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PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. — Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement 2021
Mar 19, 2021
47203_rns_2021-03-19_8ad1dbd6-f633-47a0-8814-535c70f821f6.pdf
Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND INFORMATION CIRCULAR AND PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
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Table of Contents
NOTICE OF NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021 .............. 3 INFORMATION CIRCULAR AND PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ................................................................... 4 PROXIES .................................................................................................... 4 SOLICITATION OF PROXIES ................................................................. 4 ATTENDING AND PARTICIPATING AT THE MEETING .......................... 5 LOGGING INTO THE MEETING TO VOTE – REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS AND DULY APPOINTED PROXYHOLDERS ........... 5 PARTICIPATING AND VOTING AT THE MEETING................................. 6 REGISTRATION OF A PROXYHOLDER FOR ONLINE MEETING PARTICIPATION ................................................................................... 6 ADVICE TO BENEFICIAL HOLDERS OF COMMON SHARES ................ 7 NOTICE-AND-ACCESS .......................................................................... 7 REVOCABILITY OF PROXY ................................................................... 8 PERSONS MAKING THE SOLICITATION ............................................... 8 EXERCISE OF DISCRETION BY PROXY ............................................... 8 QUORUM FOR MEETING AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS .............. 8 REQUEST FOR MATERIALS ..................................................................... 9 VOTING SHARES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF ....................... 9 MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON AT THE MEETING ............................... 10 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS ................................................................. 10 Voting for Election of Directors ............................................................ 10 Biographies of the Directors ................................................................ 10 Additional Disclosure Relating to Proposed Directors .......................... 15 APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS ............................................................ 16 ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ......................... 16 STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES ................ 17 THE BOARD ......................................................................................... 17 MEETING ATTENDANCE ..................................................................... 18 INTERLOCKING BOARDS .................................................................... 19 BOARD MANDATE ............................................................................... 19 POSITION DESCRIPTIONS .................................................................. 19 ORIENTATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION ................................. 20 DIRECTOR TERM LIMITS ..................................................................... 23 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ............................................................... 23 Board Diversity .................................................................................... 24 Representation of Women in Executive Positions ................................ 25 BUSINESS CODE OF CONDUCT ......................................................... 25 INVESTIGATIONS PRACTICE POLICY ................................................ 26 SUPPLIER CODE OF CONDUCT ......................................................... 26 HUMAN RIGHTS, HEALTH AND SAFETY, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY .................................... 27 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY ............................................................................... 27 LOBBYING ............................................................................................ 29 RISK MANAGEMENT ............................................................................ 29 SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ......................................................... 30 Communicating with Us ....................................................................... 31 Communicating with the Board and Senior Management..................... 31 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation ("Say on Pay") .................. 31 Changes Following Shareholder Engagement ..................................... 31 MATERIAL INTERESTS ........................................................................ 34 ANTI-HEDGING POLICY AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS ON TRADING ACTIVITIES ......................................................................................... 34 NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS .................................. 35 Majority Voting Policy .......................................................................... 35 Advance Notice Nominations ............................................................... 35 SUCCESSION PLANNING .................................................................... 36 COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS ........................... 36 SHARE OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES ..................................................... 36 Director Ownership .............................................................................. 37 Executive Ownership ........................................................................... 37 Other Ownership Guidelines (Staff) ..................................................... 37
BOARD COMMITTEES ......................................................................... 38 Audit Committee ................................................................................. 38 Governance and Compensation Committee ........................................ 39 Reserves Committee ........................................................................... 39 BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS WITHOUT MANAGEMENT ..... 39 ASSESSMENT OF DIRECTORS, THE BOARD AND BOARD COMMITTEES .................................................................................... 39 DIRECTOR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE ............................................... 40 COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS .................................... 42 Composition and Role of the Governance and Compensation Committee .......................................................................................... 42 Pay for Performance Philosophy ......................................................... 42 "Say on Pay" Voting and Shareholder Engagement on Executive Compensation Matters ........................................................................ 42 Differences Between "Reported Target" Compensation and "Actual Realized" Compensation ..................................................................... 42 Changes to Executive Compensation Over Time and in 2021 ............. 44 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ................................................................ 48 NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.......................................................... 48 COMPENSATION OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES ............................ 48 Clawback Policy (Recoupment of Incentive Compensation) ................ 49 Short Selling Restrictions .................................................................... 49 COMPONENTS OF COMPENSATION ................................................. 50 Base Salary......................................................................................... 50 Annual Cash Awards (Bonus) ............................................................. 50 Long-Term Incentive Program ............................................................. 50 Retirement Savings Plan ..................................................................... 51 Other Compensation Elements ........................................................... 52 NEO TOTAL COMPENSATION MIX ..................................................... 52 BENCHMARKING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ............................... 53 2020 PEFORMANCE AND ACHIEVEMENTS ....................................... 55 2020 Performance of CEO .................................................................. 59 2020 Performance of Other Executive Officers .................................... 60 COVID-19 Factors ............................................................................... 60 2021 Performance Objectives ............................................................. 60 PRAIRIESKY'S PERFORMANCE VERSUS PEERS AND INDICES ...... 61 Performance Graph ............................................................................. 61 2020 NEO COMPENSATION ................................................................ 62 CEO Compensation ............................................................................ 62 Summary Compensation Table ........................................................... 65 Outstanding Option-Based Awards and Share-Based Awards ............ 66 Option-Based Awards, Share-Based Awards and Non-Equity Compensation — Value Vested or Earned in 2020 .............................. 67 Option Value Realized During the Year ............................................... 68 Termination and Change of Control Benefits ....................................... 68 REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS ......................................................... 71 DIRECTORS COMPENSATION ............................................................... 71 COMPONENTS OF COMPENSATION ................................................. 71 Director Outstanding Share-Based Awards ......................................... 72 Director Share-Based Awards — Value Vested or Earned .................. 72 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION 73 INCENTIVE AWARD PROGRAMS ........................................................... 73 OPTION PLAN ...................................................................................... 73 INCENTIVE PLANS .............................................................................. 76 OFFICER DEFERRED SHARE UNIT PLAN .......................................... 81 SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS ........................................................................ 82 ANNUAL BURN RATE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS ...... 82 INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS . 83 INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS AND COMPANIES IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON ..................................................................................... 83 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS .......................................................................................... 83 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ................................................................... 84 OTHER MATTERS ................................................................................... 84 APPENDIX A ........................................................................................... 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NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
The annual general meeting (the " Meeting ") of the shareholders of PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. (" PrairieSky " or the " Company ") will be held via live audio webcast online at https://web.lumiagm.com/255695029, password "prairie2021" (case sensitive), on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. (MDT) to:
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receive and consider the audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2020, together with the report of the auditors;
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elect eight (8) directors of the Company;
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appoint the auditors and authorize the directors to fix their remuneration as such;
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vote on our approach to executive compensation; and
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transact such other business as may properly be brought before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The specific details of the matters proposed to be put before the Meeting are set forth in the information circular and proxy statement accompanying this notice.
Due to the unprecedented public health impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, PrairieSky is again hosting its meeting in virtual only format in alignment with the public health orders and recommendations of Canadian public health officials to not hold large public gatherings. The virtual only format will help mitigate health and safety risks to the community, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders. PrairieSky encourages all shareholders to virtually attend the Meeting. Registered shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders will be able to listen to the Meeting, ask questions and vote online, all in real time, provided they are connected to the Internet and properly follow the instructions contained on the website. Non-registered (beneficial) shareholders who have not duly appointed themselves as proxyholders may still attend the Meeting as guests. Guests will be able to listen to the Meeting but will not be able to vote at the Meeting or ask questions.
Registered shareholders who are unable to virtually attend the Meeting are requested to complete, date and sign the enclosed form of proxy and return it to TSX Trust Company, Attention: Proxy Department, 100 Adelaide Street West, Suite 301, Toronto, Ontario M5H 4H1, or deliver it by fax to 1-416-595-9593 at least 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, before the time of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Registered shareholders may also vote via the internet at www.voteproxyonline.com. Votes by internet must be received by 9:30 a.m. (MDT) on Friday, April 16, 2021 or at least 48 hours excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays prior to the time of any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting. See the information circular and proxy statement for further instructions on internet voting. If a shareholder receives more than one form of proxy because such shareholder owns common shares of the Company (" Common Shares ") registered in different names or addresses, each proxy form should be completed and returned.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 3, 2021 will be entitled to vote at the Meeting, unless a shareholder has transferred any Common Shares subsequent to that date and the transferee shareholder, not later than 10 days before the Meeting, establishes ownership of such Common Shares and demands that the transferee's name be included on the list of shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting.
DATED at Calgary, Alberta this 3[r] [d] day of March, 2021.
By order of the Board of Directors of PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.
(signed) Cameron Proctor Corporate Secretary
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INFORMATION CIRCULAR AND PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 2021
Proxies
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
This information circular and proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the annual general meeting (the " Meeting ") of the shareholders of PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. (" PrairieSky " or the " Company ") to be held via live audio webcast online at https://web.lumiagm.com/255695029, password "prairie2021" (case sensitive), on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. (MDT), and at any adjournment thereof.
Due to the unprecedented public health impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, PrairieSky is again hosting its meeting in virtual only format in alignment with the public health orders and recommendations of Canadian public health officials to not hold large public gatherings. The virtual only format will help mitigate health and safety risks to the community, employees, shareholders and other stakeholders. PrairieSky encourages all shareholders to virtually attend the Meeting. Registered shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders will be able to listen to the Meeting, ask questions and vote online, all in real time, provided they are connected to the Internet and properly follow the instructions contained on the website. Non-registered (beneficial) shareholders who have not duly appointed themselves as proxyholders may still attend the Meeting as guests. Guests will be able to listen to the Meeting but will not be able to vote at the Meeting or ask questions.
Forms of proxy must be addressed to and received by TSX Trust Company (the " Transfer Agent "), Attention: Proxy Department, 100 Adelaide Street West, Suite 301, Toronto, Ontario M5H 4H1 or by fax to 1-416-595-9593 at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before the time of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Registered shareholders may also use the internet at www.voteproxyonline.com to vote their common shares of PrairieSky (" Common Shares "). Shareholders will be prompted to enter the control number which is located on the form of proxy. Votes by internet must be received by 9:30 a.m. (MDT) on Friday, April 16, 2021 or at least 48 hours excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, prior to the time of any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting. The website may also be used to appoint a proxyholder to attend and vote at the Meeting on the shareholder's behalf and to convey a shareholder's voting instructions.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 3, 2021 will be entitled to vote at the Meeting, unless a shareholder has transferred any Common Shares subsequent to that date and the transferee shareholder, not later than 10 days before the Meeting, establishes ownership of such Common Shares and demands that the transferee's name be included on the list of shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting.
The instrument appointing a proxy must be in writing and must be executed by you or your attorney authorized in writing or, if you are a company, by a duly authorized officer or attorney of the company.
The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy are our officers and/or directors. As a shareholder, you have the right to appoint a person or company, who need not be a shareholder, to represent you at
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the Meeting. To exercise this right, you should insert the name of the desired representative in the blank space provided on the form of proxy.
ATTENDING AND PARTICIPATING AT THE MEETING
Registered holders of Common Shares (" Registered Shareholders ") and duly appointed proxyholders will be able to listen to the Meeting, ask questions and vote online, all in real time, provided they are connected to the Internet and comply with all of the requirements set out herein.
Beneficial Shareholders (as defined herein) who have not duly appointed themselves as proxyholders may still attend the Meeting as guests. Guests will be able to listen to the Meeting but will not be able to vote at the Meeting.
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Go to https://web.lumiagm.com/255695029 in your web browser. For details, refer to the
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" Virtual Annual General Meeting Guide 2021 " that was provided with the enclosed form of proxy or voting instruction form (" VIF ").
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If you have voting rights (Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders), select "I have a Control Number" and follow the instructions.
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If you do not have voting rights (Beneficial Shareholders and guests), select "I am a Guest" and fill in the form. See " Registration of a Proxyholder for Online Meeting Participation " below if you are a Beneficial Shareholder who wishes to vote at the Meeting.
See " Participating and Voting at the Meeting " below for additional instructions on voting. The Company recommends that shareholders log in to the site at least thirty (30) minutes before the time of the Meeting. Shareholders will be able to log in to the site one hour before the time of the Meeting.
LOGGING INTO THE MEETING TO VOTE – REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS AND DULY APPOINTED PROXYHOLDERS
Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders, including Beneficial Shareholders who have duly appointed themselves as proxyholder, can participate, ask questions and vote, all in real time, during the Meeting by:
- Logging in online at https://web.lumiagm.com/255695029
The Company recommends that shareholders log in at least thirty (30) minutes before the time of the Meeting. Shareholders will be able to log in to the site one hour before the time of the Meeting.
- Clicking "I have a control number" and then entering your Control Number (see below) and Password "prairie2021" (case sensitive).
For more detailed instructions or if you have questions about the Meeting, refer to the " Virtual Annual General Meeting Guide 2021 " that was provided with the enclosed form of proxy or VIF.
For Registered Shareholders, the Control Number is located on the enclosed form of proxy or in the email notification received from the Transfer Agent. For duly appointed proxyholders, provided that the instructions provided in this information circular and proxy statement have been followed, the Transfer Agent will provide a Meeting-specific control number by e-mail after the proxy deposit deadline has passed.
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PARTICIPATING AND VOTING AT THE MEETING
Attending the Meeting online gives shareholders an opportunity to hear directly from management and the board of directors of PrairieSky (the " Board "). Registered Shareholders and duly appointed proxyholders can participate, ask questions and vote online by following the instructions herein and in the " Virtual Annual General Meeting Guide 2021 " that was provided with the enclosed form of proxy or VIF.
Registered Shareholders who wish to participate and vote at the Meeting do not need to complete or return the enclosed form of proxy. A Control Number is located on the enclosed form of proxy and it may be used to login to the Meeting and vote at the Meeting by completing a ballot online during the Meeting. If a Registered Shareholder submits a form of proxy, they do not need to vote again at the Meeting as their vote will already be recorded. Registered Shareholders who submit proxies in advance of the Meeting can still attend the Meeting and not vote. If they do vote at the Meeting again, the online vote will revoke their previously submitted proxy. See " Revocability of Proxy " below.
Beneficial Shareholders who wish to attend the Meeting and vote by completing a ballot online during the Meeting must appoint themselves as their own proxyholders by following the instructions herein. See " Registration of a Proxyholder for Online Meeting Participation " and " Advice to Beneficial Holders of Common Shares " below.
REGISTRATION OF A PROXYHOLDER FOR ONLINE MEETING PARTICIPATION
The following applies to shareholders who wish to appoint someone as their proxyholder other than the management designees named in the form of proxy or VIF to attend the Meeting and vote on their behalf. This includes Beneficial Shareholders who wish to appoint themselves as proxyholder to attend and participate in the Meeting. Shareholders who wish to appoint someone other than the management designees as their proxyholder to attend and participate at the Meeting as their proxy and vote their Common Shares MUST submit their form of proxy or VIF, as applicable, appointing that person as proxyholder (see " Solicitation of Proxies " above and " Advice to Beneficial Holders of Common Shares " below) AND must register that proxyholder, as described below. Registering a shareholder's proxyholder is an additional step to be completed AFTER such shareholder has submitted their form of proxy or VIF. Failure to register the proxyholder will result in the proxyholder not receiving the Meeting-specific control number from the Transfer Agent that is required in order to participate and vote at the Meeting. If you are a Beneficial Shareholder and you wish to participate or vote at the Meeting, you must appoint yourself as proxyholder by inserting your own name in the space provided on the form of proxy or VIF sent to you by your broker or their nominee, and follow all of the applicable instructions provided by your intermediary AND you must also register yourself as your proxyholder, as described below. By doing so, you are instructing your broker or their nominee to appoint you as proxyholder. Beneficial Shareholders who have not appointed themselves as proxyholder (and registered as instructed below) cannot vote online during the Meeting as the Company and the Transfer Agent do not maintain the records for Beneficial Shareholders and we have no knowledge of your shareholdings or entitlement to vote, unless you appoint yourself as proxyholder.
Shareholders must register their proxyholder in advance of the Meeting. Before registering, you must first appoint your proxyholder (see above). To register a proxyholder, shareholders MUST contact [email protected] by 9:30 a.m. (MDT) on Friday, April 16, 2021 and provide the Transfer Agent with the required proxyholder contact information, so that Transfer Agent may provide the proxyholder with a Meeting-specific control number via email. Without a Meetingspecific control number, proxyholders will not be able to attend and vote online at the Meeting.
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ADVICE TO BENEFICIAL HOLDERS OF COMMON SHARES
The information set forth in this section is of significant importance to you if you do not hold your Common Shares in your own name. Only proxies deposited by shareholders whose names appear on the records of the Company as the Registered Shareholders can be recognized and acted upon at the Meeting. If Common Shares are listed in your account statement provided by your broker, then in almost all cases those Common Shares will not be registered in your name on PrairieSky's records. Such Common Shares will likely be registered under the name of your broker or an agent of that broker. In Canada, the vast majority of shares are registered under the name of CDS & Co., the registration name for CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. (" CDS "), which acts as nominee for many Canadian brokerage firms. Common Shares held by your broker or their nominee can only be voted upon your instructions. Without specific instructions, your broker or their nominee is prohibited from voting your Common Shares. The Company does not know for whose benefit the Common Shares registered in the name of CDS & Co. are held. The majority of Common Shares held in the United States are registered in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee for The Depository Trust Company, which is the United States equivalent of CDS.
Applicable regulatory policy requires your broker to seek voting instructions from you in advance of the Meeting. Every broker has its own mailing procedures and provides its own return instructions, which you should carefully follow in order to ensure that your Common Shares are voted at the Meeting. Often, the form of proxy supplied by your broker is identical to the form of proxy provided to Registered Shareholders. However, its purpose is limited to instructing the Registered Shareholder how to vote on your behalf. The majority of brokers now delegate responsibility for obtaining instructions from clients to Broadridge Investor Communications, Canada (" Broadridge "), which mails a scannable VIF in lieu of the form of proxy. You are asked to complete and return the VIF to them by mail or facsimile. Alternatively, you can call their tollfree telephone number or access the internet to vote your Common Shares. Broadridge then tabulates the results of all instructions received and provides appropriate instructions respecting the voting of such Common Shares to be represented at the Meeting. If you receive a VIF from Broadridge it cannot be used as a proxy to vote Common Shares directly at the Meeting as the proxy must be returned to them well in advance of the Meeting in order to have the Common Shares voted.
Although you may not be recognized directly at the Meeting for the purposes of voting Common Shares registered in the name of your broker, you may virtually attend the Meeting as a proxyholder for the Registered Shareholder and vote your Common Shares in that capacity. If you wish to vote your Common Shares at the Meeting, you must do so as proxyholder for the Registered Shareholder. To do this, you should enter your own name in the blank space on the form of proxy provided to you and return the document to your broker or the agent of such broker in accordance with the instructions provided by such broker well in advance of the Meeting. It is important that the VIF or form of proxy be received by your broker or the agent sufficiently in advance of the Meeting to enable your broker or the agent to provide voting instructions on your behalf. See " Registration of a Proxyholder for Online Meeting Participation " above.
NOTICE-AND-ACCESS
The Company has elected to use the "notice-and-access" provisions under National Instrument 54-101 - Communications with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer (the " Notice-and-Access Provisions ") for the Meeting in respect of mailings to its non-registered shareholders (" Beneficial Shareholders ") but not in respect of mailings to its Registered Shareholders. The Notice-and-Access Provisions are rules developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that reduce the volume of materials that must be physically mailed to shareholders by allowing a reporting issuer to post an information circular in respect of a meeting of its shareholders and related materials online.
The Company has also elected to use procedures known as 'stratification' in relation to its use of the Noticeand-Access Provisions. Stratification occurs when a reporting issuer using the Notice-and-Access
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Provisions provides a paper copy of an information circular and, if applicable, a paper copy of financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis (together the " Financial Information "), to some shareholders together with a notice of a meeting of its shareholders. In relation to the Meeting, Registered Shareholders will receive a paper copy of each of a notice of the Meeting, this information circular and proxy statement and a form of proxy; whereas, Beneficial Shareholders will receive a Noticeand-Access notification and a request for voting instructions or VIF. Furthermore, a paper copy of the Financial Information in respect of the most recent financial year of the Company will be mailed to Registered Shareholders as well as to those Beneficial Shareholders who have previously requested to receive them.
The Company will be delivering proxy-related materials directly to non-objecting Beneficial Shareholders with the assistance of Broadridge and intends to pay for intermediaries to deliver proxy-related materials to objecting Beneficial Shareholders.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXY
You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to a vote. If you or the person you give your proxy to virtually attend the Meeting, you or such person may revoke the proxy by voting online directly at the Meeting. In addition to revocation in any other manner permitted by law, a proxy may be revoked by an instrument in writing executed by you or your attorney authorized in writing or, if you are a company, under your corporate seal or by a duly authorized officer or attorney of the company. To be effective, the instrument in writing must be deposited either at the head office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day before the day of the Meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, at which the proxy is to be used, or by a duly executed and deposited form of proxy bearing a later date or time than the date or time of the proxy being revoked.
PERSONS MAKING THE SOLICITATION
This solicitation is made on behalf of the Company's management. PrairieSky will bear the costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of the form of proxy, notice of annual general meeting and this information circular and proxy statement. In addition to mailing forms of proxy, proxies may be solicited by personal interviews, or by other means of communication, by the Company's directors, officers and employees who will not be remunerated therefor.
EXERCISE OF DISCRETION BY PROXY
The Common Shares represented by proxy in favour of management nominees will be voted on every matter at the Meeting. Where you specify a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the Common Shares will be voted or withheld from voting on any matter in accordance with the specification so made. If you do not provide instructions, your Common Shares will be voted in favour of the matters to be acted upon as set out herein. The persons appointed under the form of proxy are conferred with discretionary authority with respect to amendments or variations of those matters specified in the form of proxy and notice of annual general meeting and with respect to any other matters which may properly be brought before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. At the time of printing this information circular and proxy statement, the Company knows of no such amendment, variation or other matter.
QUORUM FOR MEETING AND APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
At the Meeting, a quorum shall consist of two (2) or more persons virtually present at the Meeting and holding or representing by proxy not less than 25% of the outstanding Common Shares. If a quorum is not present at the opening of the Meeting, the shareholders present may adjourn the Meeting to a fixed time and place (including virtually) but may not transact any other business.
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All of the matters to be considered at the Meeting other than the non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation are ordinary resolutions requiring approval by more than 50% of the votes cast in respect of the resolution at the Meeting. The vote on our approach to executive compensation is advisory and the results will not be binding on the Board (as defined herein under " Matters to be Acted upon at the Meeting – Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation ").
Request for Materials
Beneficial Shareholders who wish to receive a paper copy of this information circular and proxy statement and/or the Financial Information should contact Broadridge at the toll-free number 1-866-393-4891 ext. 205 at any time up to and including the date of the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. In order to allow Beneficial Shareholders a reasonable time to receive paper copies of this information circular and proxy statement and related materials and to vote their Common Shares, any Beneficial Shareholders wishing to request paper copies as described above should ensure that such request is received by 9:30 a.m. (MDT) on April 9, 2021. A Beneficial Shareholder may also call the Company at (587) 293-4000 to obtain additional information about the Notice-and-Access Provisions.
Voting Shares and Principal Holders Thereof
PrairieSky is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares and an unlimited number of preferred shares, issuable in series. As at March 3, 2021, there were 223,300,000 Common Shares and no preferred shares issued and outstanding. As a holder of Common Shares, you are entitled to one vote for each Common Share owned.
Other than as set forth below, to the knowledge of the Company's directors and officers, as at March 3, 2021, no person or company beneficially owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, Common Shares entitled to more than 10% of the votes which may be cast at the Meeting.
| Registered Holder | Number of Common Shares(1) |
Percentage of Issued and Outstanding(2) |
|---|---|---|
| EdgePoint Investment Group Inc. | 43,098,629 | 19.3% |
| Canadian Natural Resources Limited | 22,637,477 | 10.1% |
Notes:
(1) Information on the number of Common Shares beneficially owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, is based solely on filings on the Company's profiles at www.sedar.com or on the System for Electronic Disclosure by Insiders (SEDI) at www.sedi.ca.
(2) Due to PrairieSky’s acquisition and cancellation of Common Shares under its normal course issuer bid, the percentage of issued and outstanding Common Shares owned has been calculated as at December 31, 2020.
As at March 3, 2021, PrairieSky's directors and officers, as a group, beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or exercised control over 2,674,604 Common Shares or approximately 1.2% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.
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Matters to be Acted Upon at the Meeting
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board has fixed the number of directors at eight (8) members. Management is soliciting proxies, in the enclosed form of proxy, for an ordinary resolution in favour of the election as directors of the eight (8) nominees set forth below:
James M. Estey Robert E. Robotti P. Jane Gavan Myron M. Stadnyk Margaret A. McKenzie Sheldon B. Steeves Andrew M. Phillips Grant A. Zawalsky
In the event that a vacancy among such nominees occurs because of death or for any reason prior to the Meeting, the proxy shall not be voted with respect to such vacancy.
Voting for Election of Directors
The election of the directors will be conducted by voting on each director individually. The individual voting results will be published by news release and available on SEDAR after the Meeting.
The Board has adopted a Policy on Directors' Voting Procedures (the " majority voting policy "), which provides that if a nominee for election as a director receives a greater number of votes "withheld" than votes "for" at an uncontested meeting of the shareholders, such nominee shall offer his or her resignation as a director to the Board promptly following the meeting of shareholders at which the director was elected. Upon receiving such offer of resignation, the Governance and Compensation Committee, a sub-committee of the Board as detailed below, will consider such offer and make a recommendation to the Board whether to accept it or not. In the absence of special circumstances, it is expected that the Board will accept the resignation consistent with an orderly transition. The director will not participate in any Governance and Compensation Committee or Board deliberations on the resignation offer. It is anticipated that the Board will make its decision to accept or reject the resignation within 90 days. See " Nomination and Election of Directors – Majority Voting Policy " at page 35 hereof.
Biographies of the Directors
The following information relating to the director nominees is based partly on the Company's records and partly on information received by PrairieSky from the nominees and sets forth the names, ages and cities of residence of the proposed nominees, their committee memberships, the date on which each became a director of the Company, the present occupations and brief biographies of such persons and the number of Common Shares owned, controlled or directed by each and the number of deferred share units (" DSUs ") granted under the DSU Plan (as defined herein) for directors held as at March 3, 2021.
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 10
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Nominee for Election as Director
James M. Estey Calgary, Alberta
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Chairman of the Board Independent
Board & Committee Membership
Current Board Directorships
Voting Results of 2020 AGM Votes For Votes Withheld
| Age 68 |
Director Since April 11, 2014 |
Common Shares Owned, Controlled or Directed(1) 1,260,577 |
DSUs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 109,066 |
Mr. Estey's principal occupation is as a Corporate Director. Mr. Estey is the retired Chairman of UBS Securities Canada Inc., a financial services company, and has more than 40 years of experience in financial markets. Mr. Estey joined Alfred Bunting and Company as an institutional equity salesperson in 1980 after working at A.E. Ames & Co. for seven years. In 1994, Mr. Estey became the head of the Canadian Equities business, and in 2002 Mr. Estey was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of UBS Securities Canada Inc. In January 2008, Mr. Estey assumed the role of Chairman of UBS Securities Canada Inc.
Mr. Estey is a director and Chairman of Gibson Energy Inc., a Toronto Stock Exchange (" TSX ") listed oil and natural gas infrastructure company. Mr. Estey also serves on the Advisory Board of the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan.
| Membership | Meeting Attendance | Meeting Attendance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board | (5/5) | 100% | |
| Governance and Compensation Committee | (3/3) | 100% | |
| Total | (8/8) | 100% | |
| Public Boards | |||
| Gibson Energy Inc. | |||
| Number of Votes | % | of Votes | |
| 195,237,512 | 99.64% | ||
| 711,724 | 0.36% |
Nominee for Election as Director
P. Jane Gavan
| Age 61 |
Director Since May 23, 2019 |
Common Shares Owned, Controlled or Directed(1) 9,700 |
DSUs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31,440 |
Toronto, Ontario
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Independent
Ms. Gavan is President, Asset Management of Dream Unlimited Corp. (" Dream Unlimited "), having held increasingly senior positions since joining Dream's predecessor organization in 1998. Ms. Gavan also served as Chief Executive Officer of Dream Global Real Estate Investment Trust (" Dream Global "), a TSX-listed real estate investment income trust (" REIT ") prior to its acquisition by The Blackstone Group Inc. in December 2019, and previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Dream Office REIT. Ms. Gavan has more than 30 years of executive business and leadership experience across a number of industries, including acting as a senior legal advisor prior to joining Dream Global. Ms. Gavan earned an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall, York University.
