, 3292 Production Way, Burnaby, B.C., V5A 4R4 during normal business hours up to and including the date of the Meeting and is attached as Schedule "C" to the Circular dated February 7, 2025.
Approval of Equity Incentive Plan
The Board is requesting that Shareholders affirm, ratify and approve the Omnibus Plan. Accordingly, at the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to approve the following ordinary resolution (the "Plan Resolution"), which must be approved by at least a majority of the votes cast by Shareholders represented in person or by proxy at the Meeting other than votes attaching to securities beneficially owned by related persons to whom securities may be issued as compensation or under the Omnibus Plan.
BE IT RESOLVED, AS AN ORDINARY RESOLUTION OF SHAREHOLDERS THAT:
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the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "Omnibus Plan") in the form attached as Schedule "C" to this information circular of the Company dated as of February 7, 2025, pursuant to which the board of directors of the Company may, from time to time, authorize the issuance of awards to directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries to a maximum of 20% of the issued and outstanding number of Shares at the time the grant, be and is hereby affirmed, ratified and approved;
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the unallocated entitlements under the Omnibus Plan, being as of the date of management information circular of the Company dated as of February 7, 2025, 6,161,361 stock options, restricted share units, performance share units and deferred share units still available for issue, be and are hereby approved, confirmed and ratified;
-
the Company shall seek shareholder approval of the Omnibus Plan by no later than March 13, 2028, or such other date that is no longer than three years from the date that this resolution is approved;
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the board of directors of the Company be authorized in its absolute discretion to administer the Omnibus Plan and amend or modify the Omnibus Plan in accordance with its terms and conditions and with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange; and
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any one director or officer of the Company be and is hereby authorized and directed to do all such acts and things and to execute and deliver, under the corporate seal of the Company or otherwise, all such deeds, documents, instruments and assurances as in his or her opinion may be necessary or desirable to give effect to this resolution, including making any amendments to the Omnibus Plan as may be required by regulatory authorities, without further approval of the shareholders of the Company.
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The form of Plan Resolution set forth above is subject to such amendments as management may propose at the Meeting, but which do not materially affect the substance of the Plan Resolution.
Management of the Company recommends that Shareholders vote in favor of the Plan Resolution at the Meeting. It is the intention of the Designated Persons named in the enclosed form of proxy, if not expressly directed otherwise in such form of proxy, to vote such proxy FOR the Plan Resolution.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The directors and senior officers of the Company are not aware of any material litigation outstanding, threatened or pending, as of the date hereof by or against the Company.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Company may be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Financial information regarding the Company is provided in the Company’s comparative financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for its most recently completed financial year.
GENERAL
Each matter referred to herein for approval by the Shareholders requires a majority of the votes cast by Shareholders, in person or by proxy, in respect of such matter at the Meeting.
The Board has approved the contents of the Circular and the sending of the Circular to the Shareholders.
Unless otherwise stated, the information contained herein is given as of February 7, 2025.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
(signed) Andrew Fletcher
Andrew Fletcher
President, CEO and Director
SCHEDULE "A"
GREAT EAGLE GOLD CORP.
(the "Company")
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
- Mandate
The audit committee will assist the board of directors (the "Board") in fulfilling its financial oversight responsibilities. The audit committee will review and consider in consultation with the auditors, the financial reporting process, the system of internal control and the audit process. In performing its duties, the committee will maintain effective working relationships with the Board, management, and the external auditors. To effectively perform his or her role, each committee member must obtain an understanding of the principal responsibilities of committee members hip as well and the Company's business, operations, and risks.
- Composition
The Board will appoint from among their membership an audit committee after each annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Company. The audit committee will consist of a minimum of three directors.
2.1 Independence
A majority of the members of the audit committee must not be officers, employees or control persons of the Company.
2.2 Expertise of Committee Members
Each member of the audit committee must be financially literate or must become financially literate within a reasonable period of time after his or her appointment to the committee. At least one member of the committee must have accounting or related financial management expertise. The Board shall interpret the qualifications of financial literacy and financial management expertise in its business judgment and shall conclude whether a director meets these qualifications.
