Exhibit
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Description
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Form of Proxy to Registered Shareholders
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Notice and Access Notification to Shareholders
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Notice of Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders
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Management Information Circular
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ALGONQUIN POWER & UTILITIES CORP.
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(registrant)
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Date: May 5, 2020
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By:
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(signed) "George Trisic"
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Name:
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George Trisic
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Title:
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Chief Governance Officer and Corporate Secretary
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Form of Proxy
Solicited by Management of the Corporation for Use
at the June 4, 2020 Annual Meeting of Common Shareholders
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,
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1. |
VOTE FOR ☐ or WITHHOLD VOTE ☐ or, if no specification is made, VOTE FOR the
appointment of Ernst & Young LLP, Chartered Accountants, as auditors of the Corporation;
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2. |
With respect to the election of the following directors of the Corporation as set out in the Corporation’s management information circular (the “Circular”) dated
April 24, 2020:
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VOTE FOR
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WITHHOLD VOTE
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1.
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Christopher Ball
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☐ | ☐ |
2.
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Melissa Stapleton Barnes
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☐ | ☐ |
3.
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Christopher Huskilson
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☐ | ☐ |
4.
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Christopher Jarratt
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☐ | ☐ |
5.
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D. Randy Laney
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☐ | ☐ |
6.
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Kenneth Moore
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☐ | ☐ |
7.
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Ian Robertson
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☐ | ☐ |
8.
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Masheed Saidi
|
☐ | ☐ |
9.
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Dilek Samil
|
☐ | ☐ |
10.
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George Steeves
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☐ | ☐ |
3. |
VOTE FOR ☐ or VOTE AGAINST ☐ the resolution set forth in Schedule “A” of the Circular to approve the amendment to the
Employee Share Purchase Plan to increase the number of common shares reserved for issuance under such plan, as disclosed in the Circular;
|
4. |
VOTE FOR ☐ or VOTE AGAINST ☐ the resolution set forth in Schedule “C” of the Circular to approve a by-law allowing
for meetings of shareholders of the Corporation to be held virtually by means of telephonic, electronic or other communications facility, as disclosed in the Circular;
|
5. |
VOTE FOR ☐ or VOTE AGAINST ☐ the advisory resolution set forth in Schedule “E” of the Circular to accept the approach
to executive compensation as disclosed in the Circular; and
|
6. |
amendments or variations to the matters identified in the notice of meeting accompanying the Circular (the “Notice of Meeting”)
and such other business as may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof at the discretion of the proxyholder.
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The common shares represented by this form of proxy will be voted or withheld from voting in accordance with the instructions indicated on any ballot that may be called in respect of the same unless the form of proxy otherwise specifies, in which case, the specified instructions will be followed. If no choice is specified in this form of proxy with respect to a particular matter identified in the Notice of Meeting, the person(s) designated in the printed portion above will vote the common shares represented by this form of proxy as specified for such matter in the Circular.
Each common shareholder of the Corporation has the right to appoint a proxyholder, other than the persons designated above, who need not be a shareholder of the Corporation, to attend and act for and on behalf of the undersigned of the Corporation at the Meeting. To exercise such right, you may do so either by legibly printing the person’s name in the blank space provided above when completing this form of proxy and striking out the names of management’s nominees or by completing another form of proxy. In addition, you MUST call 1-866-751-6315 (within North America) or 212-235-5754 (outside of North America) by 4:00 p.m. on June 2, 2020 and provide AST Trust Company (Canada) with the required information for your chosen proxyholder so that AST Trust Company (Canada) may provide the proxyholder with a Control Number via email. This Control Number will allow your proxyholder to log in to and vote at the Meeting. Without a Control Number your proxyholder will only be able to log in to the Meeting as a guest and will not be able to vote.
Under Canadian corporate and securities laws, you are entitled to receive certain investor documents. If you wish to receive such material, please tick the applicable boxes below. You may also email your request for financial statements to inquiries@astfinancial.com.
☐ |
I would like to receive quarterly financial statements |
☐ |
I do not want to receive annual financial statements |
☐ |
I would like to receive future mailings by email at |
This instrument supersedes and revokes any prior appointment of proxy made by the undersigned with respect to voting at the Meeting.
Dated: |
, 2020. |
Name of Shareholder: |
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(PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY) |
Signature of Shareholder:
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1. |
To be effective, this proxy must be signed by a holder or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing, or, if the holder is a corporation, a duly authorized officer or attorney of the corporation.
If the corporation has a corporate seal, its corporate seal should be affixed.
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2. |
If the common shares are registered in the name of an executor, administrator or trustee, please sign exactly as the common shares are registered. If the common shares are registered in the name of a
deceased or other holder, the proxy must be signed by the legal representative with his or her name printed below his or her signature, and evidence of authority to sign on behalf of the deceased or other holder must be attached
to this proxy.
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3. |
In many cases, common shares beneficially owned by a holder (“beneficial holder”) are registered in the name of a securities dealer or broker or other
intermediary, or a clearing agency. A beneficial holder should, in particular, review the section entitled “Non-Registered Shareholders” in the accompanying Circular and carefully follow the instructions of their securities
dealer or other intermediary.
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4. |
Some holders may own securities as both a registered and a beneficial holder and will need to vote separately as a registered holder and as a beneficial holder. Beneficial holders may be forwarded
either a form of proxy already signed by the intermediary or a voting instruction form to allow them to direct the voting of securities they beneficially own. Beneficial holders should follow instructions for voting conveyed to
them by their intermediaries.
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5. |
If a common share is held by two or more individuals, any one of them present or represented by proxy at the Meeting may, in the absence of the other or others, vote at the Meeting. However, if one or
more of them are present or represented by proxy, they must vote together the number of common shares indicated on the proxy.
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6. |
If this proxy is not dated in the space provided, it will be deemed to bear the date on which it was received by the Corporation or its transfer agent.
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7. |
All holders should refer to the Circular for a more detailed explanation of the rights of common shareholders regarding completion and use of this proxy and other information pertaining to the Meeting.
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1. |
to receive the financial statements of the Corporation as at and for the year ended December 31, 2019, and the report of the auditors on the statements;
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2. |
to re-appoint Ernst & Young LLP as the auditors of the Corporation;
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3. |
to elect directors for the ensuing year;
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4. |
to consider and, if thought fit, pass a resolution approving an amendment to the Corporation’s Employee Share Purchase Plan to increase the number of common shares reserved for issuance under such plan;
|
5. |
to consider and, if thought fit, pass a resolution confirming and approving the Corporation’s by-law allowing for meetings of shareholders of the Corporation to be held virtually by means of telephonic,
electronic or other communications facility;
|
6. |
to consider, and if thought fit, pass an advisory resolution approving the Corporation’s approach to executive compensation; and
|
7. |
to consider any other business that may be properly brought before the Annual Meeting of common shareholders or any adjournment thereof.
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• |
by e-mailing the Corporation’s transfer agent, AST Trust Company (Canada) (“AST”) at fulfilment@astfinancial.com; or
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• |
by calling AST at 416-682-3801 or toll-free at 1-888-433-6443.
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(i) |
by email (scan both sides) to proxyvote@astfinancial.com;
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(ii) |
by facsimile (fax both sides) to 416-368-2502 or 1-866-781-3111;
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(iii) |
by touch-tone telephone at 1-888-489-5760;
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(iv) |
by mail to AST Trust Company (Canada), P.O. Box 721; Agincourt, Ontario, M1S 0A1; or
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(v) |
on the Internet at www.astvotemyproxy.com.
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1. |
Receive the financial statements of the Corporation as at and for the year ended December 31, 2019, and the report of the auditors on the statements;
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2. |
Re-appoint Ernst & Young LLP as the auditors of the Corporation;
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3. |
Elect directors for the ensuing year;
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4. |
Consider and, if thought fit, pass a resolution (the full text of which is set out in Schedule “A” to the accompanying management information circular (the “Circular”)) approving an amendment to the Corporation’s Employee Share Purchase Plan to increase the number of common shares
reserved for issuance under such plan;
|
5. |
Consider and, if thought fit, pass a resolution (the full text of which is set out in Schedule “C” to the accompanying Circular) confirming and approving the Corporation’s by-law
allowing for meetings of shareholders of the Corporation to be held virtually by means of telephonic, electronic or other communications facility;
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6. |
Consider and, if thought fit, pass an advisory resolution (the full text of which is set out in Schedule “E” to the accompanying Circular) approving the Corporation’s approach to
executive compensation, as further described in the Circular; and
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7. |
Consider any other business that may be properly brought before the annual meeting of common shareholders or any adjournment thereof.
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This year, out of an abundance of caution, in response to the unprecedented public health impact of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, also
known as COVID-19, and to mitigate risks to the health and safety of our communities, shareholders, employees and other stakeholders, we will be holding our meeting in a virtual-only format, which will be conducted via live audio
webcast. Shareholders will have an equal opportunity to participate in the meeting online regardless of their geographic location.
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1. |
Receive the financial statements of the Corporation as at and for the year ended December 31, 2019, and the report of the auditors on the statements;
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2. |
Re-appoint Ernst & Young LLP as the auditors of the Corporation;
|
3. |
Elect directors for the ensuing year;
|
4. |
Consider and, if thought fit, pass a resolution (the full text of which is set out in Schedule “A” to the accompanying management information circular (the “Circular”))
approving an amendment to the Corporation’s Employee Share Purchase Plan to increase the number of common shares reserved for
issuance under such plan;
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5. |
Consider and, if thought fit, pass a resolution (the full text of which is set out in Schedule “C” to the accompanying Circular) confirming and approving the Corporation’s by-law allowing for meetings of
shareholders of the Corporation to be held virtually by means of telephonic, electronic or other communications facility;
|
6. |
Consider and, if thought fit, pass an advisory resolution (the full text of which is set out in Schedule “E” to the accompanying Circular) approving the Corporation’s approach to executive compensation, as
further described in the Circular; and
|
7. |
Consider any other business that may be properly brought before the annual meeting of common shareholders or any adjournment thereof.
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|
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This year, out of an abundance of caution, in response to the unprecedented public health impact of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, and to mitigate risks to the health and
safety of our communities, shareholders, employees and other stakeholders, we will be holding our meeting in a virtual-only format, which will be conducted via live audio webcast. Shareholders will have an equal opportunity to participate
in the meeting online regardless of their geographic location.
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2020 Management Information Circular
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3
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Notice of Annual Meeting
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3
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Letter to Shareholders
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5
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Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements and Forward Looking-Information
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6
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Caution Concerning Non-GAAP Financial Measures
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7
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Solicitation of Proxies
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8
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Voting Information
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9
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You are Asked to Vote on the Following Matters
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9
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Meeting Information
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10
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Voting Instructions
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11
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Non-registered Shareholders
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11
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Registered Shareholders
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12
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How to Appoint a Proxyholder
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12
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Voting Results
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13
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If You are Unable to Attend the Virtual Meeting
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13
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Matters to be Acted Upon at the Meeting
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14
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1. Receipt of Financial Statements
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14
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2. Appointment of Auditor
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14
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3. Election of Directors
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14
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4. Approval of an Amendment to Increase
the Number of Common Shares Reserved
for Issuance under Algonquin’s Employee
Share Purchase Plan
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15
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5. Confirmation and Approval of
the Virtual Meeting By-Law
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16
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6. Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
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17
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Director Nominees
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18
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Director Share Ownership Requirements
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18
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Majority Voting for Election of Directors
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19
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Director Skills Matrix
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20
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Board Highlights
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21
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Director Profiles
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22
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Meeting Attendance
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28
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Corporate Cease Trade Orders,
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28
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Bankruptcies, Penalties or Sanctions
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Corporate Governance Practices
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29
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Corporate Governance Highlights
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29
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Board of Directors
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30
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Committees of the Board of Directors
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35
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Non-Employee Director Compensation
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43
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Compensation Decision-Making Process
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44
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Executive Compensation
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48
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Letter to Shareholders from the Human Resources and Compensation Committee
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49
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis
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54
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Annual Compensation Decision-Making Process
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54
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Compensation Comparator Group
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55
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Risk Management and Compensation
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57
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2019 Corporate Scorecard Results
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62
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2017 PSU Award Performance Results
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67
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Performance Graph
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74
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Executive Compensation Information
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76
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Shareholder Proposals
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89
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Additional Information
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89
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Schedules and Appendices
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90
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SCHEDULE “A”: Approval of Amended Employee Share Purchase Plan to Increase the Number of Common Shares Reserved for Issuance Under such Resolution
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91
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SCHEDULE “B”: Blackline of the Employee Share Purchase Plan
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92
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SCHEDULE “C”: Approval of the Virtual Meeting By-law (By-law No. 6)
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105
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SCHEDULE “D”: Virtual Meeting By-law (By-law No. 6)
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106
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SCHEDULE “E”: Advisory Vote on Approach to Executive Compensation of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
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107
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SCHEDULE “F”: Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. Mandate of the Board of Directors
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108
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SCHEDULE “G”: Description of the Directors Deferred Share Unit Plan
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112
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SCHEDULE “H”: Description of the Stock Option Plan
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114
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SCHEDULE “I”: Description of the Performance and Restricted Share Unit Plan
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116
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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
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4 |
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Kenneth Moore
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Ian Robertson
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Chair of the Board of Directors
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Chief Executive Officer |
2020 Management Information Circular
|
5
|
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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
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6
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Caution Concerning
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
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2020 Management Information Circular
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7 |
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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
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8
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The re-appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the auditor of the Corporation;
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The election of Directors for the ensuing year;
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A resolution approving an amendment to the Corporation’s Employee Share Purchase Plan to increase the number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under such plan;
|
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|
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Confirmation and approval of the Corporation’s by-law allowing for meetings of shareholders of the Corporation to be held virtually by means of telephonic, electronic or other communications facility;
|
||
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An advisory resolution to approve the approach to executive compensation disclosed in this Circular; and
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Any other business that may be properly brought before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
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2020 Management Information Circular
|
9
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• |
Log in online at https://web.lumiagm.com/154102435. We recommend that you log in at least one hour before the Meeting starts.
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• |
Click “Login” and then enter your Control Number (see below) and password “algonquin2020” (case sensitive).
OR
Click “Guest” and then complete the online form.
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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
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10 |
a) |
be given a voting instruction form which must be completed and signed by the Non-Registered Holder in accordance with the instructions on the form (which may, in some cases, permit the completion of the voting
instruction form by Internet, telephone, or fax); or
|
b) |
less typically, be given a proxy which has already been signed by the intermediary, restricted as to the number of Common Shares beneficially owned by the Non-Registered Holder, but which has not otherwise been
completed. The Non-Registered Holder who wishes to submit the proxy should properly complete and deposit it with the Corporation or AST, as described in the notice of meeting. This proxy need not be signed by the Non-Registered Holder.
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2020 Management Information Circular
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11
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• |
You do not need to complete or return your form of proxy if you plan to vote at the Meeting.
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• |
Simply follow the instructions set out under “Meeting Information – Attending the Meeting” on page 10, to attend the Meeting online and complete a ballot online during the Meeting.
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• |
Step 1 – Submit your Form of Proxy or Voting Instruction Form
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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
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12 |
• |
Step 2 – Register your Proxyholder
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2020 Management Information Circular
|
13
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Services
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2019 Fees
|
2018 Fees
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Audit Fees1
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$4,432,950
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$4,245,342
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Audit-Related Fees2
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$135,500
|
$85,500
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Tax Fees3
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$815,455
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$494,448
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Other Fees4
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$5,800
|
Nil
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Total
|
$5,389,705
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$4,825,290
|
1. |
For professional services rendered for audit or review or services in connection with statutory or regulatory filings or engagements.
|
2. |
For assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of APUC’s financial statements and not reported under Audit Fees, including
audit procedures related to regulatory commission filings.
|
3. |
For tax advisory, compliance and planning services.
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4.
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For all other products and services provided by APUC’s external auditor.
