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Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. — Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement 2021
Dec 29, 2021
46271_rns_2021-12-29_a6b539af-0f59-40bd-80fc-883268ba768f.pdf
Proxy Solicitation & Information Statement
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ALLIED COPPER CORP.
401 – 217 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M5V 0R2
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR
as at December 15, 2021
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
THIS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR IS FURNISHED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOLICITATION BY THE MANAGEMENT OF ALLIED COPPER CORP. (the “ Company ”) of proxies to be used at the annual general and special meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Suite 520 – 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W2 at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific time), and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (the “ Meeting ”) for the purposes set out in the accompanying notice of meeting (the “ Notice ”). Although it is expected that the solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail, proxies may also be solicited personally or by telephone, facsimile or other proxy solicitation services. In accordance with National Instrument 54-101 - Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer (“ NI 54-101 ”), arrangements have been made with brokerage houses and clearing agencies, custodians, nominees, fiduciaries or other intermediaries to send the Notice, this management information circular (“ Circular ”), the consolidated annual financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended June 30, 2021 and related management’s discussion and analysis and other meeting materials, if applicable (collectively the “ Meeting Materials ”) to the beneficial owners of the common shares of the Company (the “ Common Shares ”) held of record by such parties. The Company may reimburse such parties for reasonable fees and disbursements incurred by them in doing so. The costs of the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. The Company may also retain, and pay a fee to, one or more professional proxy solicitation firms to solicit proxies from the shareholders of the Company in favour of the matters set forth in the Notice.
COVID-19 GUIDANCE
In the context of the effort to mitigate potential risk to the health and safety associated with COVID-19 and in compliance with the orders and directives of the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto, the shareholders are being discouraged from attending the Meeting in person. All shareholders are encouraged to vote on the matters before the Meeting by proxy in the manner set out herein and in the accompanying management information circular dated December 15, 2021 of the Company.
APPOINTMENT AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
A Registered Shareholder may vote in person at the Meeting or may appoint another person to represent such Registered Shareholder as proxy and to vote the Common Shares of such Registered Shareholder at the Meeting. In order to appoint another person as proxy, a Registered Shareholder must complete, execute and deliver the form of proxy accompanying this Circular, or another proper form of proxy, in the manner specified in the Notice.
The purpose of a form of proxy is to designate persons who will vote on the shareholder’s behalf in accordance with the instructions given by the shareholder in the form of proxy. The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy are officers or directors of the Company . A REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER DESIRING TO APPOINT SOME OTHER PERSON, WHO NEED NOT BE A SHAREHOLDER OF THE COMPANY, TO REPRESENT HIM OR HER AT THE MEETING MAY DO SO BY
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FILLING IN THE NAME OF SUCH PERSON IN THE BLANK SPACE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF PROXY OR BY COMPLETING ANOTHER PROPER FORM OF PROXY. A Registered Shareholder wishing to be represented by proxy at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof must, in all cases, deposit the completed form of proxy with the Company’s transfer agent and registrar, TSX Trust Company (the “ Transfer Agent ”) not later than 10:00 a.m. (Pacific time) on Monday, January 17, 2022 or, if the Meeting is adjourned, not later than 48 hours, excluding Saturdays and holidays, preceding the time of such adjourned Meeting at which the form of proxy is to be used. A form of proxy should be executed by the Registered Shareholder or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing or, if the Registered Shareholder is a corporation, by an officer or attorney thereof duly authorized.
Proxies may be deposited with the Transfer Agent using one of the following methods:
| By Mail or Hand Delivery: | TSX Trust Company Suite 301, 100 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H 4H1 |
|---|---|
| Facsimile: | 416-595-9593 |
| By Internet: | www.voteproxyonline.com You will need to provide your 12 digit control number (located on the form of proxy accompanying this Circular) |
A Registered Shareholder attending the Meeting has the right to vote in person and, if he or she does so, his or her form of proxy is nullified with respect to the matters such person votes upon at the Meeting and any subsequent matters thereafter to be voted upon at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
A Registered Shareholder who has given a form of proxy may revoke the form of proxy at any time prior to using it: (a) depositing an instrument in writing, including another completed form of proxy, executed by such Registered Shareholder or by his or her attorney authorized in writing or by electronic signature or, if the Registered Shareholder is a corporation, by an authorized officer or attorney thereof at, or by transmitting by telephone or electronic means, a revocation signed, subject to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), by electronic signature, to (i) the registered office of the Company, located at 393 University Ave., Suite 1810, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1E6, at any time prior to 10:00 a.m. (Pacific time) on the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting or any adjournment thereof or (ii) with the Chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting or any adjournment thereof; or (b) in any other manner permitted by law.
EXERCISE OF DISCRETION BY PROXIES
The Common Shares represented by proxies in favour of management nominees will be voted or withheld from voting in accordance with the instructions of the Registered Shareholder on any ballot that may be called for and, if a Registered Shareholder specifies a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon at the meeting, the Common Shares represented by the proxy shall be voted accordingly. Where no choice is specified, the proxy will confer discretionary authority and will be voted for the election of directors, for the appointment of auditors and the authorization of the directors to fix their remuneration and for each item of special business, as stated elsewhere in this Circular.
The enclosed form of proxy also confers discretionary authority upon the persons named therein to vote with respect to any amendments or variations to the matters identified in the Notice and with respect to other matters which may properly come before the Meeting in such manner as such nominee in his judgment may determine. At the time of printing this Circular, the management of the Company knows of no such amendments, variations or other matters to come before the Meeting.
