UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of December, 2019
Commission File Number: 001-38781
HEXO Corp.
(Translation of registrants name into English)
3000 Solandt Road
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2K 2X2
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ☐ Form 40-F ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ☐
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Exhibit 99.1 included with this Report on Form 6-K is hereby incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement on Form F-10 of HEXO Corp. (File No. 333-228924).
Exhibit |
Description |
|
99.1 | Management information circular of the registrant dated November 29, 2019 in connection with the registrants annual meeting of shareholders to be held on January 15, 2020 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
HEXO Corp. | ||||
Date: December 20, 2019 |
/s/ Sébastien St-Louis | |||
President and Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 99.1
HEXO CORP.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an annual meeting (the Meeting) of the holders (the Shareholders) of common shares (the Common Shares) of HEXO Corp. (the Corporation) will be held at the Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr, Ottawa, ON K2K 2W2 on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (EST) for the following purposes:
1. |
to receive the audited financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended July 31, 2019, together with the auditors report thereon; |
2. |
to elect the directors of the Corporation for the ensuing year; |
3. |
to appoint MNP LLP as the auditors of the Corporation for the ensuing year and authorize the directors to fix the remuneration of the auditors; and |
4. |
to transact such other business as may properly be brought before the Meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof. |
Information relating to the matters to be brought before the Meeting is set forth in the management information circular (the Circular) which accompanies this Notice.
The Board of Directors of the Corporation has fixed Friday, November 29, 2019 as the record date for the Meeting. Shareholders of record at the close of business on this date are entitled to notice of the Meeting and to vote thereat or at any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof on the basis of one vote for each Common Share held.
Registered Shareholders may attend the Meeting in person or may be represented by proxy. If you are a registered Shareholder and are unable to attend the Meeting in person, please exercise your right to vote by completing, signing, dating and returning the accompanying form of proxy to TSX Trust Company, the transfer agent of the Corporation. To be valid, completed proxy forms must be signed, dated and deposited with TSX Trust Company using one of the following methods:
By Mail or Hand Delivery: |
TSX Trust Company Suite 301, 100 Adelaide Street West Toronto, Ontario M5H 4H1 |
|
Facsimile: |
416-595-9593 |
|
By Internet: |
www.voteproxyonline.com You will need to provide your 12 digit control number (located on the form of proxy accompanying this Circular) |
Proxies must be deposited with TSX Trust Company not later than 10:00 a.m. (EST) on Monday, January 13, 2020 or, if the Meeting is adjourned, not later than 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, preceding the time of such adjourned meeting. The Chairman of the Meeting shall have the discretion to waive or extend the proxy deadlines without notice.
If you are unable to attend the Meeting, we encourage you to complete and return the enclosed form of proxy as soon as possible so that as large a representation as possible may be had at the Meeting.
If a Shareholder receives more than one form of proxy because such holder owns Common Shares registered in different names or addresses, each form of proxy should be completed and returned.
If you are a registered Shareholder and receive these materials through your broker or through another intermediary, please complete and return the form of proxy in accordance with the instructions provided to you by your broker or by the other intermediary.
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NOTICE-AND-ACCESS
Notice is also hereby given that the Corporation has decided to use the notice-and-access method of delivery of meeting materials for the Meeting for beneficial owners of Common Shares (the Non-Registered Holders) and for registered Shareholders. The notice-and-access method of delivery of meeting materials allows the Corporation to deliver the meeting materials over the Internet in accordance with the notice-and-access rules adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators under National Instrument 54-101 - Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer. Under the notice-and-access system, registered Shareholders will receive a form of proxy and Non-Registered Holders will receive a voting instruction form enabling them to vote at the Meeting. However, instead of a paper copy of this Notice, the Circular, the form of proxy, the annual financial statements and related managements discussion and analysis, where applicable, and other meeting materials (collectively the Meeting Materials), Shareholders will receive a notification with information on how they may access such materials electronically. The use of this alternative means of delivery is more environmentally friendly as it will help reduce paper use and will also reduce the cost of printing and mailing the Meeting Materials to Shareholders. Shareholders are reminded to view the Meeting Materials prior to voting. The Corporation will not be adopting stratification procedures in relation to the use of notice-and-access provisions.
Websites Where Meeting Materials Are Posted:
Meeting Materials can be viewed online under the Corporations profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, EDGAR at www.sec.gov or at http://docs.tsxtrust.com/2092, the website for the Meeting Materials maintained by the Corporations transfer agent and registrar. The Meeting Materials will remain posted on TSX Trust Companys website at least until the date that is one year after the date the Meeting Materials were posted.
How to Obtain Paper Copies of the Meeting Materials
Shareholders may request paper copies of the Meeting Materials be sent to them by postal delivery at no cost to them. Requests may be made up to one year from the date the Meeting Materials are posted on TSX Trust Companys website. In order to receive a paper copy of the Meeting Materials, or if you have questions concerning notice-and-access, please call or email the Corporations transfer agent and registrar, TSX Trust Company, toll free at 1-866-600-5869 or TMXEInvestorServices@tmx.com. Requests should be received by January 6, 2020 in order to receive the Meeting Materials in advance of the Meeting.
The Circular provides additional detailed information relating to the matters to be dealt with at the Meeting and is supplemental to, and expressly made a part of, this Notice. Additional information about the Corporation and its consolidated financial statements are also available under the Corporations profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
DATED at Gatineau, Québec this 29th day of November, 2019.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(Signed) Sébastien St-Louis |
Sébastien St-Louis |
President and Chief Executive Officer and Director |
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HEXO CORP.
TSX: HEXO
NYSE: HEXO
INFORMATION CIRCULAR
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 15, 2020
PURPOSES OF SOLICITATION
THIS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR IS FURNISHED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOLICITATION BY THE MANAGEMENT OF HEXO CORP. (the Corporation) of proxies to be used at the annual meeting (the Meeting) of the holders (the Shareholders) of common shares (the Common Shares) of the Corporation to be held at the Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr, Ottawa, Ontario on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (EST), and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, for the purposes set out in the enclosed notice of meeting (the Notice of Meeting). Although it is expected that the solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail, proxies may also be solicited personally or by telephone, facsimile or other proxy solicitation services. In accordance with National Instrument 54-101 - Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer (NI 54-101), arrangements have been made with brokerage houses and clearing agencies, custodians, nominees, fiduciaries or other intermediaries to send the Notice of Meeting, this management information circular (the Circular), the form of proxy for the meeting, the annual financial statements of the Corporation for the financial year ended July 31, 2019 and related managements discussion and analysis, where applicable, and other meeting materials (collectively the Meeting Materials) to the beneficial owners of the Common Shares held of record by such parties. The Corporation may reimburse such parties for reasonable fees and disbursements incurred by them in doing so. The costs of the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Corporation. The Corporation may also retain, and pay a fee to, one or more professional proxy solicitation firms to solicit proxies from the Shareholders in favour of the matters set forth in the Notice of Meeting.
NOTICE-AND-ACCESS
The Corporation has decided to use the notice-and-access (Notice-and-Access) rules provided under NI 54-101 for the delivery of the Meeting Materials to holders of Common Shares who appear on the records maintained by the Corporations registrar and transfer agent as registered holders of Common Shares (Registered Shareholders) and beneficial owners of Common Shares (the Non-Registered Holders) for the Meeting. The Notice-and-Access method of delivery of Meeting Materials allows the Corporation to deliver the Meeting Materials over the internet in accordance with the Notice-and-Access rules adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators under NI 54-101.
Registered Shareholders will receive a form of proxy and Non-Registered Holders will receive a voting instruction form, in each case enabling them to vote at the Meeting. However, instead of a paper copy of the Meeting Materials, Shareholders will receive only a notice with information on the date, location and purpose of the Meeting, as well as information on how they may access such materials electronically. The use of this alternative means of delivery is more environmentally friendly as it will help reduce paper use and will also reduce the cost of printing and mailing the Meeting Materials to Shareholders. Shareholders are reminded to view the Meeting Materials prior to voting. Materials can be viewed online under the Corporations profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, EDGAR www.sec.gov or on the website of TSX Trust Company (the Transfer Agent), the Corporations transfer agent and registrar, at 0The Meeting Materials will remain posted on the Transfer Agents website at least until the date that is one year after the date the Meeting Materials were posted. The Corporation will not be adopting stratification procedures in relation to the use of Notice-and-Access rules.
Shareholders may request paper copies of the Meeting Materials be sent to them by postal delivery at no cost to them. Requests may be made up to one year from the date the Meeting Materials are posted on the Transfer Agents website. In order to receive a paper copy of the Meeting Materials or if you have questions concerning Notice-and-Access, please call or email the Corporations transfer agent and registrar, TSX Trust Company, toll free at 1-866-600-5869
1
or TMXEInvestorServices@tmx.com. Requests should be received by January 6, 2020 in order to receive the Meeting Materials in advance of the Meeting.
APPOINTMENT AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
A Registered Shareholder may vote in person at the Meeting or may appoint another person to represent such Registered Shareholder as proxy and to vote the Common Shares of such Registered Shareholder at the Meeting. In order to appoint another person as proxy, a Registered Shareholder must complete, execute and deliver the form of proxy accompanying this Circular, or another proper form of proxy, in the manner specified in the Notice of Meeting.
The purpose of a form of proxy is to designate persons who will vote on the Shareholders behalf in accordance with the instructions given by the Shareholder in the form of proxy. The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy are officers or directors of the Corporation. A REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER DESIRING TO APPOINT SOME OTHER PERSON, WHO NEED NOT BE A SHAREHOLDER OF THE CORPORATION, TO REPRESENT HIM, HER OR IT AT THE MEETING MAY DO SO BY FILLING IN THE NAME OF SUCH PERSON IN THE BLANK SPACE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF PROXY OR BY COMPLETING ANOTHER PROPER FORM OF PROXY. A Registered Shareholder wishing to be represented by proxy at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof must, in all cases, deposit the completed form of proxy with the Transfer Agent not later than 10:00 a.m.. (EST) on Monday, January 13, 2020 or, if the Meeting is adjourned, not later than 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, preceding the time of such adjourned Meeting at which the form of proxy is to be used. A form of proxy should be executed by the Registered Shareholder or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing or, if the Registered Shareholder is a corporation, by an officer or attorney thereof duly authorized.
Proxies may be deposited with the Transfer Agent using one of the following methods:
By Mail or Hand Delivery: |
TSX Trust Company Suite 301 100 Adelaide Street West Toronto, Ontario M5H 4H1 |
|
Facsimile: |
416-595-9593 | |
By Internet: |
www.voteproxyonline.com You will need to provide your 12 digit control number (located on the form of proxy accompanying this Circular) |
A Registered Shareholder attending the Meeting has the right to vote in person and, if he, she or it does so, his, her or its form of proxy is nullified with respect to the matters such person votes upon at the Meeting and any subsequent matters thereafter to be voted upon at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
A Registered Shareholder who has given a form of proxy may revoke the form of proxy at any time prior to using it: (a) by depositing an instrument in writing, including another completed form of proxy, executed by such Registered Shareholder or by his, her or its attorney authorized in writing or by electronic signature or, if the Registered Shareholder is a corporation, by an authorized officer or attorney thereof at, or by transmitting by facsimile or electronic means, a revocation signed, subject to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), by electronic signature, to (i) the head office of the Corporation, located at 204-490 Boulevard Saint-Joseph, Gatineau, Québec, J8Y 3W9 at any time prior to 5:00 p.m. (EST) on the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting or any adjournment thereof or (ii) with the Chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting or any adjournment thereof; or (b) in any other manner permitted by law.