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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
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14 |
4. |
Approval of Amendment to Increase the Number of Common Shares
Reserved for Issuance under Algonquin’s Employee Share Purchase Plan
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
15
|
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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
16 |
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
17
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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
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18
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a) |
the Corporation will issue a press release with the Board’s decision, including, in the case of the Board not accepting the resignation, the reasoning behind such decision, a copy of which press release will be
provided to the TSX; and
|
b) |
the Board may: (i) leave the resultant vacancy on the Board unfilled until the next annual meeting of Shareholders; (ii) fill the vacancy through the appointment of a Director whom the Board considers to merit
the confidence of the Shareholders; or (iii) call a special meeting of the Shareholders to consider the election of a nominee recommended by the Board to fill the vacant position.
|
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2020 Management Information Circular
|
19
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2020 Management Information Circular
|
21 |
Key Skills and Experience
|
Board and Committee Meetings – Attendance – 27 of 27 meetings
|
100%
|
|
• CEO / Senior Executive
|
Board
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13 of 13
|
|
• Customer / Stakeholder
|
Audit Committee (Chair)
|
4 of 4
|
|
• Mergers and Acquisitions / Growth Strategy
|
HR & Compensation Committee
|
10 of 10
|
|
• Financial
|
Voting Results for 2019
|
||
• Energy Sector
|
For: 238,876,237
|
98.82%
|
|
• Compensation and Human Resources
|
Withheld: 2,864,420
|
1.18%
|
|
|
Common Shares and Share Equivalents
|
||
|
Common Shares: 24,200
|
Value:
|
$479,886
|
|
DSUs: 69,426
|
Value:
|
$1,376,718
|
|
Total Value Shares & DSUs
|
Value: |
$1,856,604
|
|
Shareholding Requirement:
|
|
189%
|
|
Required Value:
|
|
$980,000
|
Status:
|
|
Target Met
|
1. |
Prior to becoming a Director of the Corporation, from 2002 to 2009, Mr. Ball served as a Trustee of Algonquin Power Income Fund, the predecessor
organization to the Corporation.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. |
22
|
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|||
Key Skills and Experience |
Board and Committee Meetings – Attendance – 21 of 21 meetings
|
100%
|
|
• CEO / Senior Executive
|
Board
|
13 of 13
|
|
• Mergers and Acquisitions / Growth Strategy |
Audit Committee
|
4 of 4
|
|
• Governance
|
Risk Committee
|
4 of 4
|
|
• Legal and Regulatory | |||
|
Voting Results for 2019
|
||
For: 240,033,777
|
99.29%
|
||
Withheld: 1,706,880
|
0.71%
|
||
Common Shares and Share Equivalents
|
|||
Common Shares: -
|
Value:
|
$-
|
|
DSUs: 31,136
|
Value:
|
$617,427
|
|
Total Value Shares & DSUs
|
Value:
|
$617,427
|
|
Shareholding Requirement:
|
63%
|
|
|
Required Value:
|
$980,000
|
|
|
Status:
|
On Track. Has until 2024 to Meet Target.1
|
1. |
Ms. Barnes became a Director in 2016 and has until December 31, 2024 to achieve ownership targets under the new guidelines.
|
|
Key Skills and Experience
|
Board and Committee Meetings
|
||
• CEO / Senior Executive
|
Board
|
Appointed 2020
|
|
• Governance
|
Audit Committee
|
Appointed 2020
|
|
• Customer / Stakeholder
|
HR & Compensation Committee
|
Appointed 2020
|
|
• Energy Sector and Utility Sector
|
Voting Results for 2019
|
||
• Mergers and Acquisitions / Growth Strategy |
For:
|
N/A | |
• Compensation and Human Resources |
Withheld:
|
N/A | |
• Financial |
Common Shares and Share Equivalents
|
||
• Legal and Regulatory |
Common Shares: 5,645
|
Value:
|
$111,940
|
|
DSUs: 2,145
|
Value:
|
$42,535
|
|
Total Value Shares & DSUs
|
Value:
|
$154,475
|
Shareholding Requirement:
|
16%
|
||
Required Value:
|
$980,000
|
Status:
|
On Track. Has until 2024 to Meet Target.1 |
1. |
Mr. Huskilson became a Director in 2020 and has until December 31, 2024 to achieve ownership targets under the new guidelines.
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular | 23 |
Key Skills and Experience |
Board and Committee Meetings –
|
||
Attendance – 20 of 22 meetings
|
91%
|
||
• CEO / Senior Executive |
Board
|
12 of 13
|
|
• Governance |
Corporate Governance Committee
|
4 of 5
|
|
• Customer / Stakeholder |
Risk Committee
|
4 of 4
|
|
• Energy Sector and Utility Sector | |||
• Compensation & Human Resources |
Voting Results for 2019
|
||
• Legal and Regulatory
|
For: 212,965,143
|
88.10%
|
|
• Mergers and Acquisitions / Growth Strategy |
Withheld: 28,775,514
|
11.90%
|
|
Common Shares and Share Equivalents
|
|||
|
Common Shares1: 850,344
|
Value:
|
$16,862,322 |
|
DSUs: -
|
Value:
|
$-
|
Total Value Shares & DSUs
|
Value:
|
$16,862,322 | |
Shareholding Requirements2:
|
367%
|
||
Required Value:
|
$4,598,160
|
||
Status:
|
Target Met
|
1. |
Mr. Jarratt owns 739,392 Common Shares and Algonquin Power Corporation (CKJ) Inc. (a private corporation owned by Mr. Jarratt) owns 110,952 Common Shares. Mr.
Jarratt exercises control and direction over the Common Shares owned by Algonquin Power Corporation (CKJ) Inc.
|
2. |
Effective February 27, 2020, the Executive Share Ownership Guideline was amended to increase the requirement from 3 to 7 times base salary for the CEO and Vice
Chair. The Required Value shown above reflects 7 times base salary for Mr. Jarratt.
|
|
Key Skills and Experience
|
Board and Committee Meetings –
|
||
Attendance – 27 of 27 meetings
|
100%
|
||
• CEO / Senior Executive |
Board
|
13 of 13
|
|
• Governance |
Audit Committee
|
4 of 4
|
|
• Customer / Stakeholder |
HR & Compensation Committee
|
10 of 10
|
|
• Utility Sector | |||
• Mergers and Acquisitions / Growth Strategy |
Voting Results for 2019
|
||
• Financial
|
For: 236,752,149
|
97.94%
|
|
• Legal and Regulatory
|
Withheld: 4,988,508
|
2.06%
|
|
• Compensation and Human Resources | |||
Common Shares and Share Equivalents
|
|||
|
Common Shares: 16,000
|
Value:
|
$317,280
|
|
DSUs: 23,621
|
Value:
|
$468,404
|
Total Value Shares & DSUs
|
Value:
|
$785,684
|
|
Shareholding Requirements:
|
80%
|
Required Value:
|
$980,000
|
||
Status: | On Track. Has until 2024 to Meet Target.1 |
1. |
Mr. Laney became a Director in 2017 and has until December 31, 2024 to achieve ownership targets under the new guidelines
|
Key Skills and Experience |
Board and Committee Meetings –
|
||
Attendance – 18 of 18 meetings
|
100%
|
||
• Governance |
Board (Chair)
|
13 of 13
|
|
• Customer / Stakeholder |
Corporate Governance Committee
|
5 of 5
|
|
• Mergers and Acquisitions / Growth Strategy | |||
• Financial
|
Voting Results for 2019
|
||
• Legal and Regulatory |
For: 239,846,139
|
99.22%
|
|
|
Withheld: 1,894,518
|
0.78%
|
|
Common Shares and Share Equivalents
|
|||
|
Common Shares: 18,000
|
Value:
|
$356,940
|
DSUs: 199,771
|
Value:
|
$3,961,459
|
|
Total Value Shares & DSUs
|
Value:
|
$4,318,399
|
|
Shareholding Requirement:
|
280%
|
||
Required Value:
|
$1,540,000
|
||
Status:
|
Target Met
|
1. |
Prior to becoming a director of the Corporation, from 1998 to 2009, Mr. Moore served as a Trustee of Algonquin Power Income Fund, the predecessor
organization to the Corporation.
|
|
Key Skills and Experience
|
Board and Committee Meetings –
|
||
Attendance – 12 of 13 meetings
|
92%
|
||
• CEO / Senior Executive |
Board
|
12 of 13
|
|
• Governance
|
|||
• Customer / Stakeholder
|
Voting Results for 2019
|
||
• Energy Sector and Utility Sector
|
For: 240,566,112
|
99.51%
|
|
• Mergers and Acquisitions / Growth Strategy
|
Withheld: 1,174,545
|
0.49%
|
|
• Compensation and Human Resources
|
|||
• Financial
|
Common Shares and Share Equivalents
|
||
• Legal and Regulatory
|
Common Shares1: 786,890
|
Value:
|
$15,604,029 |
|
DSUs: -
|
Value:
|
$-
|
|
Total Value Shares & DSUs
|
Value:
|
$15,604,029 |
Shareholding Requirements2:
|
238%
|
||
|
Required Value:
|
$6,568,800
|
|
|
Status:
|
Target Met
|
1. |
Mr. Robertson directly owns 656,833 Common Shares and Techno Whiz Kid Inc. (a private corporation owned by Mr. Robertson) owns 130,057 Common Shares. Mr.
Robertson exercises control and direction over the Common Shares owned by Techno Whiz Kid Inc.
|
2. |
Effective February 27, 2020, the Executive Share Ownership Guideline was amended to increase the requirement from 3 to 7 times base salary for the CEO and
Vice Chair. The Required Value shown above reflects 7 times base salary for Mr. Robertson.
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
25 |
Key Skills and Experience
|
Board and Committee Meetings –
|
||
Attendance – 22 of 22 meetings
|
100%
|
||
• CEO / Senior Executive
|
Board
|
13 of 13
|
|
• Customer / Stakeholder
|
Corporate Governance Committee
|
5 of 5
|
|
• Energy Sector and Utility Sector
|
Risk Committee (Chair)
|
4 of 4
|
|
• Legal and Regulatory
|
|||
• Compensation and Human Resources
|
Voting Results for 2019
|
||
• Mergers and Acquisitions / Growth Strategy
|
For: 240,057,463
|
99.30%
|
|
• Governance
|
Withheld: 1,683,194
|
0.70%
|
|
|
|||
Common Shares and Share Equivalents
|
|||
|
Common Shares: 15,115
|
Value:
|
$299,730
|
|
DSUs: 40,612
|
Value:
|
$805,336
|
Total Value Shares & DSUs
|
Value:
|
$1,105,066
|
Shareholding Requirements:
|
113%
|
||
Required Value:
|
$980,000
|
||
Status:
|
Target Met
|
|
Key Skills and Experience
|
Board and Committee Meetings –
|
||
Attendance – 27 of 27 meetings
|
100%
|
||
• CEO / Senior Executive
|
Board
|
13 of 13
|
|
• Governance |
Audit Committee
|
4 of 4
|
|
• Customer / Stakeholder |
HR & Compensation
|
10 of 10
|
|
• Energy Sector and Utility Sector |
Committee (Chair)
|
||
• Mergers and Acquisitions / Growth Strategy | |||
• Compensation and Human Resources |
Voting Results for 2019
|
||
• Financial |
For: 236,019,181
|
97.63%
|
|
• Legal and Regulatory |
Withheld: 5,721,476
|
2.37%
|
|
|
Common Shares and Share Equivalents
|
||
|
Common Shares: 15,000
|
Value:
|
$297,450
|
|
DSUs: 41,371
|
Value:
|
$820,387
|
|
Total Value Shares & DSUs
|
Value:
|
$1,117,837
|
Shareholding Requirements:
|
114%
|
||
Required Value:
|
$980,000
|
||
Status:
|
Target Met
|
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. |
26
|
Key Skills and Experience
|
Board and Committee Meetings –
|
||
Attendance – 21 of 22 meetings
|
95%
|
||
• Governance |
Board
|
12 of 13
|
|
• Energy Sector and Utility Sector |
Corporate Governance
|
5 of 5
|
|
• Mergers and Acquisitions / Growth Strategy
|
Committee (Chair)
|
||
• Financial
|
Risk Committee
|
4 of 4
|
|
|
|||
Voting Results for 2019
|
|||
|
For: 239,569,467
|
99.10%
|
|
Withheld: 2,171,190
|
0.90%
|
||
Common Shares and Share Equivalents
|
|||
Common Shares2: 28,762
|
Value:
|
$570,351
|
|
DSUs: 79,602
|
Value:
|
$1,578,508
|
|
Total Value Shares & DSUs
|
Value:
|
$2,148,859
|
Shareholding Requirements:
|
219%
|
||
Required Value:
|
$980,000
|
||
Status:
|
Target Met
|
1. |
Prior to becoming a director of the Corporation, from 1997 to 2009, Mr. Steeves served as a Trustee of Algonquin Power Income Fund, the predecessor
organization to the Corporation.
|
2. |
Mr. Steeves directly owns 21,489 Common Shares, Haliburton Holdings, a company controlled by Mr. Steeves, owns 4,056 Common Shares, and Mr. Steeves’ spouse
owns 3,217 Common Shares. Mr. Steeves exercises control and direction over the Common Shares owned by his spouse.
|
|
Audit
|
Human
Resources &
Compensation
|
Corporate
Governance
|
|||||||||
Name1
|
Independent
|
Board
|
Committee
|
Committee
|
Committee
|
Risk Committee
|
|||||
Christopher Ball
|
Yes
|
13/13
|
100%
|
4/4
|
100%
|
10/10
|
100%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Melissa S. Barnes
|
Yes
|
13/13
|
100%
|
4/4
|
100%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4/4
|
100%
|
Christopher Jarratt
|
No
|
12/13
|
92%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4/5
|
80%
|
4/4
|
100%
|
Randy Laney
|
Yes
|
13/13
|
100%
|
4/4
|
100%
|
10/10
|
100%
|
-
|
-
|
||
Kenneth Moore2
|
Yes
|
13/13
|
100%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5/5
|
100%
|
-
|
-
|
Ian Robertson
|
No
|
12/13
|
92%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Masheed Saidi
|
Yes
|
13/13
|
100%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5/5
|
100%
|
4/4
|
100%
|
Dilek Samil
|
Yes
|
13/13
|
100%
|
4/4
|
100%
|
10/10
|
100%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
George Steeves
|
Yes
|
12/13
|
92%
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5/5
|
100%
|
4/4
|
100%
|
1. |
Mr. Huskilson was not a member of the board during 2019.
|
2. |
Mr. Moore attended all Audit Committee, Human Resources & Compensation Committee and Risk Committee meetings, as Chair of the Board.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. | 28 |
• |
The positions of Chair of the Board and CEO are separate.
|
• |
The Chair of the Board, chair of the Audit Committee, chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee (“HRCC”), chair of the
Risk Committee and chair of the Corporate Governance Committee are each independent in accordance with applicable standards in National Instrument 52-110 – Audit Committees (“NI 52-110”) as well
as New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) corporate governance standards applicable to boards of directors (“NYSE Standards”).
|
• |
The Board oversees the Corporation’s strategy and actively participates in the annual strategic planning process which results in Algonquin’s strategic plan.
|
• |
The Board oversees the Corporation’s risk management and has established a committee of the Board (the “Risk Committee”) to enhance
that risk oversight role.
|
• |
The Board has a written mandate for the Chair of the Board, the Committees’ chairs and the CEO.
|
• |
New Directors are recruited on the basis that they will make a strong contribution and provide the diversity, background, skills, and experience needed by the Board in view of
the Corporation’s strategy.
|
• |
New Directors participate in a formal orientation process.
|
• |
All Directors are provided support for continuing education to maintain a high level of understanding of and expertise in the businesses, investments, and risks of the
Corporation to enhance their contribution as Directors.
|
• |
Creating a culture of integrity begins with the tone at the top. Directors, officers, and employees are required annually to complete an online ethics and policy training
module or to sign an acknowledgment that they have reviewed and understood the Corporation’s written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Conduct”).
|
• |
The Corporation has a policy whereby all meetings of the Board of Directors and all Committees provide an opportunity for an in-camera session during which management of the
Corporation is not present.
|
• |
The Board is exposed to levels of management within the Corporation in addition to executive management. It is believed that Board exposure to other levels of management
facilitates successful succession planning for the Corporation.
|
• |
Algonquin was ranked third overall as one of the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada by Corporate Knights. The study recognizes Canadian companies that are raising the bar on
sustainability. Algonquin is also the highest ranked electric utility company on the list.
|
• |
The Board annually assesses its performance in order to identify ways to improve its effectiveness and the performance of the Chair of the Board, individual Directors and the
Committees.
|
• |
The Board has a policy to annually provide advisory votes on executive compensation.