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ADVICE TO NON-REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS
The information set forth in this section is of significant importance to many shareholders of the Company, as a substantial number of shareholders of the Company do not hold Common Shares in their own name. Only Registered Shareholders or the persons they appoint as their proxies are permitted to attend and vote at the Meeting and only forms of proxy deposited by Registered Shareholders will be recognized and acted upon at the Meeting. Common Shares beneficially owned by a Non-Registered Holder are registered either: (i) in the name of an intermediary (an “ Intermediary ”) with whom the Non-Registered Holder deals in respect of the Common Shares (Intermediaries include, among others, banks, trust companies, securities dealers or brokers and trustees or administrators of self-administered RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs and similar plans); or (ii) in the name of a clearing agency (such as CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. (“ CDS ”)) (a “ Clearing Agency ”) of which the Intermediary is a participant. Accordingly, such Intermediaries and Clearing Agencies would be the Registered Shareholders and would appear as such on the list maintained by the Transfer Agent. Non-Registered Holders do not appear on the list of the Registered Shareholders maintained by the Transfer Agent.
Distribution of Meeting Materials to Non-Registered Holders
In accordance with the requirements of NI 54-101, the Company has distributed copies of the Meeting Materials to the Clearing Agencies and Intermediaries for onward distribution to Non-Registered Holders as well as directly to NOBOs (as defined below).
Non-Registered Holders fall into two categories - those who object to their identity being known to the issuers of securities which they own (“ OBOs ”) and those who do not object to their identity being made known to the issuers of the securities which they own (“ NOBOs ”). Subject to the provisions of NI 54101, issuers may request and obtain a list of their NOBOs from Intermediaries directly or via their transfer agent and may obtain and use the NOBO list for the distribution of proxy-related materials to such NOBOs. If you are a NOBO and the Company or its agent has sent the Meeting Materials directly to you, your name, address and information about your holdings of Common Shares have been obtained in accordance with applicable securities regulatory requirements from the Intermediary holding the Common Shares on your behalf.
The Company’s OBOs can expect to be contacted by their Intermediary. The Company does not intend to pay for Intermediaries to deliver the Meeting Materials to OBOs and it is the responsibility of such Intermediaries to ensure delivery of the Meeting Materials to their OBOs.
Voting by Non-Registered Holders
The Common Shares held by Non-Registered Holders can only be voted or withheld from voting at the direction of the Non-Registered Holder. Without specific instructions, Intermediaries or Clearing Agencies are prohibited from voting Common Shares on behalf of Non-Registered Holders. Therefore, each Non-Registered Holder should ensure that voting instructions are communicated to the appropriate person well in advance of the Meeting.
The various Intermediaries have their own mailing procedures and provide their own return instructions to Non- Registered Holders, which should be carefully followed by Non-Registered Holders in order to ensure that their Common Shares are voted at the Meeting.
Non-Registered Holders will receive either a voting instruction form or, less frequently, a form of proxy. The purpose of these forms is to permit Non-Registered Holders to direct the voting of the
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Common Shares they beneficially own. Non-Registered Holders should follow the procedures set out below, depending on which type of form they receive.
A. Voting Instruction Form. In most cases, a Non-Registered Holder will receive, as part of the Meeting Materials, a voting instruction form (a “ VIF ”). If the Non-Registered Holder does not wish to attend and vote at the Meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the Non-Registered Holder’s behalf), the VIF must be completed, signed and returned in accordance with the directions on the form.
or,
B. Form of Proxy. Less frequently, a Non-Registered Holder will receive, as part of the Meeting Materials, a form of proxy that has already been signed by the Intermediary (typically by a facsimile, stamped signature) which is restricted as to the number of Common Shares beneficially owned by the NonRegistered Holder but which is otherwise not completed. If the Non-Registered Holder does not wish to attend and vote at the Meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the Non-Registered Holder’s behalf), the Non-Registered Holder must complete and sign the form of proxy and in accordance with the directions on the form.
Voting by Non-Registered Holders at the Meeting
Although a Non-Registered Holder may not be recognized directly at the Meeting for the purposes of voting Common Shares registered in the name of an Intermediary or a Clearing Agency, a NonRegistered Holder may attend the Meeting as proxyholder for the Registered Shareholder who holds Common Shares beneficially owned by such Non-Registered Holder and vote such Common Shares as a proxyholder. A Non-Registered Holder who wishes to attend the Meeting and to vote their Common Shares as proxyholder for the Registered Shareholder who holds Common Shares beneficially owned by such Non-Registered Holder, should (a) if they received a VIF, follow the directions indicated on the VIF; or (b) if they received a form of proxy strike out the names of the persons named in the form of proxy and insert the Non-Registered Holder’s or its nominees name in the blank space provided.
Non-Registered Holders should carefully follow the instructions of their Intermediaries, including those instructions regarding when and where the VIF or the form of proxy is to be delivered.
All references to shareholders in the Meeting Materials are to Registered Shareholders as set forth on the list of registered shareholders of the Company as maintained by the Transfer Agent, unless specifically stated otherwise.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES
As of December 15, 2021 (the “ Record Date ”), there were a total of 38,075,752 issued and outstanding. Each Common Share outstanding on the Record Date carries the right to one vote at the Meeting.
Only Registered Shareholders as of the Record Date are entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting. On a show of hands, every Registered Shareholder and proxy holder will have one vote and, on a poll, every Registered Shareholder present in person or represented by proxy will have one vote for each Common Share held.
To the knowledge of the Company’s directors and executive officers, as of the date hereof, no person or company beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over, Common Shares carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to the outstanding Common Shares.
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INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED ON
No director or executive officer of the Company who was a director or executive officer at any time since the beginning of the Company’s last financial year, or any associate or affiliates of any such directors or officers, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Meeting other than as disclosed in this Circular.
PARTICULARS OF MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
To the knowledge of the board of directors of the Company (the “ Board ”), the matters to be brought before the Meeting are those matters set forth in the accompanying Notice.
1. PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended June 30, 2021 and the report of the auditors shall be placed before the shareholders at the Meeting. No vote will be taken on the financial statements. The financial statements and additional information concerning the Company are available under the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com.
2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board currently consists of five directors to be elected annually. The term of office of each director will be from the date of the Meeting at which he or she is elected until the next annual meeting, or until his successor is elected or appointed.