ADVICE TO NON-REGISTERED SHAREHOLDERS
The information set forth in this section is of significant importance to many Shareholders, as a substantial number of Shareholders do not hold Common Shares in their own name. Only Registered Shareholders or the persons they appoint as their proxies are permitted to attend and vote at the Meeting and only forms of proxy deposited by Registered Shareholders will be recognized and acted upon at the Meeting. Common Shares beneficially owned by a Non-Registered Holder are registered either: (i) in the name of an intermediary (an Intermediary) with whom the Non-Registered Holder deals in respect of the Common Shares (Intermediaries include, among others, banks, trust
2
companies, securities dealers or brokers and trustees or administrators of self-administered RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs and similar plans); or (ii) in the name of a clearing agency (such as CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc.) (each a Clearing Agency) of which the Intermediary is a participant. Accordingly, such Intermediaries and Clearing Agencies would be the Registered Shareholders and would appear as such on the list maintained by the Transfer Agent. Non-Registered Holders do not appear on the list of the Registered Shareholders maintained by the Transfer Agent.
Distribution of Meeting Materials to Non-Registered Holders
In accordance with the requirements of NI 54-101, the Corporation has distributed copies of the Meeting Materials to the Clearing Agencies and Intermediaries for onward distribution to Non-Registered Holders as well as directly to NOBOs (as defined below).
Non-Registered Holders fall into two categories - those who object to their identity being known to the issuers of the securities which they own (OBOs) and those who do not object to their identity being made known to the issuers of the securities which they own (NOBOs). Subject to the provisions of NI 54-101, issuers may request and obtain a list of their NOBOs from Intermediaries directly or via their transfer agent and may obtain and use the NOBO list for the distribution of proxy-related materials to such NOBOs. If you are a NOBO and the Corporation or its agent has sent the Meeting Materials directly to you, your name, address and information about your holdings of Common Shares have been obtained in accordance with applicable securities regulatory requirements from the Intermediary holding the Common Shares on your behalf.
The Corporations OBOs can expect to be contacted by their Intermediary. The Corporation does not intend to pay for Intermediaries to deliver the Meeting Materials to OBOs and it is the responsibility of such Intermediaries to ensure delivery of the Meeting Materials to their OBOs.
Voting by Non-Registered Holders
The Common Shares held by Non-Registered Holders can only be voted or withheld from voting at the direction of the Non-Registered Holder. Without specific instructions, Intermediaries or Clearing Agencies are prohibited from voting Common Shares on behalf of Non-Registered Holders. Therefore, each Non-Registered Holder should ensure that voting instructions are communicated to the appropriate person well in advance of the Meeting.
The various Intermediaries have their own mailing procedures and provide their own return instructions to Non-Registered Holders, which should be carefully followed by Non-Registered Holders in order to ensure that their Common Shares are voted at the Meeting.
Non-Registered Holders will receive either a voting instruction form or, less frequently, a form of proxy. The purpose of these forms is to permit Non-Registered Holders to direct the voting of the Common Shares they beneficially own. Non-Registered Holders should follow the procedures set out below, depending on which type of form they receive.
A. |
Voting Instruction Form. In most cases, a Non-Registered Holder will receive, as part of the Meeting Materials, a voting instruction form (a VIF). If the Non-Registered Holder does not wish to attend and vote at the Meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the Non-Registered Holders behalf), the VIF must be completed, signed and returned in accordance with the directions on the form. |
OR
B. |
Form of Proxy. Less frequently, a Non-Registered Holder will receive, as part of the Meeting Materials, a form of proxy that has already been signed by the Intermediary (typically by a facsimile, stamped signature) which is restricted as to the number of Common Shares beneficially owned by the Non-Registered Holder but which is otherwise not completed. If the Non-Registered Holder does not wish to attend and vote at the Meeting in person (or have another person attend and vote on the Non-Registered Holders behalf), the Non-Registered Holder must complete and sign the form of proxy and in accordance with the directions on the form. |
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Voting by Non-Registered Holders at the Meeting
Although a Non-Registered Holder may not be recognized directly at the Meeting for the purposes of voting Common Shares registered in the name of an Intermediary or a Clearing Agency, a Non-Registered Holder may attend the Meeting as proxyholder for the Registered Shareholder who holds Common Shares beneficially owned by such Non-Registered Holder and vote such Common Shares as a proxyholder. A Non-Registered Holder who wishes to attend the Meeting and to vote their Common Shares as proxyholder for the Registered Shareholder who holds Common Shares beneficially owned by such Non-Registered Holder, should (a) if they received a VIF, follow the directions indicated on the VIF; or (b) if they received a form of proxy strike out the names of the persons named in the form of proxy and insert the Non-Registered Holders or its nominees name in the blank space provided. Non-Registered Holders should carefully follow the instructions of their Intermediaries, including those instructions regarding when and where the VIF or the form of proxy is to be delivered.
All references to Shareholders in the Meeting Materials are to Registered Shareholders as set forth on the list of registered Shareholders as maintained by the Transfer Agent, unless specifically stated otherwise.
VOTING OF PROXIES
All Common Shares represented at the Meeting by properly executed proxies will be voted on any matter that may be called for and, where a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon has been specified in the accompanying form of proxy, the Common Shares represented by the proxy will be voted in accordance with such instructions. In the absence of any such instruction, the persons whose names appear on the printed form of proxy will vote in favour of all the matters set out thereon.
The enclosed form of proxy confers discretionary authority upon the persons named therein. If any other business or amendments or variations to matters identified in the Notice of Meeting properly comes before the Meeting, then discretionary authority is conferred upon the person appointed in the proxy to vote in the manner they see fit, in accordance with their best judgment.
At the time of the printing of this Circular, the management of the Corporation knew of no such amendment, variation or other matter to come before the Meeting other than the matters referred to in the Notice of Meeting.
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
To the knowledge of the directors and executive officers of the Corporation, no director or executive officer of the Corporation, any proposed nominee for election as director of the Corporation, or any associate or affiliate of any of the foregoing persons, has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Meeting, other than the election of directors.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES
The board of directors of the Corporation has fixed Friday, November 29, 2019 as the record date for the Meeting. Shareholders at the close of business on this date are entitled to receive notice of the Meeting and to vote thereat or at any adjournments or postponements thereof on the basis of one vote for each Common Share held.
The authorized capital of the Corporation consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares and an unlimited number of special shares issuable in series. As of the date hereof, 257,206,133 Common Shares were issued and outstanding as fully paid and non-assessable.
As of the date hereof, to the knowledge of the directors and executive officers of the Corporation, no person or company beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly, Common Shares carrying 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all of the Common Shares.
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BUSINESS TO BE TRANSACTED AT THE MEETING
1. |
Financial Statements |
The audited financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended July 31, 2019, together with the report of the auditors thereon, will be presented at the Meeting.
2. |
Election of Directors |
The affairs of the Corporation are managed by the board of directors of the Corporation (the Board). The members of the Board are elected annually, on an individual basis, at each annual meeting of Shareholders.
At the Meeting, the number of directors proposed for election will be six (6), as listed below, all of whom are currently directors of the Corporation. Management has been informed that each of the proposed nominees listed below is willing to serve as a director if elected. The table below sets forth certain information regarding the nominees proposed as directors for election by the Shareholders at the Meeting, their respective positions with the Corporation, principal occupations or employment during the last five (5) years, the dates on which they became directors of the Corporation and the approximate number of Common Shares beneficially owned by them, directly or indirectly, or over which control or direction is exercised by them as of the date hereof.
The enclosed form of proxy allows the Shareholders to direct proxyholders to vote individually for each of the nominees as a director of the Corporation. Unless instructions are given to withhold from voting with regard to the election of directors, the persons whose names appear on the enclosed form of proxy will vote in favour of the election of each of the six (6) nominees whose names are listed below.
Management of the Corporation does not foresee that any of the following nominees listed below will be unable or, for any reason, unwilling to perform his or her duties as a director. In the event that the foregoing occurs for any reason, prior to the election, the persons indicated on the enclosed form of proxy reserve the right to vote for another candidate of their choice unless otherwise instructed by the Shareholder in the form of proxy to abstain from voting on the election of directors.
Each director elected at the Meeting will hold office until the next annual meeting or until his or her successor is duly elected or appointed.
In order for the resolution to be passed, approval by the majority of the votes cast by all of the holders of Common Shares, present in person and by proxy at the Meeting, is required.
Name, Municipality of Residence and Title |
Principal Occupation for the Past Five (5) Years |
Director of the Corporation Since |
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned, Directly or Indirectly, Controlled or Directed |
|||
Sébastien St-Louis Ottawa, Ontario President and Chief Executive Officer and director |
President, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since August 13, 2013. | August 13, 2013 | 3,159,030(3) | |||
Adam Miron Ottawa, Ontario Director |
Chief Brand Officer of the Corporation from August 13, 2013 to July 18, 2019. | August 13, 2013 | 3,000,000(4) | |||
Dr. Michael Munzar(2) Westmount, Québec Director |
Medical Director of Statcare medical clinic since 2004. Vice President and board member of Medical and Regulatory Affairs at Osta since 2005. | November 17, 2014 | 1,791,532(5) |
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Name, Municipality of Residence and Title |
Principal Occupation for the Past Five (5) Years |
Director of the Corporation Since |
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned, Directly or Indirectly, Controlled or Directed |
|||
Jason Ewart (1) Cobourg, Ontario Director |
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Fountain Capital Corporation from 2003 until October 2017. Director and Executive Vice-President of Up Tempo Inc. since April 18, 2018. | November 17, 2014 | Nil | |||
Vincent Chiara (1)(2) Montréal, Québec Director |
President and sole owner of Groupe Mach Inc. since 1999. | November 4, 2016 | 7,767,632(6) | |||
Nathalie Bourque (1)(2) Montréal, Québec Director |
Vice-President, Public Affairs and Global Communications at CAE from 2005 until February 2015. | October 4, 2017 | 72,727 |
Notes:
(1) |
Member of the Audit Committee. |
(2) |
Member of the Human Resource and Corporate Governance Committee. |
(3) |
Includes 3,139,530 Common Shares owned of record by 8375739 Canada Inc., which is owned and controlled by Mr. St-Louis. |
(4) |
Such Common Shares are held by a corporation owned and controlled by Mr. Miron. |
(5) |
Includes 1,651,532 Common Shares held by a corporation owned and controlled by Dr. Munzar. |
(6) |
7,662,932 of such Common Shares are held by corporations owned and controlled by Mr. Chiara. |
There are no contracts, arrangements or understandings between any nominee and any other person (other than the directors and officers of the Corporation acting solely in such capacity) pursuant to which the nominee has been or is to be elected as a director.
As of the date hereof, the proposed directors of the Corporation as a group (six persons) beneficially owned, or exercised control or direction over, 15,790,921 Common Shares, or approximately 6.14% of the outstanding Common Shares.
The following are brief biographies of each of the proposed director nominees:
Sébastien St-Louis, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director. Sébastien St-Louis is an entrepreneur with strong leadership abilities, financial acumen and operational expertise. Sébastien co-founded HEXO Corp. with one goal in mind: to create a world-class company based on the highest standards of product quality and safety. Since 2013, he has secured more than $550 million in financing for the company. His leadership has been instrumental in navigating the company through regulatory, financing and start-up challenges en route to becoming one of Canadas significant licensed cannabis producers and is now guiding the Corporation through its next evolution into a derivatives products company focused on best in class technology. Sébastien has wide-ranging business experience in manufacturing, distribution, trade finance and commercial lending. He has advised Canadian business owners and CEOs across multiple industry sectors, while structuring and closing $200 million in financing to support their export and growth initiatives. Sébastien holds an MBA in Finance from the Université du Québec à Montréal and completed his Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from the University of Ottawa.