|
• |
The Board has adopted a clawback policy.
|
• |
The Board has adopted a board retirement policy.
|
• |
The Board has adopted a diversity policy.
|
|
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. |
30
|
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
31 |
• |
Assessment of the Board: the Directors are asked to assess the effectiveness of the Board of
Directors, as a whole, and suggest improvements.
|
• |
Assessment of the Committees: the Directors are asked to assess the effectiveness of each
Committee.
|
• |
Self-Assessment: the Directors are asked to assess their own performance as Directors and
Committee members, including what might make them more effective.
|
• |
Peer Assessment: the Directors are asked to provide comments on the performance of their peer
Directors.
|
|
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
32 |
• |
One member of the executive team of the Corporation is a member of a visible minority, representing 10% of the executive team of the Corporation; and
|
• |
There are currently no members of visible minorities on the Board and no Aboriginal peoples or persons with disabilities on the Board or in executive officer positions.
|
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
33
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
34
|
• |
Public disclosure documents including annual reports, recent annual and interim management’s discussion & analysis, financial statements, management information circular and
annual information form;
|
• |
Governance documents including Board and Committee charters, policies and guidelines; and
|
• |
Other documents such as the Corporation’s strategic plan and business plan, the guide to the Corporation’s management structure, succession plan, minutes of Board meetings and
minutes of Committee meetings.
|
|
Education presentations and programs
|
Date
|
Participants
|
|
Toronto as a Global Capital for Human Capital
|
January 2019
|
K. Moore, C. Jarratt
|
|
Power Utility Future Simulation Exercise – External Facilitator
|
April 2019
|
Full Board, Senior Management
|
|
Edison Electric Institute Annual Conference
|
June 2019
|
C. Ball
|
|
Hydrovision Conference
|
July 2019
|
C. Ball
|
|
Corporate Communications and Crisis Planning Presentation –
|
August 2019
|
Full Board
|
|
External Communications Advisors
|
|||
Cyber Security Risks and Trends - External Consultants
|
August 2019
|
All Risk Committee members
|
|
Renewable Natural Gas and Natural Gas Industry Trends –
|
November 2019
|
Full Board
|
|
Management Presentation
|
|||
Market Trends in Compensation Practices and Policies – External Advisor
|
December 2019
|
All HRCC members
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
36
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
37
|
• |
In consultation with members of the Board and management of the Corporation, sets the agenda for each meeting of the Board;
|
• |
Chairs, and enables the effective functioning of, Board and Shareholder meetings;
|
• |
Oversees and monitors the work of each Committee to see that delegated Committee functions are carried out and reported to the Board;
|
• |
Oversees the presentation to the Board of management’s strategies, plans and performance and the Board’s review and approval of the same;
|
• |
Assesses whether the Directors and the Committees have appropriate administrative support, access to personnel of the Corporation and access to outside advisors for the
purposes of the Board fulfilling its mandate;
|
• |
Oversees that independent Directors have adequate and regularly scheduled opportunities to meet to discuss issues without management present;
|
• |
In conjunction with the Corporate Governance Committee, support and assist in the conduct of a periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the overall Board and its members;
|
• |
Provides input to the Corporate Governance Committee on its recommendation to the Board for approval of candidates for nomination or appointment to the Board and determines
members and chairs of Committees; and
|
• |
Executes all contracts, documents or instruments in writing which require his signature.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
38
|
• |
Chair all Committee meetings;
|
• |
Provide leadership to the Committee;
|
• |
Act as the communication link between the Board and the applicable Committee;
|
• |
Review formal communications from the Committee to the Board before dissemination to the Board;
|
• |
Oversee that all matters requiring Committee review or approval are brought to the Committee in a timely and appropriate manner;
|
• |
In consultation with the Chair of the Board and management of the Corporation, set the agenda for Committee meetings and review information packages and related materials
for Committee meetings with senior management of the Corporation;
|
• |
Set the frequency of Committee meetings and review such frequency from time to time as considered appropriate or as requested by the Board;
|
• |
Lead the annual assessment of the Committee’s performance and the review of the Committee mandate; and
|
• |
Maintain an effective working relationship with key advisors to the Committee.
|
• |
All significant decisions which are outside of the ordinary course of the Corporation’s business (such as major financings, major acquisitions, major dispositions, and
significant new commercial relationships);
|
• |
A sale or disposition of shares or a bulk sale of assets above an amount established by the Board from time to time;
|
• |
Any expenditure or financial commitment above an amount specified by the Board from time to time;
|
• |
Material changes to the Corporation’s organizational (legal entity) structure;
|
• |
Appointment of officers; and
|
• |
Such other matters as the Board may determine from time to time.
|
• |
Oversee the effective day-to-day business affairs of the Corporation;
|
• |
Maintain a positive and ethical work climate that is conducive to attracting, retaining and motivating top-quality employees at all levels;
|
• |
Work with the Chair, as applicable, in determining the matters and materials that should be presented to the Board and overseeing that the focus of Board meetings is on
appropriate issues facing the Corporation and the industry generally;
|
• |
Present the Corporation’s strategic planning process and the Corporation’s annual strategic and capital plans to the Board for review and approval;
|
• |
Oversee the development of, and recommend to the Board, annual business plans, and budgets that support the Corporation’s long-term strategy;
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
39
|
• |
Work with senior management to implement the Corporation’s enterprise risk management program and to identify and manage the major risks facing the Corporation;
|
• |
Oversee the maintenance of an effective management team below the level of the CEO and an active plan for management development and succession;
|
• |
In cooperation with the Chair, the Board and the chair of the HRCC, develop an effective succession plan for the position of the CEO and management of the Corporation;
|
• |
Certify the annual and interim financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis of such financial statements, annual information form/annual report, quarterly
reports and the design and evaluation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting;
|
• |
Serve as a spokesperson for the Corporation;
|
• |
Assign to other senior management such powers and duties as the CEO may deem advisable;
|
• |
Execute the Board’s resolutions and policies; and
|
• |
Carry out any other duties assigned by the Board.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
40
|
• |
Restriction from trading securities of APUC including Common Shares during regular quarterly and annual trading blackout periods when financial results are being prepared
and have not yet been publicly disclosed. These periods currently begin on the first trading day following each fiscal quarter and end at the close of trading on the first full trading day after the issuance of a press release in
respect of APUC’s results for such quarter (or in the case of the fourth quarter, annual results);
|
• |
Communication of the dates for regular blackout periods;
|
• |
Restrictions on trading any securities which gain in value if the value of Algonquin securities declines in the future (e.g. short selling), “call” options or “put” options;
and
|
• |
Prohibition from communicating inside information to others other than in the necessary course of business.
|
• |
Speculating in securities of the Corporation, which may include buying with the intention of quickly reselling such securities, or selling securities of the Corporation with
the intention of quickly buying such securities (other than in connection with the acquisition and sale of securities under the Corporation’s Stock Option Plan or any other APUC benefit plan or arrangement);
|
• |
Buying APUC securities on margin (other than in connection with the acquisition and sale of securities under the Stock Option Plan or any other APUC benefit plan or
arrangement);
|
• |
Short selling a security of the Corporation or any other arrangement that results in a gain only if the value of the Corporation’s securities declines in the future;
|
• |
Selling a “call option” giving the holder an option to purchase securities of the Corporation;
|
• |
Buying a “put option” giving the holder an option to sell securities of the Corporation; and
|
• |
Pledging APUC securities as security for a limited recourse or non-recourse loan.
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
41
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
42
|
|
Compensation
Decision-Making Process
|
|
• |
The total annual retainer paid to board members would increase from US$130,000 to US$175,000 and that US$100,000 of the annual retainer would be an equity retainer payable
through issuance of DSUs and the balance paid in cash;
|
• |
The retainers for the chairs of the HRCC, the Risk Committee and the Governance Committee would be increased to US$12,000, US$10,000 and US$10,000 respectively; and
|
• |
In order to support ongoing Board education, the travel fee would be amended to apply to travel to board education events where the round trip travel was at least 1,000 km.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
44
|
Annual Board Retainers and Fees
|
2019 Retainer/Fee (US$)
|
|
Chair of the Board1
|
||
Annual Cash Retainer
|
$137,500
|
|
Annual Equity Retainer (DSU Value Received)
|
$137,500
|
|
Annual Board Retainer – Board Members
|
||
Annual Cash Retainer
|
$75,000
|
|
Annual Equity Retainer (DSU Value Received)
|
$100,000
|
|
Meeting Fee
|
$1,500
|
|
Travel Fee2
|
$1,500
|
|
Additional Retainers:
|
||
Chair of Audit Committee
|
$15,000
|
|
Chair of HRCC
|
$12,500
|
|
Chair of Corporate Governance Committee
|
$10,000
|
|
Chair of Risk Committee
|
$10,000
|
1. |
The Chair does not receive any meeting fees for Board or standing Committee meetings in addition to the annual retainer received but receives a travel fee and
meeting fees for participating in meetings of any Board special committee if established.
|
2. |
Travel fees are payable for any travel exceeding 1,000km on a round-trip basis to attend meetings or to participate in board training or industry-related
conferences and seminars.
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
45
|
|
December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
|
||||
Dilution
|
||||
Total number of DSUs outstanding divided by total number of
|
0.09%
|
0.08%
|
0.07%
|
|
Common Shares outstanding as at the end of the fiscal year noted.
|
||||
Burn Rate
|
||||
Total number of DSUs granted in a fiscal year, divided by
|
0.02%
|
0.02%
|
0.02%
|
|
the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding
|
||||
during the relevant period noted.1,2
|
||||
Overhang
|
||||
Total DSUs outstanding plus the number of units available to be
|
|
|
0.23%
|
|
granted pursuant to the DSU Plan, divided by the total number of
|
0.19%
|
0.20% | ||
Common Shares outstanding as at the end of the fiscal year noted.3
|
1. |
The weighted average number of securities outstanding during the period is the number of securities outstanding at the beginning of the period, adjusted by the
number of securities bought back or issued during the period multiplied by a time-weighting factor. The time weighting factor is the number of days that the securities are outstanding as a proportion of the total number of days in the
period. The weighted average number of securities outstanding is calculated in accordance with the CPA Canada Handbook, as such may be amended or superseded from time to time.
|
2. |
The total number of DSUs granted in each fiscal year was as follows: 2019 – 79,762; 2018 – 86,750; 2017 – 69,243.
|
3. |
The total number of DSUs that can be issued under the DSU Plan as of December 31, 2019, is 539,582 (being 1,000,000 reserved less units issued and outstanding of
460,418).
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
46
|
|
Cash
|
Share-Based
|
All Other
|
|||
Director
|
Fees Earned1
|
Awards2
|
Compensation
|
Total3
|
|
Kenneth Moore
|
$186,974
|
$178,750
|
-
|
$365,724
|
|
Chair of the Board
|
|||||
Christopher J. Ball
|
$177,705
|
$130,000
|
-
|
$307,705
|
|
Chair, Audit Committee
|
|||||
Melissa Stapleton Barnes
|
$104,559
|
$178,750
|
-
|
$283,309
|
|
D. Randy Laney
|
$175,729
|
$130,000
|
-
|
$305,729
|
|
Masheed Saidi
|
$156,002
|
$143,000
|
-
|
$299,002
|
|
Chair, Risk Committee
|
|||||
Dilek Samil
|
$169,855
|
$146,250
|
-
|
$316,105
|
|
Chair, HRCC
|
|||||
George Steeves
|
$153,326
|
$130,000
|
-
|
$283,326
|
|
Chair, Corporate Governance Committee
|
|||||
1. |
Amounts disclosed represent the aggregate cash remuneration paid to each non-employee Director for (a) attending quarterly meetings, the annual Shareholder
meeting, Committee meetings, the annual budget approval meeting, annual strategy sessions and business development meetings; (b) if applicable, acting as Chair of the Board or chair of a Committees; and (c) additional amounts paid for
special committee work.
|
2. |
All non-employee Directors receive part of their Annual Board Retainer in the form of DSUs. A DSU has a value equal to one Common Share. DSUs cannot be redeemed
until the Director retires, resigns, or otherwise leaves the Board. Mr. Moore, as Chair of the Board, received 50% of his annual retainer in DSUs. All of the other non-employee Directors received US$100,000 of their Annual Board Retainer
in DSUs. Directors may elect each year to receive a higher percentage of compensation in DSUs than the mandated amount.
|
3. |
All amounts in this table other than meeting fees and travel fees were converted from US$ to C$ using a rate of 1.3x. Meeting fees and travel fees paid were
converted from US$ to C$ using spot rates at the end of each calendar quarter.
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
47
|
|
Letter to Shareholders from
the Human Resources and
Compensation Committee
|
|
Dear Shareholder,
|
• |
Annual Adjusted Net Earnings increased 3% to US$321.3M, as compared to US$312.2M in 2018;
|
• |
Annual Adjusted EBITDA increased 4% to US$838.6.6M, as compared to US$804.4M in 2018;
|
• |
Algonquin’s total assets increased 12% to US$10.9 billion, as compared to US$9.4 billion in 2018; and
|
• |
Total shareholder return (“Total Shareholder Return” or “TSR”) was 39.7% in 2019, as compared
to a TSR performance for the S&P/TSX Composite Index of 22.9% and the S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Index of 37.5%.
|
• |
Succession Planning and Transition
|
• |
Increased Share Ownership Requirements
|
• |
Review of Leadership Development Plans
|
• |
Board Remuneration
|
• |
Compensation Plan Risk Assessment
|
• |
Base Salary;
|
• |
Short-Term Annual Incentive;
|
• |
Long-Term Incentive; and
|
• |
Pension and Other Benefits.
|
|
2019 CEO Compensation Decisions
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
51
|
• |
Succession and Transition
|
• |
Sustainability Metrics
|
• |
Leadership Development and Succession
|
|
Dilek Samil
|
Christopher Ball
|
D. Randy Laney
|
Board Director and Chair,
|
Board Director and Member,
|
Board Director and Member,
|
Human Resources &
|
Human Resources &
|
Human Resources &
|
Compensation Committee
|
Compensation Committee
|
Compensation Committee
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
52
|
|
Compensation
Discussion and Analysis
|
|
• |
Using management’s analysis and data, including peer group information, compensation trend information, internal equity considerations and performance against objectives, the
CEO makes recommendations regarding executive compensation for the executive team including the Named Executive Officers, other than for the CEO and Vice Chair, to the HRCC.
|
• |
The HRCC reviews and considers these recommendations, as well as the compensation of the CEO and Vice Chair, using benchmark information, with the assistance of external
compensation consultants and other information as required, and makes recommendations to the Board.
|
• |
The Board considers and grants final approval for CEO and Vice Chair compensation decisions, with decisions being made by the non-employee Directors (being all Board members
other than the CEO and Vice Chair).
|
• |
The HRCC considers and approves the compensation of the executive team members other than the CEO and Vice Chair.
|
|
The 2019 Compensation Comparator Group
Consists of the Following Entities
|
|
Canadian Comparator Group
|
U.S. Comparator Group
|
AltaGas Ltd.
|
Alliant Energy Corporation
|
ATCO Ltd.
|
Atmos Energy Corporation
|
Cameco Corporation
|
Black Hills Corporation
|
Capital Power Corporation
|
Clearway Energy, Inc.
|
Emera Incorporated
|
IDACORP, Inc.
|
H&R Real Estate Investment Trust
|
National Fuel Gas Company
|
Inter Pipeline Ltd.
|
OGE Energy Corp.
|
Keyera Corp.
|
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation
|
Methanex Corporation
|
PNM Resources, Inc.
|
Northland Power Inc.
|
Portland General Electric Company
|
Open Text Corporation
|
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc
|
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust
|
|
TransAlta Corporation
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
55
|
1.
|
All Figures as of December 31, 2019 in CAD (converted to CAD at rate of US$1 = $1.327). Source: S&P CapIQ.
|
2.
|
Note that the above bar charts include only Canadian peers, as Canadian peers were the primary
means of comparison.
|
•
|
Caps on payouts under short-term incentive plans (200% of target);
|
•
|
Performance factors with caps on the number of units that can be issued under awards made pursuant to the Share Unit Plan;
|
•
|
Termination and severance provisions with double triggers in the event of a change in control;
|
•
|
Executive share ownership guidelines that align the interests of senior officers with the interests of Shareholders;
|
•
|
Adoption of a clawback policy;
|
•
|
Inclusion of non-financial performance measures in incentive compensation programs; and
|
•
|
Board discretion to amend the final payout of the incentive compensation programs.
|
|
2019
|
2018
|
|||
Executive
|
Executive
|
|||
Advisor
|
Compensation-Related Fees
|
All Other Fees1
|
Compensation-Related Fees
|
All Other Fees1
|
Hugessen Consulting Inc.
|
$311,037
|
-
|
$160,483
|
-
|
Mercer (Canada) Limited
|
$173,819
|
$507,2882
|
-
|
$102,036
|
1. |
All Other Fees are fees for work undertaken by the advisor for management relating to provision of market data or database access, pension investment counsel
or benefits advice and benchmarking.
|
2. |
Amounts paid to Mercer relate to engagements for pension advisory work, due diligence services relating to employee pension and benefits in relation to
potential acquisitions and integration work for employee benefits plans for acquired businesses.