PROXIES RECEIVED IN FAVOUR OF MANAGEMENT WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE PROPOSED NOMINEES, UNLESS THE SHAREHOLDER HAS SPECIFIED IN THE PROXY THAT HIS OR HER SHARES ARE TO BE WITHHELD FROM VOTING IN RESPECT THEREOF. MANAGEMENT HAS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT ANY OF THE NOMINEES WILL BE UNABLE TO SERVE AS A DIRECTOR BUT, IF A NOMINEE IS FOR ANY REASON UNAVAILABLE TO SERVE AS A DIRECTOR, PROXIES IN FAVOUR OF MANAGEMENT WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOUR OF THE REMAINING NOMINEES AND MAY BE VOTED FOR A SUBSTITUTE NOMINEE UNLESS THE SHAREHOLDER HAS SPECIFIED IN THE PROXY THAT HIS OR HER SHARES ARE TO BE WITHHELD FROM VOTING IN RESPECT OF THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.
The following table states the names of the persons nominated by management for election as directors, any offices with the Company currently held by them, their principal occupations or employment, the period or periods of service as directors of the Company and the approximate number of voting securities of the Company beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or over which control or direction is exercised as of the date hereof.
| Number of Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name, province or state and | Percentage of | |||
| Served as Director | Shares beneficially | |||
| country of residence and | Principal Occupation | of the Company |
owned, directly or |
Voting Shares |
position if any held in the |
Owned or |
|||
| , , Company |
since | indirectly, or controlled | Controlled |
|
| or directed at present(1) | ||||
| Richard L. Tremblay BC, Canada President, CEO & Director |
Senior Office of Public Company |
Oct 27, 2021 | 673,167 shares | 1.76% |
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| J. Campbell Smyth(3) Perth, Australia Director |
Company Director | Oct 27, 2021 | 815,000 shares | 2.14% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Hookey BC, Canada Director |
VP, Corporate Finance | Oct 27, 2021 | 524,909 shares(2) | 1.38% |
| David Eaton(3) BC, Canada Director |
Chairman | Oct 27, 2021 | 400,000 shares | 1.05% |
| Warner Uhl(3) BC, Canada Director |
Regional Director | Oct 27, 2021 | 275,000 shares | 0.72% |
Notes:
(1) The information as to voting securities beneficially owned, controlled or directed, not being within the knowledge of the Company, has been furnished by the respective nominees individually.
(2) Of these shares, 102,688 are held directly and 422,221 are held by Eagle Claw Investments Pty Ltd. ATF Hookey Investment Trust, a wholly owned company of Mr. Hookey.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee.
Details of Directors Not Previously Elected by a Shareholder Vote
Richard L. Tremblay
Mr. Tremblay has over 15 years of experience in the resource business sector. In 2006 he entered the venture capital and junior resource markets industry and founded Golden Ears Consulting Ltd. Later, he worked for both public and private companies in sales of geophysical surveys, investor relations/corporate communications and corporate development. Richard has assisted in raising capital for several public and private companies across different sectors and was named CEO of Pacific Potash Corporation in February 2012. His long and varied experience throughout his career has provided him with a strong work ethic which he brings to Allied Copper, as well as the tools to evaluate and navigate the complex workings of an emerging public company.
J. Campbell Smyth
Mr. Smyth has fifteen years of experience in managed portfolio investing (in both mutual and hedge funds) and over twenty-five years of experience in corporate financing and capital raising. He currently serves as Chairman and Director of Norseman Silver and as a Director of Nubian Resources Ltd., both listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. Campbell has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Western Australia in 1990, he holds the designation of an authorized securities representative granted by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission as of 2001, and he is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Kyle Hookey
Mr. Hookey has over nine years’ experience in international capital markets, consulting across the capital structure for corporate transactions and broad investment portfolio mandates. Mr. Hookey specializes in providing advisory in M&A, transaction financing and corporate restructuring and has advised across both private and public companies, primarily in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. Mr. Hookey is a Partner of Cronin Capital Corp., a natural resource focused merchant banking group based in Vancouver, Canada, Non-Executive Director of TSX-V listed Allied Copper Corp., VP, Corporate Finance of TSX-V
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listed Imperial Helium Corp. and Non-Executive Director of LSE listed Cloudbreak Discovery Plc. Mr. Hookey is a CFA® Charterholder.
David Eaton
Mr. Eaton started in the capital markets in 1981 as a floor trader at the Vancouver Stock Exchange. Throughout his career he has been active in all aspects of the corporate finance industry, consulting to both public and private companies in the areas of investor relations, financing and corporate transactions. David’s experience and involvement in businesses spans many industries including real estate, mining, tourism, retail, manufacturing and marketing and distribution. David served as CEO of Jayden Resources Inc. and as a Director or consultant to many Canadian public companies including Novo Resources Corp., Confederation Minerals Ltd. and Kariana Resource Inc. Currently, David serves as the Chairman of Baron Global Financial Canada Ltd.
Warner Uhl
Mr. Uhl has more than 30 years’ experience as a senior mining professional. He has worked in executive management with mining, construction, and engineering companies to help bring resource projects from exploration, feasibility studies to operating facilities. He has extensive executive management experience working in the Americas and Australia. He has guided resource companies in Western United States in improving return on investment and meeting business targets. Mr. Uhl has provided in depth review of acquisition targets and capital development.
Corporate Cease Trade Orders or Bankruptcies
Other than as set forth below, no proposed director, within 10 years before the date of this Circular, has been a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company that:
-
(a) was subject to: (i) a cease trade order; (ii) an order similar to a cease trade order; or (iii) an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days (collectively, an “ Order ”) and that was issued while the proposed director was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or
-
(b) was subject to an Order that was issued after the proposed director ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer.
Other than as set forth below, no proposed director, within 10 years before the date of this Circular, has been a director or executive officer of any company that, while the proposed director was acting in that capacity, or within a year of the proposed director ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets.
Personal Bankruptcies
None of the directors of the Company have, within the 10 years before the date of this Circular, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of such person.
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Penalties and Sanctions
None of the directors of the Company have 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 been subject to 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.
3. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
At the Meeting, S&W LLP, Professional Chartered Accountants will be recommended by management and the board of directors for re-appointment as auditor of the Company at a remuneration to be fixed by the directors.
At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to pass an ordinary resolution re-appointing S&W LLP, Professional Chartered Accountant, as auditor of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of the shareholders or until such firm is removed from office or resigns as provided by law and to authorize the Board of Directors of the Company to fix the remuneration to be paid to the auditor.
PROXIES RECEIVED IN FAVOUR OF MANAGEMENT WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOUR OF THE APPOINTMENT OF S&W LLP, CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS, AS AUDITORS OF THE COMPANY TO HOLD OFFICE UNTIL THE NEXT ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS AND THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE DIRECTORS TO FIX THEIR REMUNERATION, UNLESS THE SHAREHOLDER HAS SPECIFIED IN THE PROXY THAT HIS OR HER COMMON SHARES ARE TO BE WITHHELD FROM VOTING IN RESPECT THEREOF.
4. APPROVAL AND CONFIRMATION OF STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company has adopted a "rolling" stock option plan (the “ Stock Option Plan ”) for officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company. The Stock Option Plan provides for the issue of stock options to acquire up to 10% of the Company's issued and outstanding Common Shares as at the date of grant, subject to standard anti- dilution adjustment. This is a "rolling plan" as the number of Common Shares reserved for issue pursuant to the grant of stock options will increase as the Company’s issued and outstanding share capital increases. At no time will more than 10% of the outstanding Common Shares be subject to grant under the Stock Option Plan. If a stock option expires, is exercised or otherwise terminates for any reason, the number of Common Shares in respect of that expired, exercised or terminated stock option shall again be available for the purpose of the Stock Option Plan. The principal features of the Stock Option Plan are described in more detail below in the section entitled " Statement of Executive Compensation – Stock Option Plan and other Incentive Plans ".
The Stock Option Plan is a “rolling” stock option plan and, under Policy 4.4 of the TSX Venture Exchange (“ TSXV ”), a listed company on the TSXV is required to obtain the approval of its shareholders for a "rolling" stock option plan at each annual meeting of shareholders. Accordingly, shareholders will be asked to approve the following resolution:
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“ WHEREAS the policies of the TSXV require annual shareholder approval for the continuation of the Stock Option Plan;
" BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
-
the Stock Option Plan of the Company as described in the management information circular dated December 15, 2021, be and it is hereby confirmed and approved.
-
Any one officer or director of the Company be and is hereby authorized for and on behalf of the Company to execute and deliver all such instruments and documents and to perform and do all such acts and things as may be deemed advisable in such individual’s discretion for the purpose of giving effect to this resolution, the execution of any such documents or the doing of any such other act or thing being conclusive evidence of such determination."
In accordance with the policies of the TSXV, the Stock Option Plan must be approved by the majority of votes cast at the Meeting on the resolution.
PROXIES RECEIVED IN FAVOUR OF THE RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE STOCK OPTION PLAN, UNLESS THE SHAREHOLDER HAS SPECIFIED IN THE PROXY THAT HIS OR HER COMMON SHARES ARE TO BE WITHHELD FROM VOTING IN RESPECT THEREOF.
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Under applicable securities legislation, the Company is required to disclose certain financial and other information relating to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the most highly compensated executive officer of the Company as at June 30, 2021 whose total compensation was more than $150,000 for the financial year of the Company ended June 30, 2021 (collectively the “ Named Executive Officers ”) and for the directors of the Company.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table provides a summary of compensation paid, directly or indirectly, for each of the two most recently completed financial years to the Named Executive Officers and the directors of the Company:
| TABLE OF COMPENSATION EXCLUDING COMPENSATION SECURITIES(1) | TABLE OF COMPENSATION EXCLUDING COMPENSATION SECURITIES(1) | TABLE OF COMPENSATION EXCLUDING COMPENSATION SECURITIES(1) | TABLE OF COMPENSATION EXCLUDING COMPENSATION SECURITIES(1) | TABLE OF COMPENSATION EXCLUDING COMPENSATION SECURITIES(1) | TABLE OF COMPENSATION EXCLUDING COMPENSATION SECURITIES(1) | TABLE OF COMPENSATION EXCLUDING COMPENSATION SECURITIES(1) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salary, lti f |
|||||||
| Value of all | |||||||
| Name and position | Year | consung ee, retainer or |
Bonus ($) | Committee or meeting fees ($) |
Value of perquisites ($) |
other compensation |
Total compensation |
| commission ($) |
($) |
($) | |||||
| Richard L. Tremblay(2) President, CEO & Director |
2021 2020 |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
| Morgan Tiernan(3) CFO |
2021 2020 |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
| J. Campbell Smyth(4) Director |
2021 2020 |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
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| David Eaton(5) Director |
2021 2020 |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Hookey(6) Director |
2021 2020 |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
| Warner Uhl(7) Director |
2021 2020 |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
| David Robinson(8) former CFO & Director |
2021 2020 |
90,000 Nil |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
90,000 Nil |
| Aleem Nathwani(9) former Director |
2021 2020 |
22,500 Nil |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
22,500 Nil |
| David Hergenhein(10) former Director |
2021 2020 |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
Nil Nil |
Notes:
-
(1) This table does not include any amount paid as reimbursement for expenses.
-
(2) Richard L. Tremblay was appointed as President, CEO and a Director on October 27, 2021.
-
(3) Morgan Tiernan was appointed as CFO on July 28, 2021.
-
(4) J. Campbell Smyth was appointed as a Director on October 27, 2021.
-
(5) David Eaton was appointed as a Director on October 27, 2021.
-
(6) Kyle Hookey was appointed as a Director on October 27, 2021.
-
(7) Warner Uhl was appointed as a Director on October 27, 2021.
-
(8) David Robinson resigned as CFO on July 28, 2021 and as a Director on October 27, 2021.
-
(9) Aleem Nathwani resigned as a Director on October 27, 2021.