Adam Miron, Director. Mr. Miron served as the Chief Brand Officer of HEXO from August 2013 to July 2019. Mr. Miron is the co-founder of iPolitics.ca and was its Chief Information Officer from 2010 to 2013. He was also the National Director of the Federal Liberal Commission from 2007 to 2009 and was responsible for the Liberal Party of Canadas online election campaigns. He has experience with online marketing and sales, and brand development. Mr. Miron has also run political campaigns in Canada and abroad. Mr. Miron is also chairman of Brane Capital, a digital asset custody company. Since July 2019, Mr. Miron has served on the board of directors of HEXO MED, the Corporations Greece-based joint venture.
Dr. Michael Munzar, Director. Dr. Munzar is a primary care physician and currently is Medical Director and an owner of Statcare medical clinic in Pointe-Claire, Québec. Statcare is a GMF-R superclinic designated by the Quebec Minister of Health and treats over 50,000 patients per year. In addition, Dr. Munzar also served on the board of directors of Osta Biotechnologies Inc. where he held the position of Vice-President of Medical and Regulatory Affairs
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at Osta since 2005. He served as Medical Director of Nymox Pharmaceutical Corporation (NASDAQ:NYMX) from 1996 to 2004 and was the President of Serex Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nymox, from 2000 to 2004. Dr. Munzar has vast experience in the regulatory development of drugs and medical devices. He obtained his MDCM from McGill University in 1979. Dr. Munzar has been serving as Chairman of the Corporations Board since November 17, 2014.
Jason Ewart, Director. Mr. Ewart is a corporate director who was the co-founder and the former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Fountain Capital Corporation from 2003 until October 2017. Mr. Ewart was a market analyst with A&E Capital Funding Inc. and Bradstone Equity Partners Inc. between 1998 and 2002 and Vice-President of Quest Investment Corporation between 2002 and 2003. He is now Executive Vice-President of Toronto based Uptempo Inc., a U.S. fintech company that offers an open banking platform that improves the financial journey for consumers with an active guidance financial dashboard. He has experience with bridge financing, financial analysis, quantitative modelling, equities trading and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Ewart is a Director of Denver based Attorneys Title Guarantee Fund Inc. and a Director for the non-profit Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation, which provides financing and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs. Mr. Ewart holds an economics degree from McGill University.
Vincent Chiara, Director. Mr. Chiara is the President and sole owner of Groupe Mach Inc. (Mach). He began his career in 1984 as a lawyer specializing in real estate transactions and corporate litigation. In 1999, he ceased practicing law and focused on real estate acquisitions and property development through Mach, a private holding company. Mach and its affiliates hold significant investments representing approximately 26 million sq. ft. of real estate (office, retail, residential, industrial and hotel) located primarily in Montreal and Québec City, including the Stock Exchange Tower, the CIBC Tower, the Sun Life Building, the CBC Tower and the University Complex. Mach continues to acquire and redevelop properties across North America while maintaining its institutional reputation within the market.
Nathalie Bourque, Director. Ms. Bourque is a member of the boards of directors of Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. and Héroux-Devtek Inc. She held the position of Vice-President, Public Affairs and Global Communications at CAE Inc. (CAE) from 2005 until her retirement in February 2015. Prior to joining CAE, Ms. Bourque was a partner at NATIONAL Public Relations where she was responsible for numerous clients in the financial, biopharmaceutical, retail and entertainment areas. Previously, she worked for various communications companies and has also worked for accounting firms in marketing. She was a member of the Board of Financial Services of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and Horizon Science and Technology. She also served as President of the MBA Association and Le Cercle Finance et Placement du Québec. She was also a Governor of McGill University and was on the board of Maison Marie Vincent. Ms. Bourque has a BA from Laval University and an MBA from McGill University.
Majority Voting for Election of Directors
The Board has adopted a majority voting policy. Pursuant to this policy, if a nominee for election as director receives for votes fewer than a majority of the votes (50% + 1 vote) cast with respect to his or her election by Shareholders, he or she must immediately tender his or her resignation to the Board following the meeting of Shareholders at which the election is held. Upon receiving such resignation, the Human Resource and Corporate Governance Committee will consider it and make a recommendation to the Board on whether or not to accept the resignation. The Board shall accept the resignation absent exceptional circumstances and announce its decision in a press release promptly within 90 days following the meeting of Shareholders. If the Board determines not to accept a resignation, the press release must fully state the reasons for that decision. The resignation will be effective when accepted by the Board. The director who tendered his or her resignation is not permitted to be a part of any deliberations of the Human Resource and Corporate Governance Committee or of the Board pertaining to the resignation offer. The policy only applies in circumstances involving an uncontested election of directors.
Cease Trade Orders, Bankruptcies, Penalties or Sanctions
To the knowledge of the Corporation, no proposed nominee for election as a director of the Corporation is, as of the date of this Circular, or has been within the last ten (10) years of the date of this Circular, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer or any company that while acting in such capacity: (a) was subject to a cease trade order, a similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation that was in effect for a period of more than thirty (30) consecutive days; or (b) was subject to a cease trade order, a
7
similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation that was in effect for a period of more than thirty (30) consecutive days, that was issued after the director or executive officer ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer; or (c) within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the proposed director.
To the knowledge of the Corporation, no proposed nominee for election as a director of the Corporation has, within the ten (10) years before the date of this Circular, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a received, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the director or executive officer.
To the knowledge of the Corporation, no proposed nominee for election as a director of the Corporation, has been subject to: (i) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority; or (ii) any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.
3. |
Appointment of Auditors |
MNP LLP (MNP) have been the auditors of the Corporation since January 17, 2018. At the Meeting, Shareholders will be requested to reappoint MNP as auditors of the Corporation to hold office until the next annual meeting of Shareholders or until a successor is appointed, and to authorize the directors to fix the auditors remuneration. In order for the resolution to be passed, approval by the majority of the Common Shares voted in respect thereof at the Meeting is required.
Absent contrary instructions, proxies given pursuant to this solicitation by the management of the Corporation will be voted FOR the appointment of MNP as the auditors of the Corporation to hold office until the next annual meeting of Shareholders or until a successor is appointed and the authorization of the directors to fix the remuneration of the auditors.
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The purpose of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis is to describe and explain all significant elements of compensation awarded to, earned by, paid to, or payable to the Corporations Named Executive Officers for the Corporations fiscal year ended July 31, 2019, including: the Corporations philosophy, objectives and processes regarding their compensation; the elements of their compensation; and how the Corporation determines their compensation.
The Corporations Named Executive Officers consist of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and each of the three most highly compensated executive officers of the Corporation other than the Chief Executive compensation was, individually, more than $150,000 (each a Named Executive Officer and collectively, the Named Executive Officers). For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019, the Corporations Named Executive Officers are comprised of: (i) Sébastien St-Louis, the Corporations President and Chief Executive Officer; (ii) three Chief Financial Officers: Ed Chaplin, Stephen Burwash (Interim), and Michael Monahan (see Summary Compensation Table for details on the periods during which these individuals served as Chief Financial Officer during the year);, (iii) Roch Vaillancourt, the Corporations General Counsel, (iv) Nicholas Davies, the Corporations Chief Marketing Officer and (v) Dominique Jones, the Corporations Chief People Officer. No management functions of the Corporation are performed by a person or company other than the directors and executive officers of the Corporation.
8
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The Corporations executive compensation program is designed to provide short and long-term rewards to the Corporations executives that are consistent with individual and corporate performance and their contribution to the Corporations short and long-term objectives. The objectives of the Corporation with respect to compensation of executive officers are to provide compensation levels necessary to attract and retain high quality executives, and to motivate key executives to contribute to the interests of the Corporation. These objectives are to be met by the principal components of the Corporations executive compensation program, which has been focused on a combination of base compensation, bonus remuneration and long-term incentives in the form of stock options or other security-based compensation.
The executive compensation program adopted by the Corporation and applied to its executive officers is designed to attract and retain qualified and experienced executives who will contribute to the growth and success of the Corporation. The executive compensation program attempts to ensure that the compensation of the senior executive officers provides a competitive base compensation package and a strong link between corporate performance and compensation. Senior executive officers are motivated through the program to enhance long-term shareholder value and rewarded for their yearly individual contribution in the context of overall annual corporate performance.
Compensation Governance
For fiscal year 2019, the Human Resource and Corporate Governance Committee (the HR & CG Committee) made all recommendations to the Board with respect to executive compensation. For additional information on the HR & CG Committee, see Corporate Governance and Audit Committee Disclosure Board Committees - Human Resource and Corporate Governance Committee.
To assist in reviewing and determining executive compensation, in December 2018 and in May 2019 the Board retained Hugessen Consulting Inc. (Hugessen), an independent compensation consulting group, to recommend market competitive compensation for the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and other executive officers of the Corporation. Hugessons review focused on comparing the Corporations compensation practices with those of a comparator group for the Corporation consisting of 12 companies in the controlled substance sector, pharmaceuticals, high growth, or in similar geographic areas, and providing recommendations resulting from this review in relation to certain executive compensation matters. The following table sets out the aggregate fees billed by Hugesson for its services related to determining compensation for the Corporations executive officers for the two most recently completed financial years of the Corporation:
Year Ended
July 31, 2019 |
Year Ended
July 31, 2018 |
|||||||
Executive Compensation-Related Fees |
$ | 102,025 | $ | 21,617 | ||||
All Other Fees |
Nil | Nil |
Compensation Components
The executive compensation program during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019 consisted of three principal components: base salaries, annual incentive compensation and benefits, and long-term compensation in the form of stock options or other security-based compensation.
Base Salaries
Base salary is reflective of responsibilities and annual increases should, at a minimum, reflect inflationary pressures and changes in duties. At the date of hire, base salary is determined using a number of factors including industry comparators and relevant experience and is set out in the employment agreement. Annual increases are determined based upon reference to data on compensation levels of executives in comparable companies as well as the annual performance evaluation and underlying economic circumstances.
9
Annual Incentive Compensation and Benefits
Cash bonuses are awarded to recognize the achievement of annual corporate objectives and to recognize contributions that enhance the intrinsic value of the Corporation. Benefits commensurate with those available to all employees of the Corporation are available to executive officers.
The annual incentive plan is a cash performance plan under which a payment is made to executives, quarterly, annually or upon the achievement of specific objectives, based on the achievement of established corporate and individual goals and objectives.
The Chief Executive Officers employment agreement amended and signed on May 6, 2019 provides for an annual cash bonus equal to the difference between (i) 5% of the Corporations earnings before tax in excess of $30 million but subject to a maximum of $250 million for each fiscal year and the (ii) a specified annual incentive amount as described under Long-Term Compensation below . The bonus is payable is a lump sum within 30 days of receipt of the audited financial statements for the applicable year. There has been no payout to date under this bonus provision.
Long-Term Compensation
The long-term component of compensation for executive officers, including the Named Executive Officers, is based on stock options or other security-based compensation. This component of compensation is intended to reinforce managements commitment to long term improvements in the Corporations performance.
The Board believes that incentive compensation in the form of stock option grants and other security-based compensation awards which vest over time, is and has been, beneficial and necessary to attract and retain both senior executives and managerial talent at other levels. Furthermore, the Board believes stock option grants and other security-based compensation awards are an effective long-term incentive vehicle because they are directly tied to share price over a longer period, generally 10 years, and motivate executives to deliver sustained long term performance and increase shareholder value, and have a time horizon that aligns with long-term corporate goals.