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
57
|
• |
Ian Robertson, CEO;
|
• |
Christopher Jarratt, Vice Chair;
|
• |
David Bronicheski, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”);
|
• |
Johnny Johnston, Chief Operating Officer (“COO”); and
|
• |
Jeff Norman, Chief Development Officer (“CDO”).
|
• |
Executive compensation is set with reference to the Canadian Comparator Group. The U.S. Comparator Group is taken into account as a secondary reference. In appropriate
circumstances, the weighting of the Canadian Comparator Group and U.S. Comparator Group may change depending on executive job location, executive responsibilities, local pay practices and internal equity.
|
• |
Pay is benchmarked and compared to a target Total Direct Compensation (“TDC”) basis (i.e. base salary + target annual short-term
incentive + target annual long-term incentive). Benefits, perquisites, and pensions are considered separately and established based upon market data for the market in which the employee is employed.
|
• |
Overall compensation is designed so that a meaningful portion of compensation is delivered through variable/pay-at-risk and longer-term compensation elements.
|
• |
Compensation levels, mix and incentive plans are designed so that TDC is positioned at the median of the relevant Comparator Group. Variable compensation is designed so that
compensation is at the median level for target performance, above median for above-target performance and below median for below-target performance.
|
• |
The impact of foreign exchange on compensation data is averaged over multi-year periods when benchmarking executive compensation in order to smooth its impact.
|
• |
Judgement is applied to different employee levels where necessary so as to avoid an entirely mechanical process for setting each position’s pay.
|
|
Compensation Elements
|
Compensation Mix
|
|||||||||
Short-Term
|
Long-Term |
Target
|
Base
|
Short-Term
|
Long-Term |
Pay-
|
||||
Base
|
Incentive
|
Incentive
|
Total Direct
|
Salary
|
Incentive
|
Incentive
|
||||
Name
|
Salary
|
Target
|
Target
|
Compensation
|
%
|
Target %
|
Target %
|
at-Risk
|
||
Ian Robertson
|
$938,400
|
$938,400
|
$2,205,240
|
$4,082,040
|
23%
|
23%
|
54%
|
77%
|
||
Christopher Jarratt
|
$656,880
|
$656,880
|
$1,543,668
|
$2,857,428
|
23%
|
23%
|
54%
|
77%
|
||
David Bronicheski
|
$514,000
|
$334,100
|
$642,500
|
$1,490,600
|
34%
|
23%
|
43%
|
66%
|
||
Johnny Johnston
|
$451,000
|
$293,150
|
$451,000
|
$1,195,150
|
38%
|
24%
|
38%
|
62%
|
||
Jeff Norman
|
$400,000
|
$260,000
|
$400,000
|
$1,060,000
|
38%
|
24%
|
38%
|
62%
|
|
STIP Target
|
Maximum
|
Corporate
|
Business Unit
|
Individual
|
Individual
|
||
Position
|
for 2019
|
Payout
|
Performance
|
Performance
|
Performance
|
Leadership
|
|
(% Salary)
|
(% Target)
|
Weighting
|
Weighting
|
Weighting
|
Assessment
|
||
Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chair
|
100%
|
200%
|
60%
|
-
|
30%
|
10%
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
65%
|
200%
|
60%
|
20%
|
10%
|
10%
|
|
Chief Operations Officer
|
65%
|
200%
|
60%
|
20%
|
10%
|
10%
|
|
Chief Development Officer
|
65%
|
200%
|
10%
|
40%
|
40%
|
10%
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
60
|
1.
|
See individual NEO weighting table on page 60.
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
61
|
Efficiency and Financial Metrics
|
Minimum
|
Target
|
Maximum
|
90% of Target
|
US$839.9 M
|
110% of Target
|
(0 points)
|
(15 points)
|
(30 points)
|
|
Minimum
|
Target
|
Maximum
|
90% of Budget
|
US$0.66
|
110% of Budget
|
(0 points)
|
(15 points)
|
(30 points)
|
|
(EPS Growth Over Baseline)
|
||
Minimum
|
Target
|
Maximum
|
3% EPS Growth
|
Met 5%
|
Achieve 10%
|
(0 points)
|
EPS Growth
|
EPS Growth
|
(10 points)
|
(20 points)
|
|
2019 Actual: 8.29% (14.3 points)
|
||
Achieve Target FFO/Debt Ratio
|
||
Minimum
|
Target
|
Maximum
|
Target Not Met
|
Met
|
105% of Target
|
(0 points)
|
(10 points)
|
(20 points)
|
|
Sustainability/Operational Metrics
|
Minimum
|
Target
|
Maximum
|
4.5 U.S. Industry Average
|
2.44
|
1.95
|
(0 points)
|
(10 points)
|
(20 points)
|
|
2019 Actual: Maximum Achieved (20 points)
|
||
Drive Improved Employee Engagement
|
||
Minimum
|
Target
|
Maximum
|
<67.5%
|
67.5 - 70%
|
72%
|
(0 points)
|
(10 points)
|
(20 points)
|
|
Minimum
|
Target
|
Maximum
|
Deliver
|
Complete
|
|
Objectives
|
Identified
|
Stretch
|
Not Complete
|
Projects
|
Objectives
|
(0 points)
|
(5 points)
|
(10 points)
|
|
Minimum
|
Target
|
Maximum
|
642 Pts.
|
662 Pts.
|
682 Pts.
|
(0 points)
|
(8.0 points)
|
(15 points)
|
|
|
Achieve 2019 Cost Per Customer Targets
|
||
Minimum
|
Target
|
Maximum
|
110% of Budget
|
Budget
|
90% of Budget
|
(0 points)
|
(15 points)
|
(30 points)
|
Minimum
|
Target
|
Maximum
|
90% of Target
|
100% of Target
|
110% of Target
|
(0 points)
|
(10 points)
|
(20 points)
|
|
|
2019 Summary
|
2019 Total: 115.4
points
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. |
62
|
|
Date
|
Term1
|
Volatility2
|
Dividend Yield
|
Risk-Free Rate3
|
March 19, 2019
|
5.5 years
|
14.3%
|
5.0%
|
1.6%
|
1. |
The safe harbour term used is equal to ((time to expiry + 3) / 2). Option term is eight (8) years.
|
2. |
The volatility of the share price is based on the average daily volatility over the last 750 trading days (three (3) years).
|
3. |
The risk-free rate is equal to the yield of a Government of Canada bond with same term as the expected life of the Option.
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
63 |
|
Dilution
|
December 31, 2019 | December 31, 2018 | December 31, 2017 |
Total number of Options outstanding divided by
|
|
|
|
total number of Common Shares outstanding as at
|
|||
0.67%
|
1.29% |
1.56%
|
|
the end of the fiscal year noted.
|
|||
Burn Rate
|
|||
Total number of Options granted in a fiscal year divided by
|
0.22%
|
0.25%
|
0.61%
|
the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding
|
|||
during the period noted.1,2
|
|||
Overhang
|
|||
Total Options outstanding plus the number of Options available
|
6.76%
|
5.95%
|
5.68%
|
to be granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan, divided by
|
|||
the total number of Common Shares outstanding as at the
|
|||
end of the fiscal year noted.3
|
1. |
The weighted average number of securities outstanding during the period is the number of securities outstanding at the beginning of the period, adjusted by the
number of securities bought back or issued during the period multiplied by a time-weighting factor. The time-weighting factor is the number of days that the securities are outstanding as a proportion of the total number of days in the
period. The weighted average number of securities outstanding is calculated in accordance with the CPA Canada Handbook, as such may be amended or superseded from time to time.
|
2. |
The total number of Options granted in each fiscal year was as follows: 2019 – 1,113,775; 2018 – 1,166,717; 2017 – 2,328,343.
|
3. |
The total number of Common Shares that can be issued under the Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2019, is 31,937,766 including Common Shares issuable under
granted and outstanding Option awards.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. |
64
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
65 |
Performance criteria
(calculated over three-year period)
|
Units granted |
Relative TSR
performance
|
Final
share units
vested
|
|||
Efficiency
|
Safety
|
Customer
|
Units
|
Units issued
|
TSR
|
|
factor
|
factor
|
factor
|
granted
|
for dividends
|
modifier
|
|
0 -1.70 | 0 -0.20 | 0.025-0.075 | paid | 80% - 120% |
|
Target
|
Weighting
|
Three-year
average achieved
|
Calculation1
|
Achieved factor
|
|
Performance Factor, Efficiency
|
100 points
|
85%
|
126 points
|
126
|
1.02
|
Performance Factor, Safety
|
2.03 RIR
|
10%
|
0.99 RIR
|
0.99
|
0.10
|
Performance Factor, Customer Service
|
80%
|
5%
|
79%
|
99
|
0.05
|
Total Performance Factor Score
|
1.17
|
||||
TSR Modifier X 120%
|
1.40
|
1.
|
See performance scale information on page 67.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. |
66
|
Average Efficiency Achievement over Three Years
|
Minimum
|
> 0 and
|
> 20 and
|
> 40 and
|
> 60 and
|
> 80 and
|
> 120 and
|
> 140 and
|
> 160 and
|
> 180 and
|
Maximum
|
|
<= 0
|
<= 20
|
<= 40
|
<= 60
|
<= 80
|
<= 120
|
<= 140
|
<= 160
|
<= 180
|
<= 200
|
>
|
200
|
(0 Points)
|
(0.17 Points)
|
(0.34 Points)
|
(0.51 Points)
|
(0.68 Points)
|
(0.85 Points)
|
(1.02 Points)
|
(1.19 Points)
|
(1.36 Points)
|
(1.53 Points)
|
(1.70
|
Points)
|
Safety Performance Achievement Factor
|
Minimum
|
<= 1.30 x
|
<= 1.20 x
|
<= 1.05 x
|
<= 0.95 x
|
<= 0.80 x
|
Maximum
|
<= 1.3 x
|
>= 1.20
|
>= 1.05
|
>= 0.95
|
>= 0.80
|
>= 0.70
|
<= 0.70 x
|
(0 Points)
|
(0.090 Points)
|
(0.095 Points)
|
(0.100 Points)
|
(0.105 Points)
|
(0.110 Points)
|
(0.200 Points)
|
Customer Service Achievement Factor
|
Minimum
|
= 50%
|
> 50% and
|
> 60% and
|
> 70% and
|
> 80% and
|
> 90% and
|
> 110% and
|
> 120% and
|
> 130% and
|
> 140% and
|
Maximum
|
|
<= 50%
|
<= 60%
|
<= 70%
|
<= 80%
|
<= 90%
|
<= 110%
|
<= 120%
|
<= 130%
|
<= 140%
|
<= 150%
|
> 200
|
||
(0 Points)
|
(0.025 Points)
|
(0.030 Points)
|
(0.035 Points)
|
(0.040 Points)
|
(0.045 Points)
|
(0.050 Points)
|
(0.055 Points)
|
(0.060 Points)
|
(0.065 Points)
|
(0.070 Points)
|
(0.075 Points)
|
Total Shareholder Return Modifier Factor
|
Total performance factor with TSR modifier
|
1.4x
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
67 |
|
December 31, 2019 |
December 31, 2018
|
December 31, 2017 | |
Dilution
|
|||
Total number of PSUs/RSUs outstanding divided by total
|
0.51%
|
0.28%
|
0.22%
|
number of Common Shares outstanding as at the end of
|
|||
the fiscal year noted.
|
|||
Burn rate
|
|||
Total number of PSUs/RSUs granted in a fiscal year divided by
|
0.30%
|
0.16%
|
0.20%
|
the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding
|
|||
during the fiscal period.1, 2
|
|||
Overhang
|
|||
Total PSUs/RSUs outstanding plus the number of units
|
1.22%
|
1.34%
|
1.55%3
|
available to be granted pursuant to the Share Unit Plan,
|
|||
divided by the total number of Common Shares outstanding
|
|||
as at the end of the fiscal year noted.3
|
1. |
The weighted average number of securities outstanding during the period is the number of securities outstanding at the beginning of the period, adjusted by the
number of securities bought back or issued during the period, multiplied by a time-weighting factor. The time-weighting factor is the number of days that the securities are outstanding as a proportion of the total number of days in
the period. The weighted average number of securities outstanding is calculated in accordance with the CPA Canada Handbook, as such may be amended or superseded from time to time.
|
2. |
The total number of PSUs/RSUs granted in each fiscal year (net of awards forfeited during the relevant year) was as follows: 2019 – 1,364,251; 2018 – 729,879;
2017 –746,926. The figures include additional units earned due to dividends paid on Common Shares during the relevant year.
|
3. |
The total number of Common Shares that can be issued for vested PSU/RSUs as of December 31, 2019 is 6,375,245 (7,000,000 less 624,755 Common Shares issued as
at December 31, 2019 to redeem prior awards.)
|
4. |
In 2017, Shareholders approved an increase in the maximum number of treasury shares issuable under the Share Unit Plan to 7,000,000 from 500,000.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. |
68
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
69 |
|
Burn rate
|
December
31, 2019
|
December 31, 2018
|
December 31, 2017 |
Total number of Common Shares issued from treasury
|
0.05%
|
0.05%
|
0.07%
|
under the ESPP in the fiscal year divided by the weighted
|
|||
average number of Common Shares outstanding during
|
|||
the relevant period noted.1,2
|
|||
Overhang
|
|||
Total Common Shares available for purchase by employees
|
0.14%
|
0.20%
|
0.28%
|
pursuant to the ESPP, divided by the total number of Common
|
|||
1. |
The weighted average number of securities outstanding during the period is the number of securities outstanding at the beginning of the period, adjusted by the
number of securities bought back or issued during the period multiplied by a time-weighting factor. The time-weighting factor is the number of days that the securities are outstanding as a proportion of the total number of days in the
period. The weighted average number of securities outstanding is calculated in accordance with the CPA Canada Handbook, as such may be amended or superseded from time to time.
|
2. |
The total number of Common Shares issued for employee purchases under the ESPP during the fiscal years noted were as follows: 2019 – 253,538; 2018 – 252,698;
2017 – 283,523.
|
3. |
The current fixed maximum number of Common Shares issuable under the ESPP is 2,000,000. As at December 31, 2019, 1,285,789 Common Shares have been issued, with
an additional 714,211 Common Shares being available for purchase by employees under the ESPP.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. |
70
|
|
Accumulated value
|
Non-compensatory
|
Accumulated value
|
||
Name
|
at start of year
|
Compensatory change2
|
change3
|
at end of year
|
Ian Robertson
|
$623,039
|
$325,224
|
$11,296
|
$959,559
|
Chris Jarratt
|
$408,332
|
$240,547
|
$14,201
|
$663,080
|
David Bronicheski
|
$305,349
|
$149,501
|
$11,417
|
$466,267
|
Johnny Johnston1
|
$0
|
$52,054
|
$1,285
|
$53,339
|
Jeff Norman
|
$185,956
|
$116,612
|
$12,946
|
$185,956
|
1. |
Mr. Johnston commenced employment with the Corporation during 2019 and, accordingly, a nil opening balance is shown.
|
2. |
Includes Pension Plan contributions, and unfunded SERP contributions and credits.
|
3. |
Non-compensatory amount is the amount of annual investment value increase/decrease achieved by a participant in the Pension Plan based on a participant’s
individual investment product mix elected in the program.
|
2020 Management Information Circular | 71 |
• |
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance coverage;
|
• |
Medical expenses and medical insurance reimbursements;
|
• |
Monthly car allowance, as applicable;
|
• |
Health and wellness coverage; and
|
• |
A fitness allowance for a recreational and/or social club.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. |
72
|
|
Executive target
|
Ownership requirements effective in 2019
|
Current ownership requirements
|
Chief Executive Officer, Vice Chair
|
3x base salary
|
7x base salary1
|
President
|
2x base salary
|
4x base salary
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
2x base salary
|
3x base salary
|
Other NEOs and designated executives
|
1x base salary
|
2x base salary
|
1. |
The share ownership requirement for Mr. Robertson, the CEO, is set at $5,000,000 upon the grant of RSUs pursuant to a retirement agreement between the
Corporation and Mr. Robertson. See discussion under the heading “Retirement Agreements” on page 86.
|
|
Base
|
Multiple of
|
Ownership
|
Shares/share
|
Estimated
|
Ownership
|
Target
|
|
NEO3
|
salary
|
base salary1
|
guideline value
|
equivalents2
|
value
|
achieved
|
status
|
Ian Robertson
|
$938,400
|
3x
|
$2,815,200
|
1,338,735
|
$25,015,736
|
26.7x
|
✔
|
Chris Jarratt
|
$656,880
|
3x
|
$1,970,640
|
1,262,212
|
$23,585,820
|
35.9x
|
✔
|
David Bronicheski
|
$514,000
|
2x
|
$1,028,000
|
643,146
|
$12,017,890
|
23.4x
|
✔
|
Johnny Johnston
|
$451,000
|
1x
|
$451,000
|
88,114
|
$1,646,507
|
3.7x
|
✔
|
Jeff Norman
|
$400,000
|
1x
|
$400,000
|
136,823
|
$2,556,688
|
6.4x
|
✔
|
1. |
Effective February 27, 2020, the Board increased the share ownership guidelines for members of the Corporation’s executive team including the NEOs.