Ms. Gavan currently sits on the board of directors of Colliers International, Dream Unlimited Corp., Dream Office REIT, and is on the Patron's Council for Community Living Toronto.
| Board & Committee Membership | Membership | Meeting Attendance | Meeting Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board | (5/5) | 100% | |
| Audit Committee | (4/4) | 100% | |
| Total | (9/9) | 100% | |
| Current Board Directorships | Public Boards | ||
| Colliers International | |||
| Dream Unlimited Corp. | |||
| Dream Office REIT | |||
| Voting Results of 2020 AGM | Number of Votes | % | of Votes |
| Votes For | 174,633,496 | 89.12% | |
| Votes Withheld | 21,315,740 | 10.88% |
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK
11
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Nominee for Election as Director
Margaret A. McKenzie Calgary, Alberta
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Independent
Board & Committee Membership
Current Board Directorships
Voting Results of 2020 AGM Votes For Votes Withheld
Nominee for Election as Director
Andrew M. Phillips Calgary, Alberta
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President and Chief Executive Officer Non-Independent
Common Shares Owned, ge e Director Since Controlled or Directed[(1)] DSUs 59 December 19, 2014 262,720 35,962
Age e
Ms. McKenzie's principal occupation is as a Corporate Director. Ms. McKenzie was formerly the Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Range Royalty Limited Partnership and prior thereto was Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Profico Energy Management Ltd. (a private oil and natural gas company). Ms. McKenzie holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (with distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta. She obtained her ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors in 2013.
Ms. McKenzie is a director of Canadian National Railway Company (a TSX and New York Stock Exchange (" NYSE ") listed North American transportation and logistics company) and Inter Pipeline Ltd. (a TSX-listed petroleum transportation, storage and natural gas liquids extraction company). Ms. McKenzie is currently a director of Ovintiv Inc. (a TSX and NYSE-listed oil and natural gas company) but will not be standing for re-election at the Ovintiv Inc. Annual General Meeting on April 27, 2021.
| Membership Meeting Attendance |
Membership Meeting Attendance |
Membership Meeting Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| Board (5/5) 100% Audit Committee (Chair) Reserves Committee(2) (4/4) 100% (2/2) 100% Total (11/11) 100% |
||
| Public Boards | ||
| Canadian National Railway Company Inter Pipeline Ltd. Ovintiv Inc.(6) |
||
| Number of Votes | % of Votes | |
| 195,080,519 868,717 Age Director Since 43 April 11, 2014 |
Common Shares Owned, Controlled or Directed(1) 713,904 |
99.56% 0.44% DSUs ---(3) |
Mr. Phillips is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company (" CEO ") and has over 20 years of experience in the oil and natural gas industry in the areas of exploration, geology, business development, asset evaluation and executive management. Prior to his appointment as President and CEO of the Company, Mr. Phillips was the President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of Home Quarter Resources Ltd., a private oil and natural gas company founded by Mr. Phillips in 2010 with producing properties and royalty interests in southwest Saskatchewan and Alberta. Home Quarter Resources Ltd. was successfully divested to a public oil and natural gas company in 2014. Prior thereto, Mr. Phillips was the Vice President, Exploration at Evolve Exploration Ltd., a private junior oil and natural gas company with assets in Western Canada, and an Exploration Geologist at Profico Energy Management Ltd. and at Renaissance Energy Ltd., both of which were Canadian oil and natural gas exploration companies. Mr. Phillips holds a Bachelor of Science, Geology degree from the University of Calgary and is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. Mr. Phillips is a member of the board of directors of the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation.
| Board & Committee Membership | Membership | Meeting Attendance | Meeting Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board | (5/5) | 100% | |
| Total(4) | (5/5) | 100% | |
| Current Board Directorships | Public Boards | ||
| N/A | |||
| Voting Results of 2020 AGM | Number of Votes | % | of Votes |
| Votes For | 195,910,003 | 99.98% | |
| Votes Withheld | 39,233 | 0.02% |
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 12
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| Nominee for Election as Director Robert E. Robotti |
Age 67 |
Director Since October 3, 2019 |
Common Shares Owned, Controlled or Directed(1) 70,835 |
DSUs 29,081 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Robert E. Robotti New York, New York
Mr. Robotti is the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Robotti & Company Advisors, LLC, a U.S. registered investment adviser. Mr. Robotti is also currently Chair of Pulse Seismic Inc., a TSX-listed issuer which provides the leading seismic library data to the Western Canadian energy industry. Mr. Robotti is also a director of AMREP Corporation, a NYSE-listed real estate business focused in New Mexico. Mr. Robotti received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bucknell University (Pennsylvania) in 1975 followed by an MBA in Accounting from Pace University (New York). Mr. Robotti is a member of the CFA Society New York.
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Independent
| Board & Committee Membership | Membership | Meeting Attendance | Meeting Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board | (5/5) | 100% | |
| Total(5) | (5/5) | 100% | |
| Current Board Directorships | Public Boards | ||
| Pulse Seismic Inc. | |||
| AMREP Corporation | |||
| Voting Results of 2020 AGM | Number of Votes | % | of Votes |
| Votes For | 192,189,465 | 98.08% | |
| Votes Withheld | 3,759,771 | 1.92% |
Nominee for Election as Director
Myron M. Stadnyk Calgary, Alberta
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Independent
| Age 58 |
Director Since June 18, 2018 |
Common Shares Owned, Controlled or Directed(1) 22,500 |
DSUs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40,167 |
Mr. Stadnyk's principal occupation is as a Corporate Director. Mr. Stadnyk has over 35 years of domestic and international oil and gas experience and is the former President and Chief Executive Officer and a Director of ARC Resources Ltd., a position Mr. Stadnyk held from 2013 until his retirement in 2020. Mr. Stadnyk holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program. He is a professional engineer and a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta. Mr. Stadnyk currently serves on the Board of Directors of Crescent Point Energy Corp., a TSX-listed oil and natural gas company, is the Chair of the University of Saskatchewan Engineering Advancement Trust and is a former Governor of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.
| Board & Committee Membership | Membership | Meeting Attendance | Meeting Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board | (5/5) | 100% | |
| Governance and Compensation Committee (Chair) | (3/3) | 100% | |
| Reserves Committee | (2/2) | 100% | |
| Total | (10/10) | 100% |
|
| Current Board Directorships | Public Boards | ||
| Crescent Point Energy Corp. | |||
| Voting Results of 2020 AGM | Number of Votes | % | of Votes |
| Votes For | 194,554,525 | 99.29% | |
| Votes Withheld | 1,394,711 | 0.71% |
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 13
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| Nominee for Election as Director Sheldon B. Steeves |
Age 67 |
Director Since April 11, 2014 |
Common Shares Owned, Controlled or Directed(1) 28,000 |
DSUs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45,906 |
Sheldon B. Steeves Calgary, Alberta
Mr. Steeves' principal occupation is as a Corporate Director. Mr. Steeves is a director of Enerplus Corporation and NuVista Energy Ltd., each of which is an oil and natural gas company listed on the TSX. From January 2001 until April 2012, Mr. Steeves was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Echoex Ltd., a private junior oil and natural gas company, and spent over 15 years at Renaissance Energy Ltd., a Canadian oil and natural gas exploration company, where he was appointed Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President in 1997. Mr. Steeves holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of Calgary and is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta, the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
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Independent
| Board & Committee Membership | Membership | Meeting Attendance | Meeting Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board | (5/5) | 100% | |
| Reserves Committee (Chair) | (2/2) | 100% | |
| Governance and Compensation Committee | (3/3) | 100% | |
| Audit Committee | (4/4) | 100% | |
| Total | (14/14) | 100% |
|
| Current Board Directorships | Public Boards | ||
| Enerplus Corporation | |||
| NuVista Energy Ltd. | |||
| Voting Results of 2020 AGM | Number of Votes | % | of Votes |
| Votes For | 195,602,423 | 99.82% | |
| Votes Withheld | 346,813 | 0.18% |
Nominee for Election as Director
Grant A. Zawalsky Calgary, Alberta
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| Age 61 |
Director Since December 19, 2014 |
Common Shares Owned, Controlled or Directed(1) 104,172 |
DSUs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46,595 |
Mr. Zawalsky is the Managing Partner of Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP (Barristers and Solicitors) where he has been a partner since 1994. Mr. Zawalsky holds a B.Comm and LL.B. from the University of Alberta and is a member of the Law Society of Alberta.
Mr. Zawalsky is an experienced director and currently sits on the board of directors of NuVista Energy Ltd. and Whitecap Resources Inc., each of which is a TSX-listed oil and natural gas company.
Independent
| Board & Committee Membership | Membership | Meeting Attendance | Meeting Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board | (5/5) | 100% | |
| Reserves Committee | (2/2) | 100% | |
| Total | (7/7) | 100% | |
| Current Board Directorships | Public Boards | ||
| NuVista Energy Ltd. | |||
| Whitecap Resources Inc. | |||
| Voting Results of 2020 AGM | Number of Votes | % | of Votes |
| Votes For | 172,247,564 | 87.90% | |
| Votes Withheld | 23,701,672 | 12.10% |
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 14
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Notes:
-
(1) The information as to Common Shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, is based upon information furnished to PrairieSky by the nominees. (2) Ms. McKenzie was a member of the Reserves Committee from January 1, 2020 to July 20, 2020 and attended 2/2 (100%) of the Reserves Committee meetings during that time.
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(3) As at March 3, 2021, Mr. Phillips holds an aggregate of 425,013 PSUs, 601,833 Options and 81,035 ODSUs (each as defined herein) which have been granted to him in his capacity as an officer of the Company. See " Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Executive Compensation " herein.
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(4) Mr. Phillips was invited to and attended all Audit Committee, Reserves Committee and Governance and Compensation Committee meetings during 2020.
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(5) Mr. Robotti was appointed as a member of the Reserves Committee on July 20, 2020. There were no Reserves Committee meetings in 2020 following his appointment.
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(6) Ms. McKenzie will not be standing for re-election at the Ovintiv Inc. Annual General Meeting on April 27, 2021.
Additional Disclosure Relating to Proposed Directors
None of the proposed directors (nor any personal holding company of any of such persons) is, as of the date hereof, or was within ten years before the date hereof, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company (including PrairieSky), that was subject to a cease trade order (including a management cease trade order), an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, in each case that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days (collectively, an " Order ") that was issued while the director was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or was subject to an Order that was issued after the 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.
Other than as disclosed below, none of the proposed directors (nor any personal holding company of any of such persons) is, as of the date hereof, or has been within the ten years before the date hereof, a director or executive officer of any company (including us) 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.
Mr. Grant Zawalsky and Ms. Margaret McKenzie, each of whom are directors of the Company, were directors of Endurance Energy Ltd. (" Endurance "), a corporation engaged in the exploration and production of natural gas. Endurance filed for creditor protection under the Companies Creditors' Arrangement Act on May 30, 2016. Ms. McKenzie resigned as a director of Endurance on March 31, 2016 and Mr. Zawalsky resigned as a director on November 1, 2016.
Mr. Grant Zawalsky was a director of Zargon Oil and Gas Ltd. (" Zargon "), a corporation engaged in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Zargon filed for creditor protection under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (" BIA ") on September 8, 2020. Mr. Zawalsky resigned as a director on September 8, 2020 concurrent with Zargon filing the Notice of Intention to make a Proposal under the BIA.
None of the proposed directors (nor any personal holding company of any of such persons) 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 any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.
The term of office of each director nominee will be from the date of the Meeting until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until his or her successor is elected or appointed. At the 2020 annual general meeting of shareholders, each of the directors were elected with votes in favour ranging from 87.90% to 99.98% of Common Shares voted.
The Board unanimously recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the election of each of the director nominees and unless instructed otherwise, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy will vote FOR the election of each of the director nominees.
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 15
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
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Management is soliciting proxies, in the enclosed form of proxy, in favour of the appointment of the firm of KPMG LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as auditors of the Company, to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and to authorize the Board to fix their remuneration as such. KPMG LLP has been the Company's auditor since November 2014. At the 2020 annual general meeting of shareholders, this resolution passed with 196,522,862 Common Shares voted in favour (99.99% of Common Shares voted at the meeting).
See the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2020 and dated February 8, 2020 (the " AIF ") on pages 89-90 for additional information regarding the fees paid to our external auditors in 2020 and 2019.
On February 8, 2021 the Audit Committee conducted an annual review of the auditor, which was subsequently reviewed with the Board. Following this review, each of the Board and the Audit Committee unanimously resolved to reconfirm KPMG LLP as auditors of PrairieSky and recommend their appointment to shareholders. The Audit Committee last completed a comprehensive five-year audit quality review in February 2019.
The Board unanimously recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the appointment of auditors and unless instructed otherwise, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy will vote FOR the appointment of auditors.
ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The underlying principle for executive pay at the Company is "pay-for-performance". We believe that this philosophy achieves the goal of attracting, retaining and motivating employees at all levels, while encouraging behavior that results in the Company's growth and creation of long-term shareholder value. A detailed discussion of our executive compensation program is provided in the " Compensation Discussion and Analysis " section of this information circular and proxy statement. Throughout 2019 and in early 2020, the Board (through the Board Chair) and management engaged with shareholders regarding the Company's executive compensation program, and specifically with reference to the 2019 "Say on Pay" vote, which engagement culminated in several changes to the executive compensation program for 2020 and resulted in a significant improvement in the 2020 "Say on Pay" vote (98.55% of Common Shares voted in favour at the meeting in 2020 compared to 78.29% in 2019). See " Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Letter of Introduction - Board Chair and Governance and Compensation Committee Chair ".
The Board gives shareholders the opportunity every year to vote "For" or "Against" our approach to executive compensation (to have a "Say on Pay") through the following resolution which conforms to the language of the resolution recommended by the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance:
"Be it resolved that on an advisory basis and not to diminish the role and responsibilities of the board of directors of PrairieSky Royalty Ltd., that the shareholders accept the approach to executive compensation disclosed in the information circular and proxy statement delivered in advance of the 2021 annual general meeting of shareholders of PrairieSky Royalty Ltd."
As this is an advisory vote, the results will not be binding upon the Board. However, the Board will consider the outcome of the vote as part of its ongoing review of executive compensation. The Board believes that it is essential for the shareholders to be well informed of the Company's approach to executive compensation and considers this advisory vote to be an important part of the ongoing process of engagement between the shareholders and the Board. At the 2020 annual general meeting of
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 16
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shareholders, this resolution passed with 193,110,203 Common Shares voted in favour (98.55% of Common Shares voted at the meeting).
The Board unanimously recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the advisory vote on executive compensation and unless instructed otherwise, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy will vote FOR the advisory vote on executive compensation.
Statement of Corporate Governance Practices
The Board has adopted mandates, position descriptions and corporate governance principles and practices that meet or exceed the independence and other governance standards and guidelines set out in National Instrument 52-109 – Certification of Disclosure in Issuers Annual and Interim Filings , National Instrument 52-110 – Audit Committees (" NI 52-110 "), National Instrument 58-101 – Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices (" NI 58-101 ") and National Policy 58-201 – Corporate Governance Guidelines . The corporate governance principles address various topics, including:
-
responsibilities and duties of the Board;
-
composition of the Board, including criteria for remaining a director;
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compensation of the Board;
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composition and responsibilities of the Audit Committee, the Reserves Committee and the Governance and Compensation Committee;
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relationship of the Board to management; and
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director orientation and continuing education.
THE BOARD
The Company has eight directors, seven of whom are independent as specified in NI 58-101. A director is independent if he or she has no direct or indirect material relationship with the Company or its subsidiaries. A "material relationship" is a relationship which could, in the view of the Board, be reasonably expected to interfere with the exercise of a director's independent judgment. Certain types of relationships are, by their nature, considered to be material relationships.
Our Board mandate requires that the Board must hold in camera meetings regularly, without nonindependent directors, officers or other management team members present. Both the Board, as well as all Board committees, meet in-camera and independent of management at every meeting, generally immediately following regularly scheduled Board meetings and committee meetings or prior to passing resolutions proposed at such meetings. The chairs of the Board and the Board committees follow up with the CEO as necessary with respect to matters requiring management action that are raised at these incamera meetings. The Board also excuses members of management and any non-independent directors from portions of any meeting at which a potential conflict arises or where otherwise appropriate. In 2020, five (5) Board meetings were called and the independent directors met in camera at or following each meeting. The Board also held several update calls and meetings with management which were not formally constituted as Board meetings.
All of the members of the Board are independent directors of the Company, except Mr. Phillips because he is the CEO.
The Board, through review and approval by the Board Chair and the Governance and Compensation Committee, limits the number of other director positions a PrairieSky director may hold. These limits align with the limits prescribed by leading proxy voting advisory organizations, and may vary depending on whether the PrairieSky director is also an executive of a reporting issuer. The limits on the number of
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 17
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reporting issuer director positions is lower for a director who is also an executive of a reporting issuer. The directors of the Company who are also directors of other reporting issuers (or the equivalent) are as follows:
| Director | Other Directorships | Stock Exchange Listing |
|---|---|---|
| James M. Estey | Gibson Energy Inc. | TSX |
| P. Jane Gavan | Colliers International Dream Unlimited Corp. Dream Office REIT |
TSX TSX TSX |
| Margaret A. McKenzie | Canadian National Railway Company Inter Pipeline Ltd. Ovintiv Inc.(1) |
TSX, NYSE TSX TSX, NYSE |
| Robert E. Robotti | Pulse Seismic Inc. AMREP Corporation |
TSX NYSE |
| Myron M. Stadnyk | Crescent Point Energy Corp. | TSX, NYSE |
| Sheldon B. Steeves | Enerplus Corporation NuVista EnergyLtd. |
TSX, NYSE TSX |
| Grant A. Zawalsky | NuVista Energy Ltd. WhitecapResources Inc. |
TSX TSX |
Note:
(1) Ms. McKenzie will not be standing for re-election at the Ovintiv Inc. Annual General Meeting on April 27, 2021.
MEETING ATTENDANCE
Directors are expected to attend all meetings of the Board and the committees on which they participate either in person or by teleconference subject to unavoidable conflicts. Directors are also expected to attend the annual shareholders meeting. Directors are typically welcome to attend all committee meetings regardless of membership, unless otherwise determined by the applicable committee Chair.
During 2020, Board and committee meetings attendance was 100% for non-management directors as outlined below. Mr. Phillips is a management director and is not a member of any committees; however, he was invited to and attended all such committee meetings during 2020.
| Director(1) | Board Meeting Attendance |
Audit Committee Attendance |
Governance & Compensation Committee Attendance |
Reserves Committee Attendance |
Total Board and Committee Meeting Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| James M. Estey(2) | 5 of 5 | -(2) | 3 of 3 | -(2) | 8 of 8 |
| P. Jane Gavan | 5 of 5 | 4 of 4 | -(3) | -(2) | 9 of 9 |
| Margaret A. McKenzie | 5 of 5 | 4 of 4 | -(3) | 2 of 2 | 11 of 11 |
| Robert E. Robotti | 5 of 5 | -(2) | -(3) | -(2) | 5 of 5 |
| Myron M. Stadnyk | 5 of 5 | -(2) | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 10 of 10 |
| Sheldon B. Steeves | 5 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 14 |
| Grant A. Zawalsky | 5 of 5 | -(2) | -(3) | 2 of 2 | 7 of 7 |
Notes:
(1) Does not include Mr. Phillips who is a management director. Mr. Phillips was invited to and attended all Board, Audit Committee, Reserves Committee and Governance and Compensation Committee meetings during 2020.
(2) Mr. Estey was invited to and attended 2 of 2 (100%) Reserves Committee meetings and 4 of 4 (100%) Audit Committee meetings held during 2020. Ms. Gavan was invited to and attended 2 of 2 (100%) Reserves Committee meetings held during 2020. Mr. Robotti was invited to and attended 2 of 2 (100%) Reserves Committee meetings and 4 of 4 (100%) Audit Committee meetings held during 2020. Mr. Stadnyk was invited to and attended 4 of 4 (100%) Audit Committee meetings held during 2020. Mr. Zawalsky was invited to and attended 4 of 4 (100%) Audit Committee meetings held during 2020. All PrairieSky directors are financially literate within the meaning of NI 52-110.
(3) The Governance and Compensation Committee meetings are typically held independently from the balance of the Board, with the Chair of the committee providing the materials and a comprehensive report to the balance of the Board following each meeting. In 2020, the members of the Board were invited to and attended 1 of 3 Governance and Compensation Committee meetings.
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 18
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INTERLOCKING BOARDS
The Board's mandate does not specifically prohibit interlocking board positions. The Board prefers to examine each situation on its own merits with a view to examine material relationships which may affect independence. The interlocking board memberships among our directors as at March 3, 2021 are outlined below.
| Company | Director | Committee Membership |
|---|---|---|
| NuVista Energy Ltd. | Grant A. Zawalsky | Director Environment, Social and Governance Committee Reserves Committee |
| Sheldon B. Steeves | Director Environment, Social and Governance Committee Reserves Committee |
The Board has determined that the above common board memberships do not impair the ability of these directors to exercise independent judgment as members of the Board.
BOARD MANDATE
PrairieSky's governance practices are designed to align the interests of the Board and management with those of our shareholders, to promote a culture of responsible and ethical behaviour and to facilitate effective risk management. The primary responsibility of the Board is to appoint competent management and to oversee the management of the business and affairs of the Company with a view to maximizing shareholder value and ensuring corporate conduct in an ethical and legal manner via an appropriate system of corporate governance and internal controls. The Board is also responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of corporate objectives directed at benefitting all stakeholders and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Company, which specifically includes overseeing and monitoring the Company’s environmental, social, governance and health and safety matters as well as corporate social responsibility initiatives. The Board has exclusive power, control and authority over the property and affairs of the Company. Subject to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), the Board may delegate certain of those powers and authority that the directors of the Company, or independent directors, as applicable, deem necessary or desirable to affect the actual administration of the duties of the Board. The directors of the Company have certain responsibilities as more particularly described in the Board of Directors' Mandate, a copy of which is attached as Appendix "A" to this information circular and proxy statement.
POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
The Board has adopted written guidelines for the Chair of the Board, the Chair of each of the Audit Committee, the Governance and Compensation Committee, the Reserves Committee and the CEO.
The primary responsibilities of the Chair of the Board include: (i) ensuring that the Board is properly organized, functions effectively and meets its obligations and responsibilities in all aspects of its work, including those relating to corporate governance matters; and (ii) working with the CEO to coordinate the affairs of the Board and ensure effective relations with the directors of the Company, shareholders, other stakeholders and the public.
The responsibilities of the Chair of each committee include: (i) ensuring that their respective committee is properly organized, functions effectively and meets its obligations and responsibilities in accordance with its mandate; and (ii) to liaise and communicate with the Chair of the Board to coordinate input from the committee for Board meetings.
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The primary responsibilities of the CEO include: (i) providing leadership, general direction and management of the business and affairs of the Company in accordance with the corporate strategy and objectives approved by the Board, within the authority limitations delegated by the Board; and (ii) establishing a process of supervision of the business and affairs of the Company that are consistent with corporate objectives, ensuring that procedures are in place for proper external and internal corporate communications to all stakeholders, and monitoring and reporting results to the Board.
ORIENTATION AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
The orientation and continuing education of the directors of the Company is the responsibility of the Governance and Compensation Committee. The details of the orientation of new directors is tailored to the needs and areas of expertise of the applicable director and include the delivery of written materials and participation in meetings with management and directors. The focus of the orientation program is on providing new directors with: (i) information about the duties and obligations of directors; (ii) information about the Company's strategy and business, including capital allocation and corporate responsibility; (iii) the expectations of directors; (iv) opportunities to meet with management and any other senior employees or consultants designated for this purpose; (v) details on the Company's commitment to sustainability and its environmental, social and governance initiatives and reporting; and (vi) access to documents from recent meetings of the Board as well as the resource centre within the Board information portal.
The current directors of the Company were chosen for their specific level of knowledge and expertise. All directors are provided with materials relating to their duties, roles and responsibilities. To date, all Board members have been provided with a copy of the written mandate and guidelines for the Board and each of its committees, respectively, and a copy of the Board's approved policies relating to, among other things, the business conduct and ethics of directors, diversity and fair dealing, conflict management and approval levels, officers and employees, auditor independence, employee complaint procedures for accounting controls and auditing matters and confidentiality, fair disclosure and trading in securities. Board members have also been provided with a copy of each committee's planning schedules/work plans, as applicable. New Board members are provided with these materials as part of their orientation.
The Board receives, on a regular basis, materials of interest including analyst and industry reports from the Chair of the Board and the Named Executive Officers (as defined herein under " Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Executive Compensation "). In addition, directors are kept informed as to matters impacting, or which may impact, the business of the Company through reports and presentations by internal and external presenters at meetings of the Board and during periodic strategy sessions held by the Board.
The Board typically schedules quarterly dinners at which various topics are discussed, such as industry trends, technical updates, strategic opportunities, corporate goals and strategies, board composition and diversity, corporate, social and environmental responsibility, capital allocation, executive compensation, and succession matters. Employees of the Company are often invited and attend the Board dinners to encourage sharing of information and ideas, as well as to foster the Company's focus on a corporate culture of inclusiveness. From time to time, the Board invites an external expert to present on topics of interest at such dinners. During 2020, and particularly following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Board get togethers and engagement sessions were pivoted to virtual formats, keeping the same concept albeit in a different format.
All of our directors regularly engage in a variety of continuing education activities, including industry conferences and seminars. Each of Mr. Steeves and Ms. McKenzie have completed the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), Directors Education Program, and regularly attend the ICD Calgary Chapter education seminars that are held throughout the year. Directors regularly attend seminars on various topics relevant to directors' evolving role and responsibilities. Individual directors can attend continuing education conferences at the Company's expense.
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During 2020, in addition to management presentations on such matters as enterprise risk management, compensation policies and strategies, climate change and low carbon transition opportunities, government and industry support programs related to COVID-19, the Company's operations and, performance and management thereof, sustainability, evolving energy markets, capital markets, analyst and other reports, corporate performance reviews and acquisition strategies, presentations from management and outside advisors/experts/third parties were provided to directors at the following events:
| Attendees | Topic | Date | Location | Host |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M. McKenzie, J. Estey |
Energy Conference Current Topics |
2020-01-16/17 | Calgary, Alberta/Lake Louise, Alberta |
Peters & Co. Limited |
| J. Estey | NBF Annual Energy Conference |
2020-01-21 | Virtual | National Bank Financial |
| M. McKenzie | ESG & TCFD in 2020 | 2020 01-23 | Virtual | Kirkland & Ellis LLP |
| J. Estey, M. Stadnyk |
CIBC Annual Institutional Investor Conference |
2020-01-28-31 | Banff, Alberta | CIBC |
| J. Estey, M. Stadnyk |
Roundtable & Keynote: Avery Shenfield, Managing Director and Chief Economist |
2020-01-28 | Banff, Alberta | CIBC Chief Economist |
| S. Steeves | Commodity Pricing 2020 | 2020-02-11 | Calgary, Alberta | Tudor Pickering & Holt - Board Continuum Series |
| M. Stadnyk | ESG Culture | 2020-02-13 | Calgary, Alberta | TSX |
| M. McKenzie | Lunch Event – A Chair’s Role |
2020-03-03 | Calgary, Alberta | Institute of Corporate Directors - Calgary Chapter |
| S. Steeves | Coronavirus and the Oil Price Melt Down |
2020-03-10 | Virtual | RBC Capital Markets |
| S. Steeves | Coronavirus Board Preparation |
2020-03-11 | Virtual | Institute of Corporate Directors |
| J. Estey, M. McKenzie |
COVID-19 update on energy markets |
2020-03-30 | Virtual | Scotiabank |
| M. McKenzie | Tudor Pickering & Holt Director Series luncheons and weekly podcasts throughout the year |
Various | Calgary, Alberta | Tudor Pickering & Holt |
| J. Estey, M. McKenzie |
COVID-19 - financial markets update |
2020-03-30 & 2020-04-20 |
Virtual | TD Securities Inc. |
| M. McKenzie | COVID-19 update for Audit Committees |
2020-04-02 & 2020-05-27 |
Virtual | Deloitte LLP |
| M. McKenzie | Accounting & Audit Considerations - Pandemic Risks |
2020-04-03 | Virtual | E&Y LLP |
| M. McKenzie | Navigating the Pandemic | 2020-04-07 | Virtual | KPMG Board Leadership Series |
| J. Estey, J. Gavan |
CAPP Virtual Energy Conference |
2020-04-7/8 | Virtual | Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers/Scotiabank |
| M. McKenzie | Resilience in Energy | 2020-04-16 | Virtual | KPMG Board Leadership Series |
| R. Robotti | Energy in Crisis Within a World of Crisis: The Current State of Energy and its Ripple Effect |
2020-04-16 | Virtual | NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) |
| M. McKenzie | Governance of Health and Safety During COVID-19 |
2020-05-13 | Virtual | Pilko & Associates |
| M. McKenzie | Various Topics in Corporate Governance |
2020-05-28 | Virtual | Institute of Corporate Directors Virtual Conference |
| M. McKenzie | One on One Communications Coaching |
2020-06-01 & 2020-06-11 |
Virtual | Jim Parkinson |
| J. Estey | Panel Discussion: Opportunities and Challenges to Unlock the Value of Western Canadian Natural Gas (BMO Energy Conference) |
2020-06-11 | Virtual | Bank of Montreal |
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| Attendees | Topic | Date | Location | Host |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. Estey, S. Steeves, M. McKenzie |
ESG and Sustainability Summit |
2020-06-17/18 | Virtual | Scotiabank |
| M. McKenzie | Energy Industry Forum | 2020-06-23 | Virtual | CPAB |
| M. McKenzie | Audit & Accounting Update | 2020-06-25 | Virtual | PWC LLP |
| R. Robotti | COVID-19 - A 2nd Wave? Uncertain Path to Recovery |
2020-07-02 | Virtual | Rystad Energy |
| J. Estey, J. Gavan |
TD Securities Energy Conference |
2020-07-6/7/8 | Virtual | TD Securities Inc. |
| M. McKenzie | Challenge Driven Industrial Strategy |
2020-07-08 | Virtual | Business Council of Alberta |
| M. McKenzie | ETF Speaker Series – ESG Index Funds |
2020-07-15 | Virtual | TD Securities Inc. |
| B. Robotti | Canadian Energy | 2020-07-16 | Virtual | Rystad Energy |
| J. Estey | RBC Capital Markets Back- to-School Energy Conference |
2020-09-01 | Virtual | RBC Capital Markets |
| J. Estey | Peters & Co Energy Conference |
2020-09-14 | Virtual | Peters & Co Limited |
| G. Zawalsky | Field Trip - Spur Petroleum Ltd. East Central Alberta operations on PSK lands |
2020-09-17 | Central Alberta | Andrew Phillips, Private Oil and Gas Company |
| J. Estey | Suncor Energy: Discussions on Sustainability at a Senior Executive Level |
2020-09-14 | Virtual | Peters & Co. Limited |
| M. McKenzie | Women Lead Here 2020 Summit |
2020-09-18 | Virtual | Globe & Mail |
| M. McKenzie | Board’s Role Beyond COVID |
2020-09-22 | Virtual | Institute of Corporate Directors/McKinsey |
| M. McKenzie | Diversity and Inclusion; Politics and Political Agendas |
2020-09-22 & 2020-11-17 |
Virtual | Board Ready Women |
| S. Steeves | Behind the Scenes | 2020-09-29 | Virtual | Tudor Pickering & Holt - General James Jones USMC |
| M. McKenzie | Strategy Interrupted – Rethinking Strategy Oversight |
2020-09-29 | Virtual | Institute of Corporate Directors |
| J. Gavan | The New Abnormal: How 2020 has Changed the Future of Corporate Governance |
2020-10-01 | Virtual | Kingsdale Advisors |
| M. Stadnyk | Leading with Agility in a Pandemic |
2020-10-03 | Virtual | Harvard Business School |
| B. Robotti | 2020 Directors Discussion | 2020-10-12 | Virtual | Tudor, Pickering & Holt |
| S. Steeves | Strategic Assessment of Climate Change |
2020-10-21 | Virtual | Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP |
| Board and Management |
Climate Governance - Canadian Governance Expert Program |
2021-10-26 | Virtual | Canada Climate Law Initiative and Industry Experts |
| M. McKenzie | Let’s Talk Hydrogen – Transition Accelerator |
2020-10-29 | Virtual | Layzell & Wicklum |
| B. Robotti | Energy: 2020 Black Swans & Elephants in the Room |
2020-10-29/30 | Virtual | University of Texas, KBH Center for Energy, Law & Business |
| M. McKenzie | Climate Change and Competitiveness in Canada –3-Part session |
2020-11-17 & 2020-11-24 & 2020-12-01 |
Virtual | Institute of Corporate Directors - National |
| M. McKenzie | Executive Compensation – Incentive Programs |
2020-11-24 | Virtual | Hugessen Consulting Inc. |
| M. Stadnyk | HR & Compensation Committee Effectiveness |
2020-11-25 & 2020-12-01 |
Virtual | Institute of Corporate Directors - Human Resources Continuing Education |
| S. Steeves | Energy Transition | 2020-12-01 | Virtual | Tudor Pickering & Holt |
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| Attendees | Topic | Date | Location | Host |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. Estey | National Bank Hydrogen (H2) Conference |
2020-12-2/3 | Virtual | NBF H2 Conference |
| M. McKenzie | Custom Session on US GAAP and SEC regulatory update |
2020-12-16 | Virtual | PWC LLP |
The foregoing list is not exhaustive. During widespread restrictions on travel, gatherings and also work from home protocols, directors engaged in multiple on-line conferences, seminars, podcasts and other educational venues which, due to the extensive nature thereof, are not listed in their entirety. The foregoing list is a subset meant to cover certain events and topics which the directors emphasized given their educational value or the current importance of the topics that were discussed.