- Meetings
The audit committee shall meet in accordance with a schedule established each year by the Board, and at other time that the audit committee may determine. The audit committee shall meet at least annually with the Company's Chief Financial Officer and external auditors in separate executive sessions.
- Roles and Responsibilities
The audit committee shall fulfill the following roles and discharge the following responsibilities:
4.1 External Audit
The audit committee shall be directly responsible for overseeing the work of the external auditors in preparing or issuing the auditor's report, including the resolution of disagreements between management and the external auditors regarding financial reporting and audit scope or procedures. In carrying out this duty, the audit committee shall:
(a) recommend to the Board the external auditor to be nominated by the shareholders for the purpose of preparing or issuing an auditor's report or performing other audit, review or attest services for the Company;
(b) review (by discussion and enquiry) the external auditors' proposed audit scope and approach;
(c) review the performance of the external auditors and recommend to the Board the appointment or discharge of the external auditors;
(d) review and recommend to the Board the compensation to be paid to the external auditors; and
(e) review and confirm the independence of the external auditors by reviewing the non-audit services provided and the external auditors' assertion of their independence in accordance with professional standards.
4.2 Internal Control
The audit committee shall consider whether adequate controls are in place over annual and interim financial reporting as well as controls over assets, transactions and the creation of obligations, commitments and liabilities of the Company. In carrying out this duty, the audit committee shall:
(a) evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of management's system of internal controls over the accounting and financial reporting system within the Company; and
(b) ensure that the external auditors discuss with the audit committee any event or matter which suggests the possibility of fraud, illegal acts or deficiencies in internal controls.
4.3 Financial Reporting
The audit committee shall review the financial statements and financial information prior to its release to the public. In carrying out this duty, the audit committee shall:
General
(a) review significant accounting and financial reporting issues, especially complex, unusual, and related party transactions; and
(b) review and ensure that the accounting principles selected by management in preparing financial statements are appropriate.
Annual Financial Statements
(c) review the draft annual financial statements and provide a recommendation to the Board with respect to the approval of the financial statements;
(d) meet with management and the external auditors to review the financial statements and the results of the audit, including any difficulties encountered; and
(e) review management's discussion & analysis respecting the annual reporting period prior to its release to the public.
Interim Financial Statements
(f) review and approve the interim financial statements prior to their release to the public; and
(g) review management's discussion & analysis respecting the interim reporting period prior to its release to the public.
Release of Financial Information
(h) where reasonably possible, review and approve all public disclosure, including news releases, containing financial information, prior to its release to the public.
4.4 Non-Audit Services
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All non-audit services (being services other than services rendered for the audit and review of the financial statements or services that are normally provided by the external auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements) which are proposed to be provided by the external auditors to the Company or any subsidiary of the Company shall be subject to the prior approval of the audit committee.
Delegation of Authority
(a) The audit committee may delegate to one or more independent members of the audit committee the authority to approve non-audit services, provided any non-audit services approved in this manner must be presented to the audit committee at its next scheduled meeting.
De-Minim is Non-Audit Services
(b) The audit committee may satisfy the requirement for the pre-approval of non-audit services if:
(i) the aggregate amount of all non-audit services that were not pre-approved is reasonably expected to constitute no more than five per cent of the total amount of fees paid by the Company and its subsidiaries to the external auditor during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; or
(ii) the services are brought to the attention of the audit committee and approved, prior to the completion of the audit, by the audit committee or by one or more of its members to whom authority to grant such approvals has been delegated.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
(c) The audit committee may also satisfy the requirement for the pre-approval of non-audit services by adopting specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services, if:
(i) the pre-approval policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service;
(ii) the audit committee is informed of each non-audit service; and
(iii) the procedures do not include delegation of the audit committee's responsibilities to management.
4.5 Other Responsibilities
The audit committee shall:
(a) establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters;
(b) establish procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters;
(c) ensure that significant findings and recommendations made by management and external auditor are received and discussed on a timely basis;
(d) review the policies and procedures in effect for considering officers' expenses and perquisites;
(e) perform other oversight functions as requested by the Board; and
(f) review and update this Charter and receive approval of changes to this Charter from the Board.
4.6 Reporting Responsibilities
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The audit committee shall regularly update the Board about committee activities and make appropriate recommendations.