The new requirements are based upon the following multiples of base salary: CEO and Vice Chair (7x); President (4x); CFO (3x); and all other executives (2x). The amendments also limit the eligible classes of holdings to be considered
as equity equivalents. Under the new guideline only vested RSUs held are considered Common Share equivalents. Under the prior guideline, unvested PSUs and RSUs were considered as equity equivalents. Executives have until the end of
the calendar 2024 to achieve the new holding requirements. If the new requirements were in place during 2019, each of the CEO, the Vice Chair, the CFO and the CDO would have met the new requirements and the COO would have met the
interim holding requirement.
|
2. |
Includes Common Shares held and vested and unvested PSU and RSU awards.
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
73 |
Number of Securities
|
Weighted-average
|
Number of Securities
|
|
Equity Compensation Plan
|
to be Issued Upon Exercise
|
Exercise Price
|
Remaining Available for
|
or Settlement of
|
of Outstanding
|
Future Issuance Under
|
|
Category
|
Outstanding Securities
|
Options
|
Equity Compensation Plans3
|
Plans approved by security holders
|
|||
Stock Option Plan
|
3,523,912
|
$13.09
|
28,413,954
|
Share Unit Plan
|
2,674,4331
|
3,969,2612
|
|
ESPP
|
N/A
|
714,211
|
|
DSU Plan
|
460,418
|
-
|
539,582
|
Total
|
6,658,763
|
$13.09
|
33,637,008
|
1. |
This represents granted PSU and RSU awards that have not yet settled or vested.
|
2. |
Total is calculated as 7,000,000 less the awards set out in the first numerical column above and less treasury shares issued to settle PSUs and RSUs settled to
December 31, 2019.
|
3. |
Amounts exclude the number of securities reflected in the column headed “Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise or
Settlement of Outstanding Securities” column.
|
|
January 1,
|
December 31,
|
December 31,
|
December 31,
|
December 31,
|
December 31,
|
|
2015
|
2015
|
2016
|
2017
|
2018
|
2019
|
||
APUC Share Price (TSX)
|
100
|
118.97
|
130.28
|
168.12
|
172.65
|
241.20
|
|
S&P/TSX Composite Index
|
100
|
91.68
|
111.01
|
121.11
|
110.34
|
135.59
|
|
S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Index
|
100
|
96.52
|
113.51
|
125.57
|
115.91
|
159.37
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. |
74
|
|
Compensation
|
Average Compensation
|
Annual TSR
|
|
Period
|
Adjustment for CEO1
|
Adjustment for NEO Team1
|
(Including Dividend Re-investment)
|
2011
|
2.0%
|
13.4%
|
34.1%
|
2012
|
44.3%
|
16.4%
|
11.5%
|
2013
|
19.4%
|
37.3%
|
12.4%
|
2014
|
18.0
|
12.4%
|
37.1%
|
2015
|
10.1%
|
9.9%
|
19.0%
|
2016
|
64.7%2
|
53.3%
|
9.5%
|
2017
|
23.0%2
|
21.7%
|
29.1%
|
2018
|
7.0%
|
4.1%
|
2.7%
|
2019
|
2.0%
|
5.0%
|
39.7%
|
Average
|
21.2%
|
19.3%
|
21.7%
|
1. |
A portion of these amounts relates to long-term incentives. Calculation of value of long-term incentives is based on grant date values. The actual value of
these amounts is tied to future Corporation and individual performance as well as continuing Shareholder returns.
|
2. |
These percentages reflect adjustments by the HRCC over 2016 and 2017 that were made to further align TDC for the CEO and other NEOs to the market median of the
benchmark comparator group for the periods.
|
1. |
Asset amounts from 2010-2015 converted from CAD to USD using the end of year exchange rates as posted by the Bank of Canada.
|
1. |
Dividend amounts from 2010-2014 converted from CAD to USD using the average annual exchange rates as posted by the Bank of Canada.
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
75 |
|
Executive Compensation
Information
|
|
• |
TSR of 39.7% was achieved as compared to a TSR for the S&P/TSX Composite Index and S&P/ TSX Capped Utilities Index as detailed below:
|
•
|
The acquisition of New Brunswick Gas and St. Lawrence Gas were completed;
|
||
- AQN (TSX)
|
39.7%
|
•
|
Definitive agreements were entered into for the acquisition of the Bermuda Electric Light Company and New York American Water;
|
||
- S&P/TSX Composite
|
22.9%
|
||||
- S&P/TSX Capped Utilities
|
37.5%
|
||||
• |
Annual Adjusted EBITDA of US$838.6 million was achieved, an increase of 4% from 2018;
|
• |
The Board approved another 10% increase in the annual dividend on APUC Common Shares; and
|
||
• |
Annual Adjusted Net Earnings of US$321.3 million were achieved, an increase of 3% from 2018;
|
• |
Provided key leadership support across the Corporation.
|
|
• |
Assisted the Corporate Governance Committee in its continuous improvement of our governance practices as evidenced by improved governance rankings from a number of third-party assessors;
|
• |
Collaborated with the CEO and the Board of Directors in the development and execution of the long-term strategy of the Corporation; and
|
|
•
|
Provided guidance and assistance in the resolution of a broad spectrum of strategic growth and commercial issues facing the Corporation;
|
• |
Provided key leadership support across the Corporation.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
76
|
• |
Successfully led the Corporation’s first equity offering direct to the U.S. equity capital markets raising US$354.4 million of new equity;
|
• |
Maintained strong consolidated credit metrics to support the Corporation’s BBB investment grade credit ratings;
|
|
•
|
Successfully led the Corporation’s inaugural Green Bond issuance raising $300 million to finance renewable energy projects;
|
• |
Collaborated with the CEO and the Board of Directors in the development and execution of the long-term strategy of the Corporation; and
|
|
•
|
Renegotiated new and extended bank credit facilities totaling over US$600 million to secure appropriate liquidity for the Corporation;
|
•
|
Provided key leadership support across the Corporation.
|
|
• |
Delivered better than industry average safety metrics in Lost Time Injury, Recordable Incident and Motor Vehicle Accident rates; achieving a 69% year-on-year improvements in Lost
Time Injury Rate performance;
|
• |
Completed a $512 million capital investment program, a 46% increase on the prior year, improving the resilience of our infrastructure for customers and reinforcing the organic growth of the regulated services business;
|
|
•
|
Achieved regulatory outcomes in eight rate cases and obtained required approvals to start construction of the 600MW of wind generation projects in the Customer Savings Plan and
finalized plans for the closure of Asbury coal plant;
|
• |
Implemented an operational excellence program across the non-regulated generation portfolio that supported delivery of better than budgeted availability and operating cost performance; and
|
|
•
|
Improved JD Power customer satisfaction scores by 4% year-on-year across the organization;
|
•
|
Provided key leadership support across the organization.
|
|
• |
Advanced 694MW of 100% PTC wind projects to construction phase exceeding 600MW 2020 PTC goal;
|
• |
Grew early stage North American development pipeline with addition of approximately 500MW of new wind and solar projects;
|
|
•
|
Secured 80MW Altavista Solar facility in Virginia and advanced Great Bay Solar II to construction;
|
• |
Grew international development pipeline by securing approximately 200MW of new early-stage development projects; and
|
|
•
|
Advanced three projects comprising the 600MW Customer Savings Plan to construction;
|
•
|
Provided key leadership support across the Corporation.
|
|
•
|
Completed agreements to acquire in excess of $1 billion in new utility assets including Bermuda Electric Light Company, New York American Water and a number of
smaller tuck-in investments;
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
77 |
Equity Incentive Plan
|
Non-Equity Incentive
|
||||||||
compensation
|
Plan compensation
|
||||||||
|
|
Long-
|
|||||||
Name and
|
Share-
|
Option-
|
Annual
|
term
|
|
|
|||
principal
|
based
|
based
|
Incentive
|
Incentive
|
Pension
|
All other
|
Total
|
||
position
|
Year
|
Salary
|
awards2
|
awards3
|
Plans1
|
Plans
|
value4
|
compensation
|
compensation
|
Ian
|
2019
|
$938,400
|
$1,653,925
|
$551,310
|
$1,116,696
|
-
|
$325,224
|
$35,743
|
$4,621,298
|
Robertson
|
2018
|
$920,000
|
$1,623,000
|
$540,500
|
$1,113,149
|
-
|
$192,662
|
$43,512
|
$4,432,823
|
CEO
|
2017
|
$900,000
|
$969,000
|
$967,500
|
$779,368
|
-
|
$256,682
|
$61,168
|
$3,933,718
|
Christopher
|
2019
|
$656,880
|
$1,157,744
|
$385,917
|
$761,981
|
-
|
$240,547
|
$24,482
|
$3,227,551
|
Jarratt
|
2018
|
$644,000
|
$1,135,050
|
$378,350
|
$780,993
|
-
|
$116,676
|
$25,554
|
$3,080,623
|
Vice Chair
|
2017
|
$630,000
|
$678,750
|
$677,250
|
$552,759
|
-
|
$174,933
|
$29,057
|
$2,742,749
|
David
|
2019
|
$514,000
|
$481,861
|
$160,625
|
$410,943
|
-
|
$149,501
|
$25,344
|
$1,742,274
|
Bronicheski
|
2018
|
$503,928
|
$473,933
|
$157,478
|
$458,881
|
-
|
$97,232
|
$25,784
|
$1,717,236
|
CFO
|
2017
|
$489,250
|
$307,281
|
$305,781
|
$344,131
|
-
|
$116,282
|
$23,011
|
$1,585,736
|
Johnny
|
2019
|
$451,000
|
$1,289,234
|
$112,750
|
$328,328
|
-
|
$52,054
|
$17,136
|
$2,250,502
|
Johnston
|
2018
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
COO
|
2017
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Jeff
|
2019
|
$400,000
|
$700,028
|
$100,000
|
$286,000
|
-
|
$116,612
|
$19,769
|
$1,622,409
|
Norman
|
2018
|
$306,000
|
$160,650
|
$53,550
|
$655,7925
|
-
|
$71,354
|
$19,770
|
$1,267,116
|
CDO
|
2017
|
$300,000
|
$52,500
|
$157,500
|
$316,426
|
-
|
$63,917
|
$17,253
|
$907,596
|
1. |
The annual incentive plan amounts represent the annual bonus paid under the STIP unless otherwise noted.
|
2. |
Grant date fair value of Common Shares granted under APUC’s ESPP and units under the Share Unit Plan as calculated under the respective plans. Details are
listed below.
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
|
Ian Robertson
|
121,039
|
115,120
|
84,719
|
Chris Jarratt
|
84,727
|
80,584
|
59,303
|
David Bronicheski
|
35,264
|
33,540
|
26,775
|
Johnny Johnston
|
24,754
|
-
|
-
|
Jeff Norman
|
21,954
|
11,405
|
4,597
|
Grant Date Value
|
Grant Date Value for
|
||
for Compensation
|
Financial Statement
|
Difference
|
|
Year
|
Purposes ($)
|
Disclosure ($)
|
Per Unit ($)
|
2019
|
13.66
|
15.26
|
1.60
|
2018
|
14.09
|
12.77
|
1.32
|
2017
|
11.42
|
12.70
|
1.28
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
|
Johnny Johnston
|
61,313
|
-
|
-
|
Jeff Norman
|
21,926
|
-
|
-
|
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
78 |
3. |
Algonquin awarded the following Options to the NEOs for 2019 (awarded March 26, 2019), 2018 (awarded March 31, 2018) and 2017 (awarded March 31, 2017):
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
|
Ian Robertson
|
367,540
|
418,992
|
750,000
|
Chris Jarratt
|
257,278
|
293,294
|
525,000
|
David Bronicheski
|
107,083
|
122,075
|
237,040
|
Johnny Johnston
|
75,166
|
-
|
-
|
Jeff Norman
|
66,666
|
41,511
|
122,093
|
Expected
|
||||||
Dividend
|
Volatility | Risk-Free |
Life
|
Exercise
|
Fair
|
|
Year
|
Yield (%)
|
(%)
|
Rate (%)
|
(Years)
|
Price ($) |
Value ($)
|
2019
|
5.0
|
14.3
|
1.6
|
5.5
|
14.93
|
1.50*
|
2018
|
4.4
|
19.1
|
2.0
|
5.5
|
12.85
|
1.29
|
2017
|
4.9
|
22.2
|
1.2
|
5.5
|
12.77
|
1.29
|
Grant date value
|
|||
Grant date value
|
for Financial
|
||
for compensation
|
Statement
|
Difference
|
|
Year
|
purposes ($)
|
disclosure ($)
|
per unit ($)
|
2019
|
1.50
|
1.66
|
0.16
|
2018
|
1.29
|
1.41
|
0.12
|
2017
|
1.29
|
1.45
|
0.16
|
4. |
Amounts shown are contributions made by the Corporation for individuals under the Pension Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.
|
5.
|
Includes a one-time success bonus in the amount of $250,000 that was paid upon successful completion of a specific
deliverable related to a key construction project.