The Board adopted an omnibus long-term incentive plan (Omnibus Plan) on June 27, 2018 as a means to grant or award not only stock options (Options), but also restricted shares (Restricted Shares), restricted share units (RSUs), deferred share units (DSUs), share appreciation rights (SARs) and retention awards (Retention Awards, and together with the Options, the Restricted Shares, the RSUs, the DSUs and the SARs, Awards) to directors, officers, senior executives and other employees of the Corporation or a subsidiary, consultants and service providers providing ongoing services to the Corporation and its affiliates (Eligible Participants, and when such Eligible Participants are granted Awards, Participants) in order to attract, retain and motivate such persons as individuals whose skills, performance and loyalty to the objectives and interests of the Corporation are necessary to the Corporations success, to incentivize them to continue their services for the Corporation, and to align their interests with those of the Corporation. For additional details on the Omnibus Plan, see Security-Based Compensation Plans.
The Chief Executive Officers employment agreement amended and signed on May 6, 2019 provides for an annual incentive amount, of $1,500,000 payable within 30 days of receipt of the audited financial statements for the applicable year. The annual incentive amount is divided into $500,000 in stock options, having a 10-year term and vesting 1/3 on each anniversary date of the grant, and $1,000,000 in restricted share units, 1/3 vesting on each anniversary date of the grant.
Further, the CEO received a one-time non-recurring equity grant of 3,333,333 stock options as of February 21, 2019. 33% of the options vest on February 21, 2020 and 8.325% of the remaining options will vest each quarter thereafter. In addition to the foregoing vesting condition, vesting of the options shall be conditional on the volume weighted average trading price of the common shares for the 20-day trading period prior to the expected date of vesting being equal to or greater than $10 (the Share Price Hurdle Vesting Condition). If the Share Price Vesting Condition is not met for a specific vesting period, the non-vested options for that period will vest in the next vesting period if the Share Price Vesting Condition is met for that next period. If the Share Price Vesting
10
Condition for the one-time grant is not met within a five year time period from date of grant, any options not vested at that time are forfeited and any option agreement in reference to this one-time grant will be void.
Benchmarking
As previously noted, the Corporations approach with respect to compensation for executive officers has been assessed against a comparator group suggested by Hugesson consisting of 12 North American companies in the controlled substance, pharmaceuticals and high growth sectors, or in a similar geographic area (the Comparator Group). The Comparator Group consisted of the following:
11
Company |
Selection Criteria |
Market Capitalization(1) |
||
Aphria Inc. |
Controlled substance/high growth cannabis sector |
$3,119 billion | ||
The Descartes Systems Group Inc. |
High growth technology | $3,748 billion | ||
Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc. |
High growth pharmaceuticals | $2,915 billion | ||
USANA Health Sciences Inc. |
FMCG- personal products | $2,615 billion | ||
Varonis Systems Inc. |
High growth technology | $2,389 billion | ||
The Simply Good Foods Company |
FMCG packaged goods | $2,254 billion | ||
Pacira BioSciences Inc. |
High growth pharmaceuticals | $2,097 billion | ||
Kinaxis Inc. |
High growth technology, similar geographic area |
$2,034 billion | ||
Domo Inc. |
High growth technology | $1,420 billion | ||
CannTurst Holdings Inc. |
High-growth cannabis | $1.094 billion | ||
Shareworks by Morgan Stanley |
High-growth technology | $1,083 billion | ||
Demira Inc. |
High growth pharmaceuticals | $971 million |
Note:
(1) |
Approximate market capitalization as of the time of Hugessons report in May 2019. |
Risk Analysis
As part of its review of the Corporations compensation policies and practices, the HR & CG Committee considers the implications of risks associated with the Corporations compensation policies and practices. The HR & CG Committee keeps itself apprised of the current compensation policies of companies in the same space and also draws upon the committee members backgrounds with other issuers to help identify and mitigate compensation policies and practices that could encourage a Named Executive Officer or individual at a principal business unit or division to take inappropriate or excessive risks. As of the date hereof, the HR & CG Committee is not aware of any material risks arising from the Corporations current compensation policies or practices that would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation.
Restrictions on Hedging
The Corporation has not adopted a policy restricting its Named Executive Officers and directors from purchasing financial instruments, including, for greater certainty, prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars or units of exchange funds, that are designed to hedge or offset a decrease in market value of equity securities granted as compensation or held, directly or indirectly, by a Named Executive Officer or director.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the total cumulative shareholder return for $100.00 invested in the Corporations Common Shares during the period from March 21, 2017, the date when the Corporations Common Shares started trading on the TSX Venture Exchange following the completion of the going public business combination transaction (the Qualifying Transaction) by The Hydropothecary Corporation (Predecessor THCX), the predecessor to the Corporation, with BFK Capital Corp., to July 31, 2019, the end of the Corporations most recently completed financial year, during this time period the Corporations Common shares began trading on the TSX, with the cumulative total return of the S&P/TSX Composite Index for the same period.
12
The trend shown by the above graph is a significant positive total cumulative return for a Shareholder since Predecessor THCX went public in March 2017. During the same period, total compensation received by the Named Executive Officers increased in line with this trend as Predecessor THCX went public, raised substantial capital and significantly expanded its business. Based on the growth and results of the Corporation over this period and the return to Shareholders, no material misalignment exists between the compensation of the Named Executive Officers and the return to Shareholders.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets out the compensation for the Corporations Named Executive Officers for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2019, July 31, 2018 and July 31, 2017:
Name and Principal
|
Fiscal
Year |
Salary ($)(10) |
Share-
Based Awards ($) |
Option-
Based Awards ($)(9) |
Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Compensation ($) |
Pension
Value ($) |
All Other
Compensation ($)(10) |
Total Compensation
($) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual
Incentive Plans |
Long-
Term Incentive Plans |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sebastien St-Louis(1)(2)
|
|
2019
2018 2017 |
|
$
$ $ |
486,212
327,308 177,209 |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
$
$ $ |
8,363,731
1,180,254 191,875 |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
$ $ |
Nil
30,691 6,522 |
|
$
$ $ |
8,849,993
1,521,332 375,606 |
|
|||||||||
Ed Chaplin(1)(3)
|
|
2019
2018 2017 |
|
$
$ $ |
840,481
259,952 153,211 |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
$
$
|
1,127,848
322,493 Nil |
|
$
$ $ |
Nil
18,750 118,750 |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
$
$ $ |
1,968,328
601,195 271,961 |
|
|||||||||
Michael Monahan (4)
|
|
2019
2018 2017 |
|
$
|
92,392
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
$
|
31,237
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
$
|
123,629
Nil Nil |
|
|||||||||
Stephen Burwash(5)
|
|
2019
2018 2017 |
|
$
|
152,308
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
$
|
459,412
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
$
|
611,720
Nil Nil |
|
13
Name and Principal Position |
Fiscal
Year |
Salary ($)(10) |
Share-
Based Awards ($) |
Option-
Based Awards ($)(9) |
Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Compensation ($) |
Pension
Value ($) |
All Other
Compensation ($)(10) |
Total Compensation
($) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual
Incentive Plans |
Long-
Term Incentive Plans |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Roch Vaillancourt General Counsel(6) |
|
2019
2018 2017 |
|
$
$
|
396,176
158,606 Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
$
$
|
806,407
244,100 Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
|
Nil
Nil Nil |
|
$
$
|
1,202,583
402,705 Nil |
|
|||||||||
Nicholas Davies (7) Chief Marketing Officer |
2019 | $ | 253,469 | Nil | $ | 919,829 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | $ | 1,173,298 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dominique Jones (8) Chief People Officer |
2019 | $ | 309,644 | Nil | $ | 919,829 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | $ | 1,229,474 |
Notes:
(1) |
The compensation in this table is presented for the three most recently completed financial years of the Corporation. However, some or all of the compensation in previous years was paid or awarded by Predecessor THCX before it completed the Qualifying Transaction with BFK Capital Corp. in March 2017. The compensation in this table is presented on a consolidated basis. |
(2) |
Mr. St-Louis was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation on March 15, 2017 upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction. Prior to completion of the Qualifying Transaction, Mr. St-Louis was the Chief Executive Officer of Predecessor THCX. |
(3) |
Mr. Chaplin was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation on March 15, 2017 upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction. Mr Chaplin departed from HEXO and ceased to be Chief Financial Officer on April 30, 2019. Severance in the amount of $450,000 (two times base salary), plus $25,000 representing one years annual bonus was paid to Mr.Chaplin on his departure. |
(4) |
Mr. Monahan was appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation on May 22, 2019 and subsequently resigned subsequent to year end on October 4, 2019. Mr. Monahans annual salary was $550,000USD. |
(5) |
Mr. Burwash was appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation on May 1, 2019 and remained in that position until May 22, 2019 when Michael Monahan was appointed as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Burwash received a monthly bonus of $20,000 for assuming the Interim Chief Financial Officer role. Mr. Burwash was appointed as Chief Financial Officer subsequent to year end on October 4, 2019 following Mr. Monahans resignation. |
(6) |
Mr. Vaillancourt was appointed General Counsel of the Corporation on March 12, 2018. |
(7) |
Mr. Davies was appointed Chief Marketing Officer of the Corporation on August 30, 2018 Mr. Daviess position was eliminated on October 24, 2019 |
(8) |
Mrs. Jones was appointed Chief People Officer on September 17, 2018. |
(9) |
Based on the grant date fair value calculated using the Black Scholes Merton model. The Corporation chose the Black Scholes Merton model because it is a commonly used and accepted method of calculating grant date fair value. Details of these calculations are included in Note 10 of the Corporations audited financial statements for the year ended July 31, 2019. |
(10) |
Inclusive of benefits and bonus amounts. |
14
Incentive Plan Awards
Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
The following table sets out information concerning all outstanding share-based awards and option-based awards granted by the Corporation to the Corporations Named Executive Officers as at July 31, 2019.
Name |
Option-Based Awards | Share-Based Awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of
Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) |
Option
Exercise Price ($) |
Option
Expiration Date |
Value
of
Unexercised In- The-Money Options(1) ($) |
Number of
Shares or Units of Shares Not Vested (#) |
Market or
Payout Value of Share Based Awards Not Vested ($) |
Market or
Payout Value of Vested Share Based Awards Not Paid Out or Distributed ($) |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Sebastien St-Louis Chief Executive Officer |
|
93,750
333,333 1,600,000 3,333,333 |
|
$
$ $ $ |
0.75
2.69 4.89 7.46 |
|
|
Nov 24, 2026
Dec 4, 2027 Jul 11, 2028 Feb 21, 2029 |
|
$
$
|
452,812
963,332 1,104,000 Nil |
|
Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||||||||||
Ed Chaplin Former Chief Financial Officer |
350,000 | $ | 4.89 | Jul 11, 2028 | $ | 241,500 | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||||||||||||||||
Michael Monahan, Former Chief Financial Officer |
325,000 | $ | 6.54 | Jul 18, 2029 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stephen Burwash Chief Financial Officer |
325,000 | $ | 8.50 | Mar 20, 2019 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||
Roch Vaillancourt, General Counsel |
|
325,000
175,000 |
|
$
$ |
1.37
4.89 |
|
|
Mar 12, 2028
Jul 11, 2028 |
|
$
$ |
1,368,250
120,750 |
|
Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||||||||||
Nicholas Davies Chief Marketing Officer |
325,000 | $ | 7.93 | Sept 17, 2019 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dominique Jones Chief People Officer |
325,000 | $ | 7.93 | Sept 17, 2019 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
Note:
(1) |
Value of unexercised in-the-money options is calculated on a pre-tax basis by determining the excess of the closing market value of the Corporations Common Shares on July 31, 2019 on the TSX, being $5.58, over the exercise price of the options. |
15
Incentive Plan Awards Value Vested or Earned During the Year
The following table sets out information concerning all share-based awards and option-based awards granted by the Corporation to the Named Executive Officers which were earned or have vested during the most recently completed financial year.