5. Resources and Authority of the Audit Committee
The audit committee shall have the resources and the authority appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including the authority to:
(a) engage independent counsel and other advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its duties;
(b) set and pay the compensation for any advisors employed by the audit committee; and
(c) communicate directly with the internal and external auditors.
6. Guidance - Roles & Responsibilities
The following guidance is intended to provide the Audit Committee members with additional guidance on fulfillment of their roles and responsibilities on the committee:
6.1 Internal Control
(a) evaluate whether management is setting the goal of high standards by communicating the importance of internal control and ensuring that all individuals possess an understanding of their roles and responsibilities;
(b) focus on the extent to which external auditors review computer systems and applications, the security of such systems and applications, and the contingency plan for processing financial information in the event of an IT systems breakdown; and
(c) gain an understanding of whether internal control recommendations made by external auditors have been implemented by management.
6.2 Financial Reporting
General
(a) review significant accounting and reporting issues including recent professional and regulatory pronouncements. and understand their impact on the financial statements;
(b) ask management and the external auditors about significant risks and exposures and the plans to minimize such risks; and
(c) understand industry best practices and the Company's adoption of them.
Annual Financial Statements
(d) review the annual financial statements and determine whether they are complete and consistent with the information known to committee members, and assess whether the financial statements reflect appropriate accounting principles in light of the jurisdictions in which the Company reports or trades its shares;
(e) pay attention to complex and/or unusual transactions such as restructuring charges and derivative disclosures;
(f) focus on judgmental areas such as those involving valuation of assets and liabilities, including, for example, the accounting for and disclosure of loan losses; warranty, professional liability; litigation reserves; and other commitments and contingencies;
(g) consider management's handling of proposed audit adjustments identified by the external auditors; and
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(h) ensure that the external auditors communicate all required matters to the committee.
Interim Financial Statements
(i) be briefed on how management develops and summarizes interim financial information, the extent to which the external auditors review interim financial information;
(j) meet with management and the auditors, either telephonically or in person, to review the interim financial statements; and
(k) to gain insight into the fairness of the interim statements and disclosures, obtain explanations from management on whether:
(i) actual financial results for the quarter or interim period varied significantly from budgeted or projected results;
(ii) changes in financial ratios and relationships of various balance sheet and operating statement figures in the interim financial statements are consistent with changes in the Company's operations and financing practices;
(iii) generally accepted accounting principles have been consistently applied;
(iv) there are any actual or proposed changes in accounting or financial reporting practices;
(v) there are any significant or unusual events or trans actions;
(vi) the Company's financial and operating controls are functioning effectively;
(vii) the Company has complied with the terms of loan agreements, security indentures or other financial position or results dependent agreement; and
(viii) the interim financial statements contain adequate and appropriate disclosures.
6.3 Compliance with Laws and Regulations
(a) periodically obtain updates from management regarding compliance with this policy and industry "best practices";
(b) be satisfied that all regulatory compliance matters have been considered in the preparation of the financial statements; and
(c) review the findings of any examinations by securities regulatory authorities and stock exchanges.
6.4 Other Responsibilities
Review with the Company's counsel, any legal matters that could have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements.
SCHEDULE "B"
CHANGE OF AUDITOR PACKAGE
(see attached)
NOTICE OF CHANGE OF AUDITOR
(National Instrument 51-102)
TO: Ontario Securities Commission
20 Queen Street West
20th Floor
Toronto, ON M5H 3S8
British Columbia Securities Commission
710 W. Georgia Street
PO Box 10142, Pacific Center
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1L2
Davidson & Company LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Suite 1200 – 609 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1H4
Adam Sung Kim Ltd.
Chartered Professional Accountant
Unit# 172 - 4300 North Fraser Way
Burnaby, BC V5J 5J8
RE: Notice Regarding Change of Auditor Pursuant National Instrument 51-102
Pursuant to Section 4.11(7) of National Instrument 51-102, Great Eagle Gold Corp. (the "Company") hereby gives notice of the change of its auditor from Adam Sung Kim Ltd. to Davidson & Company LLP. In accordance with National Instrument 51-102, the Company hereby states that:
- Adam Sung Kim Ltd. resigned at our request as the Company’s auditor, effective September 11, 2024;
- Davidson & Company LLP has been appointed as the Company’s auditor, effective September 11, 2024;
- the resignation of Adam Sung Kim Ltd. and the appointment of Davidson & Company LLP as the Company’s auditor have been considered and approved by the Company’s Audit Committee and Board of Directors;
- Adam Sung Kim Ltd.’s audit report on the Company’s financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2023 did not express a modified opinion; and
- there have been no "reportable events" within the meaning assigned under subsection 4.11(1) of National Instrument 51-102.