Directors have full and free access to the Named Executive Officers and employees of the Company and may arrange meetings either directly or through the CEO. In addition, Board members are encouraged to attend industry and other relevant stakeholder events.
DIRECTOR TERM LIMITS
The Board has adopted the Board Renewal Policy which provides a framework for the Company to allow for renewal of the Board by providing for, where appropriate, the "deemed resignation" of a director on the earlier of the director: (i) reaching the age of seventy-two (72); or (ii) having served as a non-executive director of the Company for fifteen (15) years.
Upon receipt of a "deemed resignation", the Governance and Compensation Committee will consider whether the continued service of the director would be in the best interests of the Company in light of, among other relevant considerations, the individual director's and the Board's competencies and skills, the size of the Board and the composition of the Board in light of PrairieSky's Board Diversity Policy (as described below) and will make a recommendation to the Board to accept or reject the deemed resignation of the individual director.
If the Governance and Compensation Committee recommends that the Board accept the director's deemed resignation, it shall recommend that the deemed resignation be accepted in conjunction with the Company's next annual general meeting of shareholders or such other date as it reasonably believes will allow for orderly transition. The Board shall consider but is not obligated to follow the recommendation of the Governance and Compensation Committee.
If the deemed resignation of a director pursuant to the Board Renewal Policy is not accepted, the director shall be deemed to re-submit such resignation prior to each annual meeting of shareholders beginning on the next calendar year following the year in which the initial deemed resignation was submitted.
The Board Renewal Policy is available on the Company's website under Corporate Governance Policies and Related Documents at www.prairiesky.com/governance.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Company maintains an inclusive work environment and diverse workforce that is focused on respect, integrity and inclusion. PrairieSky is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment that is focused on providing advancement opportunities to persons of all genders, ethnicities and orientations, based on merit and recognizes the value of a diverse and inclusive environment, as it enables broader exchanges of perspectives and enriches discussions at all levels of the business.
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The Company currently has two female directors (29% of the independent directors) and one female executive officer (33% of the executive officers). Of the Company's Named Executive Officers for 2020, 40% are women. Of the Company's employees, 73% are women and of the Company's managers, 80% are women including our Controller who is also included as a Named Executive Officer.
Board Diversity
The Board has adopted the Board Diversity Policy that recognizes the beneficial impact of diversity on decision-making and overall Board performance. The Board Diversity Policy formally recognizes that the nomination and appointment of candidates with multiple perspectives, knowledge, skills, expertise, education, industry experience and personal characteristics such as age, gender, ethnicity and other distinctions will contribute to the continued success of the Company. The Board Diversity Policy sets out the framework for PrairieSky's approach to Board diversity and outlines the key criteria for the composition of the Board to promote the Company's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Initially, the Board Diversity Policy included an aspirational target to have a Board composition in which at least twenty-five percent (25%) of its directors are women by 2022. The Company achieved this target following the appointment of Ms. Gavan in May 2019. In early 2021, the Governance and Compensation Committee and the Board approved certain amendments to the Board Diversity Policy including committing to a "Board Gender Diversity Target" to increase the Board composition to achieve at least thirty percent (30%) women directors by 2025. This timeline aligns with certain directors reaching term limits under the Company’s Board Renewal Policy. There is currently no plan to increase the size of the Board beyond the existing seven (7) independent directors. However, in line with the Board Diversity Policy, the Board will give significant consideration to fulfilling its diversity targets, and specifically adding female candidates who otherwise bring complementary skills to the Board, in the event of an earlier planned or unplanned retirement.
The Governance and Compensation Committee oversees the evaluation and assesses and considers the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, the committees of the Board and the contribution of individual members on a periodic basis. The Governance and Compensation Committee, in conjunction with the Board, also reviews the experience, qualifications and skills of PrairieSky's incumbent directors to ensure that the composition of the Board and committees and the competencies of the members are in line with those that the Governance and Compensation Committee considers that the Board and respective committees should possess.
In considering suitable candidates for appointment or re-election to the Board, or whether to accept the deemed resignation of a director pursuant to the Board Renewal Policy, the Governance and Compensation Committee shall: (i) consider all aspects of diversity including, but not limited to, those described above, in order to enable the Governance and Compensation Committee to discharge its duties and responsibilities effectively; (ii) assess the skills and backgrounds collectively represented on the Board to ensure that they reflect the diverse nature of the business environment in which PrairieSky operates; (iii) consider candidates on merit against objective criteria having due regard to the benefits of diversity on the Board; and (iv) engage, as deemed necessary, qualified independent external advisors to identify and assess candidates that meet the Board's skills and diversity criteria.
In addition, when identifying potential candidates for appointment to the Board in order to achieve the Board diversity target, the Governance and Compensation Committee shall: consider candidates on merit against objective criteria and with due regard for the benefits of diversity on the Board; maintain an “evergreen” list of potential candidates for election to the Board, which list would include parity between men and women candidates from a broad range of organizations; periodically assess the effectiveness of the nomination process designed to achieve the Company’s diversity objectives outlined in the Board Diversity Policy; and consider the level of representation of women on the Board and ensure that women are included in the short list of candidates being considered for a Board position.
The Governance and Compensation Committee and the Board will give significant consideration to fulfilling its diversity targets, and specifically female candidates who otherwise bring an additive skill set to the Board,
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in the event of an earlier planned or unplanned retirement. The Board Diversity Policy also includes a mandate to foster inclusivity across the organization, including at the Board level, for persons who identify as ethnic, racial or indigenous.
Each year the Governance and Compensation Committee is to: (i) assess the effectiveness of the Board Diversity Policy and related objectives; (ii) monitor and review the Company's progress in achieving its aspirational target for gender diversity; (iii) monitor the implementation of the Board Diversity Policy; and (iv) report to the Board and recommend any revisions that may be necessary.
The Board Diversity Policy is available on the Company's website under Corporate Governance Policies and Related Documents at www.prairiesky.com/governance.
Representation of Women in Executive Positions
The Board believes that the appointment of executive officers should be made based on each candidate's experience, knowledge, education, management capabilities and competency, as well as the effect of the appointment on the diversity of the Company's executive officers as a whole. Of the Company’s employees, 73% are women and of the Company’s managers, 80% are women including our Controller who is also included as a Named Executive Officer. Given the Company’s large female contingent and its focus on the identification, assessment and development of internal candidates to build leadership capability and strengthen overall succession, the Company believes it is poised to ensure it has strong internal female candidates to drive both short and long-term performance. The Company's philosophy of development and promotion from within will strengthen its values and culture, aid in retention of talent and provide a diversity of options for succession.
In 2020, PrairieSky was honored as a 2020 Report on Business – Women Lead Here Recipient , being one of 73 companies identified at the forefront of women in leadership positions and providing a benchmark for gender diversity in corporate Canada.
BUSINESS CODE OF CONDUCT
The Board has adopted a written Business Code of Conduct that encourages and promotes a culture of sound, ethical and responsible business conduct and the highest levels of personal conduct and ethical standards that is applicable to directors, management, employees and consultants of the Company. The Company has filed a copy of its Business Code of Conduct on SEDAR under the Company's profile and on the Company's website under Corporate Governance Policies and Related Documents at www.prairiesky.com/governance.
The Company's Business Code of Conduct reflects PrairieSky's core values of honesty, integrity and fairness and was developed in alignment with key principles from the United Nations Global Compact, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nation’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. The principles in the Business Code of Conduct shape the Company’s activities and address the following matters relating to four (4) main categories of (A) Ethics and Integrity, (B) Labour Practices and Standards, (C) Environment, and (D) Compliance: compliance with laws, rules and regulations; commitments to anti-corruption, anti-bribery; prohibitions on inducements, accepting gifts and any facilitation payments; avoiding conflicts of interest; promoting fair dealing and no improper advantages; avoiding unfair competition; prohibition on corporate opportunities; imposing anti-fraud measures and mandatory reporting; respecting confidentiality; securities trading and insider reporting; trading in restricted securities; disclosure procedures; maintaining accurate books and records; data privacy and information security; protection and acceptable use of systems and assets; restrictions on political involvement and lobbying activities; statements respecting fundamental human rights; expressly prohibiting discrimination, harassment in the workplace and promoting diversity and equal opportunity; commitment to health and
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safety; commitment to respecting Indigenous community rights and the environment; recognizing the benefits of community investment; outlining the responsibilities of covered persons; detailing noncompliance with the Business Code of Conduct; mandatory reporting of illegal or unethical behaviour; monitoring and enforcement actions by the Company; and waivers and amendments of the Business Code of Conduct. No waiver of the Business Code of Conduct may be made where the conduct subject to the waiver contravenes any applicable law, rule, regulation or stock exchange requirement. Waivers of the Business Code of Conduct for officers or directors may only be made by the board and will be promptly disclosed to the extent required by law, rule, regulation or stock exchange requirement. No waivers were requested, considered or granted in 2020.
The Company's Business Code of Conduct applies to all directors, officers, employees, suppliers and contractors. All employees (including executive officers) and directors are required to certify compliance with the Business Code of Conduct annually, along with other Company policies that are congruent with the Business Code of Conduct and provide more detailed information and requirements on specific topics. New directors, officers, employees and contractors are required to receive an orientation about the Company's Business Code of Conduct and other Company policies when they commence their engagement with PrairieSky. In addition, the Board has the responsibility to monitor compliance with the Business Code of Conduct and to recommend improvements as deemed necessary or appropriate. The Company monitors compliance with the Business Code of Conduct, and the Board and management of the Company encourage and promote a culture of ethical business conduct in the following ways: (i) annual review and certification; (ii) Business Code of Conduct training program; (iii) fraud response plan; (iv) Business Code of Conduct violation reporting; and (v) internal audit functions.
The Governance and Compensation Committee and the Board review and update the Company's Business Code of Conduct regularly to ensure that it is consistent with current industry trends and standards, clearly communicates PrairieSky's organizational mission, values, and principles, and, most importantly, serves as a reference guide for directors, management, employees, suppliers and consultants of the Company to support everyday decision making. The Company's Business Code of Conduct was last reviewed and amended by the Governance and Compensation Committee, and ratified by the Board in early 2021.
INVESTIGATIONS PRACTICE POLICY
In addition to the Business Code of Conduct, the Board has adopted an investigations practice which includes procedures to address the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, or to address the receipt, retention and treatment of concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters. The Board believes that providing a forum for employees to raise concerns about ethical conduct and treating all complaints with the appropriate level of seriousness fosters a culture of ethical conduct. See the Company's website at www.prairiesky.com/governance under Corporate Governance Policies and Related Documents and the headings "Investigations Practice Policy" and "Whistleblower Process" for further information regarding the investigations practice and the independent anonymous whistleblower hotline (www.prairiesky.confidenceline.net/).
SUPPLIER CODE OF CONDUCT
The Company adopted the Supplier Code of Conduct (the " Supplier Code ") in late 2020 and is in the process of implementing it across its supply chain which consists almost exclusively of professional service providers, information technology services and applications, and other service providers that support the Company’s office and work from home environments. PrairieSky is committed to conducting its business ethically and legally, with honesty, integrity, and fairness. PrairieSky’s high standard of responsible business practices not only applies to the Business Code of Conduct, but also extends to our suppliers through the Supplier Code which was developed in alignment with principles from the United Nations Global Compact, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Labor Organization (ILO). The
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Supplier Code applies to all of PrairieSky’s suppliers including all entities that provide goods or services, whether to or on behalf of PrairieSky. This includes consultants, contractors, advisors and other business partners through which PrairieSky procures goods and services, as well as their full-time and part-time employees, sub-contractors and sub-suppliers. The Supplier Code requires adherence to recognized labour practices, standards and conventions, including fundamental freedom of association and human rights, non-discrimination, freedom of association and collective bargaining, indigenous and community rights, and health and safety. The Supplier Code also includes PrairieSky’s standards as they relate to the environment, pollution prevention and reduction, waste, energy consumption and emissions reduction, as well as ethics and integrity requirements including anti-bribery and corruption provisions. PrairieSky has set forth and is implementing monitoring and enforcement requirements in order to ensure adherence to the Supplier Code. For a complete description of the Supplier Code please refer to our website at www.prairiesky.com/governance under " Corporate Governance Policies and Related Documents ".
HUMAN RIGHTS, HEALTH AND SAFETY, DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The Company has adopted: (i) a Human Rights Policy; (ii) a Respectful Workplace Policy; (iii) an Environment, Climate Change, Health and Safety Policy; and (iv) a Joint Worksite Health and Safety Committee Policy which collectively, in addition to the Company's Business Code of Conduct, provide the framework for the Company to maintain a safe working environment, free of discrimination and harassment, in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, are able to contribute fully and have equal opportunities.
At PrairieSky, respect for human rights is fundamental to the way we do business and is part of the Company’s core values across all of its business activities. Consistent with that commitment, the Human Rights Policy was updated in early 2021 to articulate PrairieSky’s responsibility to respect all applicable employment, labour and human rights laws and regulations as well as internationally proclaimed human rights principles. Specifically, the Human Rights Policy was developed based on the principles of the United Nations Global Compact (of which the Company is a signatory), the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labor Organization’s Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work to confirm PrairieSky’s alignment with respect to human rights and to ensure its compliance with all legislation (including, but not limited to, employment standards codes, human rights acts, the personal information protection acts and occupational health and safety codes) and recognized standards.
The foregoing policies also deal with harassment and workplace violence, for which the Company has zero tolerance. Such policies articulate the Company's position with respect to: (i) diversity, equal opportunity, discrimination, harassment and threats or acts of violence; (ii) ensuring a safe work environment for its employees; (iii) its commitment to the protection of the environment; (iv) reporting inappropriate conduct, harassment and workplace violence; (v) disciplinary measures; and (vi) the development of procedures to prevent and address human rights issues, as PrairieSky supports the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact with respect to human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
More details on PrairieSky's commitment to the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact can be found at www.unglobalcompact.org/what-is-gc/participants/138331-PrairieSky-Royalty-Ltd. PrairieSky’s progress report in relation to its commitment to the principles set forth in the United Nations Global Compact - can be found on PrairieSky’s website at www.prairiesky.com/responsibility/our approach.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
PrairieSky's core values define what is important to us and are at the foundation of how PrairieSky carries on business. While PrairieSky does not operate, develop or produce any hydrocarbons from its lands, PrairieSky recognizes its business model is dependent on the industry operating in a responsible fashion and it is committed to conducting its business in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable
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and responsible manner and encourages its clients and service providers to do the same. By conducting its business responsibly by actively managing risk and upholding the highest standards of governance and ethics, the Company aims to provide long-term shareholder and stakeholder value. The Company approaches our relationships with all stakeholders with integrity and respect, and PrairieSky takes care to select operators and suppliers that share its core values. Because of the long duration of PrairieSky's assets, successful execution of this strategy is only possible if the Company's lands are developed ethically and responsibly.
A detailed description of PrairieSky's comprehensive environmental, social and governance (" ESG ") disclosures is included in our annual Responsibility Report and other information contained on our website at https://www.prairiesky.com/responsibility/our-approach/. This includes our Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Reference Index, our Task Force on ClimateRelated Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Report, our progress report on principles set forth in the United Nations Global Compact, and independent assurance statements verifying key environmental data, greenhouse gas emissions and other key performance indicators, all of which is available on PrairieSky's website. PrairieSky intends to continually update its website and reporting documents to provide new and additional information to stakeholders, including a 2020 Responsibility Report by mid-year 2021 and additional TCFD and SASB Disclosures in 2021.
The Company’s Environment, Climate Change, Health and Safety Policy was updated in early 2021 to further address PrairieSky’s commitment to being environmentally and socially responsible in its business, including supporting and participating in leading environmental initiatives, meeting and where possible exceeding compliance with environmental, climate change and occupational health and safety laws, providing regular, objective reporting on environmental, climate change and health and safety performance (through PrairieSky’s annual Responsibility Report, discussed above), and through consultation and engagement with employees and stakeholders to share perspectives on environmental, health and safety issues. For a complete description of the Environment, Climate Change, Health and Safety Policy, please refer to our website at www.prairiesky.com/governance under " Corporate Governance Policies and Related Documents ".
In 2020, PrairieSky was awarded an A- rating in the 2020 CDP Climate Change survey results. A detailed and independent methodology is used by CDP, a recognized global leader in environmental reporting. An A- rating denotes global leadership and top quartile performance in our industry group as measured by CDP. Within the CDP ratings, PrairieSky received top "A" ratings for Governance, Risk Disclosure and Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, an improvement year over year as PrairieSky achieved "net zero" carbon emissions. For further information, please refer to the CDP website.
PrairieSky was also recognized as a leader across all industries by Sustainalytics Company ESG Risk Ratings, ranking 816 out of 13,566 in Sustainalytics Company's Global coverage universe, within the top 6% of rated companies (as reported on January 7, 2021). On an industry specific basis, PrairieSky ranked #1 among oil and gas producers. The Sustainalytics Company ESG Risk Ratings measure a company's exposure to industry-specific material ESG risks and how well a company is managing those risks. Company specific information and ratings by Sustainalytics Company, including information regarding PrairieSky, are available at www.sustainalytics.com.
Throughout 2020, PrairieSky engaged with ISS (Institutional Shareholder Services) and made comprehensive submissions in line with ISS' ESG research questionnaire. Following this engagement and review by ISS, PrairieSky received a 1 rating on Environmental and a 2 rating on Social, being the highest and second highest rating, respectively, under ISS' Quality Score ratings framework. ISS' ESG ratings platform is designed to provide corporate and country ESG research and ratings to enable its clients to identify material social and environmental risks and opportunities.
In addition, PrairieSky has adopted numerous policies relating to its business conduct and corporate governance, including its Business Code of Conduct, Board Diversity Policy, Board Renewal Policy,
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Shareholder Engagement Policy, Investigations Practice Policy, Disclosure Policy, Securities Trading and Insider Reporting Policy, Restricted Securities Trading Policy, Human Rights Policy, Respectful Workplace Policy, Environment, Climate Change, Health and Safety Policy, Supplier Code of Conduct and Community Investment Policy. Additional information relating to these and other policies and PrairieSky initiatives can be found on PrairieSky's website under Corporate Governance Policies and Related Documents at www.prairiesky.com/governance and at www.prairiesky.com/responsibility.
LOBBYING
The Company's Business Code of Conduct sets out our approach to lobbying in circumstances where PrairieSky may have contact with public officials who play a role in developing legislation, regulations or other government actions. Where such contact occurs, the Company's Business Code of Conduct requires that appropriate processes and controls be put in place to ensure that these contacts comply with applicable rules, regulations and internal requirements. The Company may, from time to time, participate in public policy discussions on a wide range of issues relevant to its business, including through its participation in and support of industry organizations. All PrairieSky lobbying activities with public office holders are planned, coordinated, recorded and must be conducted by senior management of the Company. In 2020, PrairieSky did not conduct any direct lobbying activities.
PrairieSky is committed to disclosing expenditures made in connection with lobbying activities on an annual basis. In 2020, PrairieSky was a member of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (" CAPP "), an industry association comprised of companies from Canada's upstream oil and natural gas industry. PrairieSky's Chief Operating Officer (" COO ") was a governor at large of CAPP but did not sit on any of the sub-committees responsible for specific policy initiatives. CAPP's mission, on behalf of the Canadian upstream oil and natural gas industry, is to advocate for and enable economic competitiveness and safe, environmentally and socially responsible performance. The Company's primary purpose for involvement in CAPP is for general business reasons, to foster discussions of technical and industry standards, and to support economic growth. In 2020, PrairieSky contributed less than $40,000 to CAPP through its membership fees. While CAPP may use membership fees for lobbying purposes, PrairieSky did not direct how membership fees were used and payment of membership fees does not necessarily reflect significant involvement with CAPP from a policy perspective. PrairieSky did not renew its CAPP membership in 2021 and PrairieSky’s COO is no longer a governor at large of CAPP. The Company's past or future participation in any industry association does not signify comprehensive support for all positions undertaken by it.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company's enterprise risk management program (" ERM Program ") ensures that the key objectives and strategy for the success of PrairieSky are a focus for the Board and management, and are being actively measured and managed. The risk management framework of the Company is a multi-faceted process involving management, the Audit Committee and the Board, where the ERM Program provides a common risk management framework to identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate key business risks.
The ERM Program provides a detailed identification, assessment and reporting of risks to PrairieSky's business, and a related risk analysis to address risk, which is monitored by the Audit Committee and overseen by the Board. Also included in the ERM Program are the roles of management, the Audit Committee and the Board relating to risk. The Board is responsible for strategic aspects and the enforcement of an appropriate risk culture throughout the organization, including through the Governance and Compensation Committee relating to compensation aspects. The Audit Committee is charged with the supervision of the risk analysis and senior management conducts a periodic (at least annual) detailed analysis of risks, recommends mitigation plans, where appropriate, and is responsible for the implementation and review of effectiveness of such mitigation plans.
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Detailed information with respect to the material risks applicable to PrairieSky, including principal risks and climate change risks (physical and transition), are included in the "Risk Factors" section of the AIF filed on SEDAR and available on PrairieSky's website at www.prairiesky.com.
SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
We recognize the importance of strong and consistent engagement with our shareholders. We have adopted policies and programs that ensure we understand and, when appropriate, address shareholder concerns. We have a comprehensive program designed to engage with shareholders which we believe aligns with best practice policies for director and shareholder engagement on governance matters.
| Event | Who engages | Who we engage with, when and what we talk about | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-deal roadshows, meetings, calls and discussion |
Senior Management; Board Chair |
With institutional investors throughout the year to provide public information on our business, operations, capital allocation and sustainability initiatives and, from time to time, involving our Board Chair to engage in dialogue on our governance processes, initiatives and executive compensation. |
|
| Quarterly conference call |
Senior Management |
With the investment and analyst community to review our most recently released financial and operating results. |
|
| News releases | Senior Management |
Released to the media throughout the year to report on any material changes with respect to the Company. |
|
| Broker and industry sponsored conferences |
Senior Management |
Speaking at industry investor conferences about public information on our business and financial results, as well as corporate strategy and sustainability. |
|
| Investor Day | Senior Management; Directors |
Investors and analysts are invited to attend in May every two years in conjunction with the release of our Royalty Playbook which is available at www.prairiesky.com/investors. A live webcast and presentations are made available on our website. Board members are in attendance and available to meet with participants. |
|
| Meetings, calls and discussions |
Senior Management |
With portfolio managers, investment professionals and engagement with retail shareholders to address any shareholder-related questions concerns and to provide public information on the Company. |
|
| Regular meetings |
Chair of the Board & Corporate Secretary |
With shareholder advocacy groups, such as the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance, Glass Lewis, ISS and certain interested shareholders to discuss governance practices. |
|
| Regular meetings |
Senior Management |
With institutional investors and advisory groups regarding corporate, environmental and social responsibility matters, including in relation to the Company's initiatives, continuous improvement programs, and annual corporate and social Responsibility Report which is available on our website atwww.prairiesky.com/responsibility. |
The Shareholder Engagement Policy is available under Corporate Governance Policies and Related Documents on the Company's website at www.prairiesky.com/governance. We also post frequently asked questions on our website at www.prairiesky.com/investors.
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Communicating with Us
We have established a number of ways to receive feedback from interested parties, all of which are listed at www.prairiesky.com/contact, and include the following:
Telephone: 587.293.4000 Email: [email protected] Address: Suite 1700, 350 – 7th Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 3N9
For complaints and/or concerns, including but not limited to concerns with respect to our accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, interested parties should refer to the contact information provided under Whistleblower Hotline at www.prairiesky.com/contact.
Communicating with the Board and Senior Management
Shareholders, employees and others can contact the Board directly by:
-
Writing to the Chair of the Board at PrairieSky Royalty Ltd., Suite 1700, 350 – 7th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3N9, Attention: Chair of the Board
-
Telephone at (587) 293-4000
-
• Email to [email protected]
Shareholders, employees and others can contact senior management directly by:
-
Writing to the CEO, COO or CFO at PrairieSky Royalty Ltd., Suite 1700, 350 – 7th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3N9
-
Telephone at (587) 293-4000
-
Email to the CEO, COO or CFO at [email protected]
Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation ("Say on Pay")
Shareholders will be asked again this year to consider and approve an advisory resolution on our approach to executive compensation. See " Matters to be Acted Upon at the Meeting – Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation" on pages 16-17.
The Governance and Compensation Committee and the Board will continue to review and analyze the results of the advisory vote on our approach to executive compensation and consider all shareholder feedback related to executive compensation matters. To facilitate questions and comments from shareholders, you can communicate with the Governance and Compensation Committee directly by writing to them at our head office address above or calling them at the number provided for communicating with the Board.
In order to ensure we receive meaningful feedback on executive compensation, we invite shareholders to write directly to the Chair of the Board, at the head office address noted above.
Changes Following Shareholder Engagement
Since inception of the Company in May 2014, the Board and the Governance and Compensation Committee have been committed to listening and actively responding to all stakeholder feedback and implementing improvements to our compensation and governance practices, as well as improving our public disclosure regarding the same. Several, but not all, of these changes and improvements are highlighted below.