-
(10) David Hergenhein resigned as a Director on October 27, 2021.
Stock Options and Other Compensation Securities
No compensation securities were granted or issued to any Named Executive Officer or to any director of the Company during the most recently completed financial year of the Company for services provided or to be provided, directly or indirectly, to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
None of the Named Executive Officers or directors of the Company exercised any compensation securities during the most recently completed financial year of the Company.
Stock Option Plan and other Incentive Plans
The Company has in place a “rolling” stock option plan (the “ Stock Option Plan ”) which was approved by the shareholders at the annual and special meeting of the Company held on December 2, 2020.
The purpose of the Stock Option Plan is to, among other things, encourage Common Share ownership in the Company by directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its affiliates and other designated persons. Options may be granted under the Stock Option Plan only to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries and other designated persons as designated from time to time by the Board. The number of options which may be issued under the Stock Option Plan is limited to 10% of the number of Common Shares outstanding at the time of the grant of the options. As at the date hereof, there are 3,807,575 Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Stock Option Plan. Any Common Shares subject to an option which, for any reason, is cancelled or terminated prior to exercise will be available for a subsequent grant under the Stock Option Plan. The option price of any
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Common Shares cannot be less than the market price of the Common Shares. Options granted under the Stock Option Plan may be exercised during a period not exceeding ten years, subject to earlier termination upon the termination of the optionee’s employment, upon the optionee ceasing to be an employee, officer, director or consultant of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or ceasing to have a designated relationship with the Company, as applicable, or upon the optionee retiring, becoming permanently disabled or dying. The options are non-transferable. The Stock Option Plan contains provisions for adjustment in the number of Common Shares issuable thereunder in the event of a subdivision, consolidation, reclassification or change of the Common Shares, a merger or other relevant changes in the Company’s capitalization. Subject to shareholder approval in certain circumstances, the Board may from time to time amend or revise the terms of the Stock Option Plan or may terminate the Stock Option Plan at any time. The Stock Option Plan does not contain any provision for financial assistance by the Company in respect of options granted under the Stock Option Plan.
The Company has no equity compensation plans other than the Stock Option Plan.
Employment, Consulting and Management Agreements
The Company does not have in place any employment agreements between the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof and its Named Executive Officers.
There are no employment agreements in place with any of the directors of the Company.
Oversight and Description of Director and Named Executive Officer Compensation
Compensation of Directors
The Board, at the recommendation of the management of the Company, determines the compensation payable to the directors of the Company and reviews such compensation periodically throughout the year. For their role as directors of the Company, each director of the Company who is not a Named Executive Officer may, from time to time, be awarded stock options under the provisions of the Stock Option Plan. There are no other arrangements under which the directors of the Company who are not Named Executive Officers were compensated by the Company or its subsidiaries during the most recently completed financial year end for their services in their capacity as directors of the Company.
Compensation of Named Executive Officers
Principles of Executive Compensation
The Company believes in linking an individual’s compensation to his or her performance and contribution as well as to the performance of the Company as a whole. The primary components of the Company’s executive compensation are base salary and option-based awards. The Board believes that the mix between base salary and incentives must be reviewed and tailored to each executive based on their role within the organization as well as their own personal circumstances. The overall goal is to successfully link compensation to the interests of the shareholders. The following principles form the basis of the Company’s executive compensation program:
-
align interest of executives and shareholders;
-
attract and motivate executives who are instrumental to the success of the Company and the enhancement of shareholder value;
-
pay for performance;
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-
ensure compensation methods have the effect of retaining those executives whose performance has enhanced the Company’s long-term value; and
-
connect, if possible, the Company’s employees into principles 1 through 4 above.
The Board is responsible for the Company’s compensation policies and practices. The Board has the responsibility to review and make recommendations concerning the compensation of the directors of the Company and the Named Executive Officers. The Board also has the responsibility to make recommendations concerning annual bonuses and grants to eligible persons under the Stock Option Plan. The Board also reviews and approves the hiring of executive officers.
Base Salary
The Board approves the salary ranges for the Named Executive Officers. The base salary review for each Named Executive Officer is based on assessment of factors such as current competitive market conditions, compensation levels within the peer group and particular skills, such as leadership ability and management effectiveness, experience, responsibility and proven or expected performance of the particular individual. Comparative data for the Company’s peer group is also accumulated from a number of external sources including independent consultants. The Company’s policy for determining salary for executive officers of the Company is consistent with the administration of salaries for all other employees.
Annual Incentives
The Company is not currently awarding any annual incentives by way of cash bonuses. However, the Company, in its discretion, may award such incentives in order to motivate executives to achieve shortterm corporate goals. The Board approves annual incentives.
The success of Named Executive Officers in achieving their individual objectives and their contribution to the Company in reaching its overall goals are factors in the determination of their annual bonus. The Board assesses each Named Executive Officers’ performance on the basis of his or her respective contribution to the achievement of the predetermined corporate objectives, as well as to needs of the Company that arise on a day to day basis. This assessment is used by the Board in developing its recommendations with respect to the determination of annual bonuses for the Named Executive Officers.
Compensation and Measurements of Performance
It is the intention of the Board to approve targeted amounts of annual incentives for each Named Executive Officer at the beginning of each financial year. The targeted amounts will be determined by the Board based on a number of factors, including comparable compensation of similar companies.
Achieving predetermined individual and/or corporate targets and objectives, as well as general performance in day to day corporate activities, will trigger the award of a bonus payment to the Named Executive Officers. The Named Executive Officers will receive a partial or full incentive payment depending on the number of the predetermined targets met and the Board’s assessment of overall performance. The determination as to whether a target has been met is ultimately made by the Board and the Board reserves the right to make positive or negative adjustments to any bonus payment if they consider them to be appropriate.
Long Term Compensation
The Company currently has no long-term incentive plans, other than stock options granted from time to time by the Board under the provisions of the Stock Option Plan.
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Pension Disclosure
There are no pension plan benefits in place for the Named Executive Officers or the directors of the Company.