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
79 |
Perquisites
|
||||||
Car
|
Other
|
Insurance
|
Total All Other
|
|||
Name
|
Year
|
Allowance
|
Perquisites1, 2
|
Premiums
|
Other
|
Compensation
|
Ian Robertson
|
2019
|
$12,000
|
$12,5033
|
$11,240
|
$-
|
$35,743
|
2018
|
$12,000
|
$20,272
|
$11,240
|
$-
|
$43,512
|
|
2017
|
$12,000
|
$12,999
|
$36,169
|
$-
|
$61,168
|
|
Christopher Jarratt
|
2019
|
$12,000
|
$1,124
|
$11,358
|
$-
|
$24,482
|
2018
|
$12,000
|
$2,195
|
$11,359
|
$-
|
$25,554
|
|
2017
|
$12,000
|
$5,015
|
$12,042
|
$-
|
$29,057
|
|
David Bronicheski
|
2019
|
$12,000
|
$2,195
|
$11,149
|
$-
|
$25,344
|
2018
|
$12,000
|
$2,195
|
$11,589
|
$-
|
$25,784
|
|
2017
|
$12,000
|
$2,145
|
$8,866
|
$-
|
$23,011
|
|
Johnny Johnston4
|
2019
|
$10,962
|
$-
|
$6,174
|
$-
|
$17,136
|
2018
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
|
2017
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
$-
|
|
Jeff Norman
|
2019
|
$11,400
|
$2,195
|
$6,174
|
$-
|
$19,769
|
2018
|
$11,400
|
$2,195
|
$6,175
|
$-
|
$19,770
|
|
2017
|
$11,400
|
$-
|
$5,853
|
$-
|
$17,253
|
1. |
Other perquisites include medical cost reimbursements, health and fitness club membership, and tuition reimbursement.
|
2. |
Insurance premiums include life, disability, and medical reimbursement plan amounts.
|
3. |
Medical expenses reimbursement in 2019 of $2,984.
|
4.
|
Mr. Johnston joined the Company on January 6, 2019.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
80
|
Number of Common Shares
|
Value of unexercised
|
|||
Name
|
underlying Options
|
Option exercise price
|
Option expiration date
|
in-the-money Options1
|
Ian Robertson
|
250,0002
|
$12.82
|
March 30, 2025
|
$1,387,500
|
279,3283
|
$12.80
|
March 12, 2026
|
$1,555,857
|
|
367,5403
|
$14.96
|
March 24, 2027
|
$1,253,311
|
|
Christopher Jarratt
|
175,0002
|
$12.82
|
March 30, 2025
|
$971,250
|
195,5303
|
$12.80
|
March 12, 2026
|
$1,089,102
|
|
257,2783
|
$14.96
|
March 24, 2027
|
$877,318
|
|
David Bronicheski
|
79,0122
|
$12.82
|
March 30, 2025
|
$438,517
|
81,3833
|
$12.80
|
March 12, 2026
|
$453,303
|
|
107,0833
|
$14.96
|
March 24, 2027
|
$365,153
|
|
Johnny Johnston
|
75,166
|
$14.96
|
March 24, 2027
|
$256,316
|
Jeff Norman
|
287,3182
|
$9.76
|
May 18, 2023
|
$2,473,808
|
80,4742
|
$10.82
|
March 30, 2024
|
$607,579
|
|
108,4242
|
$11.59
|
March 30, 2024
|
$735,115
|
|
122,0932
|
$12.82
|
March 30, 2025
|
$677,616
|
|
41,511
|
$12.80
|
March 12, 2026
|
$231,216
|
|
66,666
|
$14.96
|
March 24, 2027
|
$227,331
|
1. |
Values based on the closing price of Common Shares on the TSX on December 31, 2019 of $18.37.
|
2. |
These options were exercised on March 9-10, 2020.
|
3.
|
These options were partially exercised on March 9, 2020.
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
81
|
|
Market or payout value of
|
Market or payout value of
|
|
Number of shares or units of
|
share-based awards that
|
vested share-based awards
|
|
Name
|
shares that have not vested
|
have not vested2, 3
|
not paid out or distributed4
|
Ian Robertson
|
250,218
|
$4,596,505
|
$2,506,733
|
Christopher Jarratt
|
175,152
|
$3,217,542
|
$1,754,721
|
David Bronicheski
|
72,901
|
$1,339,191
|
$792,225
|
Johnny Johnston
|
88,114
|
$1,618,654
|
$-
|
Jeff Norman
|
57,010
|
$1,047,274
|
$136,011
|
1. |
Share-based awards include PSU awards granted annually as part of long-term incentive plans, RSUs granted as retention awards that vest over a 3-year
period, and RSUs awarded at time of original hire as make-whole awards.
|
2. |
Unvested share-based awards are shown as total outstanding PSUs and RSUs awarded including units accrued due to dividends attributed to an equivalent
number of Common Shares that would have been paid during the period up to and including December 31, 2019.
|
3. |
The market or payout value of unvested share-based awards is calculated based on an assumed performance factor of 1 (or target performance) and the
closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 31, 2019, of $18.37.
|
4. |
These amounts represent PSUs awarded as annual long-term compensation grants in 2017. These PSUs vested on December 31, 2019 and were paid out on March
16, 2020. The value shown is calculated based on the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 31, 2019 of $18.37. The number of units vested represent 1.61x the number of original units granted based upon
performance levels achieved and units attributable to dividends that would have been payable on the underlying Common Shares during the Performance Period and until the time of payout. Values shown are pre-tax.
|
|
|
Non-equity incentive plan
|
|
Option-based awards value | Share-based awards (PSU) |
compensation –
|
|
Name
|
vested during 20191
|
value vested during 20191, 2
|
value earned during 2019
|
Ian Robertson
|
$2,583,201
|
$2,506,733
|
$1,116,696
|
Christopher Jarratt
|
$1,808,243
|
$1.754,721
|
$761,981
|
David Bronicheski
|
$786,897
|
$792,225
|
$410,943
|
Johnny Johnston
|
$-
|
$-
|
$328,328
|
Jeff Norman
|
$302,940
|
$136,011
|
$286,000
|
1. |
Option, PSU and RSU values are based on the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 31, 2019, of $18.37 per Common Share.
|
2. |
The 2017 PSU awards vested at a rate of 1.61x the original units granted. The vested value as a multiple of the original grant value was 2.59x.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
82 |
|
|
Value of
|
||||
Number of | Unexercised options |
Unexercised in-the-Money
|
||||
shares for
|
at Dec. 31, 2019
|
Options at Dec. 31, 2019
|
||||
which options
|
Aggregate
|
|||||
Name
|
were exercised
|
value realized
|
Exercisable
|
Unexercisable
|
Exercisable
|
Unexercisable
|
Ian Robertson
|
1,902,667
|
$8,920,931
|
512,178
|
384,690
|
$2,583,201
|
$1,613,467
|
Christopher Jarratt
|
1,372,153
|
$6,482,579
|
358,526
|
269,282
|
$1,808,243
|
$1,129,422
|
David Bronicheski
|
607,685
|
$2,853,372
|
155,399
|
112,079
|
$786,897
|
$470,082
|
Johnny Johnston
|
-
|
$-
|
25,056
|
50,110
|
$85,441
|
$170,875
|
Jeff Norman
|
-
|
$-
|
648,205
|
58,281
|
$4,724,039
|
$228,626
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
83 |
Compensation earned / received
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
2015
|
Base Salary1
|
$938,400
|
$920,000
|
$900,000
|
$850,000
|
$629,000
|
Annual Short-Term Incentive Plan2
|
$1,116,696
|
$1,113,149
|
$779,368
|
$1,118,893
|
$572,440
|
PSUs3
|
$2,297,664
|
$2,298,840
|
$2,506,752
|
$819,159
|
$640,588
|
Value realized upon option exercise
|
$-
|
$727,649
|
$2,595,000
|
$3,439,338
|
$2,158,944
|
Option value – in-the-money
|
$1,253,311
|
$1,555,857
|
$1,387,500
|
$-
|
$-
|
Options4
|
$1,253,311
|
$2,283,506
|
$3,982,500
|
$3,439,338
|
$2,158,944
|
Total realized / realizable pay
(attributed by year)
|
$5,606,071
|
$6,615,495
|
$8,168,620
|
$6,227,390
|
$4,000,972
|
Target TDC (by year)
|
$4,082,040
|
$4,002,000
|
$3,550,000
|
$2,890,000
|
$1,755,000
|
CEO “Return” (%)5
|
37%
|
65%
|
130%
|
115%
|
128%
|
Measurement period
|
Jan. 1, 2019 –
Dec. 31, 2019
|
Jan. 1, 2018 –
Dec. 31, 2019
|
Jan. 1, 2017 –
Dec. 31, 2019
|
Jan. 1, 2016 –
Dec. 31, 2019
|
Jan. 1, 2015 –
Dec. 31, 2019
|
Cumulative TSR (%)
|
39.7%
|
43.5%
|
85.1%
|
102.7%
|
141.20%
|
Realized / realizable value
of $100 pay awarded to CEO
|
$137
|
$165
|
$230
|
$215
|
$128
|
Value of $100 shareholder investment
as at December 31, 20196
|
$140
|
$144
|
$185
|
$203
|
$242
|
1. |
Base salary received in the year.
|
2. |
Actual cash incentive paid in respect of each year.
|
3. |
Value of PSUs awarded each year. If PSUs have paid out, payout value is shown. If not yet vested/paid out, PSUs are shown at current realizable value
of each vintage as at December 31, 2019, assuming target performance is achieved and including additional PSUs from dividends.
|
4. |
Value of Options awarded each year. If Options have been exercised, value shown is the value realized upon Option exercise - attributed to year in
which Options were granted. For unexercised Options, the value shown is the value equal to the in-the-money value for each vintage as at December 31, 2019 using the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on that date
of $18.37.
|
5. |
Total realized / realizable pay relative to Target TDC.
|
6.
|
Value of a $100 shareholder investment made January 1 of the applicable year assuming reinvestment of dividends.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
84 |
• |
Any transaction or series of related transactions, whether or not the Corporation is a party thereto, after giving effect to which 50% or more of the
Corporation’s voting power is owned, directly or indirectly, through one or more entities, by any person and its affiliates or by one or more groups acting in concert;
|
• |
A sale, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, other than in connection with an internal reorganization; or
|
• |
The Board adopts a resolution to the effect that, for the purposes of the Employment Agreement, a change in control has occurred, or that such a change in
control is imminent, in which case, the date of the change in control shall be deemed to be the date specified in such resolution provided that the change in control actually occurs.
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
85 |
1. |
A grant of RSUs (the “Retirement RSUs”) to the executive having a grant date value of $3,777,600 in the case of Mr. Robertson, $860,100 in the case of Mr.
Bronicheski and $2,651,520 in the case of Mr. Jarratt. The Retirement RSUs granted to each executive vest on the executive’s retirement date and settle on a date chosen by the executive which, in the case of Mr. Robertson
and Mr. Jarratt, is to be between the second and fifth anniversary of the date of grant and, in the case of Mr. Bronicheski is to be between the first and fifth anniversary of the date of grant; provided that, Mr.
Robertson will only be permitted to elect to settle his Retirement RSUs between the first and second anniversary of the date of grant if the enhanced Executive Share Ownership Guidelines described below are met..
Retirement RSUs are forfeited in the event of a termination of employment for any reason prior to the executive’s retirement, except a termination of employment without cause following a change in control of the
Corporation;
|
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
86 |
2. |
Enhanced ownership requirements under the Executive Share Ownership Guideline for a two-year period post-employment. Each executive is required to own shares and
share equivalents with an aggregate value of: (i) $5,000,000 in the case of Mr. Robertson; (ii) three times his base salary in the case of Mr. Bronicheski; and (iii) seven times his base salary in the case of Mr. Jarratt.
The minimum ownership requirement will be reduced by 50% in each case for the second year post-retirement;
|
3. |
A pro-rata annual incentive payment calculated at target based on the number of months of completed service by the executive in the year in which he retires;
|
4. |
Health and dental benefits for 24 months following the end of his active employment by the Corporation;
|
5. |
A lump sum payment of the balance accrued by the executive in respect of his participation in the SERP plus the contributions that the Corporation would have
made on the executive’s behalf under the executive retirement savings plan during the 24 month period following the executive’s retirement date;
|
6. |
All unvested RSUs and PSUs held by an executive will remain outstanding, except that performance for PSUs held by each executive will be calculated: (i) based on
|
7. |
All outstanding Options held by an executive will continue to vest and be exercisable as if the executive were still employed until such Options otherwise expire
in accordance with their terms and conditions.
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
87 |
Salary
|
Bonus
|
Share-Based
|
|||||
Name
|
Type of Termination
|
Entitlement
|
Entitlement
|
Options1
|
Awards1
|
Benefits
|
Total Payout
|
Ian Robertson2
|
Termination
without Cause
|
$1,876,800
|
$1,876,800
|
$1,613,467
|
$4,338,241
|
$521,918
|
$10,227,226
|
Termination upon
Change of Control
|
$1,876,800
|
$1,876,800
|
$1,613,467
|
$4,338,241
|
$521,918
|
$10,227,226
|
|
Christopher
Jarratt2
|
Termination
without Cause
|
$1,313,760
|
$1,313,760
|
$1,129,422
|
$3,036,763
|
$364,266
|
$7,157,971
|
Termination upon
Change of Control
|
$1,313,760
|
1,313,760
|
$1,129,422
|
$3,036,763
|
$364,266
|
$7,157,971
|
|
David
Bronicheski2
|
Termination
without Cause
|
$1,028,000
|
$668,200
|
$470,082
|
$1,263,929
|
$254,232
|
$3,684,443
|
Termination upon
Change of Control
|
$1,028,000
|
$668,200
|
$470,082
|
$1,263,929
|
$254,232
|
$3,684,443
|
|
Johnny
Johnston
|
Termination
without Cause
|
$676,500
|
$439,725
|
$85,438
|
$205,935
|
$159,651
|
$1,567,249
|
Termination upon
Change of Control
|
$676,500
|
$439,725
|
$170,876
|
$1,581,051
|
$159,651
|
$3,027,803
|
|
Jeff Norman
|
Termination
without Cause
|
$600,000
|
$390,000
|
$152,849
|
$209,510
|
$148,454
|
$1,500,812
|
Termination upon
Change of Control
|
$600,000
|
$390,000
|
$228,626
|
$1,418,366
|
$148,454
|
$2,785,446
|
1. |
The value of the share-based awards and options is calculated based on the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX on December 31, 2019, of
$18.37, the last trading day of 2019.
|
2.
|
This table does not consider the impact of the Retirement Agreements entered into after December 31, 2019 with each
of Messrs. Robertson, Bronicheski, and Jarratt. For further information see the discussion under the heading “Retirement Agreements” on page 86.
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
88 |
|
Shareholder
Proposals
|
|
• |
Webcasts of our quarterly earnings conference calls with research analysts;
|
• |
Webcasts of our annual Investor Day, and Sustainability Day for analysts and institutional investors with presentations by our executives;
|
• |
Executive presentations at institutional and industry conferences; and
|
• |
Investor road shows in Canada, Europe and the U.S.
|
• |
Our advisory vote on our approach to executive compensation;
|
• |
A dedicated address for email inquiries; and
|
• |
Commencing in 2019, analyst and institutional shareholder participation in perception studies that are administered by a third party.
|
|
|
Additional
Information
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
89 |
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
90 |
1. |
the Employee Share Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (the “Corporation”) adopted June 21, 2011 and amended on May 12, 2016, April 1, 2018 and February 27, 2020, be amended such that the aggregate number of common shares of the Corporation (“Common Shares”) reserved for issuance from treasury under the ESPP be increased from a fixed maximum of 2,000,000 Common Shares to a fixed maximum of 4,000,000 Common Shares of the
Corporation, subject to the other terms and conditions of the ESPP; and
|
2. |
any director or officer of the Corporation is hereby authorized to do all things and execute all instruments and documents necessary or desirable to carry out
the foregoing.
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
91 |
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
92 |
1.
|
Purpose
|
1.1 |
This Employee Share Purchase Plan has been established to enable eligible Employees to acquire Shares in Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. in a
convenient and systematic manner, so as to encourage continued Employee interest in the operation, growth and development of the Corporation, as well as to provide an additional investment opportunity to Employees.
|
2.
|
Definitions and Interpretation
|
2.1
|
“Algonquin” and “Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.” means Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., and any successor or
continuing company whether by or resulting from amalgamation, merger or otherwise
|
2.2 |
“Account”means the account to be established in respect of
each Participant as described in Section 7.1.
|
2.3 |
“Agency Agreement”means the Agreement referred to in Section
10.2.
|
2.4 |
“Agent”means any person, company or firm which may be
appointed by the Corporation under Section 10.2 to maintain accounts and to hold Shares as agent for Participants on
the terms set out herein.
|
2.5 |
“Board”means the Board of Directors of Algonquin.
|
2.6
|
“Canadian Dollar Participant” means a Participant who is a resident of Canada or who is not a resident of Canada but is not a US Dollar Participant.
|
2.7
|
|
2.8
|
|
2.9
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
93 |
- 2 -
|
2.10
|
|
2.11
|
|
2.12
|
|
2.13
|
|
2.14
|
|
2.15
|
|
2.16
|
“Insider Trading Policy” means Algonquin’s current Insider Trading Policy.
|
2.17
|
|
2.18
|
|
2.19
|
|
2.20
|
|
2.21
|
|
2.22
|
|
2.23
|
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
94 |
- 3 -
|
2.24
|
|
2.25
|
|
2.26
|
|
2.27
|
|
2.28
|
|
2.29
|
|
2.30
|
|
2.31
|
“US Dollar
Participant” means a Participant who is a resident of the United States or who is not a resident of the United States and has been designated as a US Dollar Participant by
the Corporation.