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We believe the changes in conjunction with shareholder engagement efforts are key to receiving voter support for our executive compensation program at our annual meeting of shareholders in April 2017 (98.03%), 2018 (95.43%), 2019 (78.29%) and 2020 (98.55%), as well as improved scores in governance rankings by proxy advisory firms and like publications. Given the drop in shareholder support in 2019, the Board Chair (on behalf of the Board) and executive officers engaged with shareholders in 2019 and early 2020 regarding the Company's executive compensation program which resulted in significantly improved shareholder support in 2020. The Company continued to engage with shareholders on governance and compensation topics throughout 2020 and early 2021. This engagement process, as well as the changes, are described below and commencing on page 42 under " Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Letter of Introduction – Board Chair and Governance and Compensation Committee Chair ".
| Stakeholder Concerns | How We Have Improved | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce dilution under the Option Plan and Original Incentive Plan (each as defined herein). Phase out dilutive instruments over time. |
The Board pro-actively amended the Option Plan and Original Incentive Plan on February 27, 2017 to decrease the percentage of Common Shares issuable pursuant to the plans from 10% to 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. At March 3, 2021, the Company currently has granted 17% of the available equity under such plans (see page 80), and an average annual burn rate of less than 0.4% (see page 82). The Board currently has no intention to make further grants under the Original Incentive Plan or the Option Plan. In 2021, the Board adopted the 2021 Incentive Plan (as defined herein) which is similar to the Original Incentive Plan but: (i) provides that RSUs (as defined herein) and PSUs may only be settled in cash; and (ii) limiting the number of Common Shares notionally represented share unit awards to 2% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, less the amount outstanding under any other security-based compensation arrangement. |
See pages 73 and 76. |
| Implement multiple performance measures for PSUs |
For grants of PSUs to the executive officers in each of the 2019, 2020 and 2021 calendar years, the Board has adopted multiple performance measures for PSU payout multiplier calculations, while maintaining total shareholder return with a 50% weighting. The first of these grants (2019) is scheduled to vest in Q1 2022 following the three-year performance period. |
See page 76. |
| Improve disclosure of ESG programs, policies and impacts |
In 2018, we published our inaugural Responsibility Report for the 2017 calendar year, and we have issued a report in each subsequent year since. In 2018, we retained the services of a leading advisory firm to assist the Company in enhancing its ESG programs and disclosure, as well as |
See page 27 under "Environmental, Social, Governance and Corporate Responsibility". |
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| Stakeholder Concerns | How We Have Improved | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| implementing short, medium and long- term goals into its strategic plan. In 2020, we received an A- ranking from CDP, an A ranking from MSCI ESG Risk Ratings, a 1 ISS Environmental Quality Score, a 2 ISS Social Quality Score and were ranked in the top 6% globally in Sustainalytics Company's ESG Risk for all industries and #1 for oil and gas producers. |
|||
| Adopt certain governance policies in line with best practices |
In 2019, the Company developed and adopted the following governance polices aligned with best practices: Board Renewal Policy, Board Diversity Policy, and a Shareholder Engagement Policy. The Board also made adjustments to management's approval and authorization levels to ensure increased scrutiny on certain types of transactions by independent directors where there may be a perceived conflict of interest. In 2020, the Company developed and adopted an Environment, Climate Change, Health and Safety Policy and Human Rights Policy, which are aligned with best practices. In 2020, the Company adopted a Supplier Code of Conduct. In Q1 2021, the Board ratified certain amendments to the Code of Conduct, Board Diversity Policy, Environment, Climate Change, Health and Safety Policy and the Human Rights Policy to align with evolving best practices. In 2020, we were in the top quartile of the Globe and Mail Governance Rankings for companies in the S&P/TSX Composite Index assessing quality of governance practices. |
See our website under_Corporate_ Governance Policies and Related _Documents_at www.prairiesky.com/governance; starting on page 23. |
At our 2017 and 2018 annual meetings of shareholders, the Company proposed a resolution to approve the unallocated awards under the Option Plan (as defined herein) and Original Incentive Plan which were approved by a majority of 90.10% and 75.61%, respectively. Given the lower than expected approval of the Original Incentive Plan in 2018 (75.61%), the Board and the Governance and Compensation Committee reviewed and considered amendments to the Original Incentive Plan to address concerns raised by shareholders or proxy advisory firms that recommended voting against the foregoing resolutions. Following such consideration, the Board approved the 2021 Incentive Plan which will replace the Original Incentive Plan such that all future share unit award grants will only be made under the 2021 Incentive Plan. As the 2021 Incentive Plan provides that PSUs and RSUs may only be settled in cash, and the Company does not intend to grant PSUs and RSUs pursuant to the Original Incentive Plan in the future, the Company is not seeking approval of any unallocated awards under the Original Incentive Plan at the Meeting.
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The Company has also adopted the Officer DSU Plan (as defined herein) to, over time and in conjunction with the 2021 Incentive Plan, replace the Option Plan. The Company has not issued any Options since 2020 and to the extent any Options are granted in the future, such Options would not be exercisable until such time as the Company obtains shareholder approval for such grants in accordance with the policies of " " the TSX. The Officer DSU Plan is described under the heading Incentive Award Programs .
MATERIAL INTERESTS
The Company is engaged in the crude oil and natural gas royalty business. In general, the private investment activities of directors are not prohibited; however, should an existing investment pose a potential conflict of interest, the potential conflict is required to be disclosed to the Corporate Secretary (also the COO), as well as the CEO, who will in turn make necessary disclosures to the Board.
It is acknowledged that directors of the Company may be directors or officers of other entities engaged in the crude oil and natural gas business, and that such entities may compete directly or indirectly with the Company. Any director of the Company who is a director or officer of any entity engaged in the crude oil and natural gas business is required to disclose such occurrence to the Board. Any director or officer of the Company who is actively engaged in the management of, or who owns: (i) an investment of 1% or more of the outstanding voting shares; or (ii) an investment that represents greater than 5% of his or her personal net worth, in public or private entities engaged in the crude oil and natural gas business is required to disclose such holdings to the Board. In the event that any circumstance should arise as a result of such positions or investments being held or otherwise which in the opinion of the Board constitutes a conflict of interest which may reasonably affect such person's ability to act with a view to the best interests of the Company, the Board will take such actions as are reasonably required to resolve such matters with a view to the best interests of the Company. Such actions, without limitation, may include excluding such directors from certain information or activities of the Company.
ANTI-HEDGING POLICY AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS ON TRADING ACTIVITIES
The Company has adopted a Securities Trading and Insider Reporting Policy which, among other things, ensures that executive officers and directors cannot participate in speculative activity related to the Company's securities to artificially protect themselves against declines in share price. The Securities Trading and Insider Reporting Policy provides that executive officers and directors are prohibited, at any time, from: (i) entering into a sale of the Company's securities that they do not own or have a right to own (a speculative practice, called "selling short", which is done in the belief that the price of a stock is going to fall and the seller will then be able to cover the sale by buying the stock back at a lower price); and (ii) selling a "call option" or buying a "put option" in respect of any of the Company's securities (as such persons could profit from the Company's stock price falling). Executive officers and directors are also prohibited from participating in equity monetization transactions involving any of the Company's securities that are part of the Company's long-term incentive programs which have not vested or the Common Shares that constitute part or all of the Company's requirements under the Company's minimum share ownership guidelines. Executive officers and directors are also strictly prohibited from entering into any equity monetization transaction that is the equivalent of "selling short".
In addition to the Company's Securities Trading and Insider Reporting Policy, and given the unique nature of the Company's business, the Board has adopted the Restricted Securities Trading Policy to assist management and the Board in identifying potential conflicts of interest and ensuring adherence to good governance practices and applicable securities laws with respect to trading in securities of the Company and crude oil and natural gas companies in Western Canada, many of whom may be engaged in business with the Company from time to time. Pursuant to the Restricted Securities Trading Policy, the Corporate Secretary of the Company maintains a restricted list of companies who are engaged in active business negotiations with the Company and for whom the Company may have material information from time to time (such as well results) which is not generally available to the public. All employees, contractors, officers
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and directors of the Company are required to contact the Corporate Secretary prior to trading in any securities of an issuer who is engaged in the crude oil and natural gas or natural resources business in Western Canada (including the Company), to determine, prior to such trade, whether the issuer is on the restricted list. If the issuer is on the restricted list, the covered person shall not trade, directly or indirectly, securities of the issuer. Violations of the Restricted Securities Trading Policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or contract, as applicable. The Company may refer violations of the Restricted Securities Trading Policy or relevant laws to the appropriate regulatory authorities. Actions that violate or appear to violate the Restricted Securities Trading Policy must be reported in accordance with the Company's investigations practice.
See also " Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Executive Compensation – Compensation Objectives and Principles – Short Selling Restrictions ".
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Governance and Compensation Committee is responsible for recommending suitable candidates for nomination for election as directors of the Company in accordance with the terms of its mandate. The shareholders are entitled to elect directors of the Company.
The Board and Governance and Compensation Committee regularly discuss and evaluate the experience, qualification and skills of our directors with a view to ensuring the appropriate skill and experience profile is represented at the Board and committee level. See " Statement of Corporate Governance Practices – Director Skills and Experience ". Some of the key competencies that the Company believes directors should have are: corporate executive experience, capital markets experience, crude oil and natural gas operational experience, crude oil and natural gas contracts and land experience, financial acumen and expertise, sustainability experience or an appetite to learn and expand their skillset in this area and knowledge in the areas of compensation, governance and health, safety and environment. Character and behavioral qualities including credibility, integrity, professionalism and communication skills are also important attributes taken into account when recruiting new directors. In conjunction with this exercise, the Board keeps an "evergreen" list of potential candidates for consideration as future Board members and regularly discusses the same. The Chair of the Board and CEO from time to time arrange meetings with such candidates to determine interest and availability with a view to making recommendations to the Board if and when appropriate. When necessary, the Governance and Compensation Committee may engage the services of a search firm to assist them in the identification of director candidates with the necessary skills or experience the Board requires.
Majority Voting Policy
The Board has adopted the majority voting policy, which provides that if a nominee for election as a director receives a greater number of votes "withheld" than votes "for" at an uncontested meeting of the shareholders, such nominee shall offer his or her resignation as a director to the Board promptly following the meeting of shareholders at which the director was elected. Upon receiving such offer of resignation, the Governance and Compensation Committee will consider such offer and make a recommendation to the Board whether to accept it or not. In the absence of special circumstances, it is expected that the Board will accept the resignation consistent with an orderly transition. The director will not participate in any Governance and Compensation Committee or Board deliberations on the resignation offer. It is anticipated that the Board will make its decision to accept or reject the resignation within 90 days.
Advance Notice Nominations
The Company's by-laws include "advance notice provisions" designed to: (i) facilitate an orderly and efficient annual meeting or, where the need arises, special meeting, process; (ii) ensure that all shareholders receive adequate notice of director nominations and sufficient information with respect to all
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nominees; and (iii) allow shareholders to register an informed vote having been afforded reasonable time for appropriate deliberation. As a whole, these provisions are intended to provide shareholders, directors and management of the Company with a clear framework for nominating directors. In particular, these provisions of the by-laws fix a deadline (being not less than 30 days before the date of an annual meeting of shareholders and, in the case of a special meeting, the 15[th] day following the day on which the first public announcement of the date of the special meeting of shareholders was made) by which holders of record of Common Shares must submit director nominations to the Company prior to any annual or special meeting of shareholders, and also set forth the information that a shareholder must include in the notice to the Company for the notice to be in proper written form in order for any director nominee to be eligible for election at any annual or special meeting of shareholders. The Company's by-laws are available on SEDAR and the Company's website at www.prairiesky.com and were confirmed by the Company's shareholders on April 11, 2014.
SUCCESSION PLANNING
The Governance and Compensation Committee is accountable for reviewing management's ongoing succession, leadership and talent strategy programs and plans. Management, on a regular basis, provides the Chair of the Governance and Compensation Committee and Board Chair with a detailed succession plan for each significant position and identifies possible succession gaps in the current staff. Further, the Governance and Compensation Committee, CEO and the COO conduct a detailed review of current employees who are potential successors for all senior positions, with a focus on senior management roles. The review includes an assessment of each individual's strengths and development requirements, an estimate as to when such individuals may be prepared to accept such a role change, and any current plans for such individual's career and educational development. The potential for the Company to recruit an external candidate as CEO is also regularly discussed and is considered a viable option that does not require implementation at this stage. The succession and leadership plans are reviewed regularly with the Chair of the Governance and Compensation Committee. All meetings of the Governance and Compensation Committee and meetings of the Board in 2020 included an in-camera session with and without the CEO at which human resource issues and succession were periodically discussed. In the event of an emergency, the Board and Governance and Compensation Committee have temporary succession plans that can be implemented. The Company is confident that appropriate succession strategies are being implemented to ensure the Company's business will continue to be strongly managed in the future.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The remuneration of the directors of the Company is set, and annually reviewed, by the Board on the recommendation of the Governance and Compensation Committee.
The compensation of management is annually reviewed by the Board on the recommendation of the Governance and Compensation Committee. See " Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Executive Compensation ".
SHARE OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
The Company has adopted share ownership guidelines to encourage alignment with the interests of shareholders by requiring its directors and management to build and hold equity in the Company in accordance with prescribed guidelines.
Independent directors are required to accumulate and hold, within three years of his or her appointment, Common Shares representing three times his or her annual total compensation, including any DSUs granted to such directors. Up to 75% of such target Common Share ownership can be represented by DSUs. Officers of the Company are required, within three years of their appointment, to accumulate a multiple of their annual salary in the form of Common Shares, as follows: CEO (five times); and COO and
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Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer (" CFO ") (four times). No share-based compensation (RSUs, PSUs, Options and ODSUs) are counted towards achieving such targets. The valuation of DSUs and Common Shares is determined on an annual basis as the greater of the fair market value at: (i) the date of grant or purchase, as the case may be; and (ii) the closing trading price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 31 or last day on which the Common Shares traded on such exchange prior to December 31. The value of holdings reflected in each of the tables below is based on the December 31, 2020 closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX of $10.09, unless otherwise noted).
Director Ownership
| Director Name | Equity Ownership Guideline | Equity Ownership Guideline | Shareholdings | Shareholdings | Shareholdings | Guideline Met or Investment Required to Meet Guideline(2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple of Annual Compensation |
Amount of Annual |
Common Shares and DSUs(1) (#) |
Holdings as a Multiple of Retainer |
Value of Holdings ($) |
||
| Compensation | ||||||
Retainer ($) |
||||||
| James M. Estey | 3x | 263,500 | 1,340,202 | 51x | 13,522,600 | Guideline Met |
| P. Jane Gavan(3) | 3x | 160,000 | 41,140 | 3x | 545,900 | Guideline Met |
| Margaret A. McKenzie | 3x | 175,000 | 288,868 | 17x | 2,914,700 | Guideline Met |
| Robert E. Robotti(4) | 3x | 160,000 | 84,214 | 6x | 928,700 | Guideline Met |
| Myron M. Stadnyk | 3x | 160,000 | 45,984 | 3x | 464,000 | Guideline Met |
| Sheldon B. Steeves | 3x | 170,000 | 64,092 | 4x | 646,700 | Guideline Met |
| Grant A. Zawalsky | 3x | 160,000 | 138,009 | 9x | 1,392,500 | Guideline Met |
Notes:
(1) DSUs do not include dividend entitlements.
(2) Directors have three years from their appointment to meet the target Common Share ownership.
(3) Subsequent to December 31, 2020, Ms. Gavan purchased additional Common Shares which are included in the table above. Ms. Gavan also took the entirety of her 2021 annual compensation retainer in the form of DSUs. Ms. Gavan’s Common Shares, DSUs and value of holdings are calculated as at March 3, 2021.
(4) Subsequent to December 31, 2020, Mr. Robotti purchased additional Common Shares which are included in the table above at a purchase price of $11.67.
Executive Ownership
| Management Name | Equity Ownership Guideline | Equity Ownership Guideline | **Shareholdings ** | **Shareholdings ** | Guideline Met or Investment Required to Meet Guideline(1) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple of Salary |
Amount of Salary ($) |
Common Shares (#) |
Holdings as a Multiple of Salary |
Value of Holdings ($) |
||
| Andrew M. Phillips President & CEO |
5x | 550,000 | 713,904(2) | 13x | 7,222,000 | Guideline Met |
| Cameron M. Proctor COO |
4x | 425,000 | 128,535 | 7x(3) | 1,296,900 | Guideline Met(3) |
| Pamela P. Kazeil VP Finance & CFO |
4x | 375,000 | 73,661 | 5x(3) | 743,200 | Guideline Met(3) |
Notes:
(1) Executive officers have three years from their appointment to meet the target Common Share ownership.
(2) Subsequent to December 31, 2020, Mr. Phillips purchased additional Common Shares which are included in the table above at a purchase price of $11.54.
(3) Guideline met for Mr. Proctor based on the value on the date of purchase of the Common Shares of $3,160,170. Guideline met for Ms. Kazeil based on the value on the date of purchase of the Common Shares of $1,846,100.
Other Ownership Guidelines (Staff)
The Company has also adopted share ownership guidelines for managers and certain other personnel to encourage alignment with the interests of shareholders. Certain non-executive personnel of the Company
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are required, within three years of their appointment, to accumulate a multiple of their annual salary in the form of Common Shares, as follows: Controller and General Counsel (1.5 times); Managers (1.0 times); and other select employees (1.0 times). No share-based compensation (RSUs, PSUs, Options or ODSUs) are counted towards achieving such targets, and there are some restrictions on selling Common Shares, whether purchased through the Retirement Savings Plan (which is described below), in the open market, or received upon vesting or exercise of a RSU, PSU, Option or ODSUs, as applicable, until such time as the target ownership is achieved. All full-time employees are shareholders of the Company.
BOARD COMMITTEES
There are three committees of the Board, all of which are comprised entirely of independent directors. The following table outlines the composition of the Board committees as at December 31, 2020.
| Director | Year Appointed |
Independent | Committee Composition as at December 31, 2020 | Committee Composition as at December 31, 2020 | Committee Composition as at December 31, 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audit(1) | Governance & Compensation |
Reserves | |||
| Independent Directors: | |||||
| James M. Estey | 2014 | | | ||
| P. Jane Gavan | 2019 | | | ||
| Margaret A. McKenzie | 2014 | | Chair | ||
| Robert E. Robotti | 2019 | | | ||
| Myron M. Stadnyk | 2018 | | Chair | | |
| Sheldon B. Steeves | 2014 | | | | Chair |
| Grant A. Zawalsky | 2014 | | | ||
| Management Director: | |||||
| Andrew M. Phillips(2) | 2014 |
Notes:
(1) The Board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee and the other five directors, being Messrs. Estey, Robotti, Stadnyk, Zawalsky and Phillips, are "financially literate" within the meaning of that term under NI 52-110.
(2) Mr. Phillips is the President and CEO of the Company and therefore is not independent.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is comprised of Margaret A. McKenzie, as Chair, P. Jane Gavan and Sheldon B. Steeves, all of whom are independent and financially literate within the meaning of such terms under NI 52-110. The specific responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set out in the Audit Committee Mandate, a copy of which is attached as Appendix "C" to the AIF and is available on the Company’s website under Board Committees at www.prairiesky.com/goverance. The Audit Committee's primary role is to: (i) review management's identification of principal financial risks and monitor the process to manage such risks; (ii) oversee and monitor the Company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (iii) oversee and monitor the integrity of the Company's accounting and financial reporting processes, financial statements and system of internal controls regarding accounting and financial reporting and accounting compliance; (iv) oversee audits of the Company's financial statements; (v) oversee and monitor the qualifications, independence and performance of the Company's external auditors; (vi) provide an avenue of communication among the external auditors, management, internal accounting and the Board; and (vii) report to the Board regularly.
The Audit Committee’s role also involves the review of any related party transactions that occurred during the year between the Company and any officers or directors, including affiliations of any officers or directors as the Committee considers appropriate, in accordance with applicable legislation to ensure that the terms and conditions of such transactions are at fair market value or at least as favourable as prevailing market
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terms and conditions, or fair value if fair market value references do not exist. In 2020, no related party transactions occurred.
The Company believes that each of the members of the Audit Committee possesses substantially all of the following: (i) an understanding of the accounting principles used by the Company to prepare its financial statements; (ii) the ability to assess the general application of such accounting principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves; (iii) experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Company's financial statements, or experience actively supervising one or more individuals engaged in such activities; and (iv) an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. For a summary of the education and experience of each member of the Audit Committee that is relevant to the performance of his or her responsibilities as a member of the Audit Committee, see " Directors and Executive Officers " in the AIF and " Election of Directors – Biographies of the Directors " in this information circular and proxy statement.
Governance and Compensation Committee
The Governance and Compensation Committee is comprised of Myron M. Stadnyk, as Chair, Sheldon B. Steeves and James M. Estey, all of whom are independent for the purposes of NI 58-101. The primary role of the Governance and Compensation Committee is to: (i) develop, implement and monitor governance standards and best practices; (ii) review the mandates of the Board and its committees; (iii) regularly assess the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, the committees of the Board and the contributions of individual directors; (iv) oversee the preparation of the annual " Statement of Corporate Governance Practices "; (v) identify and recommend individuals for nomination as members of the Board and its committees and for appointment as officers; and (vi) review and recommend to the Board all matters pertaining to the compensation of directors and management. The specific responsibilities of the Governance and Compensation Committee are set out in the Governance and Compensation Committee Mandate, a copy of which available on the Company's website under Board Committees at www.prairiesky.com/governance.
Reserves Committee
The Reserves Committee is comprised of Sheldon B. Steeves, as Chair, Robert E. Robotti, Myron M. Stadnyk and Grant A. Zawalsky, each of whom are independent for purposes of NI 51-101. The primary role of the Reserves Committee is to: (i) act in an advisory capacity to the Board; (ii) review the Company's procedures relating to disclosure of information with respect to crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids reserves and resources data; (iii) annually review the selection of the qualified reserves evaluators or auditors chosen to report to the Board on the Company's crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids reserves data; and (iv) review the Company's annual reserves estimates prior to public disclosure. The specific responsibilities of the Reserves Committee are set out in the Reserves Committee Mandate, a copy of which available on the Company's website under Board Committees at www.prairiesky.com/governance.
BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS WITHOUT MANAGEMENT
The non-management directors meet without members of management present at every meeting of the Board and at every meeting of all committees of the Board. Each regularly scheduled Board and committee meeting's agenda includes an in-camera session at each meeting. See " Statement of Corporate Governance Practices – The Board ".
ASSESSMENT OF DIRECTORS, THE BOARD AND BOARD COMMITTEES
The members of the Board collectively assess the performance of the Board as a whole, the committees of the Board and all directors. Such assessment occurs annually with an emphasis on the overall
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effectiveness and contributions made by the Board as a whole, the committees of the Board and all directors individually. Such assessment process involves a confidential director questionnaire and discussions among the Chair of the Board, the chairs of the committees and individual directors relating to overall Board assessment, individual committee assessments, Chair of the Board assessment, individual committee chair assessments, individual director self-assessments and peer assessments. The Chair of the Board meets with each individual director to discuss the above matters and any key items raised in the confidential director questionnaire. The Chair of the Board, with the assistance of the Corporate Secretary, is responsible for drafting, collecting and assessing questionnaires, and facilitating discussions. The Chair of the Board reports on the results of this process to the Board. The Governance and Compensation Committee is also permitted to retain external advisors to assist with the assessment process. The assessment for 2020 was conducted in the first quarter of 2021.
DIRECTOR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
The Board and the Governance and Compensation Committee review the experience, qualifications and skills of our directors to ensure that the composition of the Board and committees and the competencies and skills of the members are in line with those that the Governance and Compensation Committee considers that the Board and respective committees should possess.
The Board identifies and evaluates the competencies and skills of the members based on the individual experience and background of each director. This exercise is performed both on an ad-hoc basis and at least annually based on self-assessment by each director whereby each director is asked to rate their experience and background in a variety of key subject areas. This data is compiled into a matrix representing the broad Board skills for current directors. This matrix is maintained to identify areas for strengthening the Board, if any, and address them through the recruitment of new members.
The following skills matrix outlines the experience and background of, but not necessarily the technical expertise of, the individual directors based on information provided by such individuals.
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| Board of Directors Skills Matrix | Board of Directors Skills Matrix | Estey | Gavan | McKenzie | Robotti | Stadnyk | Steeves | Zawalsky | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Management |
Experience as a President or CEO leading an organization or major business line. |
| | | | | | 6 | |
| Business Development |
Management or executive experience with responsibility for identifying value creation opportunities. |
| | | | | | | 7 |
| Financial Literacy | Ability to critically read and analyze financial statements. |
| | | | | | | 7 |
| Corporate Governance |
Understanding the requirements of good corporate governance usually gained through experience as a senior executive officer or a Board member of a public organization. |
| | | | | | | 7 |
| Change Management |
Experience leading a major organizational change or managinga significant merger. |
| | | | | | | 7 |
| Operations | Management or executive experience with oil and gas operations. |
| | | 3 | ||||
| Financial Experience |
Senior executive experience in financial accounting and reportingand corporate finance. |
| | | | 4 | |||
| Human Resources | Management or executive experience with responsibilityfor human resources. |
| | | | | | 6 | |
| Reserves Evaluation | General experience with or executive responsibility for oil andgas reserves evaluation. |
| | | | | 5 | ||
| Capital Allocation | General experience with or executive responsibility for evaluating allocation of capital resources, including for business development activities, dividends, share repurchases and the capital markets and capital structure implications of the foregoing. |
| | | | | | | 7 |
| Risk Evaluation | Management, executive or Board experience in evaluating and managing the variety of risks faced by an organization, including internal controls and enterprise risk management processes and measurement. |
| | | | | | | 7 |
| Compensation | Management, executive or Board experience in establishing, managing and measuring executive compensation programs, including capital markets considerations and evolving proxy advisory firm considerations and engagements. |
| | | | | | | 7 |
| Environmental, Social and Governance Risk Management, Performance Evaluation and Management |
Management, executive or Board experience in evaluating and managing the variety of risks faced by an organization with respect to evolving environmental and corporate responsibility criteria, including capital markets considerations related thereto, and measuring performance of corporate objectives. |
| | | | | | | 7 |
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
LETTER OF INTRODUCTION
BOARD CHAIR AND GOVERNANCE AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE CHAIR
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Governance and Compensation Committee, we are pleased to provide our Compensation Discussion and Analysis to you in the following pages of this information circular and proxy statement. Your feedback is important to us, as is your vote, and we hope that you attend the Meeting in person or by proxy.
The purpose of this introductory letter is to provide some useful context for reviewing and interpreting the more formal disclosures that follow. In particular, we want to highlight the difference between "reported target" and "actual realized" compensation, as well as several changes made to the compensation program for 2020 and 2021 following engagement with shareholders.
Composition and Role of the Governance and Compensation Committee
The Governance and Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things, overseeing compensation across the organization with a particular focus on the three executive officers. This includes regularly assessing salaries, annual bonus, long-term incentive awards, and measuring performance. This is an important function in any organization, and particularly at PrairieSky given its small group of executive officers. The Governance and Compensation Committee is comprised of Myron M. Stadnyk (Chair), Sheldon B. Steeves and James M. Estey.
Pay for Performance Philosophy
The foundation of PrairieSky's compensation program is "pay for performance", which rewards the executive for leadership and creation of long-term value. This means that a significant percentage of each executive's compensation is "at risk" if the value of the Common Shares decreases and individual and/or corporate performance is below measured criteria. The executive officers are fully aligned with shareholders through this overarching philosophy, as well as their significant personal investments in Common Shares.
"Say on Pay" Voting and Shareholder Engagement on Executive Compensation Matters
Since 2017 and on an annual basis, PrairieSky has voluntarily included an advisory resolution on executive compensation, or "Say on Pay" vote, at its annual shareholder meeting. The Governance and Compensation Committee and the Board believe it is essential for shareholders to be well informed of the Company's approach to executive compensation and considers the "Say on Pay" vote to be an important, but not exclusive, part of the shareholder engagement process. The Company has received support from an overwhelming majority of shareholders in past "Say on Pay" votes, with the 2019 vote receiving support from a significant majority of shareholders, albeit below prior years. Significant consideration was given to the 2019 "Say on Pay" vote by the Board and the Governance and Compensation Committee, which in turn led to subsequent shareholder engagement in 2019 and early 2020 including with shareholders who voted both in favor of and against the advisory resolution. As a result of such engagement, certain changes have been made to our executive compensation which resulted in a significant improvement in our 2020 "Say on Pay" vote.
Differences Between "Reported Target" Compensation and "Actual Realized" Compensation
Disclosure standards require the Company to show annual compensation in a manner which is not necessarily reflective of what an executive officer receives as "take-home" or "realized" compensation in the year, or in future years as long-term incentive awards and Options vest.
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The disclosures contained in the Summary Compensation Table on page 65 include amounts received by the executive officer in the current year, as well as "reported target" amounts that are deferred for many years and can fluctuate based on the price of the Common Shares and corporate performance.
Amounts disclosed and received in the 2020 calendar year include: (i) salary earned in the year, (ii) bonus/annual share unit awards (as defined herein), and (iii) pension value (which is the employee savings plan). Bonus in any given year varies and depends on whether measurable performance goals are met or exceeded. The Company's savings plan is a non-dilutive "matched" savings program, where the employee and Company contribute cash to an account which is then used to purchase PrairieSky shares in the open market. This is described in further detail on page 51 under the heading " Executive Compensation – Components of Compensation – Retirement Savings Plan ". The Company does not have any pension plan for its executive officers or employees.