Name |
Option-Based Awards Value
Vested During the Year(1) ($) |
Share-Based Awards
Value Vested During the Year ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Compensation Value Earned During the Year ($) |
|||||||||
Sebastien St-Louis President and Chief Executive Officer |
$ | 8,363,731 | Nil | Nil | ||||||||
Ed Chaplin Chief Financial Officer |
$ | 1,127,847 | Nil | $ | 21,250 | |||||||
Michael Monahan Chief Financial Officer |
$ | 31,237 | Nil | USD$ | 70,270 | |||||||
Stephen Burwash Interim Chief Financial Officer |
$ | 459,412 | Nil | Nil | ||||||||
Roch Vaillancourt General Counsel |
$ | 806,407 | Nil | $ | 52,500 | |||||||
Nicholas Davies Chief Marketing Officer |
$ | 919,829 | Nil | $ | 25,000 | |||||||
Dominique Jones Chief People Officer |
$ | 919,829 | Nil | $ | 56,459 |
Note:
(1) |
Based on the grant date fair value calculated using the Black Scholes Merton model. The Corporation chose the Black Scholes Merton model because it is a commonly used and accepted method of calculating grant date fair value. Details of these calculations are included in Note 13 of the Corporations audited financial statements for the year ended July 31, 2019. |
16
Pension Plan Benefits
The Corporation has an RSP and a DPSP, both of which are available to the Named Executive Officers on a voluntary basis. The Corporation does not otherwise have any pension plans that provide for payments or benefits at, following, or in connection with retirement to the Named Executive Officers.
Termination and Change of Control Benefits
Other than as disclosed below, none of the Named Executive Officers were entitled to any payments following or in connection with any termination, resignation, retirement, change in control or change in the responsibilities of the Named Executive Officers.
Termination Payments
Sébastien St-Louis entered into an employment contract with the Corporation on May 16, 2014, which was subsequently amended on November 9, 2016, December 11, 2017, on March 5, 2018, and on May 6, 2019 (the St-Louis Agreement). The St-Louis Agreement has an indefinite term. Either party may terminate the St-Louis Agreement with certain periods of advance notice. The St-Louis Agreement provides for an eighteen (18) month non-competition clause. In the event that the Corporation terminates Mr. St-Louis without cause, he is entitled to a lump sum severance payment equal to two times his then annual salary plus two times his Annual Incentive amount earned during the previous fiscal year, plus two times the Executive Cash Bonus earned during the previous fiscal year, minus any statutory deductions and amounts owing by Mr. St-Louis to the Corporation. Termination provisions also include medical, dental and life insurance coverage for two years following the date of termination or until he obtains alternative employment. In addition, upon termination without cause, Mr. St-Louis is entitled to an additional amount equal to the bonus of 5% of the Corporations earnings before tax which would be payable to him over the eighteen (18) month period subsequent to the date of termination calculated on a proportionate basis.
Ed Chaplin entered into an employment contract with the Corporation on October 1, 2014 (the Chaplin Agreement). Mr. Chaplin ceased to be employed with HEXO and resigned as Chief Financial Officer on April 30, 2019. The Chaplin Agreement had an indefinite term. Either party was entitled to terminate the Chaplin Agreement with certain periods of advance notice. The Chaplin Agreement provides for a twelve (12) month non-competition clause. In the event that the Corporation terminated Mr. Chaplin without cause, he was entitled to a lump sum severance payment equal to twelve (12) months salary, minus any statutory deductions and amounts owing by Mr. Chaplin to the Corporation. Following the termination of Mr. Chaplins employment on April 2019, Mr. Chaplin was paid severance in the amount of $450,000 (two times base salary), plus $25,000 representing one years annual bonus pay.
Stephen Burwash entered into an employment contract with the Corporation on March 4, 2019 as Vice President, Strategic Finance. Following the departure of Mr.Chaplin, as Chief Financial Officer and to ensure continuity in the Chief Financial Officer role until Mr. Monahan started, Mr. Burwash was promoted on an interim basis to Chief Financial Officer, effective May 1, 2019. Mr. Burwashs employment contract provides for six (6) months base salary and six (6) months bonus pay in the event of termination without cause. Mr. Burwash is required to provide eight (8) weeks notice of resignation under his original employment contract.
Michael Monahan entered into an employment contract with the Corporation on June 17, 2019 (the Monahan Agreement). Mr. Monahan ceased to be employed with HEXO and resigned as Chief Financial Officer on October 4, 2019.The Monahan Agreement was for an at will employment relationship and was for an indefinite term. In the event of a termination without cause, Mr. Monahan was entitled to receive twelve (12) months current base salary plus an amount equal to his target bonus for the fiscal year within which the termination occurs.
Roch Vaillancourt entered into an employment contract with the Corporation on January 22, 2018 which was subsequently amended on June 27, 2018 (the Vaillancourt Agreement). The Vaillancourt Agreement has an indefinite term. The Vaillancourt Agreement provides for twelve (12) months severance in the event of termination without cause, and requires Mr. Vaillancourt to provide eight (8) weeks notice of resignation. The Vaillancourt Agreement provides for a twelve (12) month non-competition clause.
17
Nicholas Davies entered into an employment contract with the Corporation on August 30, 2018 (the Davies Agreement). The Davies Agreement has an indefinite term. The Davies Agreement provides for twelve (12) months severance in the event of termination without cause, and requires Mr. Davies to provide eight (8) weeks notice of resignation. The Davies Agreement provides for a six (6) month non-competition clause
Dominique Jones entered into an employment contract with the Corporation on September 17, 2018 (the Jones Agreement). The Jones Agreement has an indefinite term. The Jones Agreement provides for twelve (12) months severance in the event of termination without cause, and requires Mrs. Jones to provide eight (8) weeks notice of resignation. The Jones Agreement provides for a six (6) month non-competition clause
The following table sets out estimated payments that would be made to the Named Executive Officers in the event of the termination of their employment by the Corporation without cause as at July 31, 2019:
Named Executive Officer |
Severance Payments | Total Estimated Payment(1) | ||||||
Sébastien St-Louis |
24 months | $ | 1,000,000 | |||||
Ed Chaplin |
12 months | $ | 246,250 | |||||
Michael Monahan |
12 months | US$ | 550,000 | |||||
Stephen Burwash |
6 months | $ | 130,000 | |||||
Roch Vaillancourt |
12 months | $ | 483,000 | |||||
Nicholas Davies |
12 months | $ | 303,750 | |||||
Dominique Jones |
12 months | $ | 483,000 |
Note:
(1) |
Severance payments based on salary and bonus. Amounts do not include benefits or value of unvested in-the-money options which may become vested as a result of termination without cause. See Incentive Plan Awards - Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards for details on the total value of the in-the-money options held by the Named Executive Officers as at July 31, 2019. |
Change of Control Payments
On December 11, 2017 and on March 5, 2018, based on a recommendation from the HR & CG Committee and approved by the Board, an amendment to Mr. St-Louis employment contract was issued. This amendment provides for certain payments which would be payable to Mr. St. Louis in the event of a change of control in the Corporation. Under these amendments, the Corporation will be required to make payments to the Mr. St-Louis in the event that there is a change of control and either: (a) the executives employment is terminated by the Corporation on or within twenty-four (24) months of the change of control; or (b) there is a material change in the executives duties and responsibilities on or within twenty-four (24) months of the change of control such that the executive is required to assume duties that are not consistent with, or to relinquish responsibilities that are consistent with, those customarily and usually performed by an individual in the executives position and the duties and responsibilities previously performed by the executive, and the executive resigns from his employment as a result. The payment payable to Mr. St-Louis in the event of a change of control will be, in addition to unpaid salary, bonus and vacation pay, a lump sum equal to 2 times his then annual salary, 2 times the Annual incentive Amount plus two tines the Cash Bonus earned in the prior fiscal year. If the Change of Control were to occur in the fiscal 2019 year, in addition to two times the then annual salary, the Change of Control Severance payment would be calculated based on the Cash Bonus and Annual incentive amount earned in the fiscal 2019 year. In addition, upon a change of control, the vesting of all unvested stock options, restricted share units and other security-based compensation awards under the Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan shall immediately vest and be exercisable for a period of 12 months from the date he ceases to be an employee of the Corporation.
Based on recommendations from the HR & CG Committee which have been approved by the Board, the Corporation has amended its employment contracts with Ed Chaplin on December 11, 2017 and with Roch Vaillancourt on June 27, 2018. The original employment contracts of Mr. Davies and of Mrs. Jones also include the same Change of Control provisions. As senior executives of the Corporation, the amendment and the original contracts of Mr. Davies and of Mrs. Jones provide for certain payments which would be payable to them in the
18
event of a change of control in the Corporation. Under these amendments, the Corporation will be required to make payments to the executives in the event that there is a change of control and either: (a) the executives employment is terminated by the Corporation on or within twenty-four (24) months of the change of control; or (b) there is a material change in the executives duties and responsibilities on or within twenty-four (24) months of the change of control such that the executive is required to assume duties that are not consistent with, or to relinquish responsibilities that are consistent with, those customarily and usually performed by an individual in the executives position and the duties and responsibilities previously performed by the executive, and the executive resigns from his employment as a result. The payments payable to each of the executives in the event of a change of control will be a lump sum equal to the total of twenty-four (24) months salary plus the bonus earned by the executive over the twenty-four (24) month period preceding the executives termination or resignation. In addition, upon a change of control, the vesting of all unvested stock options held by each of the executives will accelerate and such options will become vested and exercisable immediately upon the executives termination or resignation for a period of ninety (90) days. Mr. Monahans Change of Control provision provides for an amount equal to 2 times his then base salary, pro-rated bonus, and acceleration of any granted but unvested stock options or restricted. There are no Change of Control provisions in Mr. Burwashs original employment contract. Change of control is defined under these agreements to mean the occurrence of any one or more of the following transactions, whether accomplished in a single transaction or series of transactions: (i) any sale, exchange, conveyance or other disposition of securities of the Corporation (other than through the issuance of equity securities by the Corporation as part of a financing transaction), in a transaction or series of related transactions after giving effect to which more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power or equity value of the Corporation is held by holders of shares of the Corporation who were not shareholders (or affiliates thereof) immediately prior to the first of such transactions; (ii) a sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the Corporations assets (other than a sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition to a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation); (iii) a merger or consolidation involving the Corporation; or (iv) any similar transaction or series of transactions.
The following table sets out estimated payments that would be made to the Named Executive Officers in the event of the termination of their employment by the Corporation following a change of control as at July 31, 2019:
Named Executive Officer |
Severance Payments | Total Estimated Payment(1) | ||||||
Sébastien St-Louis |
24 months | $ | 2,500,000 | |||||
Ed Chaplin |
24months | $ | 450,000 | |||||
Michael Monahan |
24 months | US$ | 1,100,000 | |||||
Stephen Burwash |
N/A | N/A | ||||||
Roch Vaillancourt |
24 months | $ | 785,815 | |||||
Nicholas Davies |
24 months | $ | 594,738 | |||||
Dominique Jones |
24 months | $ | 757,683 |
Note:
(1) |
Change of control payments based on salary, bonus and any prescribed additional payment under the employment agreements of the Named Executive Officers. Amounts do not include benefits or value of unvested in-the-money options which may become vested as a result of change of control. See Incentive Plan Awards - Outstanding Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards for details on the total value of the in-the-money options held by the Named Executive Officers as at July 31, 2019. |
Director Compensation
The HR & CG Committee assists the Board with respect to the establishment of the Corporations compensation program for its directors. The main objectives of the directors compensation program are to: compensate the directors in a manner that is commensurate with the risks and responsibilities assumed in Board and committee membership, and competitive with other comparable issuers; and align the interests of the directors with those of the Shareholders. Unlike compensation for the Named Executive Officers, the directors compensation program is not designed to pay for performance; rather, directors receive retainers for their services in order to help ensure unbiased decision-making.