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
95 |
- 4 -
|
2.32
|
|
2.33
|
|
2.34
|
|
3.
|
Eligibility and Participation
|
3.1 |
All Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan, subject to the terms of the Plan. To become a Participant such Employee must complete and
submit an application in the form prescribed by the Corporation from time to time and file it with such officer or employee of the Corporation as may be designated by the Corporation from time to time, or, if
appointed and designated by the Corporation for such purpose, the Agent, and authorize the Corporation to deduct the Participant Contribution from the Participant’s Compensation. Upon acceptance of such application
by the Corporation, such employee shall become a Participant under the Plan.
|
3.2 |
The Corporation will provide each Participant with the following:
|
|
(a) |
a written explanation of the pertinent provisions of the Plan (including amendments thereto applicable to the Participant), together with a written
explanation of the rights and duties of a Participant; and
|
|
(b) |
any other information regarding the Plan required to be provided, and in a manner prescribed, under any applicable laws.
|
3.3 |
Participants who are on an approved leave of absence or long-term disability may remain a Participant for a period of one year from the initial date
of the leave of absence or from the initial date of qualification under the Corporation’s long-term disability program. In the event that payroll deduction is not available to such Participants during such one-year
period, the Participant may make Participant Contributions directly to the Corporation or the Agent, as applicable. If the Employee continues on a leave of absence or long-term disability after such one year period,
the Employee’s participation in the Plan shall terminate at the expiry of such one-year period. The Employee may re-apply to participate in the Plan if Employee returns to regular full-time or part-time employment
with the Corporation.
|
4.
|
Participant Contributions
|
4.1 |
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
96 |
- 5 -
|
4.2 |
Subject to Section 4.1 and Section 13, a Participant may elect to change the amount of the Payroll Participant Contribution by completing and submitting to the Corporation, or Agent as may be designated by the Corporation from
time to time, an authorization in the form prescribed by the Corporation from time to time specifying the new amount which shall thereafter constitute the Payroll Participant Contribution. Such a change may be made a
maximum of four times in each Fiscal Year.
|
4.3 |
|
4.4 |
|
4.5 |
Subject to the foregoing,
|
4.6 |
All Payroll Participant Contributions shall be (i) deducted by the Corporation out of each regular payroll payment and
shall be retained by or paid to the Corporation, as the case may be, or paid directly by the Participant in accordance with Sections 3.3 or 4.1 if applicable, and (ii) applied in accordance with Section 6.1.
|
5.
|
Corporation Contributions
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
97 |
- 6 -
|
5.1 |
Corporation Contributions as described herein shall be made on each Purchase Date in respect of those Participants who have made a Participant Contribution since the immediately preceding Purchase Date.
|
5.2 |
The amount of Corporation Contribution in respect of each Participant on any Purchase Date in any Fiscal Year shall be
equal to: (i) 20% of the amount of Participant Contributions made by the Participant since the last Purchase Date, in respect of Participant Contributions in such Fiscal Year that, in the aggregate, are equal to or
less than $5,000 (for Canadian Dollar Participants
|
5.3 |
Corporation Contributions shall be additional remuneration to the Participant, which the Participant directs to be retained by or paid to Algonquin
Power & Utilities Corp., as the case may be, and applied in accordance with Section 6.1. By participating in the Plan, the Participant acknowledges that the full amount of Corporation Contribution shall be paid and
applied on behalf of the Participant in accordance with the Plan and that any income tax or other statutory or other payroll deductions in respect of Corporation Contributions shall be deducted from regular payroll
payments to the Participant.
|
5.4 |
Subject to Section 9.1, any portion of the Shares purchased for a Participant using the proceeds of the Corporation Contributions shall not be eligible
for sale by the Participant or Release pursuant to Section 8 for a period of one year following the Purchase Date on which such Shares were acquired.
|
5.5 |
The Corporation shall also pay administrative costs related to the Plan but shall not pay brokerage or related fees or expenses related to the transfer
or sale of Shares by the Participant. No interest shall be paid or allocated to Participant Contributions received prior to the applicable Purchase Date.
|
6.
|
Purchase, Allocation and Reservation of Shares
|
6.1
|
On each Purchase Date, with respect to each Participant:
|
|
(a) |
all Participant Contributions and Corporation Contributions received since the last Purchase Date shall be paid in full on behalf of the
|
|
(b) |
dividends paid on Shares in the Account of
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
98 |
- 7 -
|
6.2 |
In the event the Corporation has determined to issue from treasury all or a portion of Shares purchased by Participants on a Purchase Date,
|
|
(a) |
the Corporation shall in writing advise the Corporation’s registrar and transfer agent and, if applicable, the Agent, of such Share issuance and the
Share Price for such Shares, showing the number of Shares purchased by each Participant;
|
|
(b) |
each Participant’s purchased Shares shall be issued by the Corporation from treasury to such Participant at the applicable Share Price; and
|
|
(c) |
such purchased Shares shall be issued as fully paid and non-assessable Shares.
|
6.3 |
In the event that the Corporation has determined that all or a portion of Shares purchased by Participants on a Purchase Date shall be acquired by
purchases through the facilities of the TSX or NYSE, the Corporation shall forward to an Independent Broker on or before the Purchase Date the purchase price for such number of Shares to be purchased through the
facilities of the TSX and NYSE that would otherwise have been issued from treasury. In the event that the Contributions in respect of such market purchases is less than the amount required to acquire such Shares in the
market through the facilities of the TSX or NYSE, the Corporation shall contribute the difference, and in the event that the amount required is less than such Contributions, the Corporation may apply the excess amounts
to the cost and expenses of administering the Plan.
|
6.4 |
The Shares purchased by Participant Contributions and Corporation Contributions respectively in accordance with Section 6.2 or Section 6.3 shall in
each case be allocated to the Participants in accordance with the respective Contributions made by, or by the Corporation in respect of, each such Participant. Effective as of the relevant Purchase Date (and not
before), or in the case of purchases through the facilities of the TSX or NYSE the date on which the Shares are acquired for the Participant’s Account, each Participant shall be deemed to be the registered and
beneficial owner of such number of Shares as are purchased or issued in accordance with Section 6.2 or Section 6.3 and shall thereafter be entitled to all rights of ownership incidental thereto, including the right to
receive dividends and other distributions payable in respect of the Shares and to receive notice of, attend and vote at meetings of holders of Shares
|
6.5 |
Dividends on a Participant’s Shares in the Plan shall be reinvested to purchase additional Shares in the Plan.
|
6.6 |
The aggregate number of Shares reserved for issuance from treasury by Algonquin under this Plan shall not exceed
|
7.
|
Participant Accounts
|
7.1 |
The Corporation or, if appointed, the Agent shall maintain an account (“Account”) for each Participant in such a way that the interests of each Participant in the Plan in respect
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
99 |
- 8 -
|
8.
|
Withdrawal of Shares
|
8.1 |
A Participant may, subject to this Section and, Section 9 and Section 13 and
on not less than seven days prior written notice to the Corporation or, if appointed, the Agent, elect to receive, by way of electronic share transfer to such Participant or a registered broker of such Participant’s
choice, any number of whole Shares in the Participant’s Account (a “Release”). Except as set out in Section 9 or unless
otherwise determined by the Corporation, a Participant may not make more than one such Release from the Account in any six month period. Subject to the requirements of applicable law, any such Release will be
evidenced by an electronic, book-based, direct registration service or other non-certificated entry or position on the register of shareholders to be kept by the Corporation in place of a physical share certificate
(a “DRS Statement”).
|
8.2 |
A Participant who has notified the Corporation or, if appointed, the Agent, pursuant to Section 8.1 that the Participant
wishes to withdraw the whole or a part of the Shares in the Participant’s Account shall be entitled to receive such Shares, computed to the date such notice is received. A DRS Statement representing the appropriate
number of Shares, registered in the name of such Participant or such name as the Participant may direct, will be provided to the Participant or the Participant’s registered broker as the Participant may direct. If
such Participant is withdrawing the entire Account and is entitled to a fraction of a Share upon such Release, an amount equal to the value of such fraction shall be paid to the Participant
|
8.3 |
The Corporation shall arrange to provide statements to Participants describing the particulars of each Release.
|
9.
|
Distribution on Termination of Employment
|
9.1 |
Upon the termination of employment of any Participant with the Corporation for any reason whatsoever, a Release shall be made in respect of all Shares
held in the Participant’s Account, in accordance with this Section 9.
|
9.2 |
A DRS Statement for such Shares, registered in the name of such Participant or in such name as the Participant may direct, shall be delivered to the
Participant or the Participant’s registered broker as the Participant may direct. If the Participant is deceased, such DRS Statement shall be delivered to a beneficiary designated by the Participant or, if no
beneficiary has been designated, to the estate of the Participant. If the Participant shall be entitled to a fraction of such Share upon such termination, the money equal to the
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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
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10.
|
Administration and Appointment of Agent
|
10.1 |
The Plan shall be administered by the Corporation in accordance with its provisions. All costs and expenses of administering the Plan, except as
otherwise set out in this Plan, will be paid by the Corporation. The Corporation may, from time to time, establish administrative rules and regulations relating to the operation of the Plan as it may deem necessary to
further the purpose of the Plan and amend or repeal such rules and regulations. The Corporation, in its discretion, may appoint a Committee for the purpose of interpreting, administering and implementing the Plan. The
Corporation may also delegate to any director, officer or employee of the Corporation such administrative duties and powers as it may see fit. Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all designations,
determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan, shall be within the sole discretion of the Corporation, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon
all persons, including all Participants, Employees or their beneficiaries.
|
10.2 |
The Corporation may appoint a person, firm or company to serve as the Agent under the Plan. The Corporation and the
Agent shall enter into an agreement (the “Agency Agreement”) which shall provide for the application of amounts received to purchase Shares. The Agency
Agreement shall provide that the Agent holds such Shares as agent for the Participants in accordance with the Plan. The Agency Agreement shall contain such other terms and provisions, not inconsistent with the Plan,
as the Corporation shall approve. The Corporation shall have the right, at any time and from time to time, to remove from office any Agent appointed under the Plan and to appoint another Agent in its stead in
accordance with the terms of the Agency Agreement.
|
11.
|
Voting of Shares in the Plan
|
11.1 |
The Corporation or its designated agent shall furnish or
otherwise make available to each Participant
|
11.2 |
A Participant may provide instruction as to the voting of Shares at any meeting at which the holders of Shares are entitled to vote in respect of the
number of whole Shares standing to the Participant’s credit in the Participant’s Account.
|
12.
|
Insider Participation Limit
|
12.1
|
No Shares shall be issued or delivered under this Plan if, at the time of such issuance or delivery, such issuance or delivery
could result in:
|
(a)
|
the number of Shares reserved for issuance to Insiders pursuant to the Plan, at any time, together with Shares reserved for issuance to Insiders under all other
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- 10 -
|
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(b) |
the issuance to Insiders, within a one (1) year period, of a number of Shares under the Plan, together with Shares that may be issued to Insiders under all other Securities-Based Compensation Arrangements exceeding 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares.
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13.
|
Application of Insider Trading Policy
|
13.1
|
Any action taken by a Participant in connection with the Plan, including, for greater certainty and without limitation, any increase or decrease to the amount of contributions under the Plan, any sale or transfer of Shares from the Plan and any enrolment or
cessation of participation in the Plan, shall be subject to the restrictions applicable to such Participant under the Insider Trading Policy; provided that, for greater certainty, a Participant may initiate a
Release from the Account pursuant to Section 8 while trading restrictions under the Insider Trading Policy are in effect provided that no Shares shall be sold to cover any expenses relating to such Release and the
Participant requesting such Release shall be responsible for any such expenses.
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14.
|
|
14.1
|
|
|
(a) |
an increase in the number of Shares reserved for issuance from treasury under the Plan;
|
|
(b) |
adding additional categories of Participants eligible to participate under the Plan;
|
(c)
|
eliminating or decreasing the limitations on Insider participation in Section 12;
|
(d)
|
any amendment increasing the amount of the Corporation Contribution, providing for Shares
to be purchased at a discount, increasing the amount of any such discount or otherwise providing for any additional form of financial assistance to Participants; and
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(e) |
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14.2
|
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15.
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15.1
|
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15.2
|
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15.3
|
|
15.4
|
|
(a) |
a decline in the market value of any Shares purchased by the Participant pursuant to the Plan;
|
(b) |
any change in the market price of the Shares between the time the Participant authorized the purchase of the Shares and the time such purchase takes
place;
|
(c) |
any dividends paid on the Shares between the time the Participant authorized the purchase of the Shares and the time such purchase takes place; and
|
(d) |
any change in the market price of the Shares between the time any dividends are paid on the Shares and the time a purchase of Shares using those
dividends hereunder takes place, where applicable.
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15.5
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15.6
|
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1. |
the virtual meeting by-law of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (the “Corporation”), substantially in the form set
out in Schedule “D” of the Corporation’s Management Information Circular dated April 24, 2020, is hereby confirmed and approved as the virtual meeting by-law of the Corporation; and
|
2. |
any director or officer of the Corporation is authorized and directed for and on behalf of the Corporation (whether under its corporate seal or otherwise) to
enter into, execute and deliver all such instruments, agreements and documents, including all notices, consents, applications, acknowledgements, certificates and other instruments (herein the “Instruments”) and do, or cause to be done, all such other acts and things (herein “Acts”) as may be necessary or desirable for the purpose of giving effect to the
foregoing resolutions or to comply with any Instrument or Act, and such Instruments and Acts authorized and approved by these resolutions shall constitute valid and binding obligations of the Corporation, and the
performance by the Corporation under such Instruments and pursuant to such Acts is hereby authorized.
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1.1 |
In this by-law and all other by-laws of the Corporation, unless the context otherwise specifies or requires:
|
|
(a) |
“Act” means the Canada Business Corporations Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 44, as
from time to time amended, and every statute that may be substituted therefor and, in the case of such amendment or substitution, any reference in the by-laws of the Corporation shall be read as referring to the
amended or substituted provisions;
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(b) |
“board” means the board of directors of the Corporation;
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(c) |
“by-laws” means this by-law and any other by-laws of the Corporation as amended and which are, from time to time, in
force and effect;
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(d) |
“person” has the meaning given to it in the Act;
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(e) |
all terms contained in the by-laws which are defined in the Act shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Act;
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|
(f) |
words importing the singular number only shall include the plural and vice versa; words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter
genders; and
|
|
(g) |
the headings used in the by-laws are inserted for reference purposes only and are not to be considered or taken into account in construing the terms or
provisions thereof or to be deemed in any way to clarify, modify or explain the effect of any such terms or provisions.
|
2.1 |
Meetings Held by Electronic Means. Any person entitled to attend a meeting of shareholders may participate in the
meeting in accordance with the Act by means of a telephonic, electronic or other communication facility made available by the Corporation, in its discretion, that permits all
participants to communicate adequately with each other during the meeting and a person participating in a meeting by such means is deemed to be present at the meeting. A meeting of shareholders called by either the
directors or the shareholders may be held entirely by means of such a telephonic, electronic or other communication facility that permits all participants to communicate adequately with each other during the meeting if
the directors or shareholders calling the meeting so determine.
|
2.2 |
Voting by Electronic Means. Subject to compliance with the Act and the board’s discretion, any vote at a meeting of
shareholders may be taken in whole or in part by means of a telephonic, electronic or other communication facility that the Corporation, in its discretion, has made available for that purpose.
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107 |
1. |
PURPOSE
|
1.1 |
The board of directors (the “Board”) of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (the “Corporation”)
has the power and authority to supervise the activities and manage the investments and affairs of the Corporation. The Board, directly and through its committees, shall manage, or supervise the management of, the
business and affairs of the Corporation.
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2. |
MEMBERSHIP, ORGANIZATION AND MEETINGS
|
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2.1 |
General - The composition and organization of the Board, including: the number, qualifications and remuneration of directors; residency requirements; quorum requirements; meeting procedures and notices of meetings are as established by the Corporation’s articles of incorporation (the “Articles”) and by-laws (the “By-Laws”), as amended and restated from time to time and by the Canada
Business Corporations Act, subject to any exemptions or relief that may be granted from such requirements.
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2.2 |
Independence - The Board shall periodically determine the independence of each director. For this purpose,
|
a
|
director shall be considered independent if such director:
|
|
a. |
is not an officer or employee of the Corporation or any of the Corporation’s subsidiary entities or affiliates; and
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b. |
is independent as determined in accordance with the meaning of the provisions of National Policy 58-201 – Corporate Governance Guidelines and other
applicable laws and regulations, or in the event such independence requirements are not met, is deemed to be independent by the Board.