The disclosures contained in the Summary Compensation Table on page 65 also include deferred longterm incentives comprised of share-based awards and option-based awards, which represent the significant majority of an executive officer's "target" compensation (63% for the CEO in 2020). While these amounts are included in annual compensation because they are granted at an assumed value in the calendar year, they are subject to both time vesting and performance criteria, as well as stock price volatility, which in turn impacts their actual "realized" value three to five years in the future when the awards vest, are exercised, or are paid out. In recent years, with stock price underperformance, the impact has been negative and the "realized value" for each executive officer has been significantly lower than the granted amounts disclosed as "annual compensation" in prior years.
This difference is disclosed in several places throughout this information circular and proxy statement, including at page 62 under the heading " Compensation Discussion and Analysis - CEO Compensation ". The difference between "reported target" compensation for the CEO disclosed in the 2016, 2017 and 2018 compensation years as compared to the "actual realized" or "take-home” amount as awards have vested, typically 3 years following the grant year, was -5%, -49%, and -64%, respectively. Expressed as a dollar amount, the CEO realized -$159,600 less than target for 2016 grants, -$1,979,500 less than target for 2017 grants and -$2,750,000 less than target for 2018 grants. Over the same period the return to a shareholder has been -43%, -10%, and -31%. This is reflected in the table below, and we have shown the Company's share price over a trailing three-year period (January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020) to reflect the price of the Common Shares over the period during which the awards vested.
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Note:
(1) Stock price is from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020
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The chart below shows the difference between the "granted" long-term incentive awards (PSUs, RSUs and Options) for the three executive officers in aggregate in 2016, 2017 and 2018, and the "realized" values when the awards vested in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Consistent with the chart above, we have shown the Company's share price over the trailing three-year period (January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020) to reflect the share price over the period during which such awards vested.
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Notes:
-
(1) Stock price is from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020.
-
(2) Actual realized value for the 2018 PSU and Option grant is $nil. The 2018 PSUs were ascribed a value of $nil given they were not eligible to vest and were terminated in January 2021 due to bottom quartile performance against the pre-determined peer group. The executive officers hold 219,722 Options granted in 2018 which expire on January 1, 2023 which have an exercise price of $32.06 and a current value of $nil.
During our ongoing engagement with shareholders, we found that the difference between "reported target" or "granted" compensation and "actual realized" compensation is a distinction that is important to explain, as we have attempted to do above and in greater detail throughout this information circular and proxy statement. This explanation is critical to understanding the Company's "pay for performance" philosophy and what the Company actually pays an executive officer, particularly when shareholder returns and stock price performance are below expectations.
Changes to Executive Compensation Over Time and in 2021
Over the past several years, the Governance and Compensation Committee and Board have made progressive changes to the compensation program, while maintaining alignment with the Company's core principles of attracting, retaining and appropriately rewarding qualified management. This includes changes in 2020 and 2021. The primary changes over the past several years are discussed in further detail below.
(a) The Peer Group
In 2015, the Governance and Compensation Committee significantly altered the peer group against which the Governance and Compensation Committee and Board benchmark executive compensation and total
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shareholder return performance. The changes included diversifying the peer group by adding best-in-class precious metals royalty businesses and real estate trusts, and removing upstream oil and gas companies that have subsequently underperformed relative to the Company. The modified peer group is a stronger and more diversified group of companies against which the Board and the Governance and Compensation Committee measure relative performance.
(b) Performance Measurement of Share Unit Awards
In 2019, the Governance and Compensation Committee and Board adopted a new methodology of evaluating performance for purposes of measuring the value of vesting share unit awards, the first of which will vest in 2022. This new approach determines the ultimate value upon vesting (in 2022) using multiple criteria, including (i) share returns against the peer group for 50% of the calculation (compared to 100% for grants from 2014 to 2018), with (ii) the remaining 50% weighed against measurable corporate goals, including sustainability performance against environmental, social and governance objectives. See " Incentive Award Programs - Incentive Plans ".
(c) Salaries
At different points in time over the Company's history, the organization has undergone significant growth through acquisitions and robust activity levels. During periods of lower activity, the executive officers have successfully dedicated efforts towards improving efficiencies, implementing new technologies, managing risks and reducing costs. Over the last number of years, the executive officer headcount has been reduced by 40% from five (5) to three (3). The remaining three executive officers have assumed additional responsibility and workload, and in 2017 and 2018 received salary increases which are reflective of these expanded roles. This also increases annual bonus opportunity, which is typically determined as a percentage of salary. During the last three compensation cycles (2019, 2020 and 2021) the executive officers have not received salary increases.
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(d) Annual Bonus
Annual bonus is meant to compensate the executive officer for achieving and surpassing annual corporate performance goals. The Governance and Compensation Committee maintains discretion to adjust those amounts based on additional factors, including share price performance and economic or industry
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conditions. During certain years when the executive officer has significantly outperformed, bonuses have been tempered due to challenging conditions in the oil and natural gas industry. In other years, the executive have been rewarded generously, fairly and consistent with the Company's pay for performance philosophy. During the last three years, the Company's share price performance has been poor on a relative basis, which has in turn impacted bonuses which in aggregate are down sequentially over the past three years.
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(e) Changes to 2020 and 2021 Compensation Program
Over the past several years, the Governance and Compensation Committee has made adjustments to the executive compensation program, as follows:
i) Reduction of Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards for 2020; Flat for 2021
The Governance and Compensation Committee and Board reduced the 2020 long-term incentive grants to the three executive officers by 13% ($375,000) for the CEO, 14% ($260,000) for the COO and 13% ($120,000) for the CFO, for an aggregate reduction of $755,000. Because the grant of these awards occurs on a calendar basis and took place in January 2020, they are disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table as 2020 "reported target" compensation in this information circular and proxy statement. The quantum of long-term incentive award grants for the three executive officers in 2021 was held flat with the amounts granted in 2020. The 2021 grant of long-term incentives will be disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table in next year’s information circular and proxy statement.
ii) Adoption of the Officer DSU Plan in 2020 and Increased Use in 2021
The Governance and Compensation Committee and the Board adopted the Officer DSU Plan. The Officer DSU Plan is described in detail at " Incentive Award Programs – Officer Deferred Share Unit Plan " and provides for grants of ODSUs that vest over a three-year period but are not paid out to
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the executive officer until they retire or leave the Company, making the award very long-term in nature. The value attributable to this grant was not additive to total compensation but was taken from the value of the annual Option grant. In 2021, ODSU grants to the three executive officers accounted for 25% of the long-term incentive award grant (2020: 12.5%), effectively fully replacing Options, as further described below.
iii) Elimination of Option Plan
Since inception in 2014 and up to and including 2019, the long-term incentive grants to the executive officers were allocated 25% to Options, and 75% to share unit awards. In addition to the reduction of overall long-term incentive values granted to the executive officers and described above under (i) " Reduction of Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards for 2020; Flat for 2021 ", the allocation to Options was reduced from 25% to 12.5% in 2020. In 2021, the allocation to Options was reduced to nil and was replaced fully with ODSUs. The total number of Common Shares reserved for granted Options and share unit awards represents less than 1.0% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares at December 31, 2020. For 2021, the long-term incentive grants to the executive officers were allocated 25% to ODSUs and 75% to PSUs. No grant of Options has been made by the Company since January 1, 2020 and the Governance and Compensation Committee does not expect to grant any further Options under the Option Plan. To the extent that any Options are granted in the future, such Options would not be exercisable until such time as the Company obtained shareholder approval for such grants in accordance with the policies of the TSX.
iv) Introduction of Non-Dilutive 2021 Share Unit Incentive Plan; Cap at 2%
In late 2020, the Board adopted the 2021 Incentive Plan which is similar to the Original Incentive Plan but: (i) provides that RSUs and PSUs may only be settled in cash; and (ii) limits the number of Common Shares notionally represented by share unit awards to 2% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, less the amount outstanding under any security-based compensation arrangement. This represents a 60% reduction of the total number of notional Common Shares that can be granted, from 5% under the historical plans to 2% under the 2021 Incentive Plan. Starting in 2021, all new long-term incentive awards granted by the Company were in non-dilutive instruments, and over time as historical Options, RSUs and PSUs vest, expire or are cancelled, the Company is expected to have nil dilutive instruments.
No changes were made to the Board compensation approach over the last several years, except for the Board Chair requesting and taking a voluntary 15% compensation reduction in each of 2019 and 2020. The Governance and Compensation Committee feels the above changes, including the reduction of bonus awards over the past several years and holding salaries flat for the third consecutive year, address the feedback received during its shareholder engagement activities and align with best practices.
We hope you find the above information useful and look forward to engaging with you at the Meeting and throughout the upcoming year.
| "James Estey" | "Myron Stadnyk" |
|---|---|
| James Estey Chair of the Board |
Myron Stadnyk Chair of the Governance and Compensation Committee |
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following discussion describes the significant elements of the Company's executive compensation program, with particular emphasis on the process for determining compensation payable to Andrew M. Phillips, as the CEO of the Company, Cameron M. Proctor, as the COO of the Company, Pamela P. Kazeil, as the CFO of the Company, Amber M. Vrataric, as Controller of the Company and Matthew J. P. McMahon as General Counsel of the Company (collectively, the " Named Executive Officers " or " NEOs "). The Controller and General Counsel are not considered executive officers of the Company, but information with respect thereto is included in accordance with the requirements of Form 51-102F6 – Statement of Executive Compensation .
COMPENSATION OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES
The Board recognizes that the Company's success depends greatly on its ability to attract, retain and motivate employees at all levels, which can only occur if the Company has an appropriately structured and executed compensation program. The Company's compensation policies are founded on the principle that executive and employee compensation should be consistent with shareholders' interests and the Company's incentive programs are therefore intended to encourage decisions and actions that will result in the creation of long-term shareholder value, while specifically not rewarding excessive risk-taking by management or employees. In determining the compensation to be paid to management, the Governance and Compensation Committee considers various items including corporate achievements, comparative market data and information supplied by management or external consultants with expertise on such matters.
The principal objectives of the Company's executive compensation program are as follows:
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to attract and retain qualified management;
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to have a compensation package that is competitive within the marketplace;
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to align management's interests with those of the shareholders; and
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to reward both leadership and performance that creates long-term shareholder value.
The Governance and Compensation Committee's objective is to ensure the compensation of the Named Executive Officers provides a competitive package that reflects the above objectives, as well as provides a link between discretionary short and long-term incentives with short and long-term corporate goals. The compensation package has been designed to reward performance based on the achievement of performance goals and objectives and to be competitive with comparable companies in the market in which the Company competes for talent. See " Benchmarking Executive Compensation " and " NEO Total Compensation Mix " below.
In establishing the executive compensation programs the Governance and Compensation Committee also considers the implication of the risks associated with the executive compensation program, including: (i) the risk of executive officers taking inappropriate or excessive risks; (ii) the risk of inappropriate focus on achieving short-term goals at the expense of long-term returns to shareholders; (iii) the risk of encouraging aggressive accounting practices; and (iv) the risk of excessive focus on financial returns and operational goals.
While no program can fully mitigate these risks, the Board believes that many of these risks are mitigated by: (i) weighting the Company's long-term incentives towards share ownership and vesting long-term incentives over a number of years; (ii) establishing a uniform incentive program for all executive officers and employees; (iii) avoiding narrowly focused performance goals which may encourage loss of focus on providing long-term shareholder return and retaining adequate discretion to ensure that the Governance
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and Compensation Committee and Board retain their business judgment in assessing actual performance; and (iv) establishing a strong commitment to accounting and regulatory compliance.
The Governance and Compensation Committee has the authority to retain and receive advice from compensation consultants to carry out its duties, but to date has not determined it necessary to do so. Specifically, since the financial year ended December 31, 2014, no compensation consultants or advisors were retained to assist in determining compensation for any of the Company's directors and officers, although the directors did continue to obtain guidance from experienced third parties, including through the Institute of Corporate Directors and conversations with proxy advisory firms, on various compensationrelated matters. See " Statement of Corporate Governance Practices – Shareholder Engagement - Changes Following Shareholder Engagement ".
Clawback Policy (Recoupment of Incentive Compensation)
The Company has adopted a policy regarding recoupment of any incentive payment (including cash payments, ODSUs granted under the Officer DSU Plan, Options granted under the Option Plan or share unit awards granted under the amended and restated share unit incentive plan (the " Original Incentive Plan ") and 2021 share unit incentive plan (the " 2021 Incentive Plan ") and the Common Shares issuable on exercise or vesting thereof, as the case may be), to an executive officer where:
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(i) the payment or grant was predicated upon achieving certain financial results that were subsequently the cause of a substantial restatement of the Company's financial statements;
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(ii) the Board determines the executive officer engaged in gross negligence, intentional misconduct or fraud that caused or substantially caused the need for substantial restatement of the Company's financial statements; and
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(iii) a lower incentive compensation payment or grant would have been made to the executive officer based upon the restated financial results.
In such circumstances, the Company will seek to recover from such executive officer, in the case of cash incentive payments, the amount by which that executive officer's incentive payments for the relevant period exceeded the lower payment that would have been made based on the restated financial results and in the case of equity incentive awards, the number of equity incentive awards by which the executive officer's grant for the relevant period exceeded the lower number of equity incentive awards that would have been granted based on the restated financial results. In addition, if an executive officer commits fraud, theft, embezzlement or serious misconduct, whether or not there is a substantial restatement of the Company's financial statements, the Board can, at its discretion, cancel some or all of the executive officer's vested or unvested incentive awards, and require repayment of all or a portion of the incentive awards that have already been paid.
Short Selling Restrictions
The Company's directors and officers are prohibited from knowingly selling, directly or indirectly, any of the Company's securities if such person selling such security does not own or has not fully paid for the security to be sold. Directors and officers are also not permitted to buy or sell a call or put in respect of any of the Company's securities. Notwithstanding these prohibitions, directors and officers may sell a Common Share which they do not own if they own another security convertible into Common Shares or an option or right to acquire Common Shares sold and, within 10 days after the sale, the director or officer: (i) exercises the conversion privilege, option or right and delivers the Common Share so associated to the purchaser; or (ii) transfers the convertible security, option or right, if transferable to the purchaser. See also " Statement of Corporate Governance Practices – Anti-Hedging Policy and Other Restrictions on Trading Activities ".
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COMPONENTS OF COMPENSATION
The following components comprise the compensation package for the Named Executive Officers: (i) base salary; (ii) annual cash awards (bonus); and (iii) participation in the Company's long-term incentive program. All salary increases, cash bonuses and long-term incentive compensation for the Named Executive Officers are reviewed by the Governance and Compensation Committee and amended as deemed appropriate with the approval of the Board.
Base Salary
The base salary of each Named Executive Officer is, subject to a minimum amount established under the executive employment agreements described below, determined by the Governance and Compensation Committee. The base salary of each Named Executive Officer is based on the median of the Compensation Market, as defined below in " Benchmarking Executive Compensation ", but may be adjusted upward or downward to reflect factors that include the relative complexity of the Named Executive Officer's role as compared to the Compensation Market. Salaries are reviewed annually and compared to the Compensation Market through publicly available documents and the broader market through analysis of industry compensation surveys as prepared by external compensation consultants. Consideration is also given to internal factors including the strategy and growth plans of the Company and the objective to attract and retain highly talented individuals from the industry. No salary increases were implemented for the Named Executive Officers for 2015 and 2016, but salary increases were granted to the Named Executive Officers in 2017 and 2018 to reflect the assumption of increased responsibilities by certain executive officers as well as changes to the nature and size of the Company's business from its initial public offering on May 29, 2014. No salary increases were granted to the CEO, COO and CFO for the past three years (2019, 2020 and 2021). The Controller was given a modest salary increase in both 2019 and 2020, and the General Counsel was given a modest salary increase in 2019. These increases reflect the assumption of incremental roles and responsibilities as well as cost of living increases. In 2021, no salary increases were given to the Named Executive Officers.
Annual Cash Awards (Bonus)
Annual cash awards are intended to motivate and reward Named Executive Officers for achieving and surpassing corporate and individual goals but are not guaranteed year over year. The amount of the cash award or "bonus" is determined by reference to a target percentage of base salary. Bonuses for the Named Executive Officers, excluding the CEO and COO, are recommended by the CEO and reviewed and recommended by the Governance and Compensation Committee and approved by the Board. Bonuses for the CEO and COO are recommended by the Governance and Compensation Committee and approved by the Board. The 2020 targeted bonus percentage for the CEO was 150% of base salary, for the COO was 100% of base salary, for the CFO was 75% of base salary, for the Controller was 30% of base salary and for the General Counsel was 30% of base salary. For the executive officers, actual cash awards range from zero to two times the targeted bonus percentage, unless otherwise determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, where such discretion will be subject to a maximum of three times the targeted bonus percentage. With respect to the Controller and the General Counsel, the target percentage is a guideline only and subject to annual determination by the CEO, COO and CFO, with approval of the Board or Governance and Compensation Committee.
Long-Term Incentive Program
In 2020, the long-term incentive program of the Company for the Named Executive Officers (excluding the Controller and General Counsel) was comprised of 75% PSUs granted under the Original Incentive Plan, 12.5% Options granted under the Option Plan, and 12.5% ODSUs granted under the Officer DSU Plan. Each of the Controller and General Counsel's long-term incentive awards consist solely of RSUs granted under the Original Incentive Plan. These awards are intended to encourage participants to focus on creating
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and improving the Company's long-term financial success and provide participants an opportunity to benefit from the share performance of the Company. The purpose of the long-term incentive program is to align the interests of shareholders and management. See " Incentive Award Programs ".
In addition to the Option Plan and Original Incentive Plan, the Company adopted the deferred share unit plan for officers (the " Officer DSU Plan ") in November 2019 pursuant to which officers and employees of the Company (including the Named Executive Officers) may be granted deferred share units (" ODSUs "). The first grant of ODSUs took place in January 2020 to partially replace Options as the Option Plan was phased out in 2020. See " Incentive Award Programs " for a further description of the Officer DSU Plan. In 2020, only the CEO, COO and CFO received grants of ODSUs, representing 12.5% of their long-term incentive awards granted. See " Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Letter of Introduction – Board Chair and Governance and Compensation Committee Chair " and " Incentive Award Programs – Officer Deferred Share Unit Plan ".
In 2021, the Company adopted the 2021 Incentive Plan which is intended to replace the Original Incentive Plan. Once all outstanding PSUs and RSUs granted under the Original Incentive Plan vest, the Original Incentive Plan will no longer operate and the Company will not make any further grants under the Original Incentive Plan. The only material changes between the Original Incentive Plan and the 2021 Incentive Plan are that the 2021 Incentive Plan: (i) provides that RSUs and PSUs may only be settled in cash; and (ii) limits the number of Common Shares notionally represented by share unit awards to 2% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, less the amount outstanding under any security-based compensation arrangement. See " Incentive Awards Programs " for a further description of the Original Incentive Plan and the 2021 Incentive Plan .
The Governance and Compensation Committee and the Board do not expect to issue any Options as part of the long-term incentive program of the Company going forward. As a result, the long-term incentive program for the Named Executive Officers as of January 2021 is now comprised of grants of share unit awards under the 2021 Incentive Plan and grants of ODSUs under the Officer DSU Plan. See " Incentive Award Programs - Option Plan ".
Retirement Savings Plan
The Company has adopted a plan to provide all employees of the Company, including the Named Executive Officers, the opportunity to save for retirement that is comparable to the Company's peers. This plan consists of a group registered savings plan and a group non-registered savings plan in which the Company matches a percentage of a participant's contributions up to a set maximum of 12%. The plan requires that all savings plan contributions be used by the external custodian and manager of the plan to purchase Common Shares through the facilities of the TSX. No Common Shares are issued from treasury as part of the retirement savings plan.
The retirement savings plan is considered an automatic securities purchase plan and contains certain restrictions with respect to changing contribution levels, changing investment directions and also withdrawal of investments in the plan. Changes to investment levels and directions can only be made twice per year, with the written approval of the COO, and only become effective sixty days after the approval is granted. No changes may be made during a blackout period imposed by the Company.
The portion of retirement savings plan contributions made by the Company is escrowed and restricted for a two-year period, meaning that the employee cannot sell or withdraw any portion of such funds during such escrow without approval of the Company, which is only granted in exceptional circumstances. The portion of savings plan contributions made by an employee are escrowed for a one-year period. In accordance with Company policies, no transactions involving Common Shares may be made by a savings plan participant without prior approval, other than automatic and ordinary course purchases of Common Shares under the savings plan made by the external custodian and manager of the plan. The savings plan does not have an automatic-disposition feature.
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Other Compensation Elements
To ensure the Company's compensation packages remain competitive with those of its peers, the Named Executive Officers receive certain perquisites, including a modest annual allowance for personal benefits selected by the Named Executive Officer, company-provided parking and in the case of the CEO, COO and CFO, an executive health care package. In the case of the CEO, a company-paid business club membership is also provided. The Company has specific policies governing the use of perquisites by Named Executive Officers.
NEO TOTAL COMPENSATION MIX
PrairieSky's compensation philosophy is designed to align compensation with corporate performance and therefore the majority of executive compensation is performance based and "at risk". Compensation considered "at risk" includes Options, shares unit awards and 2020 target bonuses of 150% of the CEO's base salary, 100% of the COO's base salary, 75% of the CFO's base salary, 30% of the Controller's base salary and 30% of the General Counsel's base salary. The graphs below demonstrate the "at risk" pay for the CEO as well as the "at risk" pay for all other NEOs. Approximately 84% of the CEO's compensation and on average 60% of other NEO's compensation is "at risk", including 81% of the COO's compensation and 73% of the CFO's compensation.
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Below is a further breakdown of CEO and NEO compensation by component on an annualized basis for 2020. Long-term incentives (RSUs, PSUs, ODSUs and Options) comprised on average approximately 64% for each of the CEO and COO, approximately 54% of the CFO's total compensation, approximately 34% of the Controller's total compensation, and approximately 27% of the General Counsel's total compensation.
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Note:
- (1) "Bonus" compensation includes 2020 target bonuses of 150% of the CEO's base salary, 100% of the COO's base salary, 75% of the CFO's base salary, 30% of the Controller's base salary and 30% of the General Counsel's base salary.
BENCHMARKING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
To benchmark the magnitude and mix of management's compensation arrangements, in forming the compensation market for the Company (the " Compensation Market "), the Board has considered the size, scope, stage of development and risk profile of the Company against a peer group of companies using the following parameters:
-
companies in the crude oil and natural gas, mining and real estate industries with a royalty or dividend-focused business model;
-
comparable market capitalization to the Company; and
-
companies with producing properties and significant undeveloped acreage in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin.
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Based on these parameters, the following are the peer group of companies used in determining the Compensation Market for 2020:
| Market | Market | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Capitalization(1) | Capitalization(1) | ||
| ($ Billions) | ($ Billions) | ||
| Franco-Nevada Corporation | 30.5 | ||
| Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. | 23.9 | ||
| Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust |
8.6 | ||
| Royal Gold Inc. | 7.0 | Average | 6.7 |
| RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust | 5.3 | PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. | 2.3 |
| Tourmaline Oil Corp. | 5.1 | PrairieSky's Rank (out of 15) | 11 |
| H&R REIT | 3.8 | Statistical Distribution | |
| SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust | 3.3 | 25thPercentile | 2.2 |
| First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust | 3.0 | Median | 3.3 |
| Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. | 2.7 | 75thPercentile | 6.1 |
| ARC Resources Ltd. | 2.1 | PrairieSky's Percentile Rank | 31% |
| Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation | 2.1 | ||
| Vermilion Energy Inc. | 0.9 | ||
| Freehold Royalties Ltd. | 0.6 |
Note:
(1) Market Capitalization as at December 31, 2020.
The peer group of companies used in determining the Compensation Market for 2018 and 2019 was consistent with 2020 and was as follows:
| 2018-2020 Peer Group of Companies | ||
|---|---|---|
| ARC Resources Ltd. | H&R REIT | SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust |
| Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust |
Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation | Tourmaline Oil Corp. |
| First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust |
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. | Vermilion Energy Inc. |
| Franco-Nevada Corporation | RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust | Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. |
| Freehold Royalties Ltd. | Royal Gold Inc. |
The peer group of companies used in determining the Compensation Market for 2017 was as follows:
| 2017 Peer Group of Companies | ||
|---|---|---|
| ARC Resources Ltd. | Freehold Royalties Ltd. | Royal Gold Inc. |
| Boardwalk Real Estate Investment | H&R REIT | Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. |
| Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust |
Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation | SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust |
| Enerplus Corporation | Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. | Tourmaline Oil Corp. |
| First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust |
Peyto Exploration & Development Corp. | Vermilion Energy Inc. |
| Franco-Nevada Corporation | RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust | Whitecap Resources Inc. |
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The peer group of companies used in determining the Compensation Market for 2016 was as follows:
| 2016 Peer Group of Companies | ||
|---|---|---|
| ARC Resources Ltd. | Freehold Royalties Ltd. | Wheaton Precious Metals Corp |
| Boardwalk Real Estate Investment | H&R REIT | SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust |
| Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust |
Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation | Tourmaline Oil Corp. |
| Enerplus Corporation | Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd. | Vermilion Energy Inc. |
| First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust. |
Peyto Exploration & Development Corp. | Whitecap Resources Inc. |
| Franco-Nevada Corporation | RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust |
The composition of the peer group of companies is used by the Board to benchmark management's compensation arrangements and is reviewed periodically and may be adjusted in order to continue to align to the noted parameters and to reflect acquisition and/or divestiture activity within the group. Further, in determining performance metrics for granted PSUs under the Original Incentive Plan or 2021 Incentive Plan, as applicable, the Board may consider a subset of the peer group of companies in measuring relative total shareholder return. The Board has never adjusted or considered a subset of the peer group in evaluating performance for the purposes of determining performance metrics or a payout multiplier for a granted or vested PSU.
2020 PEFORMANCE AND ACHIEVEMENTS
The Governance and Compensation Committee considers both subjective and objective measures in evaluating the achievement of corporate objectives. For 2020, corporate and individual goals included: (i) advancing the strategic growth prospects of the Company, with a focus on per share returns for shareholders through organic leasing of the Company's land base and value-added acquisitions and royalty transactions; (ii) ensuring cost optimization through improving efficiencies, and efficiently managing the Company’s supply chain and service providers and the costs associated therewith; (iii) royalty compliance activities, including lease compliance and forensic accounting audits, and integrating leasing transactions, acquisitions and new royalty arrangements into the Company's records management system; (iv) ensuring good governance through robust asset management processes, internal controls, adherence to good governance practices, and risk mitigation; (v) advancement of the Company's sustainability strategy and reporting initiatives; and (vi) focusing on our people by effectively building and managing talent and expanding the leadership culture within the organization. The Governance and Compensation Committee concluded that these corporate objectives were met or exceeded by the Company, as further described below.