Termination and Change of Control Benefits
The Company does not have in place any pension or retirement plan. The Company has not provided compensation, monetary or otherwise, during the preceding fiscal year, to any person who now acts or has previously acted as a Named Executive Officer or director of the Company in connection with or related to the retirement, termination or resignation of such person. The Company has not provided any compensation to such persons as a result of a change of control of the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table sets forth information with respect to all compensation plans of the Company under which equity securities are authorized for issue as of June 30, 2021:
| Number of securities to be | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Weighted-average exercise |
Number of securities remaining |
||
| issued upon exercise of | |||
| Plan Category | outstanding options, |
price of outstanding options, | available for future issuance under |
| warrants and rights | equity compensation plans | ||
warrants and rights |
|||
| ($) | (#) | ||
| (#) | |||
| Equity compensation plans | Nil | Nil | Nil |
| approved by securityholders | |||
| Equity compensation plans not | Nil | Nil | 0 |
| approved by securityholders | |||
| Total: | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Note:
- (1) The Stock Option Plan is a “rolling” stock option plan whereby the maximum number of Common Shares that may be reserved for issuance pursuant to the Stock Option Plan will not exceed 10% of the issued shares of the Company at the time of the stock option grant. As at the date hereof, 3,807,575 Common Shares may be reserved for issuance pursuant to the Stock Option Plan.
INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
No director, executive officer or principal shareholder of the Company, or associate or affiliate of any of the foregoing, has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction within the preceding three years or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will materially affect the Company.
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
No director or officer of the Company or person who acted in such capacity in the last financial year of the Company, or any other individual who at any time during the most recently completed financial year of the Company was a director of the Company or any associate of the Company, is indebted to the Company, nor is any indebtedness of any such person to another entity the subject of a
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guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or other similar arrangement or understanding provided by the Company.
AUDIT COMMITTEE INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE INFORMATION CIRCULAR OF A VENTURE ISSUER
National Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committees (“ NI 52-110 ”) requires that certain information regarding the Audit Committee of a “venture issuer” (as that term is defined in NI 52-110) be included in the management information circular sent to shareholders in connection with the issuer’s annual meeting. The Company is a “venture issuer” for the purposes of NI 52-110.
Audit Committee Charter
The full text of the charter of the Company’s Audit Committee is attached hereto as Appendix “A”.
Composition of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee members are currently Warner Uhl, David Eaton and J. Campbell Smyth, each of whom is a director and financially literate. Messrs. Uhl, Eaton and Smyth are independent in accordance with NI 52-110.
Relevant Education and Experience
The following is a description of the education and experience of each member of the Audit Committee that is relevant to the performance of his responsibilities as an Audit Committee member and, in particular, any education or experience that would provide the member with:
-
an understanding of the accounting principles used by the Company to prepare its financial statements;
-
the ability to assess the general application of such accounting principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves;
-
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 persons engaged in such activities; and
-
an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting.
Warner Uhl, Director
Mr. Uhl has more than 30 years’ experience as a senior mining professional and has worked in executive management with mining, construction, and engineering companies to help bring resource projects from exploration, feasibility studies to operating facilities.
David Eaton, Director
Mr. Eaton started in the capital markets in 1981 as a floor trader at the Vancouver Stock Exchange. Throughout his career he has been active in all aspects of the corporate finance industry, consulting to both public and private companies in the areas of investor relations, financing and corporate transactions.
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J. Campbell Smyth, Director
Mr. Smyth has fifteen years of experience in managed portfolio investing (in both mutual and hedge funds) and over twenty-five years of experience in corporate financing and capital raising.
Audit Committee Oversight
Since the commencement of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, there has not been a recommendation of the Audit Committee to nominate or compensate an external auditor which was not adopted by the Board.
Reliance on Exemptions in NI 52-110 regarding De Minimis Non-audit Services or on a Regulatory Order Generally
Since the commencement of the Company’s most recently completed financial year, the Company has not relied on:
-
the exemption in section 2.4 ( De Minimis Non-audit Services ) of MI 52-110 (which exempts all non-audit services provided by the Company’s auditor from the requirement to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee if such services are less than 5% of the auditor’s annual fees charged to the Company, are not recognized as non-audit services at the time of the engagement of the auditor to perform them and are subsequently approved by the Audit Committee prior to the completion of that year’s audit); or
-
an exemption from the requirements of NI 52-110, in whole or in part, granted by a securities regulator under Part 8 ( Exemptions ) of NI 52-110.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee has adopted specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services as described in the Charter.
Audit Fees
The following table provides details in respect of audit, audit related, tax and other fees billed by the external auditor of the Company for professional services rendered to the Company during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 and June 20, 2021:
| Audit Fees ($) | Audit-Related Fees ($) | Tax Fees ($) | All Other Fees ($) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended June 30, 2021 | 26,000 | Nil | Nil | 520 |
| Year ended June 30, 2020 | 24,900 | Nil | Nil | 1,200 |
Audit Fees – aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements as well as services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.
Audit-Related Fees – aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the auditor and were comprised primarily of audit procedures performed related to the review of quarterly financial statements and related documents.
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Tax Fees – aggregate fees billed for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning professional services. These services included reviewing tax returns and assisting in responses to government tax authorities.
All Other Fees – aggregate fees billed for professional services which included accounting advice and advice related to relocating employees.
REPORT ON GOVERNANCE
The Company believes that adopting and maintaining appropriate governance practices is fundamental to a well-run company, to the execution of its chosen strategies and to its successful business and financial performance. National Instrument 58-101 - Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices and National Policy 58-201 – Corporate Governance Guidelines (collectively the “ Governance Guidelines ”) of the Canadian Securities Administrators set out a list of non-binding corporate governance guidelines that issuers are encouraged to follow in developing their own corporate governance guidelines. In certain cases, the Company’s practices comply with the guidelines, however, the Board considers that some of the guidelines are not suitable for the Company at its current stage of development and therefore these guidelines have not been adopted. The Company will continue to review and implement corporate governance guidelines as the business of the Company progresses and becomes more active in operations.