In March 2018, Wilkinsons review included compensation for the directors of the Corporation. Hugesson did not review compensation for directors in 2019. Based on the growth of the Corporations business and Wilkinsons recommendations, director compensation was revised in March 2018 and remained the same during 2019, to consist
19
of an annual retainer fee in the amount of $65,000, for the Chair, an annual retainer of $36,000 for Board members and an additional $9,000 annual retainer fee for Board committee Chairs, and discretionary security-based compensation grants with a value of approximately $35,000 expected to be awarded in the form of DSUs- DSUs were not issued in 2019, so these amounts were paid to Board members as cash. . Directors also receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with attending Board and committee meetings.
Director Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned by the non-executive directors during the 12 months ended July 31, 2019.
Name |
Fees
Earned ($) |
Share-Based
Awards ($) |
Option-Based
Awards ($) (1) |
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
Pension
Value ($) |
All Other
Compensation ($) |
Total ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Dr. Michael Munzar |
$ | 104,000 | Nil | $ | 496,746 | Nil | Nil | Nil | $ | 600,746 | ||||||||||||||||||
Jason Ewart |
$ | 83,200 | Nil | $ | 451,349 | Nil | Nil | Nil | $ | 534,549 | ||||||||||||||||||
Vincent Chiara |
$ | 72,800 | Nil | $ | 489,887 | Nil | Nil | Nil | $ | 562,687 | ||||||||||||||||||
Nathalie Bourque |
$ | 83,200 | Nil | $ | 540,511 | Nil | Nil | Nil | $ | 623,711 |
Note:
(1) |
Based on the grant date fair value calculated using the Black Scholes Merton model. The Corporation chose the Black Scholes Merton model because it is a commonly used and accepted method of calculating grant date fair value. Details of these calculations are included in Note 10 of the Corporations audited financial statements for the year ended July 31, 2019. |
20
Director Compensation Outstanding Option-Based Awards
The following table sets out information concerning all outstanding share-based awards and option-based awards granted by the Corporation to the Corporations non-executive directors as at July 31, 2019.
Name |
Option-Based Awards | Share-Based Awards | ||||||||||||||||||
Number of
Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) |
Option
Exercise Price ($) |
Option
Expiration
|
Value of
Unexercised In-The-Money Options(1)(2) ($) |
Number of
Shares or Units of Shares Not Vested (#) |
Market or
Payout Value of Share- Based Awards Not Vested ($) |
Market or Payout
Value of Vested Share- Based Awards Not Paid Out or Distributed ($)(1) |
||||||||||||||
Dr. Michael Munzar |
|
60,000
150,000 300,000 150,000 200,000 50,000 |
|
$
$ $ $ $ $ |
0.58
0.75 0.75 2.69 4.89 5.88 |
|
Nov 17, 2024 Apr 20, 2026 Nov 15, 2026 Dec 4, 2027 Jul 11, 2028 Jul 26, 2029 |
$
$ $ $ $
|
300,000
724,500 1,449,000 433,500 138,000 Nil |
|
Nil
Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil |
Nil
Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil |
Nil
Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil |
|||||||
Jason Ewart |
|
5,000
150,000 150,000 100,000 200,000 50,000 |
|
$
$ $ $ $ $ |
0.58
0.75 0.75 2.69 4.89 5.88 |
|
Nov 17, 2024 Apr 20, 2026 Nov 15, 2026 Dec 4, 2027 Jul 11, 2028 Jul 26, 2029 |
$
$ $ $ $
|
25,000
724,500 724,500 289,000 138,000 Nil |
|
Nil
Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil |
Nil
Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil |
Nil
Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil |
|||||||
Vincent Chiara |
|
75,000
25,000 100,000 200,000 50,000 |
|
$
$ $ $ $ |
1.27
2.48 2.69 4.89 5.88 |
|
Jul 24, 2027 Nov 6, 2027 Dec 4, 2027 Jul 11, 2028 Jul 26, 2029 |
$
$ $ $
|
323,250
77,500 289,000 138,000 Nil |
|
Nil
Nil Nil Nil Nil |
Nil
Nil Nil Nil Nil |
Nil
Nil Nil Nil Nil |
|||||||
Nathalie Bourque |
|
58,332
100,000 200,000 50,000 |
|
$
$ $ $ |
2.48
2.69 4.89 5.88 |
|
Nov 6, 2027 Dec 4, 2027 Jul 11, 2028 Jul 26, 2029 |
$
$ $
|
180,829
289,000 138,000 Nil |
|
Nil
Nil Nil Nil |
Nil
Nil Nil Nil |
Nil
Nil Nil Nil |
Note:
(1) |
Value of unexercised in-the-money options is calculated by determining the excess of the closing market value of the Corporations Common Shares on July 31, 2019 on the TSX, being $5.58, over the exercise price of the options. |
Director Compensation Incentive Plan Awards Value Vested or Earned During the Year
The following table sets out information concerning all share-based awards and option-based awards granted by the Corporation to the Corporations non-executive directors which were earned or have vested during the most recently completed financial year.
Name |
Option-Based Awards
Value Vested During the Year (1) ($) |
Share-Based Awards
Value Vested During the Year ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Compensation Value Earned During the Year ($) |
|||||
Dr. Michael Munzar |
$ | 496,745 | Nil | Nil |
21
Name |
Option-Based Awards
Value Vested During the Year (1) ($) |
Share-Based Awards
Value Vested During the Year ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Compensation Value Earned During the Year ($) |
|||||
Jason Ewart |
$ | 468,765 | Nil | Nil | ||||
Vincent Chiara |
$ | 489,887 | Nil | Nil | ||||
Nathalie Bourque |
$ | 540,510 | Nil | Nil |
Note:
(1) |
Based on the grant date fair value calculated using the Black Scholes model. The Corporation chose the Black Scholes model because it is a commonly used and accepted method of calculating grant date fair value. Details of these calculations are included in Note 13 of the Corporations financial statements for the year ended July 31, 2019. |
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance
The Corporation maintains insurance for the benefit of the directors and officers of the Corporation against liabilities in their capacities as directors or officers of the Corporation. For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019, the insurance provided for a coverage limit of $25,000,000 without any deductible.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE DISCLOSURE
The Board is committed to the highest standards of integrity, fiduciary duty and corporate governance. National Instrument 58-101 - Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices (NI 58-101) and National Policy 58-201 - Corporate Governance Guidelines (NP 58-201, and together with NI 58-101, the CSA Guidelines) set out a series of guidelines for effective corporate governance. Under the CSA Guidelines, the Corporation must disclose on an annual basis the corporate governance practices it has adopted. In this section, the Corporation summarizes such practices, in addition to certain other governance matters.
Board of Directors
Composition and Independence
The Board is currently comprised of six members. All but two of the six directors are considered to be independent under the CSA Guidelines and in accordance with National Instrument 52-110 - Audit Committees (NI 52-110). The directors of the Corporation who are independent are Dr. Michael Munzar, Jason Ewart, Vincent Chiara and Nathalie Bourque. Neither Sébastien St-Louis, the President and CEO of the Corporation, nor Adam Miron, former Chief Brand Officer of the Corporation were independent as they were executive officers of the Corporation for 2019. As four out of the six directors of the Corporation are independent, a majority of directors are independent.
The Chair of the Board, Dr. Michael Munzar, is an independent director. The Board has developed a written position description for the Chair. The role of the Chair is to provide leadership to the Board with respect to its functions, and in this role the Chairs responsibilities include: establishing procedures to govern the Boards work; ensuring the Board has adequate resources; ensuring that delegated committee functions are carried out and reported to the Board; acting as a liaison between the Board and management through the CEO; and meeting periodically with the CEO and the Corporate Secretary to review governance issues including the level of communication between management and the Board.
The independent directors meet for in camera sessions without non-independent directors and members of management at the end of each regular Board meeting (unless they waive such requirement). In addition, they generally have at least one meeting (by phone) per month at which non-independent directors and members of management are not present.
22
Other Directorships
Currently, the following directors serve on the boards of other public companies, as listed below:
Name of Director |
Other Reporting Issuers |
|
Nathalie Bourque |
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (TSX:ATD) Héroux-Devtek Inc. (TSX:HRX) |
|
Vincent Chiara
|
PRO Real Estate Investment Trust (TSXV:PRV)
|
|
Jason Ewart |
Advantgewon Oil Corp. (CSE:AOC) Bradstone Capital Corp. (CSE:HPBI) |
Meeting Attendance
The following table summarizes for each of the directors the number of Board and Board committee meetings they attended for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019.
Director |
Board
Meetings |
Audit Committee
Meetings |
HR & CG Committee
Meetings |
|||
Nathalie Bourque |
8/8 | 4/4 | 6/6 | |||
Vincent Chiara |
8/8 | 4/4 | 6/6 | |||
Jason Ewart |
8/8 | 4/4 | 6/6 | |||
Adam Miron |
8/8 | N/A | N/A | |||
Dr. Michael Munzar |
8/8 | 4/4 | 6/6 | |||
Sébastien St-Louis |
8/8 | 4/4 | 6/6 |
Board Mandate
The mandate of the Board is to manage or supervise the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation and to act with a view to the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders. The Board has adopted a written mandate which provides that the core responsibilities of the Board include stewardship and oversight in the following areas:
(a) Strategic Plan
The Board meets annually, at the end of the year, and may also have special meetings as required, to review the Corporations overall business strategies and its annual business plan, as well as major strategic initiatives, to allow for the Board to evaluate whether the Corporations proposed actions generally accord with the objectives of the Corporation.
(b) Identification of Principal Risks
The Board, directly and through the Audit Committee as well as the other committees of the Board, reviews the principal risks of the Corporations business and the appropriateness of the systems management puts in place to manage these risks. A current report on risk management is presented to and reviewed by the Audit Committee each quarter.
(c) Communication Policy
The Disclosure and Confidentiality Policy established by the Board summarizes practices regarding disclosure of material information to investors, analysts and the media. The Board, in consultation with the HR & CG Committee, monitors and advises on compliance with this Policy.
23
The Board is also responsible for approving the content of the Corporations major communications to shareholders and the investing public, including the interim and annual reports, the management proxy circular, the annual information form, and any prospectuses that may be issued and significant press releases.
(d) Internal Control and Management Information Systems
The Board, acting through the Audit Committee, monitors the implementation of appropriate internal control systems. The Audit Committee reports, at least quarterly, to the Board and periodically includes in its reports updates on the status of the Corporations internal control systems.
(e) Shareholder Feedback
The Board monitors management in its ongoing development of appropriate investor relations programs and procedures to receive and respond to shareholder feedback.
Board Committees
At present, the Board has two standing committees, the Audit Committee and the HR & CG Committee. Both committees are comprised entirely of independent directors.