The following chart outlines the primary objective of delivering strong risk-adjusted returns to shareholders, as well as specific objectives (which involved both subjective and objective considerations) for each Named Executive Officer (excluding the Controller and the General Counsel) and the weighting by importance of each objective to the respective role of each executive officer for the year:
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| Weighting | for each Named Executive Officer | for each Named Executive Officer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Objective | CEO(1) | COO(1) | CFO |
| Growth and Development Cost Structure Optimization Asset Integration Royalty Compliance Governance Building Talent and Leadership Culture Sustainability Strategy and Reporting |
High High High High High High High |
High High High High High High High |
Medium High High High High High High |
Note: (1) For the CEO and COO, all corporate objectives are weighted as "High" and equally weighted.
| Objective | Objective Measures Considered | Subjective Measures Considered | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Execution of Corporate Strategy |
•Remained focused on core | •COVID-19 caused disruption to the | • Objective Met |
| strategies of leasing lands, cost optimization, royalty compliance and pursuing acquisitions which match the quality and duration of PrairieSky’s existing business, discussed further below. •Delivered income to shareholders through a $0.375 per Common Share dividend as well as strategically increased our Normal Course Issuer Bid to allow for the repurchase of 11.6 million Common Shares from May 19, 2020 to May 18, 2021. In 2020, we repurchased 9.8 million Common Shares for $90.9 million at any average price per share of $9.30, which is 30% below the closing price of $13.27 of the Common Shares on March 3, 2021. •Delivered on key financial measures with funds from operations of $146.8 million or $0.64 per share and net income of $31.7 million or $0.14 per share. •Ensured financial stability and flexibility by maintaining a strong balance sheet at December 31, 2020, with low debt to funds from operations (0.3x). •While we are disappointed with our trailing one-year annualized total return of -31%, we used the opportunity to repurchase Common Shares and cancel over 4% of the Common Shares outstanding. |
global economy and had a significant impact on commodity prices throughout 2020. The Board’s considerations related to COVID-19 are included below under the heading "COVID-19 Factors". |
||
| Asset Development & Optimization |
•Collected $5.8 million in lease | •Continued to focus on organic growth | • Objective Met |
| issuance bonuses in 2020, which | through leasing lands, including incremental leasingof PrairieSky’s |
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| Objective | Objective Measures Considered | Subjective Measures Considered | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| was in the mid-range of our internal budget. •Completed 85 leasing arrangements with 51 different counterparties adding short-term drilling commitments on the land base. • Additional GORR and fee land acquisitions completed during 2020 for an aggregate value of $9.4 million. Acquisitions included GORR interests on Montney lands for $5.9 million. • Growth per share through value added acquisitions and share repurchases; shareholders now own royalty interests in over 69,000 acres per million Common Shares. |
East Shale Duvernay acreage and leasing for enhanced oil recovery projects as well as exploring new leasing for alternative energy projects and CO2 sequestration. •Numerous acquisition opportunities considered and evaluated; management demonstrated discipline in a volatile commodity price and macro-environment. •Royalty interest asset acquisitions completed in 2020 provide near-term and longer-term upside potential, including additional Montney and Clearwater acreage which increases our exposure to the Clearwater to well over 850,000 acres of land. •Management ensured balance sheet strength and flexibility with a low debt level (0.3x debt to funds from operations) at December 31, 2020. •Seismic acquired is available to lessors to choose locations and improve drilling results and is used internally to generate ready-to-drill plays for operators. |
||
| Cost Structure Optimization |
•Maintained high operating | •Administrative cost structure of the | • Objective Exceeded |
| margin(1)of 87% (2019 - 89%). •Reduced cash administrative expense by $1.7 million year- over-year (8%), excluding government wage subsidies related to COVID-19; on a per boe basis, cash administrative expense per boe of $2.72 remained in line with 2019 (excluding government wage subsidies due to COVID-19) due to active management of costs and lower long-term incentive payments for the executive officers in 2020. •Continued to optimize headcount with 59 full-time and part-time employees (64 full-time and part- time employees in 2019) while adding additional acreage through accretive acquisitions. |
organization continued to improve year over year. •The Company’s land base has roughly tripled since the Company’s initial public offering in May 2014 while costs on a per boe basis have continued to decrease. |
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| Objective | Objective Measures Considered | Subjective Measures Considered | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royalty Compliance and Asset Integrity |
•Worked with 45 different producers on our fee lands to provide approval to shut-in production during Q2 2020, as a result of low crude oil benchmark pricing and the impact of COVID- 19 on global oil supply and demand. Ensured production volumes were brought back on in compliance with lease terms. Served 4,254 lease compliance notices, generating: (i) over 200 sections returned to the Company’s land inventory; (ii) an estimated $22.1 million in additional third-party capital spent drilling offset wells ($2.4 million net capital); and (iii) an estimated $1.3 million in compensatory royalties. •Over 2,000 lease assignments were processed as assets worked through bankruptcy processes and operators completed acquisition and divestiture activity. Lands returned to inventory are available for re-work by PrairieSky’s technical team and/or leasing to new operators. •Collected $5.8 million in royalty compliance revenue related to the identification of missed and incorrect royalty payments which exceeded the mid-range of our budget. •Completed additional software development to enhance the Company’s records management and land and royalty compliance technology platform. |
• Pro-actively managed several producers with financial liquidity related issues, including continuing to take production volumes in-kind as appropriate. • Maintained and enhanced processes to deal with receiverships and restructurings of lessees, including dealing with transfers of leases and royalty contracts to ensure proper payments and asset integrity following receivership sales. • Effective use of external resources and development of internal resources and expertise. • Utilized acquired seismic assets to delineate and lease new play ideas and facilitate additional drilling activity on existing and new play ideas. |
• Objective exceeded |
| Governance and Risk Management |
•Strong shareholder engagement with participation in industry conferences, investor meetings and enhanced communications, including an updated corporate website and additional sustainability disclosure. •Improved to Top Quartile Performance in annual Globe and Mail "Board Games" governance rankings of Canadian public companies. •Continued to enhance processes, policies and disclosure, including updates to the enterprise risk management program and introduction of a Supplier Code of Conduct. |
•Received a 98.55% vote in favour on the "say on pay" vote at the Company’s 2020 annual general meeting of shareholders. •Improved governance scores in independent third-party surveys. •Successfully prioritized health and safety during COVID-19 without business interruption, including implementing our Business Continuity Plan in response to COVID-19 which successfully moved our staff to a work from home environment for approximately 75% of the fiscal year 2020. |
• Objective Met |
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| Objective | Objective Measures Considered | Subjective Measures Considered | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESG and Sustainability |
•Published our third annual Environmental, Social and Governance report including third- party verification of certain key performance indicators ("net zero" Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, and published Scope 3 emissions related to business travel and employee commuting). •Enhanced our Environmental, Social and Governance reporting by initiating SASB and TCFD disclosures. •Assessed by Sustainalytics as #1 out of 280 global oil and gas producers and 816 out of 13,566 global companies (as of January 7, 2021). •Completed disclosure to the CDP Climate Change survey, receiving an A- ranking (2019: B). Completed our initial disclosure to the CDP Water survey, receiving a B ranking. •Improved ESG rankings with ISS to a 1 (out of 10) in Environmental rankings and a 2 (out of 10) in Social rankings. |
•Adopted and became a signatory to the UN Global Compact and reported on our progress in 2020. •Achieved all short-term and a majority of medium-term sustainability goals and key performance indicators, including offsetting all Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions through green energy purchases. •Conducted comprehensive quarterly reporting to the Board on ESG matters and incorporated the same in strategy communications to employees. •Conducted several internal education events related to sustainability. |
• Objective exceeded |
| Talent Management and Corporate Culture |
•Focused on development and progression of internal talent, as well as longer-term succession planning. •Maintained scoring on engagement survey, achieved 92% employee engagement score. •Supported our community through approximately $0.3 million in corporate donations and volunteering with local charities. |
•Demonstrated commitment to employee engagement through in- person and remote townhalls, lunch and learns, and training and development as appropriate. •Conducted internal training on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. |
• Objective met |
Notes:
(1) Operating margin is a non-GAAP measure defined in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2020, which is available on SEDAR. Operating margin is royalty production revenue less production and mineral taxes and cash administrative expenses.
(2) BOE represents a barrel of oil equivalent as described in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2020, which is available on SEDAR.
2020 Performance of CEO
The CEO's personal objectives were the same as the corporate objectives. As noted in the chart above, for the CEO, each of the objectives was weighted as "High". Mr. Phillips met or exceeded all objectives set for him in 2020.
Mr. Phillips received a bonus that was below target for 2020 and down year over year. Notwithstanding short-term objectives were met or exceeded in 2020, in making the decision to award below target shortterm awards (bonus) for 2020, the Governance and Compensation Committee considered the overall
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challenges faced by the oil and gas industry in Canada during 2020, relative performance of the Company against its energy-focused peers, the corresponding impact on the Company’s share price and returns to shareholders. See also "COVID-19 Factors" below.
2020 Performance of Other Executive Officers
Information regarding the Governance and Compensation Committee's assessment on the attainment of corporate objectives is set out above. For personal objectives, the Governance and Compensation Committee considered the CEO's performance reviews of each executive officer against his or her key responsibilities and objectives, as well as the relative contribution made by each of the executive officers towards the Company's objectives during the year. The Governance and Compensation Committee concluded that these objectives were met or exceeded by all of the Company's executive officers. See also "COVID-19 Factors" below.
COVID-19 Factors
2020 was a challenging year for most businesses due to the COVID-19 global pandemic and the resulting impacts on the broader economy including a material decline in crude oil benchmark pricing which reduced PrairieSky’s realized prices for oil and natural gas liquids. In addition, due to both negative impacts on commodity prices and restrictions placed on oil and gas producers and service companies for parts of 2020, capital investment in Canada’s energy industry declined materially. These are factors over which the Company, and in particular management of the Company, does not have control. The Board determined that management of the Company had in place exceptional risk management processes and business continuity plans that were sufficient to ensure stability across the business during a significantly challenging time, while prioritizing the health and safety of our employees and broader communities. During 2020, our workforce was directed to work from home for approximately 75% of the fiscal year. Management of the Company executed this plan without business interruption.
While the Board did not make any adjustments to either short-term incentive award (bonus) measurement targets for 2020 or unvested long-term incentive plan awards granted in prior years, the Board did consider the exemplary job of the executive officers in communicating with stakeholders, managing a complicated transition to a remote working environment and executing the business plan in an otherwise challenging environment. Additional weight was given to these factors in determining 2020 bonus levels for the three executive officers.
2021 Performance Objectives
For 2021, corporate and personal objectives for executive officers (including the CEO) will continue to include those set out in the chart above, and other items that may be added throughout the year with the approval of the Governance and Compensation Committee. The CEO's and COO's objectives will continue to be the same as those for the Company and each of the objectives will be weighted as "High". The Governance and Compensation Committee will continue to use both subjective and objective measures for considering each of the corporate objectives set out in the chart above. For Asset Development & Optimization, the Governance and Compensation Committee will consider the number, nature and value of transactions evaluated and executed, as well as the level of lease issuance bonus and new leasing/commitments/drilling generated by management's efforts. For Cost Structure Optimization, the Governance and Compensation Committee will consider the effectiveness of management's efforts to manage the Company's general and administrative expenses against budget and within a framework of executing the Company's other objectives, including but not limited to asset development, growth and risk management. For Royalty Compliance and Asset Integrity, the Governance and Compensation Committee will consider progress in auditing and collecting royalty revenue receipts, forensic accounting efforts, lease compliance efforts and managing counterparty credit risk, as well as management's efforts in integrating and optimizing records related to acquired assets, as well as continuous improvement projects to enhance the Company's technology and automation platform for records management and royalty compliance. For
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Governance and Risk Management, the Governance and Compensation Committee will consider external rating agency rankings and surveys, management performance with respect to internal controls and risk mitigation objectives, and accomplishments with respect to advancing governance best practices. For 2021 ESG and Sustainability, the Governance and Compensation Committee will consider the advancement of the Company’s sustainability strategy and reporting initiatives. The strategic environment, social and governance plan includes an aggressive education plan for the organization, enhanced shareholder engagement and marketing activities, improving third-party rankings, publishing a fourth version of the Company’s Responsibility Report with enhanced disclosures, continued development of sustainability content directly on the Company’s website, and advancing the Company’s alignment with Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. In addition, the Governance and Compensation Committee will examine managements efforts to identify transition risks and execute on energy transition opportunities. For Talent Management and Corporate Culture, the Governance and Compensation Committee will consider how well management is building an overall culture of excellence in the organization which in turn translates into organizational efficiency, high-end performance and bench strength across the Company. In addition to the foregoing, in determining annual bonus eligibility and the granting of awards, the Governance and Compensation Committee and the Board consider: (i) shareholder returns, in particular share price performance; and (ii) when goals are met, the extent to which factors outside management's control may have had an impact.
No changes were made to the Named Executive Officers' target bonuses for 2021.
PRAIRIESKY'S PERFORMANCE VERSUS PEERS AND INDICES
Through its governance process, the Board reviews the Company's peer group periodically and may adjust it to align with its parameters as noted above. Since the Company’s initial public offering, the Board has refined the peer group to include industries with similar business models including mining royalty companies and real estate investment trusts, as well as adjusting it to reflect changing market capitalizations. These changes have resulted in a progressively more challenging peer group as demonstrated by the market performance outlined below.
Performance Graph
The graph below compares the performance of the Company since December 31, 2015 (with all dividends reinvested) to the S&P/TSX Composite Index, the S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index, and the average return for each peer group for the years of 2016 to 2020, each starting with an investment of $100 on December 31, 2015. See " Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Executive Compensation – Benchmarking Executive Compensation " for more information on our peer group.
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| Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. S&P/TSX Composite Index S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index Peer Group Average 2020/2019/2018 Peer Group Average 2017 Peer Group Average 2016 |
$ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 |
$ 151 $ 121 $ 140 $ 139 $ 146 $ 144 |
$ 155 $ 132 $ 125 $ 148 $ 146 $ 141 |
$ 88 $ 120 $ 92 $ 138 $ 131 $ 124 |
$ 80 $ 148 $ 101 $ 164 $ 151 $ 139 |
$ 55 $ 156 $ 66 $ 167 $ 145 $ 135 |
PrairieSky's focus is on long-term shareholder value and providing returns to shareholders in an industry subject to commodity price cycles. From December 31, 2015 to December 31, 2020, the Company's return is below the S&P/TSX Composite Index, S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index, and each peer group which include more industry diversification (energy, mining, real estate investment trusts). Over this time period, granted NEO compensation has been adjusted to reflect changes in responsibilities with realized pay for the NEOs decreasing, as further discussed below, consistent with our "pay for performance" philosophy.
In 2020, the Company's return was -31%, which was below the S&P/TSX Composite Index as well as each peer group and above the S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index which reflects the challenging macro environment for energy due to low crude oil pricing and the impact of COVID-19 on global oil supply and demand. Total direct compensation for our Named Executive Officers is aligned with shareholders as a substantial majority of total direct compensation is linked to PrairieSky's share price and overall performance. The following table illustrates total shareholder returns for 2020.
| 2020 | |
|---|---|
| PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. S&P/TSX Composite Index S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index 2018-2020 Peer Group Average 2017 Peer Group Average 2016 Peer Group Average |
-31% 6% -35% 2% -4% -3% |
2020 NEO COMPENSATION
Based on recommendations made by the Governance and Compensation Committee, the Board makes decisions regarding salaries, short-term incentives (in the form of annual cash awards or bonuses) and long-term incentive compensation for management and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the CEO and the other members of management. The Board solicits input from the CEO and the Governance and Compensation Committee regarding the performance of the Company's other members of management. The Board also administers the incentive compensation and benefit plans with the assistance of the Governance and Compensation Committee.
CEO Compensation
The compensation of the CEO is reviewed annually and determined by the Board as a whole on the recommendation of the Governance and Compensation Committee. The level of CEO compensation is determined by the Board considering all factors which they deem appropriate, including Chief Executive Officer salaries for companies of comparable size, industry, geography and complexity. The grant of incentive awards is determined by the Board, upon recommendation of the Governance and Compensation Committee, based on considerations such as the Company's overall performance, relative shareholder returns and/or other relevant factors.
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Mr. Phillips' annualized compensation for the years 2016 to 2020 by component is outlined below. Since December 31, 2015, Mr. Phillips' target compensation has seen both decreases and increases to reflect Company performance, industry conditions and the size and complexity of the business, with most of these changes impacting medium and long-term incentives.
| Compensation Components(1) | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary Other Compensation(2) Bonus RSU Grants PSU Grants ODSU Grant Option Grant Total Compensation |
$ 400,000 35,300 800,000 425,000 850,000 - 425,000 $ 2,935,300 |
$ 475,000 49,100 1,000,000 - 1,875,000 - 625,000 $ 4,024,100 |
$ 550,000 66,000 925,000 - 2,062,500 - 687,500 $ 4,291,000 |
$ 550,000 66,000 740,000 - 2,137,500 - 712,500 $ 4,206,000 |
$ 550,000 66,000 600,000 - 1,856,250 309,375 309,375 $ 3,691,000 |
Notes:
(1) Base Salary, Other Compensation and Bonus reflect actual amounts paid in the period. RSU, PSU, ODSU and Option grants reflect target compensation that has been or may be paid in future periods as further described below.
- (2) "Other Compensation" includes savings plan contributions. See " Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Executive Compensation – Components of Compensation – Retirement Savings Plan ".
The chart below compares Mr. Phillips' total "reported target" compensation to "actual realized" compensation over time. "Actual realized" compensation amounts in the table below are as at December 31, 2020 (unless otherwise noted), and are recognized in the year of grant and not in the year paid to compare target compensation with realized compensation (amounts actually paid and the fair market value of outstanding share unit awards and Options). All amounts shown are before taxes.
Actual Realized Compensation for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 years is based on actual amounts received for salary, bonus, vested RSUs and PSUs and vested and exercised Options. Annually, over 80% of Mr. Phillips' annual total reported compensation has been considered "at risk" (84% in 2020) as actual amounts paid are, and will be, based on Company and personal performance results as compared to corporate performance objectives, PrairieSky's share price and total shareholder return. Mr. Phillips' compensation is allocated over one to three years, with share-based awards typically vesting over a three-year period.
-
Mr. Phillips' historical long-term incentive awards for 2016 have vested in full and been paid as of December 31, 2019, other than his unexercised 2016 Options which expired ($nil value) in January 2021.
-
Mr. Phillips’ long-term incentive awards for 2017 vested and were paid in February 2020 and have been reflected in the table below as realized compensation. Mr. Phillips’ 2017 Options currently have a $nil value ($32.03 exercise price).
-
Mr. Phillips’ long-term incentive awards for 2018 ($2,062,500 grant target value) were not eligible to vest and were terminated on January 4, 2021 due to bottom quartile performance against the pre-determined peer group, which has been reflected in the table below as realized compensation ($nil). Mr. Phillips’ 2018 Option grant of $687,500 currently has a $nil value ($32.06 exercise price). Mr. Phillips' 2018 realized compensation was $1,541,000, 64% below his reported compensation of $4,291,000.
For Mr. Phillips' 2016, 2017 and 2018 compensation, his Actual Realized Compensation was 95%, 51% and 36%, respectively, of what was granted or targeted and demonstrates PrairieSky's strong alignment between CEO compensation and Company performance. A significant portion of Mr. Phillips' 2019 to 2020 compensation, shown in the table below as "At Risk Compensation (Unpaid)", will be determined in the future based on the Common Share price, total shareholder return and performance measured by the
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Governance and Compensation Committee. "At Risk Compensation (Unpaid)" values are based on the fair market value of share unit awards and Options at December 31, 2020. The actual compensation Mr. Phillips' receives may be more or less than the amounts included in "At Risk Compensation (Unpaid)" in the table below. See " Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Letter of Introduction – Board Chair and Governance and Compensation Committee Chair ".
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Notes:
-
(1) Reported Target Compensation is disclosed by component in the table above.
-
(2) Actual Realized Compensation includes actual salaries, other compensation, bonus and vested share-based compensation paid, including the value of exercised Options. The 2016 grant of PSUs vested in January 2019 at a PSU multiplier of 0.71x based on relative performance against the predetermined peer group, which represented a payout of approximately 63%, including dividend equivalents, of the target value at the time of grant. The 2017 grant of PSUs vested in February 2020 at a PSU multiplier of 0.56x based on relative performance against the pre-determined peer group, which represented a payout of approximately 28% ($520,500), including dividend equivalents, of the target value ($1,875,000) at the time of grant. The 2018 grant of PSUs was not eligible to vest in January 2021 based on bottom quartile relative performance against the pre-determined peer group, resulting in a payout of 0% versus a target value ($2,062,500) at the time of grant.
-
(3) Actual Realized Compensation and At Risk Compensation (Unpaid) are included in the table above in the year of grant, including for share-based compensation which vests and is paid in subsequent years.
-
(4) At Risk Compensation (Unpaid) includes estimates for the market value of unvested PSUs and outstanding (vested and unvested) Options. The PSU value for 2017 and 2018 is based on the actual share price and performance multiplier for the units vested (or not) in February 2020 and January 2021, respectively. The PSU value for 2019 and 2020 is based on the number of unvested PSUs multiplied by the December 31, 2020 closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX of $10.09 and an assumed payout multiplier of 1.0x. As at December 31, 2020, the performance multiplier for the 2019 and 2020 grant year PSUs were 0.5x and 0.5x, respectively, based on relative performance against the pre-determined peer group. The actual performance multiplier will be determined at the end of each performance period. For outstanding Options, the market value was calculated based on the December 31, 2020 closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX of $10.09, less the exercise price of the Options, multiplied by the number of outstanding Options. As at December 31, 2020, all of the Options granted had a $nil value. All unexercised 2016 Options expired on January 1, 2021.
As of December 31, 2020, Mr. Phillips held the following number of Common Shares, PSUs, ODSUs and Options.
| Number of Common Shares/ | ||
|---|---|---|
| Share-based Component | Value | |
| Share Unit Awards/Options | ||
| Common Shares Owned(1) PSUs(2) ODSUs(3) Options(4) Total |
701,004 328,996 21,020 701,028 1,752,048 |
$ 7,073,100 $ 2,593,000 $ 212,100 $ - $ 9,878,200 |
Notes:
-
(1) Common Share value based on the December 31, 2020 closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX of $10.09.
-
(2) PSU value is based on the December 31, 2020 closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX of $10.09 and a payout multiplier assumed at 1.0x for the PSUs, with the exception of the 2018 PSUs which were ascribed a value of $nil given they were not eligible to vest and were terminated in January 2021 given bottom quartile performance against the pre-determined peer group. The value of the PSUs includes dividend equivalents. If a payout multiplier at the maximum 2.0x is applied, such PSUs would be worth an incremental $2,593,000 in the aggregate assuming a price of $10.09 per Common Share as at December 31, 2020. As at December 31, 2020, the performance multiplier
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64
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for the 2019 and 2020 grant year PSUs were 0.5x and 0.5x, respectively, based on relative performance against the pre-determined peer group. The actual performance multiplier will be determined at the end of each performance period.
-
(3) ODSU value is based on the December 31, 2020 closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX of $10.09. The value of the ODSUs includes dividend equivalents.
-
(4) Options are valued using the "in-the-money" amount of such Options using the December 31, 2020 closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX of $10.09. As at December 31, 2020, all outstanding Options had a $nil value.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets out annualized compensation paid by the Company to the Named Executive Officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020 where total compensation was more than $150,000. This table includes amounts paid in the year (salary, annual incentive plans (bonus)) as well as values of long-term incentive grants (option-based awards, share-based awards) which vest in future years.
| Name and principal position Year Salary ($) Share- based awards ($)(1) Option- based awards ($)(2) |
Non-equity incentive plan compensation Pension value ($)(4) All other compensation (5) Total compensation ($) Annual incentive plans ($)(3) Long-term incentive plans ($)(3) |
|---|---|
| Andrew M. Phillips, President & CEO(6) 2020 550,000 2,165,625 309,375 2019 550,000 2,137,500 712,500 2018 550,000 2,062,500 687,500 |
600,000 - 66,000 - 3,691,000 740,000 - 66,000 - 4,206,000 925,000 - 66,000 - 4,291,000 |
| Cameron M. Proctor, COO 2020 425,000 1,400,000 200,000 2019 425,000 1,395,000 465,000 2018 425,000 1,320,000 440,000 |
425,000 - 51,000 - 2,501,000 |
| 375,000 - 51,000 - 2,711,000 |
|
| 475,000 - 51,000 - 2,711,000 |
|
| Pamela P. Kazeil, VP Finance & CFO 2020 375,000 726,250 103,750 2019 375,000 712,500 237,500 2018 375,000 675,000 225,000 |
250,000 - 45,000 - 1,500,000 265,000 - 45,000 - 1,635,000 325,000 - 45,000 - 1,645,000 |
| Amber M. Vrataric, Controller 2020 216,400 160,000 - 2019 212,200 156,000 28,600 2018 208,000 150,000 36,900 |
60,000 - 25,500 - 461,900 |
| 60,000 - 25,500 - 482,300 |
|
| 67,400 - 25,000 - 487,300 |
|
| Matthew J.P. McMahon, General Counsel 2020 200,300 105,000 - 2019 200,300 110,000 18,600 2018 189,000 60,000 30,800 |
60,000 - 24,000 - 389,300 55,000 - 24,000 - 407,900 50,000 - 22,700 - 352,500 |
Notes:
(1) Represents the fair value of RSUs and PSUs awarded to the Named Executive Officer under the Original Incentive Plan at the date of grant and the fair value of ODSUs awarded to the Named Executive Officer under the Officer DSU Plan. The RSU, PSU and ODSU compensation expenses are accounted for on a fair value basis in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (" IFRS ") and may be allocated for accounting purposes. Ms. Vrataric and Mr. McMahon hold only RSUs and have not been granted any PSUs or ODSUs.
(2) Represents the fair value of Options awarded to the Named Executive Officers under the Option Plan at the date of grant. The fair value of Options presented may be different from the valuation using a Black-Scholes model (or other model adopted by the Company in accordance with IFRS).
(3) The Company has not awarded any non-equity based long-term incentive plan compensation for the 2018, 2019 and 2020 calendar years. See " Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Components of Compensation – Annual Cash Awards (Bonus) " for a description of annual bonuses under the annual incentive plan.
(4) The amount of pension value compensation of the Named Executive Officers for the calendar year. See " Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Executive Compensation – Components of Compensation – Retirement Savings Plan ".
(5) No property or other personal benefits were provided to the NEOs that are not generally available to all employees and, that in aggregate, were worth $50,000 or more, or were worth 10% or more of the NEO's total salary for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
(6) All amounts paid to Mr. Phillips were in respect of his position as President and CEO. Mr. Phillips did not receive any compensation for his role as a director of the Company.
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Outstanding Option-Based Awards and Share-Based Awards
The following table sets forth, for each Named Executive Officer, the value of all option-based and sharebased awards that were outstanding as of December 31, 2020.
| Option-based awards | Option-based awards | Share-based awards | Share-based awards | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name and principal position |
Common Shares underlying unexercised Options |
Exercise prices of Options |
Option expiration dates |
Value of unexercised in-the-money Options |
Number of RSUs, PSUs and ODSUs that have not vested |
Market or payout value of RSUs, PSUs and ODSUs that have not vested |
Market or payout value of vested RSUs, PSUs and ODSUs not paid out or distributed |
|||
| (#) | ($) | ($)(1) | (#)(2) | ($)(3) | ($)(4) | |||||
| 2020 | 136,332 | 15.23 | January 1, 2025 | Nil | 147,061 | 1,483,800 | - | |||
| 2019 | 248,905 | 17.67 | January 1, 2024 | Nil | 130,946 | 1,321,200 | - | |||
| Andrew M. Phillips, | 2018 | 111,688 | 32.06 | January 1, 2023 | Nil | 72,008 | - | - | ||
| President & CEO | 2017 | 104,908 | 32.03 | January 23, 2022 | Nil | - | - | - | ||
| 2016 | 99,195 | 22.55 | January 1, 2021(5) | Nil | - | - | - | |||
| Total | 701,028 | - | 350,015 | 2,805,000 | - | |||||
| 2020 | 88,134 | 15.23 | January 1, 2025 | Nil | 95,070 | 959,300 | - | |||
| 2019 | 162,443 | 17.67 | January 1, 2024 | Nil | 85,459 | 862,300 | - | |||
| Cameron M. Proctor, | 2018 |
71,481 | 32.06 | January 1, 2023 | Nil | 46,085 | - | - | ||
| COO | 2017 | 67,141 | 32.03 | January 23, 2022 | Nil | - | - | - | ||
| 2016 | 64,185 | 22.55 | January 1, 2021(5) |
Nil | - | - | - | |||
| Total | 453,384 | - | 226,614 | 1,821,600 | - | |||||
| 2020 | 45,720 | 15.23 | January 1, 2025 | Nil | 49,317 | 497,600 | - | |||
| 2019 | 82,968 | 17.67 | January 1, 2024 | Nil | 43,649 | 440,400 | - | |||
| Pamela P. Kazeil, | 2018 | 36,553 | 32.06 | January 1, 2023 | Nil | 23,566 | - | - | ||
| VP Finance & CFO | 2017 | 33,571 | 32.03 | January 23, 2022 | Nil | - | - | - | ||
| 2016 | 56,683 | 22.55 | January 1, 2021(5) |
Nil | - | - | - | |||
| Total | 255,495 | - | 116,532 | 938,000 | - | |||||
| 2020 | - | 15.23 | January 1, 2025 | Nil | 10,864 | 109,600 | - | |||
| 2019 | 10,000 | 17.67 | January 1, 2024 | Nil | 6,372 | 64,300 | - | |||
| Amber M. Vrataric, | 2018 | 6,000 | 32.06 | January 1, 2023 | Nil | 1,746 | 17,600 | - | ||
| Controller | 2017 | 5,000 | 32.03 | January 23, 2022 | Nil | - | - | - | ||
| 2016 | 3,500 | 22.55 | January 1, 2021(5) |
Nil | - | - | - | |||
| Total | 24,500 | - | 18,981 | 191,500 | - | |||||
| 2020 | - | 15.23 | January 1, 2025 | Nil | 7,129 | 71,900 | - | |||
| 2019 | 6,500 | 17.67 | January 1, 2024 | Nil | 4,492 | 45,300 | - | |||
| Matthew J.P. | ||||||||||
| McMahon, | 2018 | 5,000 | 32.06 | January 1, 2023 | Nil | 698 | 7,000 | - | ||
| General Counsel | ||||||||||
| 2017 | 5,000 | 32.03 | January 23, 2022 | Nil | - | - | - | |||
| Total | 16,500 | - | 12,320 | 124,200 | - |
Notes:
(1) Calculated based on the difference between the December 31, 2020 closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX of $10.09, and the exercise price of the Options, if positive, multiplied by the number of Options. As at December 31, 2020, all of the Options granted had a $nil value. (2) The number of the share-based awards includes dividend equivalents.
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-
(3) Represents the market value of the RSUs, PSUs and ODSUs calculated based on the December 31, 2020 closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX of $10.09. An assumed multiplier of 1.0x has been applied to the PSUs, with the exception of the 2018 PSUs which were ascribed a value of $nil given they were not eligible to vest and were terminated in January 2021 given bottom quartile performance against the pre-determined peer group. If the maximum multiplier of 2.0x is applied to the PSUs, the market value of the PSUs not paid out would be $5,398,100 for Mr. Phillips; $3,506,000 for Mr. Proctor; and $1,804,900 for Ms. Kazeil. Ms. Vrataric and Mr. McMahon do not hold any PSUs.
-
(4) All RSUs and PSUs are paid out upon vesting. ODSUs are paid out on the Officer's Termination Date (as defined herein), subject to certain exceptions as set forth in the Officer DSU Plan.
-
(5) Mr. Phillips, Mr. Proctor, Ms. Kazeil and Ms. Vrataric's 2016 Option grant of 99,195, 64,185, 56,683 and 3,500 Options, respectively, expired unexercised on January 1, 2021.