DATED the 11th day of September, 2024.
GREAT EAGLE GOLD CORP.
Per:
(signed) Christopher Hansen
Christopher Hansen
Director
10290 171A STREET
SURREY, BC V4N 3L2
T: 604.318.5465
E: [email protected]
Adam Kim
ADAM SUNG KIM LTD.
CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT
September 11, 2024
British Columbia Securities Commission
Ontario Securities Commission
Dear Sirs/Mesdames:
Re: Great Eagle Gold Corp. – Notice of Change of Auditors
As required by National Instrument 51-102, we confirm that we have reviewed the information contained in the Notice of Change of Auditors ("the Notice") issued on September 11, 2024 by Great Eagle Gold Corp. ("the Corporation") and, based on our knowledge of such information at this time, we agree with the information contained in the Notice.
We understand that a copy of the Notice and this letter will be provided to the shareholders of the Corporation.
Yours truly,
ADAM SUNG KIM LTD.
Adam S. Kim
DAVIDSON & COMPANY LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
September 16, 2024
British Columbia Securities Commission
Ontario Securities Commission
Dear Sirs / Mesdames:
Re: Great Eagle Gold Corp. (the "Company")
Notice Pursuant to NI 51-102 - Change of Auditor
As required by the National Instrument 51-102 and in connection with our proposed engagement as auditor of the Company, we have reviewed the information contained in the Company's Notice of Change of Auditor, dated September 11, 2024 (the "Notice"), and, based on our knowledge of such information at this time, we agree with the information contained in the Notice pertaining to our firm.
Yours very truly,
Davidson & Company LLP
DAVIDSON & COMPANY LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
cc: Canadian Securities Exchange
A member of Nexia International
1200 - 609 Granville Street, P.O. Box 10372, Pacific Centre, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V7Y 1G6
Telephone (604) 687-0947 Davidson-co.com
SCHEDULE "C"
GREAT EAGLE GOLD CORP.
OMNIBUS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
__, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1 - PURPOSE...1
ARTICLE 2 - INTERPRETATION...1
ARTICLE 3 - ADMINISTRATION...8
ARTICLE 4 - OPTIONS...10
ARTICLE 5 - RESTRICTED SHARE UNITS...12
ARTICLE 6 - PERFORMANCE SHARE UNITS...13
ARTICLE 7 - DEFERRED SHARE UNITS...14
ARTICLE 8 - ARTICLES ADDITIONAL AWARD TERMS...16
ARTICLE 9 - TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICES...17
ARTICLE 10 - EVENTS AFFECTING THE CORPORATION...19
ARTICLE 11 - U.S. TAXPAYERS...21
ARTICLE 12 - AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN...23
ARTICLE 13 - MISCELLANEOUS...24
GREAT EAGLE GOLD 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);
(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 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
2
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 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;
3
(o) “Corporation” means Great Eagle Gold 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 “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 ____, 2025;
(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;
4
(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;
(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;
(ll) “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;
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(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;
(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 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
6
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 Sunder 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 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:
(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;
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(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 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 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.
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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 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.
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4.3 Term of Options
Subject to any accelerated termination as set forth in this Plan, each Option expires on its Expiry Date.
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 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 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.
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(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.
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.
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(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 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
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be earlier than the “separation from service” (within 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 - ARTICLES 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.
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
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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;
(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 90 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 90 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;
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(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 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
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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.
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.
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(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 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.
10.7 Fractions
No fractional Shares will be issued pursuant to an Award. Accordingly, if, as a result of any adjustment under this
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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.
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.
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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 (N) 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.
(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;
(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;
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(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.
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.
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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 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 sub-plans 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 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.
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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
[name of company]
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)
(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
[name of company]
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
[name of company]
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.