The following disclosure is required by the Governance Guidelines and describes the Company’s approach to governance and outlines the various procedures, policies and practices that the Company and the Board have implemented.
Board of Directors
The Board is currently composed of five directors. Form 58-101F2 – Corporate Governance Disclosure (Venture Issuers) (“ Form 58-101F2 ”) requires disclosure regarding how the Board facilitates its exercise of independent supervision over management of the Company by providing the identity of directors who are independent and the identity of directors who are not independent and the basis for that determination. NI 52-110 provides that a director is independent if he or she has no direct or indirect “material relationship” with the company. “Material relationship” is defined as a relationship which could, in the view of the Board, be reasonably expected to interfere with the exercise of a director’s independent judgment. In addition, under NI 52-110, an individual who is, or has been within the last three years, an employee or executive officer of an issuer, is deemed to have a “material relationship” with the issuer. Accordingly, of the proposed nominee, Richard L. Tremblay, President & CEO is considered not to be “independent”. The remaining four proposed directors are considered by the Board to be “independent”, within the meaning of MI 52-110. In assessing Form 58-101F2 and making the foregoing determinations, the circumstances of each director have been examined in relation to a number of factors.
Directorships
The following table sets forth the directors of the Company who currently hold directorships with other reporting issuers:
| Name of Director | Reporting Issuer |
|---|---|
| Richard L. Temblay | n/a |
| J. Campbell Smyth | Amani Gold GoldOz Ltd. Allup Silica Norseman Silver Inc. Nubian Resources Ltd. |
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| David Eaton | Global Financial Canada Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Kyle Hookey | Imperial Helium Corp. Cloudbreak Discovery Plc |
| Warner Uhl | Worley |
Orientation and Continuing Education
The Board does not have a formal orientation or education program for its members. The Board’s continuing education is typically derived from correspondence with the Company’s legal counsel to remain up to date with developments in relevant corporate and securities law matters. Additionally, historically board members have been nominated who are familiar with the Company and the nature of its business.
Ethical Business Conduct
The Board has not adopted guidelines or attempted to quantify or stipulate steps to encourage and promote a culture of ethical business conduct, but does promote ethical business conduct through the nomination of Board members it considers ethical, through avoiding or minimizing conflicts of interest, and by having at least two of its Board members independent of corporate matters.
Nomination of Directors
The recruitment of new directors has generally resulted from recommendations made by directors and shareholders. The assessment of the contributions of individual directors has principally been the responsibility of the Board. Prior to standing for election, new nominees to the Board are reviewed by the entire Board.
Other Board Committees
The Board has established an Audit Committee and does not have any other board committees.
Assessments
Currently the Board has not implemented a formal process for assessing directors.
OTHER MATTERS
The management of the Company knows of no other matters to come before the Meeting other than as set forth in the Notice. However, if other matters which are not known to management should properly come before the Meeting, the accompanying instrument of proxy will be voted on such matters in accordance with the best judgment of the person or persons voting the proxy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Company is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Shareholders may contact the Company at its office by mail at the address set out below to request copies of: (i) this Circular; and (ii) the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the related Management’s Discussion and Analysis (the “ MD&A ”) which will be sent to the shareholder without charge upon request. Financial information is provided in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and MD&A for its financial year ended June 30, 2021.
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APPROVAL OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The contents of this Circular have been approved, and the delivery of it to each shareholder entitled thereto and to the appropriate regulatory agencies has been authorized by the Board.
DATED at Vancouver, BC on the 15[th] day of December, 2021.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
“Richard L. Tremblay” Director
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APPENDIX “A”
ALLIED COPPER CORP.
CHARTER OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
I. PURPOSE
The Audit Committee (the “ Committee ”) is appointed by the Board of Directors (the “ Board ”) of Allied Copper Corp. (the “ Company ”) to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to financial accounting and reporting process and internal controls for the Company. The Committee’s primary duties and responsibilities are to:
-
conduct such reviews and discussions with management and the external auditors relating to the audit and financial reporting as are deemed appropriate by the Committee;
-
assess the integrity of internal controls and financial reporting procedures of the Company and ensure implementation of such controls and procedures;
-
ensure that there is an appropriate standard of corporate conduct including, if necessary, adopting a corporate code of ethics for senior financial personnel;
-
review the quarterly and annual financial statements and management's discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial position and operating results and report thereon to the Board for approval of same;
-
select and monitor the independence and performance of the Company’s external auditors, including attending at private meetings with the external auditors and reviewing and approving all renewals or dismissals of the external auditors and their remuneration; and
-
provide oversight to related party transactions entered into by the Company.
The Committee has the authority to conduct any investigation appropriate to its responsibilities, and it may request the external auditors as well as any officer of the Company, or outside counsel for the Company, to attend a meeting of the Committee or to meet with any members of, or advisors to, the Committee. The Committee shall have unrestricted access to the books and records of the Company and has the authority to retain, at the expense of the Company, special legal, accounting, or other consultants or experts to assist in the performance of the Committee’s duties.
The Committee shall review and assess the adequacy of this Charter annually and submit any proposed revisions to the Board for approval.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Committee will carry out the specific duties set out in Part IV of this Charter.
II. AUTHORITY OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Committee shall have the authority to:
-
(a) engage independent counsel and other advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its duties;
-
(b) set and pay the compensation for advisors employed by the Committee; and
-
(c) communicate directly with the internal and external auditors.
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III. COMPOSITION AND MEETINGS
-
The Committee and its membership shall meet all applicable legal, regulatory and listing requirements, including, without limitation, those of the Ontario Securities Commission (“ OSC ”), the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) and all applicable securities regulatory authorities.
-
The Committee shall be composed of three or more directors as shall be designated by the Board from time to time. The members of the Committee shall appoint from among themselves a member who shall serve as Chair.
-
A majority of the members of the Committee shall not be officers or employees of the Company or any of its affiliates.