Option-Based Awards, Share-Based Awards and Non-Equity Compensation — Value Vested or Earned in 2020
The following table sets forth for each Named Executive Officer, the value of non-equity incentive plan compensation earned during the year ended December 31, 2020, Options which vested during the year ended December 31, 2020 and RSUs/PSUs which vested during the year ended December 31, 2020. RSUs typically vest evenly over a three-year period and PSUs vest three years from the date of grant. The Option grants vest in tranches on the first, second and third anniversary date of the grant, and have a five-year term. ODSUs typically vest evenly over a three-year period but are not paid out until after the Officer's Termination Date.
| RSUs(1) | PSUs(1)(2) | ODSUs | Options(3) | 2019 Bonus(4) |
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Year of Award |
Number of Awards Vested |
Value ($) |
Year of Award |
Number of Awards Vested |
Value(1) ($) |
Year of Award |
Number of Awards Vested |
Value (1) ($) |
Year of Award |
Number of Awards Vested |
Value(3) ($) |
($) | |
| Andrew M. Phillips, President & CEO |
2019 2018 2017 |
- - - |
- - - |
2017 | 65,222 | 520,500 | - |
- |
- | 2019 2018 2017 |
74,672 33,507 41,963 |
- - - |
600,000 | |
| Cameron | 2019 | - | - |
2019 | 48,733 | - | ||||||||
| M. Proctor, | 2018 | - | - |
2017 | 41,742 | 333,100 | - |
- |
- | 2018 | 21,445 | - | 425,000 | |
| COO | 2017 | - | - |
2017 | 26,856 | - | ||||||||
| Pamela P. Kazeil, VP Finance & CFO |
2019 2018 2017 |
- - - |
- - - |
2017 | 20,870 | 166,500 | - |
- |
- | 2019 2018 2017 |
24,890 10,966 13,428 |
- - - |
250,000 | |
| Amber M. | 2019 | 3,094 | 44,100 |
2019 | 3,000 | - | ||||||||
| Vrataric, | 2018 | 1,696 | 24,200 |
n/a | n/a | n/a | - | - |
- | 2018 | 1,800 | - | 60,000 | |
| Controller | 2017 | 1,507 | 21,500 |
2017 | 2,000 | - | ||||||||
| Matthew | ||||||||||||||
| J.P. | 2019 | 2,182 | 31,100 |
2019 | 1,950 | - | ||||||||
| McMahon, | 2018 | 678 | 9,700 |
n/a | n/a | n/a | - | - |
- | 2018 | 1,500 | - | 60,000 | |
| General | 2017 | 564 | 8,000 |
2017 | 2,000 | - | ||||||||
| Counsel |
Notes:
(1) The value of the RSUs and PSUs that vested in 2020 was calculated based on the weighted average trading price of the Common Shares for the five trading days ending immediately prior to the vesting date multiplied by the number of RSUs and PSUs on such date, adjusted to reflect reinvested cash dividends made on the underlying Common Shares for the period from the date of grant to the vesting date. The Original Incentive Plan is considered an equity incentive plan as the share unit awards granted thereunder may be settled in cash or Common Shares, at the election of the Governance and Compensation Committee, in accordance with the Original Incentive Plan. The 2021 Incentive Plan is a non-equity incentive plan as the share unit awards granted thereunder may only be settled in cash in accordance with the 2021 Incentive Plan. The ODSUs typically vest evenly over a three-year period but are not paid out until after the Officer's Termination Date.
(2) The 2018 grant of PSUs was not eligible to vest and was terminated in January 2021 given bottom quartile relative performance against the predetermined peer group.
(3) The value of the Options that vested in 2020 was calculated based on the difference, if positive, between the closing trading price of the Common Shares on the vesting date and the exercise price of the Options multiplied by the number of Options. The closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on vest date (or if the vesting date is not a trading day, the next trading day following the vesting date) were as follows: January 1, 2020 - $15.23 and January 23, 2020 - $15.04. Mr. Phillips, Mr. Proctor, Ms. Kazeil and Ms. Vrataric's 2016 Option grant of 99,195, 64,185, 56,683 and 3,500 Options, respectively, expired unexercised on January 1, 2021.
(4) Bonus amounts reflect amounts earned in the fiscal year.
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 67
Option Value Realized During the Year
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The following table provides the number of Common Shares acquired upon the exercise of Options as well as the aggregate value realized upon the exercise of these Options during the year ended December 31, 2020 for all NEOs.
| Name | Common Shares Acquired on Option Exercise |
Aggregate Value Realized(1) ($) | Aggregate Value Realized(1) ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew M. Phillips, President & CEO | Nil | Nil | |
| Cameron M. Proctor, COO | Nil | Nil | |
| Pamela P. Kazeil, VP Finance & CFO | Nil | Nil | |
| Amber M. Vrataric, Controller | Nil | Nil | |
| Matthew J. P. McMahon, General Counsel | Nil | Nil |
Note:
(1) The aggregate value realized equals the difference between the value of the Option and the market price of the Common Shares on the TSX at the time of exercise.
Termination and Change of Control Benefits
The Company has entered into executive employment agreements with the CEO, COO and CFO. The terms of such employment agreements are in accordance with current market standards for agreements of a similar nature and include provisions that provide for payment of severance in certain circumstances, which include the aggregate of: (i) the executive officer's annual base salary, plus (ii) the average annual bonus awarded to the executive officer over the prior three years, plus (iii) 15% of base salary for the loss of benefits. The severance payment will be calculated based on a notice period multiplier of two for the CEO and one and a half for the COO and CFO (the " Termination Payment "). For purposes of the executive employment agreements, termination may be by the Company (other than for cause) or at the election of the Named Executive Officer (within a six month period following a change of control) for any one or more of the following reasons which constitute "good reason": (i) the failure of the Company to agree to perform any material terms of the executive employment agreement; (ii) the Company requiring the executive officer, without the executive officer's consent, to be based or perform his or her employment duties elsewhere than the Company's principal offices in Calgary, Alberta, except for required travel or temporary projects in connection with the Company's business; or (iii) the Company failing to provide or failing to agree to provide the executive officer with the same or a materially similar or comparable position, responsibilities, duties, compensation and benefits, as described herein, as previously provided to the executive officer by the Company.
The Company is entitled to terminate the executive employment agreements at any time for just cause and is then obligated to pay such executive officer's salary (and accrued and unused vacation) through to the termination date. The Company is also entitled to terminate the executive employment agreements at any time for any reason other than just cause and is then obligated to pay to the executive officer the Termination Payment.
The following chart illustrates the payments that each of the CEO, COO and CFO would receive, in certain circumstances, in the event of their termination as at December 31, 2020. In all events below, subject to contractual agreements, the Board maintains ultimate discretion on all payouts.
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| **Type ** | Termination Payment | RSUs/PSUs/ODSUs(1) | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Termination for Just Cause | None | All RSUs/PSUs expire and are cancelled on the termination date. All vested ODSUs are redeemable and unvested ODSUs are forfeited. |
All vested and unvested Options expire and are cancelled on the termination date. |
| Termination without Just Cause |
(a) Annual base salary, plus (b) the average annual bonus awarded to the executive over the prior three years, plus (c) 15% of base salary for the loss of benefits, with a multiplier as follows: (i) CEO – 2.0x (ii) COO – 1.5x (iii) CFO – 1.5x |
For all executive officers, all RSUs/PSUs expire and are cancelled on the termination date. All ODSUs vest and are redeemable (including a bona fide retirement). |
For all executive officers, all vested Options may be exercised for 60 days following the termination date. Other than described above, all unvested Options are cancelled on the termination date. |
| Change of Control | None | In the event substitution or replacement securities are not provided, all RSUs/PSUs vest. All ODSUs vest and are redeemable |
In the event substitution or replacement securities are not provided all awards vest. |
| Termination for "Good Reason" following a Change of Control |
(a) Annual base salary, plus (b) the average annual bonus awarded to the executive over the prior three years, plus (c) 15% of base salary for the loss of benefits, with a multiplier as follows: (i) CEO – 2.0x (ii) COO – 1.5x (iii) CFO – 1.5x |
For all executive officers, all RSUs/PSUs expire and are cancelled on termination date. All ODSUs vest and are redeemable. |
For all executive officers, all vested Options may be exercised for 60 days following the termination date. Other than described above, all unvested Options are cancelled on the termination date. |
| Resignation | None | All RSUs/PSUs are cancelled. Other than a bona fide retirement, all vested ODSUs are redeemable and unvested ODSUs are forfeited. |
All vested and unvested Options are cancelled. |
The chart below illustrates the payments that would have been made to each of the NEOs pursuant to their executive employment agreements or arrangements and the payments that would have been made to the NEOs pursuant to the share unit awards and Options held by them as a result of termination for just cause or resignation, termination without just cause, change of control, termination for "good reason" following a change of control, or death assuming such event occurred on December 31, 2020.
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The maximum liability of the Company to the NEOs provided under all employment agreements and for all outstanding RSUs/PSUs, ODSUs and Options as of December 31, 2020 was approximately $6.4 million.
| Name | Triggering Event | Payment Pursuant to Employment Agreement ($) |
RSU/PSU Payments (1)(2)(3) |
ODSU Payments (1)(3) |
Option Value(3)(4) |
Total ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew M. Phillips, President & CEO |
Termination for Just Cause or Resignation Termination without Just Cause Change of Control and subsequent Termination(4) Change of Control and Termination for "Good Reason" Death(4) |
- 2,775,000 - 2,775,000 - |
- - 2,805,000 - 2,805,000 |
- 212,100 212,100 212,100 212,100 |
- - - - - |
- 2,987,100 3,017,100 2,987,100 3,017,100 |
| Cameron M. Proctor, COO |
Termination for Just Cause or Resignation |
- | - | - | - | - |
| Termination without Just Cause | 1,370,600 | - | 137,100 | - | 1,507,700 | |
| Change of Control and subsequent Termination(4) |
- | 1,821,600 | 137,100 | - | 1,958,700 | |
| Change of Control and Termination for "Good Reason" |
1,370,600 | - | 137,100 | - | 1,507,700 | |
| Death(4) | - | 1,821,600 | 137,100 | - | 1,958,700 | |
| Pamela P. Kazeil, Vice President, Finance and CFO |
Termination for Just Cause or Resignation Termination without Just Cause Change of Control and subsequent Termination(4) Change of Control and Termination for "Good Reason" Death(4) |
- 1,066,900 - 1,066,900 - |
- - 938,000 - 938,000 |
- 71,100 71,100 71,100 71,100 |
- - - - - |
- 1,138,000 1,009,100 1,138,000 1,009,100 |
| Amber M. Vrataric, Controller |
Termination for Just Cause or Resignation |
- | - | - | - | - |
| Termination without Just Cause | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Change of Control and subsequent Termination(4) |
- | 191,500 | - | - | 191,500 | |
| Change of Control and Termination for "Good Reason" |
- | - | - | - | - | |
| Death(4) | - | 191,500 | - | - | 191,500 | |
| Matthew J.P. McMahon, General Counsel |
Termination for Just Cause or Resignation Termination without Just Cause Change of Control and subsequent Termination(4) Change of Control and Termination for "Good Reason" Death(4) |
- - - - - |
- - 124,200 - 124,200 |
- - - - - |
- - - - - |
- - 124,200 - 124,200 |
Notes:
(1) All RSUs/PSUs and ODSUs are valued using the December 31, 2020 closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX of $10.09, and include dividend equivalents at December 31, 2020.
(2) PSUs have been valued using a payout multiplier of 1.0x other than the 2018 PSUs which were ascribed a value of $nil given they were not eligible to vest and were terminated in January 2021 given bottom quartile performance against the pre-determined peer group.
(3) Assumes replacement securities underlying the RSUs/PSUs, ODSUs and Options are not available. See " Incentive Award Programs " below. (4) Options have been valued using the December 31, 2020 closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX of $10.09.
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 70
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Remuneration of Directors
DIRECTORS COMPENSATION
COMPONENTS OF COMPENSATION
The directors (other than the Chair of the Board) receive an annual retainer of $60,000 with no additional compensation provided for attending meetings of the Board or any meetings of a committee of the Board. The Chair of the Board received an annual retainer in 2020 of $113,500. Since inception of the Company in 2014, the Chair of the Board has taken the entirety of his Board and committee fees in the form of DSUs. Since 2015, the Chair of the Audit Committee received additional compensation of $15,000 per year and the Chairs of the Governance and Compensation Committee and Reserves Committee each received additional compensation of $10,000 per year.
The Company has adopted a deferred share unit plan (the " DSU Plan ") for its directors. Except as described below, directors are expected to receive an annual grant of DSUs with a grant date fair market value of $100,000, with the Chair of the Board receiving an annual grant of DSUs with a grant date fair market value of $150,000. This fair market value will be prorated for any partial year. Newly appointed or elected directors receive their initial grant of DSUs upon or after joining the Board, if the Company is under a trading blackout at such time. In cases where trading blackouts exist, the annual DSU grant (or initial DSU grant for newly appointed or elected directors) is postponed until after the trading blackout is lifted. Prior to the start of each year, the Company's directors are able to elect to take all or a portion of their annual retainer and any additional compensation in the form of DSUs. DSUs will vest once they are credited to the director's DSU account and may only be redeemed after the director ceases to be a director of the Company. When a dividend is paid on Common Shares, if any, each director's DSU account will be allocated additional DSUs equal in value to the dividend paid on an equivalent number of Common Shares. When a director ceases to be a director of the Company, by December 15 of the first calendar year following the year that the directorship ceased, a director will be entitled to request redemption of the DSUs following which the value of the redeemed DSUs will be paid to the director in cash on an after-tax basis. The value of the DSUs on any particular date will be calculated by multiplying the number of DSUs in the director's DSU account by the then market value of a Common Share.
The following table sets forth information concerning the annualized compensation paid to the directors during 2020. Mr. Phillips, the President and CEO, is not included in the following table as he did not receive any compensation (including any annual retainer or grant of DSUs) for serving as a director of the Company.
| Non-equity | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share-based | incentive plan | All other | |||
| Fees Earned | awards | compensation | compensation | Total | |
| Name | ($)(1) | ($)(2) | ($) | ($) | ($) |
| James M. Estey | 113,500 | 150,000 | - | - | 263,500 |
| P. Jane Gavan | 60,000 | 100,000 | - | - | 160,000 |
| Margaret A. McKenzie(3) | 75,000 | 100,000 | - | - | 175,000 |
| Robert E. Robotti | 60,000 | 100,000 | - | - | 160,000 |
| Myron M. Stadnyk(3) | 60,000 | 100,000 | - | - | 160,000 |
| Sheldon B. Steeves(3) | 70,000 | 100,000 | - | - | 170,000 |
| Grant A. Zawalsky | 60,000 | 100,000 | - | - | 160,000 |
Notes:
(1) Other than otherwise indicated, represents the director's annualized retainer and chair fees for the 2020 calendar year. No additional compensation was provided for attending meetings of the Board or any meetings of a committee of the Board. Directors are able to elect to receive all or a portion of their annual retainer and chair fees in the form of DSUs.
(2) Represents the fair market value of the DSUs awarded to the director under the DSU Plan at the time of grant (not including DSUs which a director elected to receive as part of his or her annual retainer and any additional cash compensation). DSUs vest entirely at the time of grant. The DSU compensation expense is accounted for on a fair value basis in accordance with IFRS.
(3) Ms. McKenzie is the Chair of the Audit Committee, Mr. Steeves is the Chair of the Reserves Committee and Mr. Stadnyk is the Chair of the Governance and Compensation Committee.
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK
71
Director Outstanding Share-Based Awards
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The following table sets forth, for each director, except for Mr. Phillips, all share-based awards that were outstanding as of December 31, 2020. Mr. Phillips is not included in the following table as he did not receive any compensation for serving as a director of the Company. No option-based awards have been granted to any directors of the Company.
| Share-based awards | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of DSUs that | Market value of DSUs | Market value of vested | |
| have not vested | that have not vested | DSUs not paid out | |
| Name | (#)(1) | $(1) | $(2)(3) |
| James M. Estey | - | - | 911,100 |
| P. Jane Gavan | - | - | 166,100 |
| Margaret A. McKenzie | - | - | 295,500 |
| Robert E. Robotti | - | - | 139,900 |
| Myron M. Stadnyk | - | - | 252,000 |
| Sheldon B. Steeves | - | - | 418,900 |
| Grant A. Zawalsky | - | - | 382,400 |
Notes:
(1) All DSUs awarded under the DSU Plan during 2020 and prior years vested immediately on grant.
(2) Represents the market price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 31, 2020 being $10.09, multiplied by the number of DSUs, including dividend entitlements.
(3) Mr. Estey, Ms. Gavan, Mr. Robotti and Mr. Stadnyk, and elected to receive the entirety of their 2020 annual Board and committee retainers in the form of DSUs. Mr. Steeves and Ms. McKenzie elected to receive the entirety of their Board and committee retainers of $70,000 and $75,000, respectively, in cash, and Mr. Zawalsky elected to receive 50% of his Board retainer ($30,000) in cash.
Director Share-Based Awards — Value Vested or Earned
The following table sets forth for each director, except for Mr. Phillips as he did not receive any compensation for serving as a director of the Company, the value of share-based awards which vested during the year ended December 31, 2020. No option-based awards have been granted to the directors of the Company.
| Name | Share-based awards – Value vested during the year(1)(2) ($) |
|---|---|
| James M. Estey P. Jane Gavan Margaret A. McKenzie Robert E. Robotti Myron M. Stadnyk Sheldon B. Steeves Grant A. Zawalsky |
180,600 109,700 68,600 109,700 116,500 68,600 89,100 |
Notes:
(1) Represents the number of DSUs granted during 2020, including dividend entitlements, multiplied by the December 31, 2020 closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX of $10.09.
(2) Mr. Estey, Mr. Stadnyk, Ms. Gavan and Mr. Robotti elected to receive the entirety of their 2020 annual Board and committee retainers in the form of DSUs. Mr. Steeves and Ms. McKenzie elected to receive the entirety of their Board and committee retainers of $70,000 and $75,000, respectively, in cash, and Mr. Zawalsky elected to receive 50% of his Board retainer ($30,000) in cash.
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 72
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DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION
The Company maintains liability insurance for its directors and officers with coverage and terms that are customary for a company of its size in the industry in which it operates. The policies provide coverage to the Company's directors and officers for any actual or alleged breach of duty, neglect, error, misstatement, misleading statement, omission, or act in discharging their duties, individually or collectively. The Company is also insured under the policies in the event it is permitted or required by law to indemnify individual directors and officers. The policies which provide coverage in the amount of $60 million for the 12-month period ended May 29, 2021, are subject to certain exclusions. The deductible amount on the policies is $250,000 and the total annual premium for the 2020/2021 policies is $185,700.
In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and officers. The indemnification agreements generally require that the Company indemnify and hold the indemnitees harmless to the greatest extent permitted by law for liabilities arising out of the indemnitees' service to the Company as directors and officers, if the indemnitees acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company and, with respect to criminal or administrative actions or proceedings that are enforced by monetary penalty, if the indemnitee had no reasonable grounds to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. The indemnification agreements also provide for the advancement of defence expenses to the indemnitees by the Company.
Incentive Award Programs
OPTION PLAN
The Company has adopted the amended and restated Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan ") for its employees, including management, a copy of which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile and the Company's website at http://www.prairiesky.com\governance. Directors are not eligible to participate in the Option Plan. The Option Plan was amended and restated on February 27, 2017 to: (i) decrease the percentage of Common Shares issuable pursuant to the Option Plan from 10% to 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis) at any time, less the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance at such time pursuant to any other security-based compensation arrangement of the Company (including the Original Incentive Plan); (ii) decrease the percentage of Common Shares issuable pursuant to insiders under the Option Plan from 10% to 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis) at any time, less the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance to insiders at such time pursuant to any other security-based compensation arrangement of the Company (including the Original Incentive Plan); and (iii) make some minor housekeeping amendments. The purpose of the Option Plan is to foster a proprietary interest in the Company and provide a long-term incentive element in the overall compensation of management and eligible employees. The Board has delegated its authority to administer the Option Plan to the Governance and Compensation Committee (comprised of independent directors), which has authority to interpret the Option Plan, including in respect of any options to purchase Common Shares (" Options ") granted thereunder.
Options are granted under the Option Plan from time to time to eligible employees. Pursuant to the Option Plan, the maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Options granted under the Option Plan is limited, in the aggregate, to 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis) at any time, less the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance at such time pursuant to any other security-based compensation arrangement of the Company (including the Original Incentive Plan). Provided that such maximum number of Common Shares is not exceeded, following the exercise, expiration, cancellation or other termination of any Options under the Option Plan, a number of Common Shares equal to the number of Options or rights so exercised, expired, cancelled or terminated shall automatically become available for issuance in respect of Options that may subsequently be granted under the Option Plan.
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 73
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Pursuant to the Option Plan, the maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued to insiders of the Company under the Option Plan is 5% of the total issued and outstanding Common Shares (calculated on a non-diluted basis) at the date of grant, less the aggregate number of Common Shares reserved for issuance to insiders under any other security-based compensation arrangement of the Company (the " Aggregate Insider Option Limit "). The maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued to any individual holder under the Option Plan is 5% of the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares (calculated on a non-diluted basis) at the date of grant, less the aggregate number of Common Shares reserved for issuance to such holder under any other security-based compensation arrangement of the Company (the " Individual Option Limit "). In addition, the maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued to any one insider of the Company under the Option Plan within a one year period is the Individual Option Limit, excluding Common Shares issued to the insider under the Option Plan or any other securitybased compensation arrangement during the preceding one year period, and the maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued to insiders of the Company under the Option Plan within a one year period is the Aggregate Insider Option Limit, excluding Common Shares issued to insiders of the Company under the Option Plan or any other security-based compensation arrangement during the preceding one year period.
Under the Option Plan, the Board has the power to determine the time or times when Options will be granted, vest and become exercisable (including in connection with any Transaction, as described below). The Option Plan provides that the expiry date of an Option will be no more than the date which is five years from the date of grant of such Option. However, if the original expiry date of an Option occurs during, or within 10 business days of the end of, a Company-imposed securities trading blackout applicable to a holder of Options, then the expiry date is extended to be the 10[th] business day after the expiry of the blackout period. Although not prescribed in the Option Plan, except in certain circumstances, the Board is expected to provide for gradual vesting periods for each grant of Options, in proportions determined by the Board, with the first portion vesting on the date that is one year after the date of grant, another portion vesting on the second anniversary of the date of grant and a final portion vesting on the third anniversary of the date of grant. The exercise price of an Option must be no less than the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on the last business day preceding the date on which the Option is approved by the Board (or where the approval occurs during a blackout period, the 10[th] business day after the expiry of the blackout period).
If the Company completes any merger, amalgamation, arrangement, business combination or sale of all or substantially all of its assets and undertaking, or is the subject of a take-over bid, or participates in any similar transaction (any of the foregoing referred to as a " Transaction "), and as a result of such Transaction the holders of Common Shares receive securities of another issuer (the " Continuing Entity ") in full substitution or replacement for the Common Shares (" Replacement Securities "), the Options will be adjusted so that the holder would receive such number of Replacement Securities as he or she would have received as a result of such Transaction if the holder had exercised his or her Options to purchase Common Shares prior to the completion of the Transaction and had held such Common Shares on the effective date of such Transaction. However, if: (i) the Continuing Entity does not (or, upon the occurrence of the Transaction, will not) substitute or replace, or the nature of the Transaction does not provide for the full substitution or replacement of, the securities issuable upon the exercise of Options outstanding under the Option Plan on the above described terms; (ii) the Board determines, acting reasonably, that such substitution or replacement is not practicable or impairs or does not substantially preserve the rights of the holders of Options; (iii) the Board determines, acting reasonably, that such substitution or replacement would give rise to adverse tax results to holders of Options; or (iv) the Replacement Securities are not (or, upon the occurrence of the Transaction, will not be) listed and posted for trading on a recognizable stock exchange; the outstanding Options will become fully vested and may be exercised by the holder prior to, but conditional upon the consummation of, the Transaction. Any Options that have not been exercised will be forfeited and cancelled without compensation to the holder thereof upon the consummation of such Transaction. If for any reason such Transaction is not consummated, any Common Shares purchased by the Option holder upon the exercise of an Option for the purposes of participating in the Transaction or whose vesting has been accelerated pursuant to these provisions will be cancelled and returned to the
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 74
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Company, will be added back to the number of Common Shares, if any, remaining unexercised under the Option, and the Company will refund to the Option holder all consideration paid by it to exercise those Options.
The Option Plan contains standard adjustment and anti-dilution provisions for changes in the capital structure of the Company.
Additionally, the Option Plan contains a "cashless exercise" feature, which provides that, unless the Board determines otherwise at any time, an Option holder may elect to exercise an Option by surrendering such Option in exchange for the issuance of Common Shares equal to the number determined by dividing (i) the difference between the market price on the date of exercise and the exercise price of such Option by (ii) the market price of the Common Shares at the date of exercise. If a holder utilizes this "cashless exercise" feature, the full number of Common Shares underlying the Options exercised will be deducted from the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Option Plan.
An Option is personal to the holder and is non-transferable and non-assignable. The Option Plan does not provide for or contemplate the provision of financial assistance to facilitate the exercise of Options and the issuance of Common Shares. If the employment of an Option holder with the Company is terminated by either party for any reason (other than termination for just cause or, generally, the voluntary resignation of the holder, in which cases the Options expire immediately upon the holder ceasing to provide active services to the Company), the Options held by such individual must be exercised within 60 days of such termination, following which the Options will expire. Also, if the employment of an Option holder with the Company is terminated by reason of death, disability or retirement, unless determined by the Board otherwise, all outstanding Options held by such holder will become fully vested and may be exercised by the holder or his or her personal representative at any time after termination date but prior to the expiry date of such Option.
The Option Plan states that the Board may, at any time without the approval of the shareholders and the holders of any other voting securities of the Company, suspend, discontinue or amend the Option Plan or any Option. However, the Board may not, without the approval of a majority of the holders of Common Shares and the holders of other voting securities of the Company and the approval of the TSX, amend the Option Plan or an Option to: (i) increase the number of Common Shares, or the percentage of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, issuable pursuant to the Option Plan; (ii) make any amendment that would reduce the exercise price of an outstanding Option (including a cancellation and reissue of an Option that constitutes a reduction of the exercise price); (iii) extend the expiry date of any Option granted under the Option Plan beyond the expiry date of the Option determined at the date of grant, except as provided for with respect to an expiry date that occurs during a blackout period, as described above; (iv) expand the categories of individuals who are eligible to participate in the Option Plan; (v) amend the Option Plan to permit the transfer or assignment of Options, except to permit a transfer to a family member, an entity controlled by the holder of the Options or a family member, a charity, or for estate planning or estate settlement purposes; or (vi) amend the amendment provisions of the Option Plan, in each case unless the change to the Option Plan or an Option results from the application of provisions in the Option Plan relating to mergers, business combinations, take-over bids or similar transactions or to the anti-dilution provisions.
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 75
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The details of the Company's 2018, 2019 and 2020 Option grants are below.
| Common Shares | Options Granted as a | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding at Year | % of Common |
|||
| Year | Options Granted | Grant Price | End |
Shares Outstanding |
| 2020 | 270,186 | $ 15.23 | 223,300,000 | 0.1% |
| 2019 | 564,316 | $ 17.67 | 233,070,691 | 0.2% |
| 2018 | 279,722 | $ 32.06 | 234,154,611 | 0.1% |
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had outstanding Options representing less than one percent of the Company's total Common Shares outstanding and 14.0% of the approved Common Share reserve.
| Common Shares Outstanding at Year End |
Approved Common Share Reserve |
Common Share Reserve as a % of Shares Outstanding |
Options Outstanding at Year End |
Options Outstanding as a % of Common Shares Outstanding |
Options Outstanding as a % of Approved Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 223,300,000 | 11,165,000 | 5.0% | 1,566,207 | 0.7% | 14.0% |
Options granted to the CEO, COO and CFO in 2020 represent approximately 12.5% of the grant date value of their annual long-term incentive grant. The grant date value of Options granted to the Named Executive Officers in the 2020 fiscal year is included under the " Option-Based Awards " column in the Summary Compensation Table.
Pursuant to the rules of the TSX, every three years all unallocated options, rights or other entitlements available under the Option Plan must be approved by a majority of the Company's directors and the Company's shareholders. When Options have been granted, Common Shares reserved for issuance under an outstanding Option are referred to as "allocated options"; whereas, additional Common Shares that may be issued pursuant to the Option Plan, but are not subject to current Option grants, are referred to herein as "unallocated options".
The unallocated options under the Option Plan were last approved by shareholders in the spring of 2017; however, as a result of review and consideration by the Governance and Compensation Committee, the Governance and Compensation Committee and Board do not expect to grant any further Options under the Option Plan. To the extent that any Options are granted in the future, such Options would not be exercisable until such time as the Company obtained shareholder approval for such grants in accordance with the policies of the TSX.
INCENTIVE PLANS
The Company has adopted the Original Incentive Plan and 2021 Incentive Plan (collectively, the " Incentive Plans ") for its employees, including management, copies of which are available under the Company's SEDAR profile and the Company's website at www.prairiesky.com/governance. Directors are not eligible to participate in the Incentive Plans .