Audit Committee
At present, the Audit Committee consists of Jason Ewart (Chairman), Nathalie Bourque and Vincent Chiara, all of whom are independent within the meaning of NI 52-110. Each member of the Audit Committee is also financially literate within the meaning of NI 52-110, as they have an understanding of the accounting principles used to prepare the Corporations financial statements, experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating comparable financial statements and experience as to the general application of relevant accounting principles, as well as an understanding of the internal controls and procedures necessary for financial reporting. Information concerning the relevant education and experience of the Audit Committee members can be found in Business to be Transacted at the Meeting - Election of Directors in this Circular.
The Audit Committee has the primary function of fulfilling its responsibilities in relation to reviewing the integrity of the Corporations financial statements, financial disclosures and internal controls over financial reporting; monitoring the system of internal control; monitoring the Corporations compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, selecting the external auditor for shareholder approval; reviewing the qualifications, independence and performance of the external auditor; and reviewing the qualifications, independence and performance of the Corporations internal auditors. The Audit Committee has specific responsibilities relating to the Corporations financial reports; the external auditor; the internal audit function; internal controls; regulatory reports and returns; legal or compliance matters that have a material impact on the Corporation; and the Corporations whistleblowing procedures. In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Audit Committee meets regularly with the internal and external auditor and key management members.
See the section entitled Audit Committee Information in the Corporations Annual Information Form filed under the Corporations profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR www.sec.gov on October 28, 2019 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019 for additional information regarding the Audit Committee, including the full text of the Audit Committees charter.
Human Resource and Corporate Governance Committee
At present, the HR & CG Committee consists of Nathalie Bourque (Chair), and Vincent Chiara and Michael Munzar, all of whom are independent within the meaning of NI 52-110. The Board believes that the members of the HR & GC Committee possess the combined knowledge, experience and backgrounds necessary to fulfill the Committees
24
mandate. Information concerning the relevant education and experience of the HR & CG Committee members can be found in Business to be Transacted at the Meeting - Election of Directors in this Circular.
The core responsibilities of the HR & CG Committee include stewardship and oversight in the following areas: (a) corporate governance; (b) nomination of directors and Board composition; (c) assessment of director independence; (d) orientation and continuing education; (e) business conduct and ethics; (f) Chief Executive Officer and director assessment; and (g) compensation for executive officers and directors.
Regarding compensation, the HR & CG Committees responsibilities include: (a) reviewing and making recommendations to the Board with respect to the overall compensation strategy and policies for directors, officers and employees of the Corporation, including executive officer and management compensation criteria, corporate and personal goals and objectives; (b) reviewing and making recommendations to the Board with respect to the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, evaluating the performance of the Chief Executive Officer in light of those goals and objectives, and recommending to the Board the compensation level of the Chief Executive Officer based on this evaluation; (c) reviewing and making recommendations to the Board with respect to the compensation of the Chairman of the Board; (d) reviewing and making recommendations to the Board with respect to the annual compensation of all other executive officers and directors of the Corporation. The Board conducts a review, through the HR & CG committee, at least once every two years, of the components and amount of Board compensation in relation to other similarly situated companies. Board compensation should be consistent with market practices but should not be set at a level that would call into question the Boards objectivity; (e) administering the Corporations Stock Option Plan, Omnibus Plan, and any other Restricted Share Unit Plan or Deferred Share Unit Plan that may be in effect from time to time, in accordance with the terms of such plans; (f) making recommendations to the Board with respect to the Corporations incentive compensation and equity-based plans that are subject to Board approval; and (g) reviewing and approving the annual public disclosure in the information circular relating to executive compensation of the Corporation.
Position Descriptions
The Board has developed a written position description for the Chair of the Board and for the chair of each of the Audit Committee and the HR & CG Committee. The Board has adopted general terms describing the responsibilities of the chair of each board committee, namely those of presiding committee meetings, and overseeing the way in which the relevant board committee carries out its mandate. The chair of a board committee is required, following a meeting of such committee, to report to the Board at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. The chair of each Board committee is responsible for the management, the development and the effective performance of the committee. The chair of each Board committee provides leadership and direction to the committee for all aspects of the committees work and takes all reasonable measures to ensure such committee fulfils its responsibilities.
The Board has not developed a written position description for the Chief Executive Officer. However, the Chief Executive Officer leads the management of the Corporations business and affairs and the implementation of the resolutions and policies of the Board. In this capacity, his key responsibilities are determined with reference to those typically carried out by an individual in this position and by ongoing discussion with the Board and include: leading the development of the Corporations overall strategy; operational direction including facilities development, product development, geographic expansion and strategic relationships; human resources management; Board interaction; risk management; and effective communication with shareholders, clients, employees, regulators and other stakeholders.
Orientation and Continuing Education
Due to the size of the Corporations Board, no formal program currently exists for the orientation of new directors and existing directors provide orientation and education to new members on an informal and ad hoc basis. No formal continuing education program currently exists for the directors of the Corporation; however, the Corporation encourages directors to attend, enroll or participate in courses and/or seminars dealing with financial literacy, corporate governance and related matters. Each director of the Corporation has the responsibility for ensuring that he or she maintains the skill and knowledge necessary to meet his or her obligations as a director.
25
Ethical Business Conduct
The directors of the Corporation have adopted a formal written code of business conduct and ethics (the Code) in addition to compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations. The Code is designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
|
honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; |
|
avoidance of conflicts of interest with the interests of the Corporation, including disclosure to an appropriate person of any material transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to such a conflict; |
|
confidentiality of corporate information; |
|
protection and proper use of corporate assets and opportunities; |
|
compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations; |
|
the prompt internal reporting of any violations of the Code to an appropriate person or person identified in the Code; and |
|
accountability for adherence to the Code. |
The Code sets the minimum standards expected to be met or exceed in all business and dealings of the Corporation, and provides guidelines to help address new situations. The directors of the Corporation expect the Corporations employees, officers and directors to act with honesty and integrity and to avoid any relationship or activity that might create, or appear to create, a conflict between their personal interest and the interests of the Corporation.
The Code has been filed under the Corporations profile on SEDAR www.sedar.com and is available on the Companys website at www.hexocorp.com/governace.
The Corporation has adopted a Whistleblower Policy that provides a channel for individuals to express concerns, questions, or observations of misconduct, unethical behavior, and/or noncompliance directly and anonymously to the Corporations General Counsel or Audit Committee Chair or to an anonymous ethics hotline.
Nomination of Directors
The HR & CG Committee is responsible for identifying and recommending potential appointees to the Board. New nominees must have a track record in general business management, special expertise in an area of strategic interest to the Corporation, the ability to devote the time required, shown support for the Corporations mission and strategic objectives, and a willingness to serve. The HR & CG Committee is composed of at least three directors appointed by the Board, each of whom the Board has determined to be independent as contemplated by the laws, regulations and listing requirements to which the Corporation is subject. The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation takes part in the work of the HR & CG Committee as a non-voting member and removes himself where the HR & CG Committee decides on his remuneration and on corporate governance matters.
Compensation
The HR & CG Committee is charged with reviewing on an annual basis the compensation and benefits paid to the directors in light of market conditions and practice and in light of risks and responsibilities.
Assessments
The HR & CG Committee is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the Board and the performance of the directors. The process is facilitated by questionnaires sent by the Chair of the HR & CG Committee to enable individual directors to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the Board and its Committees. Following receipt of the questionnaires, the Chair of the HR & CG Committee may contact the directors separately in order to discuss their answer to the questionnaires. The HR & CG Committee assesses the operation of the Board and the committees, the adequacy of information given to directors, communication between the Board and management and the strategic direction and processes of the Board and committees. The HR & CG Committee recommends changes to enhance the performance of the Board based on the survey feedback.
26
Director Terms Limits and Other Mechanisms of Board Renewal
The Corporation does not have a retirement policy and does not discriminate based on age. The Corporation considers it to be an integral role of the Board and the HR & CG Committee to assess director engagement and fitness to be a director of the Corporation.
Similarly, the Board of Directors has not adopted a term limit for Directors or established a formal process for the renewal of Board membership. The Board is of the view that the imposition of arbitrary director term limits may diminish the benefits derived from continuity amongst members and their familiarity with the Corporation and the industry in which it operates, and could unnecessarily expose the Corporation to losing experienced and valuable talent. The Boards renewal process is built around the concept of performance management. To that end, the Board relies on assessment procedures, and the role of the HR & CG Committee, to ensure the quality and expertise of its Board.
Diversity
Policies Regarding the Representation of Women
The Corporation does not have a formal policy with respect to the representation of women on the Board. The Board is mindful of the benefit of diversity on the Board and regards involvement of women and their experience and input as constructive to the Boards decision-making process. Establishing and implementing a policy regarding female representation on the Board will be an element that the Corporation will take into consideration going forward. As at July 31, 2019, 17% of the Board members were women (one female director out of six directors). The Board is committed to increasing that level as board turnover occurs from time to time taking into account the skills, background, experience and knowledge desired at a particular time by the Board and its committees.
In general, the Board aspires to continuously improving the diversity of the Board and the Corporations management team. While the Board has not adopted any formal diversity policies and makes executive officer appointment decisions based on merit, the Board believes that diversity (including, but not limited to, gender) is important to ensure that the profiles of directors and members of the Corporations executive management provide the necessary range of perspectives, experience and expertise required to achieve effective stewardship and management. The Corporation believes that diversity is an important attribute of a well-functioning Board and an efficient team of executive officers. The Corporation recognizes that gender diversity is a significant aspect of diversity and believes women play an important leadership role in executing on the Corporations strategy, and this belief forms an important part of the focus of management in the appointment and recruitment of officers and the Board in the search and selection of nominee directors.
Consideration of the Representation of Women in the Director Identification and Selection Process
The HR & CG Committee will, within the purview of its mandate, have the responsibility to take gender into consideration as part of its overall recruitment and selection process in respect of the Board. Accordingly, when searching for new directors, the HR & CG Committee will consider the level of women representation on the Board and, where appropriate, will recruit qualified women candidates as part of the Corporations overall recruitment and selection process to fill Board positions, as the need arises, through vacancies, growth or otherwise.
Consideration Given to the Representation of Women in Executive Officer Appointments
The Corporation will consider and be sensitive to the representation of women when making executive officer appointments. However, considering the relatively small number of positions in question, the Corporation refrains from setting targets for the representation of women among its executive officers. It is important that each individual appointed as an executive officer be considered on the individuals merits and on the needs of the Corporation at the relevant time. Targets based on specific criteria could limit the Corporations ability to appoint the individual who is the best qualified for the position. As of July 31, 2019, there were two women occupying an executive officer position with the Corporation. This represents 33.3% of an executive team of six. The Corporation remains committed to monitoring the gender diversity of its executive officers going forward.
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Targets Regarding the Representation of Women on the Board and in Executive Officer Positions
The Corporation has not adopted a measurable objective for achieving gender diversity on the Board or in executive officer positions. The Corporation will consider establishing measurable objectives and targets as it further develops.
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SECURITY-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
Security-Based Compensation Plans
The Corporation has two security-based compensation plans, being the Omnibus Plan and a stock option plan which had been adopted prior to the adoption of the Omnibus Plan (the Previous Option Plan) . No additional stock options have been or will be issued under the Previous Option Plan since the adoption of the Omnibus Plan.
The following table provides a summary of certain material provisions of the Omnibus Plan:
Administration |
The Omnibus Plan is administered and interpreted by the Board. The Board may decide by resolution to appoint a committee of at least three members to administer and interpret the Omnibus Plan. |
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Eligibility |
The persons eligible to receive Awards are the Eligible Participants. |
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Reserve Maximum |
Subject to adjustment, the total number of Common Shares reserved and available for grant and issuance pursuant to Awards shall not exceed a number of Common Shares equal to ten percent (10%) of the total issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Corporation at the time of granting of Awards (on a non-diluted basis) or such other number as may be approved by the Shareholders of the Corporation from time to time.