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|
2.3 |
Independence of Chair of the Board / Lead Director – The Chair of the Board shall be an independent director, unless the Board determines
that it is inappropriate to require the Chair of the Board to be independent, in which case the independent directors shall select from their number a director who will act as “Lead Director” and who will assume
responsibility for providing leadership to enhance the effectiveness and independence of the Board. The Lead Director shall be chosen at a meeting of independent directors that is not attended by non-independent Board
members or management of the Corporation. The Chair of the Board, if independent, or the Lead Director if the Chair of the Board is not independent, shall act as the effective leader of the Board and set the Board’s
agenda with a view to assisting the Board in successfully carrying out its duties. The Chair of the Board shall not be the chief executive officer of the Corporation.
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|
2.4 |
Access to Management and Outside Advisors - The Board shall have unrestricted access to the management and employees of the Corporation and its subsidiary entities. The Board shall have the authority to retain external legal counsel, consultants or other advisors to assist them in
fulfilling their responsibilities and to set and pay the respective compensation of these advisors without consulting or obtaining the approval of any Corporation officer. The Corporation shall provide appropriate
funding, as determined by the Board, for the services of these advisors.
|
|
2.5 |
Secretary and Minutes - The Board shall request that an officer of the Corporation, external legal counsel or any
other person act as secretary of each meeting of the Board. Minutes of meetings of the Board shall be recorded and maintained and subsequently presented to the Board for
approval.
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|
2.6 |
Meetings Without Management - At each regular meeting of the Board, the independent directors shall, under the oversight of the Chair of the Board, if the Chair is independent, or the Lead Director, as applicable, meet without management and non-independent directors being present.
|
3. |
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
|
|
3.1 |
Majority Voting Policy – The Board has adopted a majority voting policy for the annual election of directors.
|
|
3.2 |
Annual Elections – All directors stand for election by the Corporation’s shareholders annually.
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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
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4. |
FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
|
|
4.1 |
Strategic Planning
|
|
a. |
Strategic Plans - The Board shall periodically review and, as appropriate, approve the Corporation’s strategic planning process and short- and long-term
strategic plans prepared by management of the Corporation. In discharging this responsibility, the Board shall review the plans in light of management’s assessment of emerging trends, opportunities, the competitive
environment, risk issues and significant business practices.
|
|
b. |
Business Plans - The Board shall review and, if advisable, approve the Corporation’s annual business plans.
|
|
c. |
Monitoring - The Board shall periodically review management’s implementation of the Corporation’s strategic and business plans. The Board shall review and,
as appropriate, approve any material amendments to, or variances from, these plans.
|
|
4.2 |
Risk Management
|
|
a. |
General - The Board, with the assistance of the Risk Committee (with respect to risks related to business and operations) and the Audit Committee (with
respect to matters relating to financial and accounting controls and risks), shall periodically review reports provided by management of the Corporation of material risks associated with the businesses and operations
of the Corporation’s subsidiary entities, review the implementation by management of systems to manage these risks and review reports by management relating to the operation of and any material deficiencies in these
systems.
|
|
b. |
Verification of Controls - The Board shall, with the assistance of the Audit Committee, verify that internal, financial, non-financial and business control
and information systems have been established by management and that the Corporation is applying appropriate standards of corporate conduct for these controls.
|
|
4.3 |
Human Resource Management
|
|
a. |
General - The Board, with the assistance of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, shall periodically review the Corporation’s approach to human
resource management and executive compensation.
|
|
b. |
Succession Review - The Board, with the assistance of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee or such other committee of the Board that the Board may
determine from time to time, as applicable, shall periodically review the succession plans of the Corporation for the Chair of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and senior management, including the appointment,
training and monitoring of such persons.
|
|
c. |
Integrity of Senior Management - The Board shall, to the extent feasible, satisfy itself as to the integrity of senior management of the Corporation and that
the senior management of the Corporation strive to create a culture of integrity throughout the Corporation.
|
|
4.4 |
Corporate Governance
|
|
a. |
General - The Board shall, in conjunction with the Corporate Governance Committee, periodically review the Corporation’s approach to corporate governance and
this mandate, and make changes to the mandate as appropriate.
|
|
b. |
Board Independence - The Board shall, in conjunction with the Corporate Governance Committee, periodically evaluate the independence standards established by
the Board and the Board’s ability to act independently from management in fulfilling its duties.
|
|
c. |
Ethics Reporting - The Board or an appropriate committee of the Board shall periodically review reports provided by management relating to compliance with,
or material deficiencies of, the Corporation’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
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109 |
|
4.5 |
Financial Information
|
|
a. |
General - At least annually, the Board shall, in conjunction with the Audit Committee, review the Corporation’s internal controls relating to financial
information and reports provided by management on material deficiencies in, or material changes to, these controls.
|
|
b. |
Integrity of Financial Information - The Board shall, in conjunction with the Audit Committee, review the integrity of the Corporation’s financial
information and systems, the effectiveness of internal controls and management’s assertions on internal control and disclosure control procedures.
|
|
c. |
Financial Statements – The Board shall review the recommendation of the Audit Committee with respect to the annual financial statements and Management’s
Discussion & Analysis (“MD&A”) of such financial statements to be delivered to shareholders. If appropriate, the Board shall approve such financial statements and
MD&A.
|
|
4.6 |
Communications
|
|
a. |
General - The Board in conjunction with management shall periodically review the Corporation’s overall communications strategy, including measures for
receiving feedback from the Corporation’s shareholders.
|
|
b. |
Disclosure – The Board shall periodically review management’s compliance with the Corporation’s disclosure policies and procedures. The Board shall, if
advisable, approve material changes to the Corporation’s disclosure policies and procedures.
|
|
4.7 |
Committees of the Board
|
|
a. |
Board’s Committees - The Board has established the following committees of the Board: the Audit Committee, the Corporate Governance Committee, the Risk
Committee and the Human Resources and Compensation Committee. Subject to applicable law and the Articles and By-Laws of the Corporation, the Board may establish other committees, dispose of any committee or merge any
committee of the Board with any other committee of the Board.
|
|
b. |
Committee Charters - The Board has approved charters for each committee and shall approve charters for each new standing committee of the Board. The Board
shall periodically review and, taking into account recommendations of the Corporate Governance Committee and the Chair of the Board, as applicable, approve each charter.
|
|
c. |
Delegation to Committees - The Board has delegated for approval or review the matters set out in each committee’s charter to that committee.
|
|
d. |
Consideration of Committee Recommendations - As required, the Board shall consider for approval the specific matters delegated for review to committees of
the Board.
|
|
e. |
Board/Committee Communication - To facilitate communication between the Board and each committee of the Board, each committee chair shall provide a report to
the Board on material matters considered by the committee at the first Board meeting after each meeting of the committee.
|
5. |
RESPONSIBILITIES OF INDIVIDUAL DIRECTORS
|
|
5.1 |
Responsibilities Set out in the Mandate – A director shall review and participate in the work of the Board necessary in order for the Board to discharge the duties and responsibilities set out in accordance with this mandate.
|
|
5.2 |
Meeting Preparation and Attendance – In connection with each meeting of the Board and each meeting of a committee of the Board of which the director is a member, a director shall:
|
|
a. |
review thoroughly the material provided to the director in connection with the meeting, provided that such review is practicable in the view of the time at
which such material was delivered to the director;
|
|
b. |
attend all scheduled meetings (absent extenuating circumstances) of the Board and meetings of committees on which a director serves; and
|
|
c. |
attend each meeting in person to the extent practicable (unless the meeting is scheduled to be held by phone or video-conference).
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
110 |
|
5.3 |
Assessment – A director shall participate in such processes as may be established by the Board for assessing the Board, its committees and individual directors.
|
|
5.4 |
Service on Other Boards - Directors may serve on the boards of other for-profit organizations so long as these commitments do not materially interfere with and are compatible with their ability to fulfill their duties as a member of the Board. Directors must advise the Chair of the Corporate
Governance Committee in advance of accepting an invitation to serve on the board of another for-profit organization.
|
|
5.5 |
Other Responsibilities – A director shall perform such other functions as may be delegated to that director by the Board or any committee of the Board from time to time.
|
6. |
OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES
|
|
6.1 |
Director Equity Ownership Guidelines – All directors are expected to maintain a meaningful equity ownership interest in the Corporation in order to align their interests with those of the shareholders. The Corporation has adopted a Non-Employee Director Share Ownership Guideline, which applies to
directors who are not employees of the Corporation, and an Executive Share Ownership Guideline, which applies to directors who are employees of the Corporation, which together require each director or covered executive
to maintain a specified level of equity ownership.
|
7. |
ORIENTATION, SELF-ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION
|
|
7.1 |
Each director shall participate in orientation and continuing education programs developed for the Board. Directors are encouraged to participate in external
education sessions to assist them in performing their duties as directors.
|
|
7.2 |
The Board, along with the Corporate Governance Committee, shall conduct regular assessments of the overall effectiveness of the Board, its committees, the
Chair of the Board and the Chairs of the committees of the board taking into consideration the relevant mandates and terms of reference. The Board shall also conduct an assessment of the contributions of individual
directors. The assessments of individual directors will take into account, among other things, self-assessments, confidential peer-review surveys completed by each director and the consideration of the competencies and
skills that each director is expected to bring to the Board.
|
8. |
CURRENCY OF MANDATE
|
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|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
112 |
• |
any approvals required under applicable law or the applicable stock exchange rules are obtained;
|
• |
Shareholder approval will be sought where the proposed addition or amendment results in: (i) an increase in the maximum number of Common
Shares issuable from treasury under the DSU Plan; (ii) a change in the definition of Fair Market Value which would result in a decrease in the value of DSUs redeemed under the DSU Plan; (iii) a change in the term
of any DSUs; (iv) a change in the vesting provisions of the DSU Plan; or (v) an amendment to the amending provisions of the DSU Plan; and
|
• |
no such amendment shall, without the consent of the Eligible Director or unless required by law, adversely affect the rights of an Eligible Director with
respect to any amount in respect of which an Eligible Director has then elected to receive DSUs or DSUs which the Eligible Director has then been granted under the DSU Plan.
|
|
2020 Management Information Circular
|
113 |
• |
subject to the terms of the Stock Option Plan, the number of Common Shares subject to each Option, the exercise price of each Option, the expiration date
of each Option, the extent to which each Option vests and is exercisable from time to time during the term of the Option and other terms and conditions relating to each Option will be determined by the Board (or a
committee of the Board) from time to time;
|
• |
subject to any adjustments pursuant to the provisions of the Stock Option Plan, the exercise price of any Option shall under no circumstances be lower
than the “Market Price” (being the five-day volume-weighted average trading price on the TSX) of the Common Shares on the date on which the Board approves the grant of the
Option;
|
• |
the term of an Option shall not exceed ten (10) years from the date of the grant of the Option, subject to certain limited exceptions, including that if
the expiration date for an Option occurs during a period of time during which the person granted Options (an “Optionee”) cannot exercise an Option, or sell the Common Shares
issuable pursuant to an exercise of Options, due to applicable policies of the Corporation in respect of insider trading (a “Blackout Period”) applicable to the relevant
Optionee, or within ten (10) business days after the expiry of a Blackout Period applicable to the relevant Optionee, then the expiration date for that Option shall be the date that is the tenth (10th) business day after the expiry date of the Blackout Period;
|
• |
Options will be personal to the grantee and will be nontransferable and non-assignable, except in certain limited circumstances;
|
• |
the maximum number of Common Shares which may be reserved for issuance to insiders under the Stock Option Plan, together with the number of Common Shares
reserved for issuance to insiders under any other securities based compensation arrangement, shall be 10% of the Common Shares outstanding at the time of the grant;
|
• |
the maximum number of Common Shares which may be issued to insiders under the Stock Option Plan and all other security-based
compensation arrangements within a one-year period shall be 10% of the Common Shares outstanding at the time of the issuance;
|
• |
participation in the Stock Option Plan by non-employee Directors shall be limited to the lesser of (i) a reserve of 1% of the issued and outstanding
Common Shares from time to time for non-employee Directors as a group and (ii) an annual equity award value under the Stock Option Plan of $100,000 per non-employee Director. No Options have ever been granted to
non-employee Directors;
|
• |
the Corporation may withhold from amounts payable to an Option holder, such amounts as may be necessary to enable the Corporation to comply with
applicable requirements of tax laws relating to the withholding of tax or other required
|
• |
in the event that the Corporation restates its financial results, any unpaid or unexercised Options may be cancelled at the discretion of the Board (or
the Human Resources and Compensation Committee) in accordance with the terms of the Corporation’s clawback policy.
|
|
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
114 |
a) |
approval by a majority of the votes cast by Shareholders present and voting in person or by proxy at a meeting of Shareholders of the Corporation must be
obtained for any:
|
|
i. |
amendment for which, under the requirements of the TSX or any applicable law, Shareholder approval is required;
|
|
ii. |
increase to the maximum number or percentage of securities issuable under the Stock Option Plan;
|
|
iii. |
reduction of the Option price, or cancellation and re-issuance of Options or other entitlements, of Options granted under the Stock Option Plan;
|
|
iv. |
extension of the term of Options beyond the original expiry date;
|
|
v. |
change in Eligible Persons that may permit the introduction or reintroduction of non-employee Directors on a discretionary basis;
|
|
vi. |
increase to the limit imposed on non-employee Director participation set out in the Stock Option Plan;
|
|
vii. |
allowance of Options granted under the Stock Option Plan to be transferable or assignable other than for estate settlement purposes; or
|
|
viii. |
amendment to the Stock Option Plan’s amendment provisions; and
|
b) |
the consent of the Optionee is obtained for any amendment which alters or impairs any Option previously granted to an Optionee under the Stock Option
Plan.
|
a) |
the Corporation proposes to amalgamate, merge or consolidate with any other corporation (other than a wholly-owned affiliate) or to liquidate, dissolve or
wind-up;
|
b) |
an offer to purchase or repurchase all of the Common Shares shall be made to all Shareholders which offer has been approved or accepted by the Board; or
|
c) |
the Corporation proposes the sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation as an entirety, or substantially as an entirety so that the
Corporation shall cease to operate any active business;
|
i. |
the incorporation of additional provisions governing the treatment of outstanding Options in the event of a change in control of the Corporation;
|
ii. |
the incorporation of certain amendments to clarify that, unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Stock Option Plan shall be administered by the
HRCC; and
|
iii. |
the incorporation of certain amendments of an administrative or housekeeping nature, including amendments for the purposes of providing for greater
consistency between the Stock Option Plan and the Share Unit Plan.
|
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2020 Management Information Circular
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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
116 |
a) |
no amendment of the plan will, without the consent of the participants affected by the amendment, or unless required by applicable law, adversely affect
the rights of such participants with respect to PSUs or RSUs granted prior to the date of the amendment;
|
b) |
no amendment of the plan will be effective unless such amendment is approved by the TSX; and
|
c) |
approval by a majority of the votes cast by Shareholders present and voting in person or by proxy at a meeting of Shareholders shall be obtained for any:
|
|
i. |
amendment for which, under the requirements of the TSX or any applicable law, Shareholder approval is required;
|
|
ii. |
reduction of the purchase price of Common Shares issued or purchased to pay awards granted under the plan or the cancellation and re-issuance of awards
under the plan;
|
|
iii. |
extension of the term of an award under the plan beyond the original expiry date of the award;
|
|
iv. |
amendment to remove or exceed the Insider Participation Limit;
|
|
v. |
increase to the maximum number of Common Shares issuable from treasury under the plan;
|
|
vi. |
amendments to eligible participants that may permit the introduction of non-employee Directors on a discretionary basis;
|
|
vii. |
allowance of awards granted under the plan to be transferable or assignable other than for estate settlement purposes; or
|
|
viii. |
amendment to the amendment provision of the plan.
|
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|
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Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
|
118 |
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Head Office:
354 Davis Road,
Oakville, Ontario,
Canada L6J 2X1
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Tel: 905-465-4500
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Fax: 905-465-4514
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AQN_Utilities
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www.linkedin.com/company/algonquin-power-&-utilities-corp
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www.AlgonquinPowerandUtilities.com
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