The Original Incentive Plan was amended and restated effective April 27, 2015, following approval of the Company's shareholders, to allow the Company to settle restricted share units (" RSUs ") and performance share units (" PSUs " and together, the " share unit awards ") with Common Shares subject to certain exceptions. The Original Incentive Plan was further amended and restated effective February 27, 2017 to: (i) decrease the percentage of Common Shares issuable pursuant to the Original Incentive Plan from 10% to 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis) at any time, less the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance at such time pursuant to any other security-based compensation
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 76
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arrangement of the Company (including the Option Plan); (ii) decrease the percentage of Common Shares issuable pursuant to insiders under the Original Incentive Plan from 10% to 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis) at any time, less the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance to insiders at such time pursuant to any other security-based compensation arrangement of the Company (including the Option Plan); and (iii) make some minor housekeeping amendments.
The 2021 Incentive Plan was adopted in January 2021 and is intended to replace the Original Incentive Plan for all future grants of share unit awards. Any share unit awards granted prior to 2021 were granted under the Original Incentive Plan while all share unit awards granted in 2021 were granted pursuant to the 2021 Incentive Plan.
The purpose of the Incentive Plans is to align the interests of the employees with those of shareholders and to assist the Company in attracting and retaining the talent it requires. The Board has delegated its authority to administer the Incentive Plans to the Governance and Compensation Committee (comprised of independent directors), which has authority to interpret the Incentive Plans, including any questions in respect of any share unit awards granted thereunder. The Board has the authority to amend or terminate the Incentive Plans at any time, in whole or in part, subject to certain exceptions. The share unit awards granted thereunder are not assignable.
Share unit awards initially have a notional value equivalent to the value of a Common Share. RSUs vest and are paid out no more than three years from the date of the grant, provided the recipient remains employed with the Company on such date, and subject to certain other events described below. No payment may be made upon settlement of the RSUs on a date following the Outside Date (as described below). Upon vesting, each RSU granted under the Original Incentive Plan will be paid out in cash or Common Shares at the election of the Governance and Compensation Committee and if paid in cash, will have a value equal to the five-day weighted average trading price for the Common Shares on the TSX immediately prior to the vesting date. If the Governance and Compensation Committee elects to pay out the RSUs granted under the Original Incentive Plan in Common Shares, the Company will issue the number of fully paid and non-assessable Common Shares underlying such share unit awards subject to adjustments for dividends (as described below) and other corporate actions.
Each RSU granted under the 2021 Incentive Plan will, upon vesting, be paid out in cash and will have a value equal to the five-day weighted average trading price for the Common Shares on the TSX immediately prior to the vesting date.
PSUs also vest and are paid out no more than three years after the date of the grant, provided the recipient remains employed with the Company on such date, and subject to certain other events described below. No payment may be made upon settlement of the PSUs on a date following the Outside Date. At the time of payout, the Board will apply a "payout multiplier" to the PSU grant which may increase or decrease the amount of the payout relative to the target award. The payout multiplier may range from zero to 2.0x and will be determined by the Board based on the Company's performance, relative to a performance target set at the time of grant, over the vesting period.
The PSUs granted to the Named Executive Officers (excluding the Controller and General Counsel, who do not hold any PSUs) in 2016 (which vested in January 2019) were applied a payout multiplier based on total shareholder return as compared against the applicable Compensation Market (see " Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Executive Compensation – Benchmarking Executive Compensation " above), as follows:
- i) Above P25 (or 25th percentile) but less than P50 (or 50th percentile) represents a payout multiplier that is greater than 0.5x but less than 1.0x;
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 77
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-
ii) Above P50 (or 50th percentile) but less than P75 (or 75th percentile) represents a payout multiplier that is greater than 1.0x but less than 1.5x;
-
iii) Above P75 (or 75th percentile) but less than P90 (or 90th percentile) represents a payout multiplier that is greater than 1.5x but less than 2.0x;
-
iv) Above P90 represents a payout multiplier of 2.0x.
The PSUs granted in 2016 and vested in January 2019 received a payout multiplier of 0.71x, which reflects relative underperformance measured against the 2016 Compensation Market. See " Executive Compensation – 2020 NEO Compensation – CEO Compensation ".
The PSUs granted to the Named Executive Officers (excluding the Controller and General Counsel, who do not hold any PSUs) in 2017 and 2018 were applied a payout multiplier based on total shareholder return as compared against the applicable Compensation Market (see " Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Executive Compensation – Benchmarking Executive Compensation " above), as follows:
-
i) Above P25 (or 25th percentile) but less than P50 (or 50th percentile) represents a payout multiplier that is greater than 0.5x but less than 1.0x;
-
ii) Above P50 (or 50th percentile) but less than P75 (or 75th percentile) represents a payout multiplier that is greater than 1.0x but less than 2.0x;
-
iii) Above P75 (or 75th percentile) represents a payout multiplier of 2.0x.
The PSUs granted in 2017 vested in February 2020 and received a payout multiplier of 0.56x, which reflects relative underperformance measured against the 2017 Compensation Market. The PSUs granted in 2018 were not eligible to vest and were terminated in January 2021, given bottom quartile performance measured against the 2018 Compensation Market. See " Executive Compensation – 2020 NEO " Compensation – CEO Compensation .
Under no instances will the payout multiplier exceed 2.0x. Upon vesting, each PSU granted under the Original Incentive Plan will be paid out in cash or Common Shares and if paid in cash will have a value equal to the five-day weighted average trading price on the TSX for the Common Shares immediately prior to the vesting date, as adjusted for the payout multiplier. If the Governance and Compensation Committee elects to pay out the PSUs in Common Shares, the Company will issue the number of fully paid and nonassessable Common Shares underlying such share unit awards subject to adjustments for dividends and other corporate actions.
Each PSU granted under the 2021 Incentive Plan will be paid out in cash with a value equal to the five-day weighted average trading price on the TSX for the Common Shares immediately prior to the vesting date, as adjusted for the payout multiplier.
Payouts of vested share unit awards will also include consideration for dividends paid on the Common Shares over the vesting period by notionally reinvesting the dividends in the share unit awards. All share unit awards which do not vest will be forfeited and cancelled.
The PSUs granted to the CEO, COO and CFO under the Original Incentive Plan in 2019 and 2020 will be applied a payout multiplier, upon vesting in 2022 and 2023, respectively, following a three-year performance period, based: (i) 50% on total shareholder return as compared against the applicable Compensation Market; and (ii) 50% on a corporate scorecard including measurable performance compared to strategic plans approved by the Governance and Compensation Committee. The Company's strategic plan is designed to create value for shareholders over the long term. The Governance and Compensation
PRAIRIESKY ROYALTY LTD | PSK 78
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Committee and the Board believe measurement of the executive officers' achievements against these plans should form an integral component of long-term executive compensation. Calculation of performance will be done annually, along with rationale for each measure, and reported at the end of the three-year performance period given that the Company does not provide guidance or financial/operational forecasts.
The Original Incentive Plan contains limits on the number of Common Shares that may be issued to participants during specified periods of time. In particular: (i) the maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued to any one individual participant under the Original Incentive Plan may not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as of the date of the grant of the share unit award, less the aggregate number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under any of the Company's other securitybased compensation arrangements (the " Individual Limit "); and (ii) the maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued to "Insiders" (as defined in the Securities Act (Alberta)) as a whole may not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as of the date of the grant of the share unit award, less the aggregate number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under any of the Company's other security-based compensation arrangements (the " Aggregate Insider Limit "). The maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued to Insiders as a whole under the Original Incentive Plan within a one-year period shall be the Aggregate Insider Limit, excluding Common Shares issued to Insiders as a whole under the Original Incentive Plan or any other security-based compensation arrangement over the preceding one-year period. The maximum number of Common Shares that may be issued to any one Insider under the Original Incentive Plan and any other security-based compensation arrangement within a one-year period shall be the Individual Limit, excluding Common Shares issued to such Insider under the Original Incentive Plan or any other security-based compensation arrangement over the preceding one year period.
The Original Incentive Plan also provides that the aggregate number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Original Incentive Plan (together with any Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Company's other security-based compensation arrangements) shall not exceed 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. The 2021 Incentive Plan provides that the aggregate number of notional Common Shares represented by granted incentive awards (together with any Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Company's other security-based compensation arrangements) shall not exceed 2% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.
The Incentive Plans provide for the extension of the payment date of a share unit award, where the payment date for such award occurs during, or within 10 business days of the end of a Company-imposed trading blackout applicable to the relevant participant. In such cases, the payment date shall be extended to the 10[th] business day after the expiry of the blackout period provided that in any case; such payment date cannot be later than December 31 in the third calendar year after which such share unit award was granted (the " Outside Date "). Where the Outside Date of share unit awards occurs during the trading blackout, payment of such awards will be made in cash in the case of share unit awards granted under the Original Incentive Plan.
Pursuant to the terms of the Original Incentive Plan, the Board may, at any time, without the approval of the shareholders suspend, discontinue or amend the Original Incentive Plan or a share unit award made thereunder, provided that the Board may not, without the approval of the holders of a majority of Common Shares and other voting securities of the Company present and voting in person or by proxy at a meeting of shareholders, amend the Original Incentive Plan or a share unit award to: (i) increase the number of Common Shares, or the percentage of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, issuable pursuant to the Original Incentive Plan; (ii) make any amendment that would remove or increase the Aggregate Insider Limit; (iii) make any amendment that would increase the number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to outstanding share unit awards (including a cancellation and reissue of a share unit award that constitutes an increase in the number of Common Shares underlying the share unit award); (iv) extend the payment date of any share unit award granted under the Original Incentive Plan beyond the payment date of the share unit award determined at the date of grant in accordance with the Original Incentive Plan, except with respect to a payment date that occurs during a blackout period; (v) expand the categories of individuals
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contained in the definition of "Eligible Person" who are eligible to participate in the Original Incentive Plan; (vi) amend the Original Incentive Plan to permit the transfer or assignment of share unit awards, except to permit a transfer to a family member, an entity controlled by the grantee or a family member, a charity or for estate planning or estate settlement purposes; or (vii) amend the amendment provision of the Original Incentive Plan.
Pursuant to the terms of the 2021 Incentive Plan, the Board may, at any time, without the approval of the shareholders suspend discontinue or amend the 2021 Incentive Plan or a share unit award made thereunder, provided that, unless a holder of share unit awards agrees, the Board may not suspend, discontinue or amend the 2021 Incentive Plan or amend any outstanding share unit award in a manner that would adversely alter or impair any share unit award previously granted to a grantee under the 2021 Incentive Plan, and any such suspension, discontinuance or amendment of the 2021 Incentive Plan or amendment to a share unit award shall apply only in respect of share unit awards granted on or after the date of such suspension, discontinuance or amendment.
As at March 3, 2021, Options to purchase 1,328,344 Common Shares were outstanding (approximately 0.6% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares) and 555,604 Common Shares were issuable pursuant to outstanding share unit awards (approximately 0.25% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares) assuming all PSUs granted under the Original Incentive Plan vested and were applied a payout multiplier of 1.0x. In the event all PSUs granted under the Original Incentive Plan vested and were applied a payout multiplier of the maximum of 2.0x, 1,037,388 Common Shares would be issuable pursuant to outstanding share unit awards (approximately 0.46% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares). See " Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans ".
Under the Incentive Plans, in case of an employee's retirement, death or disability, the Company will make a payment to such employee or his or her legal representatives in respect of share unit awards held by the employee equal to the target amount of any such share unit awards at the date of grant. In addition, if an employee's employment is terminated by reason of voluntary resignation or for just cause, all awards granted to such employee under the Incentive Plans will be terminated and all rights to receive payments thereunder will be forfeited by the employee. If an employee's employment is terminated by the Company without just cause, the employee will only be entitled to payments in respect to such share unit awards for which the vesting date occurs prior to the termination date of employment. These provisions are subject to any alternative arrangements that may be contained in a separate grant agreement or employment agreement between the Company and a particular employee. See " Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Executive Compensation – Termination and Change of Control Benefits ".
If the Company completes a Transaction, and as a result of such Transaction the holders of Common Shares receive Replacement Securities of a Continuing Entity in full substitution or replacement for the Common Shares, all share unit awards will remain outstanding with appropriate adjustments made to (i) the number of Replacement Securities notionally underlying the share unit awards held by each holder, and (ii) dividends paid on the Common Shares (as replaced by the Replacement Securities) during the term of such share unit awards, in each case to appropriately account for, and provide economic equivalence based on, the exchange ratio of Replacement Securities issued for Common Shares. In addition, following any Transaction where the share unit awards remain outstanding, the minimum payout multiplier applicable to those share unit awards upon vesting will be 1.0x. However, if: (i) the Continuing Entity does not (or, upon the occurrence of the Transaction, will not) substitute or replace, or the nature of the Transaction does not provide for the full substitution or replacement of, the Common Shares with Replacement Securities on the above described terms; (ii) the Board determines, acting reasonably, that such substitution or replacement is not practicable or does not substantially preserve the rights of the holders of share unit awards; (iii) the Board determines, acting reasonably, that such substitution or replacement would give rise to adverse tax results to holders of share unit awards; or (iv) the Replacement Securities are not (or, upon the occurrence of the Transaction, will not be) listed and posted for trading on a recognizable stock exchange; then the holder will receive a cash payment in respect of all outstanding share unit awards in respect of which payment has not been made (whether or not otherwise vested or payable), conditional upon the Transaction
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being completed. Such cash payment will be based on the market value of the Common Shares on the effective date of the Transaction and, in the case of PSUs, be adjusted for the payout multiplier factor based on the performance period ended on the effective date of the Transaction, and, in the case of PSUs and RSUs, taking into account dividends declared by the Company up to the effective date of the Transaction.
During the 2020 calendar year, PSUs and RSUs granted to the Named Executive Officers (excluding the Controller and the General Counsel, represented 75% and 0%, respectively, of the grant date value of their annual long-term incentives grant. The RSUs granted to the Controller and the General Counsel represented 100% of the grant date value of their respective long-term incentive grant. The grant date value of PSUs and RSUs granted to the Named Executive Officers in fiscal 2020 is included under the " ShareBased Awards " column in the Summary Compensation Table.
OFFICER DEFERRED SHARE UNIT PLAN
The Company adopted the Officer DSU Plan effective November 29, 2019, a copy of which is available on the Company's website at www.prairiesky.com/governance. Pursuant to the Officer DSU Plan, the Board may grant ODSUs to officers from time to time and the Governance and Compensation Committee may determine the vesting schedule of the ODSUs (if any). The purposes of the Officer DSU Plan is to assist the Company in attracting and retaining individuals with experience and ability to act as officers and employees of the Company and to promote a proprietary interest in the Company and a greater alignment of interests between officers and the shareholders.
Upon a grant of ODSUs, an officer's account will be credited with notional ODSUs. When a cash dividend is paid on Common Shares, if any, each officer's ODSU account will be allocated additional ODSUs calculated by dividing: (i) the value of dividends that would have been paid to such officer if the ODSUs recorded in his or her account had been Common Shares; by (ii) the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on the date immediately prior to the date the cash dividend is paid. Where the date on which the dividends are deemed to be paid on the ODSU falls within a Blackout Period (as defined in the Officer DSU Plan), then the deemed dividend payment date shall automatically occur and be effective on the second Trading Day (as defined in the Officer DSU Plan) immediately following the end of such Blackout Period.
The ODSUs granted under the Officer DSU Plan may be redeemed by the officer for a lump sum cash payment following the later of: (i) the date the officer ceased to actively perform active day-to-day duties; and (ii) the end of the notice period applicable to the officer's termination of employment (the " Officer's Termination Date "). In the case of an officer whose employment ceases for any other reason than Just Cause (as defined in the Officer DSU Plan) or as a result of voluntary resignation (other than a bona fide retirement), all ODSUs will vest and the value of the ODSUs credited to the officer's account will be redeemable by the officer (or his or her estate, if the officer has died) following the Officer's Termination Date. In the case of an officer whose employment has been terminated for Just Cause or who has voluntarily resigned (other than a bona fide retirement), the value of all vested ODSUs credited to the officer's account will be redeemable following the Officer's Termination Date, but no unvested ODSUs will be redeemable. Upon a Change of Control (as defined in the Officer DSU Plan), all ODSUs credited to an officer's account will vest.
Following an Officer's Termination Date, the former officer will be entitled to redeem his or her ODSUs for a lump sum cash payment equal to the value calculated by multiplying the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX (or any such stock exchange on which the Common Shares are then listed) on the date immediately prior to the date on which the officer provides written notice of redemption to the Company by the number of ODSUs in the former officer's account, net of applicable withholdings. There is no ability for the Company to settle any redeemed ODSUs in Common Shares of the Company. If the former officer does not redeem his or her vested ODSUs within fifteen business days following the Officer's Termination Date, the ODSUs shall be automatically redeemed on the fifteenth business day following the Officer's
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Termination Date. The Corporation may defer the payment of the cash lump sum to a date no later than December 31 of the first calendar year following the Officer's Termination Date, notwithstanding any notice of redemption by the officer. The foregoing deferral payment option does not apply following a Change of Control.
An aggregate of 40,258 ODSUs were granted on January 1, 2020, all of which were granted to the CEO, COO and CFO. This grant represents 12.5% of the CEO, COO and CFO's long-term incentive awards for 2020. An aggregate of 120,338 ODSUs were granted on January 1, 2021, all of which were granted to the CEO, COO and CFO. This grant represents 25% of the CEO, COO and CFO’s long-term incentive awards for 2021. See " Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Letter of Introduction – Board Chair and " Governance and Compensation Committee Chair .
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following sets forth information in respect of securities authorized for issuance under PrairieSky's equity compensation plans as at December 31, 2020.
| Plan Category | # of Common Shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding rights(1)(2) |
% of total Common Shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding rights(3)(4) |
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding rights ($)(1) |
# of Common Shares available for future issuance under equity compensation plans |
% of Common Shares available for future issuance under equity compensation plans(3) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity compensation plans approved bysecurityholders |
2,359,702 | 1.1% | 22.62 | 8,805,298 | 79% |
| Equity compensation plans not approved bysecurityholders |
n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Total | 2,359,702 | 1.1% | 22.62 | 8,805,298 | 79% |
Notes:
-
(1) As at December 31, 2020, there were Options to purchase 1,566,207 Common Shares granted under the Option Plan with an average exercise price of $22.62 and a weighted average remaining life of 2.3 years. As at March 3, 2021, there were Options to purchase 1,328,344 Common Shares outstanding under the Option Plan with an average exercise price of $22.64 and a weighted average remaining life of 2.57 years. As approval for unallocated options under the Option Plan was not sought at the 2020 annual general meeting held on April 21, 2020, any future grants of Options will need to be ratified by shareholders prior to exercise in accordance with the policies of the TSX. The Governance and Compensation Committee and the Board currently have no intention of granting Options in the future.
-
(2) As at December 31, 2020, there were 793,495 Common Shares issuable pursuant to outstanding share unit awards, including dividend entitlements, pursuant to the Original Incentive Plan, assuming in each case that all PSUs vested and were applied a payout multiplier of 1.0x. In the event all PSUs vested and were applied a payout multiplier of the maximum of 2.0x, 1,448,873 Common Shares would be issuable pursuant to outstanding share unit awards. As at March 3, 2021, there were 590,463 Common Shares issuable pursuant to outstanding share unit awards, including dividend entitlements, assuming a 1.0x payout multiplier, and 1,103,086 Common Shares issuable pursuant to outstanding share unit awards assuming a maximum 2.0x payout multiplier. No Common Shares are issuable pursuant to share unit awards granted under the 2021 Incentive Plan.
(3) At December 31, 2020, there were 223,300,000 Common Shares outstanding. The total dilution from our long-term incentive award plans is limited to 5% of the outstanding Common Shares.
- (4) The number of Common Shares issued from treasury pursuant to Option exercises and vesting of share unit awards during the year ended December 31, 2020 was $nil, reflecting nil% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares at December 31, 2020. See " Option Value Realized During the Year " on page 68.
ANNUAL BURN RATE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The following sets forth the number of Options and share unit awards granted during the periods noted below and the potential dilutive effect of such Options and share unit awards.
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| Period | Share Unit Awards Granted(1) |
Share Unit Awards Granted(1) |
Options Granted |
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burn | Rate(2) | |||||||
| RSUs | PSUs | 0x | 1x | 1.5x | 2x | |||
| 2020 | 80,491 | 241,546 | 270,186 | 229,603,738 | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| 2019 | 76,469 | 240,238 | 564,316 | 233,593,204 | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.5% |
| 2018 | 46,850 | 126,560 | 279,722 | 235,122,239 | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% |
Notes:
(1) Assumes that all share unit awards are paid out in Common Shares.
(2) The burn rate for a given period is calculated by dividing the number of Options and share unit awards granted during such period by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during such period. A payout multiplier of 0.0x-2.0x has been assigned to PSUs for each annual grant. At March 3, 2021, the annual burn rate, based on a 0x to 2x multiplier is 0.2% to 0.4%.
For further information regarding the outstanding Options and share unit awards held by the Named Executive Officers, see " Executive Compensation – Outstanding Option-Based and Share-Based Awards " and " Executive Compensation – Option-Based Awards, Share-Based Awards and Non-Equity Compensation – Value Vested or Earned in 2020 ".
Interest of Informed Persons in Material Transactions
There were no material interests, direct or indirect, of any Informed Person of the Company (as defined in National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations ) or proposed director or any known associate or affiliate of such persons, in any transaction since the commencement of our last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or would materially affect us or any of our subsidiaries.
Interest of Certain Persons and Companies in Matters to be Acted Upon
Management of the Company is not aware of any material interest of any director or executive officer or anyone who has held office as such since the beginning of our last financial year or of any associate or affiliate of any of the foregoing in any matter to be acted on at the meeting, save as is disclosed herein.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-looking Statements
Certain statements and information contained in this information circular and proxy statement relate to matters that are not historical facts and may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are identified by the use of words such as "could", "should", "anticipate", "expect", "will", "may" and similar expressions and statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analysis made by PrairieSky in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends and expected future developments as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to PrairieSky's expectations is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from PrairieSky's expectations.
By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control, including the impact of general economic conditions, the COVID-19 pandemic, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, currency fluctuations, imprecision of reserve estimates, royalties, environmental risks, taxation, regulation, changes in tax or other legislation, competition from other industry participants, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility, and our ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. The foregoing and
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other risks are described in more detail in PrairieSky's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the AIF under the heading " Risk Management " and " Risk Factors ", respectively, each of which is available under the Company’s SEDAR profile.
Further, any forward-looking statement is made only as of the date of this information circular and proxy statement, and PrairieSky undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable securities laws. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for PrairieSky to predict all of these factors or to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on PrairieSky's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements contained in this information circular and proxy statement are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Additional Information
PrairieSky undertakes to provide, upon request, a copy of the year end 2020 financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis, as well as a copy of the AIF, subsequent interim financial statements and this information circular and proxy statement. The AIF also contains disclosure relating to our Audit Committee and the fees paid to KPMG LLP in 2020 and 2019. Copies of these documents may be obtained on request without charge from PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. at 1700, 350 – 7[th] Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3N9, telephone (587) 293-4000 or our website www.prairiesky.com or by accessing the disclosure documents available through the Internet on the Canadian System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) website.
Information contained in or otherwise accessible through the Company's website at www.prairiesky.com does not form a part of this information circular and proxy statement and is not incorporated into this information circular and proxy statement by reference, including, for certainty and without limitation, PrairieSky's Responsibility Reports, Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures documents, as well as a reference index for Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) sustainability disclosures and PrairieSky's 2020 Communication on Progress in relation to the UN Global Compact which are available on the Company's website at www.prairiesky.com, each of which are referred to in this information circular and proxy statement.
Reference is made in this information circular and proxy statement to certain third-party industry sources and their websites. Information contained in or otherwise accessible through such websites does not form a part of this information circular and proxy statement and is not incorporated by reference into this information circular and proxy statement by reference.
Other Matters
Management of the Company knows of no amendment, variation or other matter to come before the Meeting other than the matters referred to in the notice of annual meeting. However, if any other matter properly comes before the Meeting, the accompanying proxy will be voted on such matter in accordance with the best judgment of the person voting the proxy.
The contents and the sending of this information circular and proxy statement have been approved by our directors.
Dated: March 3, 2021
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Appendix "A"
PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.
Board of Directors' Mandate
The fundamental responsibility of the board of directors (the " Board ") of PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. (" PrairieSky " or the " Company ") is to appoint a competent senior management team and to oversee the management of the business and affairs of the Company, with a view to maximizing shareholder value and ensuring corporate conduct in an ethical and legal manner via an appropriate system of corporate governance and internal controls.
In carrying out its mandate, the Board shall:
Senior Management Responsibility
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Appoint the President & Chief Executive Officer (" CEO ") and members of senior management of the Company, approve their compensation, and monitor the CEO's performance against a set of mutually agreed corporate objectives directed at benefitting all stakeholders and ensuring the long term sustainability of the Company.
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In conjunction with the CEO, develop a clear mandate for the CEO, which includes a delineation of senior management's responsibilities.
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Ensure that a process is established that adequately provides for succession planning, including appointing, training and monitoring of senior management.
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Establish limits of authority delegated to senior management.
Operational Effectiveness and Reporting
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Annual review and adoption of a strategic planning process and approval of the corporate strategic plan, which takes into account, among other things, the opportunities and risks of the Company's business.
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Ensure that a system is in place to identify the principal risks to the Company and that the best practical procedures are implemented to monitor, manage and mitigate the risks.
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Ensure that processes are in place to address applicable regulatory, corporate, securities and other compliance matters.
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Ensure that processes are in place for the Company to monitor the effectiveness of the Company's governance practices, environmental policies, health and safety practices and social practices, and address impacts that may arise or result from the Company's activities.
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Ensure that an adequate system of internal controls and management information systems exists.
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Ensure that due diligence processes and appropriate controls are in place with respect to applicable certification requirements regarding the Company's financial, reserves and other disclosure.
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Upon recommendation of the audit committee of the Board, review and approve the Company's financial statements and oversee the Company's compliance with applicable audit, accounting and reporting requirements.
-
Upon recommendation of the reserves committee of the Board, review and approve the content and filing of the annual disclosure of the Company's oil and gas activities, including reports and statements required under National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (as implemented by the Canadian Securities Administrators and as amended from time to time).
-
Approve annual budgets.
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Review and consider for approval all amendments or departures proposed by senior management from established strategy, budgets or matters of policy which diverge from the ordinary course of business of the Company.
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Review the financial performance results relative to established strategy, budgets and objectives.
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Review management reports with respect to the Company's principal risks, including but not limited to risks related to the environment, health and safety and social matters, including political and legal ramifications in addition to reputational consequences.
Integrity/Corporate Conduct
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Approve a communications policy or policies to ensure that a system for corporate communications to all stakeholders exists, including processes for consistent, transparent, regular and timely public disclosure, and to facilitate feedback from stakeholders.
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Approve the Business Code of Conduct that is applicable to directors, officers, employees and contractors of the Company, monitor the Company's compliance with the Business Code of Conduct and approve any waivers of the Business Code of Conduct for officers and directors.
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Satisfy itself of the integrity of the CEO and the other members of senior management and that the CEO and other members of senior management create a culture of integrity throughout the organization.
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Oversee and monitor the effectiveness of the Company's strategies and policies pertaining to the environment, social practices, health and safety, sustainable business practices and other corporate responsibility performance.
Board Process/Effectiveness
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Ensure that Board materials are distributed to directors in advance of regularly scheduled meetings to allow for sufficient review of the materials prior to such meetings. Directors are expected to attend all meetings and to review Board materials in advance of each meeting.
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Engage in the process of determining Board member qualifications, with the assistance of the Governance and Compensation Committee, including setting reasonable and measurable targets to build a diverse Board, as contemplated by the Company's Board Diversity Policy , and ensuring that a majority of directors qualify as independent directors within the meaning attributed to such
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term in National Instrument 58-101 – Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices (as implemented by the Canadian Securities Administrators and as amended from time to time).
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Approve the nomination of directors.
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Provide a comprehensive orientation to each new director.
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Establish an appropriate system of corporate governance, including practices to ensure the Board functions independently of management, as well as developing a set of corporate governance principles and guidelines.
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Establish appropriate practices for the regular evaluation of the effectiveness of the Board, its committees and its members.
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Establish committees and approve their respective mandates and the limits of authority delegated to each committee.
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Review and re-assess the adequacy of the Audit Committee Mandate on a regular basis, but not less frequently than on an annual basis.
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Review the adequacy and form of the directors' compensation to ensure it accurately reflects the responsibilities and risks involved in being a director.
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Each member of the Board is expected to understand the nature of the Company's business, and have an awareness of the political, economic and social trends prevailing in the areas in which the Company invests, or is contemplating potential investment, including but not limited to trends related to environmental, social and governance matters which are relevant to PrairieSky's shareholders.
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Independent directors shall meet regularly, and in no case less frequently than quarterly, without non-independent directors and management participation.
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In addition to the above, adhere to all other Board responsibilities as set forth in the Company's articles and by-laws, the Company's Business Code of Conduct and any related policies, practices and guidelines, as approved and implemented by the Board and senior management from time to time, and other statutory and regulatory obligations.
Miscellaneous
The Board may engage outside resources as deemed advisable.
The Board shall review this mandate on a periodic basis.
Effective: April 11, 2014, amended and restated February 10, 2020.
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