-
The Committee shall meet at least quarterly, at the discretion of the Chair or a majority of its members, as circumstances dictate or as may be required by applicable legal or listing requirements. A minimum of two and at least 50% of the members of the Committee present either in person or by telephone shall constitute a quorum.
-
If within one hour of the time appointed for a meeting of the Committee, a quorum is not present, the meeting shall stand adjourned to the same hour on the next business day following the date of such meeting at the same place. If at the adjourned meeting a quorum as hereinbefore specified is not present within one hour of the time appointed for such adjourned meeting, such meeting shall stand adjourned to the same hour on the second business day following the date of such meeting at the same place. If at the second adjourned meeting a quorum as hereinbefore specified is not present, the quorum for the adjourned meeting shall consist of the members then present.
-
If and whenever a vacancy shall exist, the remaining members of the Committee may exercise all of its powers and responsibilities so long as a quorum remains in office.
-
The time and place at which meetings of the Committee shall be held, and procedures at such meetings, shall be determined from time to time by the Committee. A meeting of the Committee may be called by letter, telephone, facsimile, email or other communication equipment, by giving at least 48 hours’ notice, provided that no notice of a meeting shall be necessary if all of the members are present either in person or by means of conference telephone or if those absent have waived notice or otherwise signified their consent to the holding of such meeting.
-
Any member of the Committee may participate in the meeting of the Committee by means of conference telephone or other communication equipment, and the member participating in a meeting pursuant to this paragraph shall be deemed, for purposes hereof, to be present in person at the meeting.
-
The Committee shall keep minutes of its meetings which shall be submitted to the Board. The Committee may, from time to time, appoint any person who need not be a member, to act as a secretary at any meeting.
-
The Committee may invite such officers, directors and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries as the Committee may see fit, from time to time, to attend at meetings of the Committee.
-
Any matters to be determined by the Committee shall be decided by a majority of votes cast at a meeting of the Committee called for such purpose. Actions of the Committee may be taken by an instrument or instruments in writing signed by all of the members of the Committee, and such actions shall be effective as though they had been decided by a majority of votes cast at a meeting of the Committee called for such purpose. All decisions or recommendations of the Committee shall require the approval of the Board prior to implementation.
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The Committee members will be elected annually at the first meeting of the Board following the annual general meeting of shareholders.
IV. RESPONSIBILITIES
-
A. Financial Accounting and Reporting Process and Internal Controls
-
The Committee shall review the annual audited financial statements to satisfy itself that they are presented in accordance with applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (“ IFRS ”) and report thereon to the Board and recommend to the Board whether or not same should be approved prior to their being filed with the appropriate regulatory authorities. The Committee shall also review the interim financial statements. With respect to the annual audited financial statements, the Committee shall discuss significant issues regarding accounting principles, practices, and judgments of management with management and the external auditors as and when the Committee deems it appropriate to do so. The Committee shall satisfy itself that the information contained in the annual audited financial statements is not significantly erroneous, misleading or incomplete and that the audit function has been effectively carried out.
-
The Committee shall review any internal control reports prepared by management and the evaluation of such report by the external auditors, together with management’s response.
-
The Committee shall be satisfied that adequate procedures are in place for the review of the Company’s public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the Company’s financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis and annual and interim earnings press releases, and periodically assess the adequacy of these procedures.
-
The Committee shall review the Company’s financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis relating to annual and interim financial statements and annual and interim earnings press releases, that are required to be reviewed by the Committee under any applicable laws before the Company publicly discloses this information.
-
The Committee shall meet no less frequently than annually with the external auditors and the Chief Financial Officer or, in the absence of a Chief Financial Officer, with the officer of the Company in charge of financial matters, to review accounting practices, internal controls and such other matters as the Committee, Chief Financial Officer or, in the absence of a Chief Financial Officer, the officer of the Company in charge of financial matters, deem appropriate.
-
The Committee shall inquire of management and the external auditors about significant risks or exposures, both internal and external, to which the Company may be subject, and assess the steps management has taken to minimize such risks.
-
The Committee shall review the post-audit or management letter containing the recommendations of the external auditors and management’s response and subsequent follow-up to any identified weaknesses.
-
The Committee shall ensure that there is an appropriate standard of corporate conduct including, if necessary, adopting a corporate code of ethics for senior financial personnel.
-
The Committee shall establish procedures for:
-
(a) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters; and
-
(b) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
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-
The Committee shall provide oversight to related party transactions entered into by the Company.
-
B. Independent Auditors
-
The Committee shall recommend to the Board the external auditors to be nominated, shall set the compensation for the external auditors, provide oversight of the external auditors and shall ensure that the external auditors report directly to the Committee.
-
The Committee shall be directly responsible for overseeing the work of the external auditors, including the resolution of disagreements between management and the external auditors regarding financial reporting.
-
The Committee shall pre-approve all audit and non-audit services not prohibited by law to be provided by the external auditors in accordance with this charter.
-
The Committee shall monitor and assess the relationship between management and the external auditors and monitor, support and assure the independence and objectivity of the external auditors.
-
The Committee shall review the external auditors’ audit plan, including the scope, procedures and timing of the audit.
-
The Committee shall review the results of the annual audit with the external auditors, including matters related to the conduct of the audit.
-
The Committee shall obtain timely reports from the external auditors describing critical accounting policies and practices, alternative treatments of information within IFRS that were discussed with management, their ramifications, and the external auditors' preferred treatment and material written communications between the Company and the external auditors.
-
The Committee shall review fees paid by the Company to the external auditors and other professionals in respect of audit and non-audit services on an annual basis.
-
The Committee shall review and approve the Company's hiring policies regarding partners, employees and former partners and employees of the present and former auditors of the Company.
-
The Committee shall monitor and assess the relationship between management and the external auditors and monitor and support the independence and objectivity of the external auditors.
C. Other Responsibilities
The Committee shall perform any other activities consistent with this Charter and governing law, as the Committee or the Board deems necessary or appropriate.
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