The Omnibus Plan is a rolling plan or evergreen plan. This means any increase in the issued and outstanding Common Shares (whether as a result of exercise of Awards or otherwise) will result in an increase in the number of Common Shares that may be issued on Awards outstanding at any time and any increase in the number of Awards granted will, upon exercise, make new grants available under the Omnibus Plan. |
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Securities Awarded and Available |
As of July 31, 2019, the Corporation had 256,981,753 Common Shares issued and outstanding and, as a result, 25,698,175 Common Shares available to be reserved for issuance under the Omnibus Plan. As of the same date, the Corporation had 17,366,615 Common Shares issuable pursuant to Options granted under the Omnibus Plan. Accordingly, 8,331,560 Common Shares remained available for issuance under the Omnibus Plan as of July 31, 2019. |
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Participation Limits |
The aggregate number of Common Shares (i) issued to insiders under the Omnibus Plan or any other proposed or established security-based compensation arrangement within any one-year period and (ii) issuable to insiders at any time under the Omnibus Plan or any other proposed or established security-based compensation arrangement, shall in each case not exceed ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding Common Shares (on a non-diluted basis). |
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Market Value as of Grant |
Restricted Shares
Restrictions and conditions on the disposition of Restricted Shares that are granted are determined by the Board at the time of grant.
Options
The option price for Common Shares that are the subject of any Option shall be determined by the Board at the time the Option is granted, but may not be less than Market Value at the time of grant. The terms of the Omnibus Plan allow for the exercise of an Option on a cashless basis. The number of Common Shares received on the cashless exercise of an Option is determined by taking (i) the difference between (A) the Market Value and (B) the exercise price of such Option, (ii) multiplying that |
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difference by the number of Common Shares to which such Option relates, and then (iii) dividing that product by the Market Value.
DSUs
Each Eligible Participant may elect, once each calendar year, to be paid a percentage of his or her annual retainer in the form of DSUs. The number of DSUs an Eligible Participant is entitled to receive is calculated by taking (i) the percentage elected by the Eligible Participant, (ii) multiplying that percentage by the Eligible Participants annual retainer, and then (iii) dividing that product by the Market Value.
RSUs
The purchase price of an RSU is determined by the Board and may be zero.
SARs
The exercise price of a SAR shall be fixed by the Board, but may not be less than the Market Value at the time of grant. Upon exercise, the holder is entitled to receive the number of Common Shares equal to the excess of the Market Value on the effective date of such exercise over the exercise price of the SAR.
Retention Awards
A retention award entitles an Eligible Participant to receive the number of Common Shares that is equal to the retention payment divided by the Market Value on the vesting date of the retention award, disregarding fractions and less any amounts withheld for taxes.
Market Value means at any date when the Market Value of Common Shares of the Corporation is to be determined, the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the five trading days prior to the date of grant, calculated by dividing the total value by the total volume of Common Shares traded for the five trading days prior to the date of grant on the principal stock exchange on which the Common Shares are listed, or if the Common Shares are not listed on any stock exchange, the value as is determined solely by the Board, acting reasonably and in good faith. |
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Market Appreciation/Dividend Payment |
The Omnibus Plan contemplates the award of SARs.
In addition, a holder of DSUs is entitled to receive additional DSUs (or fractions thereof) when dividends are declared and paid on Common Shares. The additional DSUs are based on (i) the actual amount of dividends that would have been paid if the Participant had held Common Shares under the Omnibus Plan on the applicable record date divided by (ii) the Market Value on the date on which the dividends on Common Shares are payable. |
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Vesting |
Restricted Shares
The Omnibus Plan does not contemplate any required vesting of the Restricted Shares. Restrictions and conditions on the disposition of Restricted Shares are determined by the Board at the time of grant.
Options
The Board shall, from time to time by resolution, determine the vesting provisions of the Options. |
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Retention Awards The relevant conditions and vesting provisions of a Retention Award are determined by the Board (including the performance period and criteria, if any). |
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Cessation |
Options, SARs and Retention Awards
Termination for Cause.
Any Option, SAR or Retention Award, or any unexercised or unvested portion thereof, shall terminate when a Participant ceases to be an Eligible Participant for cause.
Death.
Any vested Option, SAR or Retention Award or the unexercised portion thereof (Vested Award), may be exercised by the estate of a Participant if such Participant dies while he or she is an Eligible Participant. However, a Vested Award must be exercised (i) within one (1) year of the Participants death or (ii) prior to the expiration of the original term of such Vested Award, whichever is earlier.
Disability.
Any Option, SAR or Retention Award, or any unexercised portion thereof, may be exercised by the Participant or his/her representative as the rights to exercise accrue. However, the Award must be exercised (i) within three (3) years of the disability, (ii) until the Participant becomes eligible for long-term disability benefits, or (iii) prior to the expiration of the original term of the Award, whichever is earlier.
Other.
If a Participant ceases to be an Eligible Participant for any reason other than for cause, death, or disability, the right to exercise an Option, SAR or Retention Award shall be limited to and expire on the earlier of (i) one (1) year after the date the Participant ceases to be an Eligible Participant or (ii) the expiry date of the Award set forth in the agreement pursuant to which the Award was granted.
RSUs
Termination for Cause.
Any unvested RSUs credit to a Participants account shall be forfeited and cancelled immediately upon such Participant ceasing to be an Eligible Participant for cause or by resignation.
Cessation of Employment.
When a Participant retires, becomes eligible to receive long-term disability benefits, or has his or her employment terminated for reasons other than cause or by reason of injury or disability, such Participants participation in the Omnibus Plan shall be terminated immediately. Unvested RSUs shall remain in effect until the applicable RSU Vesting Determination Date.
Retirement.
If a Participant retires and becomes involved in another business or activity in the cannabis industry prior to the applicable RSU Determination Date, then (i) if the Board determines the vesting conditions have not been met on the RSU Vesting Determination Date, the unvested RSUs of such Participant shall be forfeited and cancelled, or (ii) if |
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the Board determines the vesting conditions have been met on the RSU Vesting Determination Date, such Participant is entitled to receive the number of Common Shares he or she is entitled to in respect of such RSUs adjusted for the length of service provided by the Participant to the Corporation.
Death.
If a Participant dies, his or her participation in the Omnibus Plan terminates immediately. All unvested RSUs remain in effect until the RSU Vesting Determination Date. If the Board determines the vesting conditions have not been met on the RSU Vesting Determination Date, the unvested RSUs of such deceased Participant shall be forfeited and cancelled. If the Board determines the vesting conditions have been met on the RSU Vesting Determination Date, such deceased Participant is entitled to receive the number of Common Shares he or she is entitled to in respect of such RSUs adjusted for the length of service provided by the Participant to the Corporation.
Leave of Absence.
If a Participant voluntarily takes a leave of absence, his or her participation in the Omnibus Plan terminates immediately. All unvested RSUs remain in effect until the RSU Vesting Determination Date. If the Board determines the vesting conditions have not been met on the RSU Vesting Determination Date, the unvested RSUs of such Participant shall be forfeited and cancelled. If the Board determines the vesting conditions have been met on the RSU Vesting Determination Date, such Participant is entitled to receive the number of Common Shares he or she is entitled to in respect of such RSUs adjusted for the length of service provided by the Participant to the Corporation.
Restricted Shares
Upon a Participant ceasing to be an Eligible Participant for any reason, any Restricted Shares that have not vested at such time shall automatically be deemed to have been reacquired by the Corporation. |
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Assignability |
Awards granted under the Omnibus Plan are transferrable or assignable only to a permitted assign. A permitted assign means the spouse of a Participant or a trustee, holding entity, or RRSP/RRIF of the Participant or his or her spouse. |
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Amendments |
The Board may amend the Omnibus Plan or any Award with consent of the Participants provided that the amendment shall:
not adversely alter or impair any Award previously granted;
be subject to any regulatory approvals;
be subject to Shareholder approval, where required, provided that Shareholder approval is not required for following amendments and the Board may make any changes which may include but are not limited to: (i) amendments of a housekeeping nature; (ii) a change to the vesting provisions of any Award; (iii) the introduction or amendment of a cashless exercise feature payable in securities, whether or not such feature provides for a full deduction of the number of underlying securities from the Omnibus Plan reserve; and (iv) the addition of or amendment to any form of financial assistance.
The Board needs Shareholder approval to make the following amendments: |
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any change to the maximum number of Common Shares issuable under the Omnibus Plan, except any increase due to an adjustment or due to the evergreen nature of the plan;
any amendment that reduces the exercise price of an Award;
any amendment that extends the expiry date of an Award;
any amendment that changes the Eligible Participants, including a change that would have the potential to broaden the participation by insiders;
any amendment that would permit an Award to be transferable or assignable other than as currently permitted;
any amendment that increases the maximum number of shares issuable or issued to insiders; and
any amendment to the amendment provisions of the Omnibus Plan.
Common Shares held directly or indirectly by insiders that may benefit from certain amendments shall be excluded from voting when obtaining Shareholder approval. |
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Financial Assistance |
The Omnibus Plan does not contain any form of financial assistance. |
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Change of Control |
In the event of a Change in Control, a reorganization of the Corporation, an amalgamation of the Corporation, an arrangement involving the Corporation, a take-over bid (as that term is defined in the Securities Act (Québec)) for all of the Common Shares or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the property and assets of the Corporation, the Board may make such provision for the protection of the rights of the Participants as the Board in its discretion considers appropriate in the circumstances.
Change in Control means an event whereby (i) any person becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of either the issued and outstanding Common Shares or the combined voting power of the Corporations then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally; (ii) any person acquires, directly or indirectly, securities of the Corporation to which is attached the right to elect the majority of the directors of the Corporation; or (iii) the Corporation undergoes a liquidation or dissolution or sells all or substantially all of its assets. |
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Adjustments |
The Omnibus Plan may be adjusted if certain changes are made to the Corporations capitalization (e.g. subdivision, consolidation or reclassification of or a distribution of assets on (other than an ordinary course dividend) the Common Shares) in order to preclude a dilution or enlargement of the benefits due to Participants under the Omnibus Plan. |
Additional information regarding the Omnibus Plan and a copy of the full Omnibus Plan are available in the management information circular of the Corporation dated July 16, 2018 in respect of the Corporations special meeting of Shareholders held on August 28, 2018 at which the Omnibus Plan was approved, which has been filed under the Corporations profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
In connection with its acquisition of Newstrike Brands Ltd. (Newstrike) in May 2019, the Corporation also issued replacement stock options for certain stock options which had been issued by Newstrike (the Newstrike Replacement Options), exercisable for Common Shares at the same conversion ratio applicable to the acquisition of Newstrikes shares under the transaction and otherwise having the same terms and conditions, including the term of expiry, vesting, conditions to and manner of exercising, as the Newstrike options for which they were exchanged.
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These stock options were not issued under the Omnibus Plan and form a separate pool of stock options of the Corporation.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth the number of Common Shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding securities or rights under equity compensation plans of the Corporation, the weighted-average exercise price of such outstanding securities or rights and the number of Common Shares remaining available for future issuance under such equity compensation plans as at July 31, 2019.
Plan Category |
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Number of securities remaining
available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in the second column of this table |
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Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1) |
53,874,327 | (2) | $ | 8.11 | 8,331,560 | (3) | ||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders |
Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||||||
Total |
53,874,327 | $ | 8.11 | 8,331,560 |
Notes:
(1) |
Equity compensation plans approved by securityholders consist of the Omnibus Plan and the Previous Option Plan. |
(2) |
Based on 29,585,408 common share purchase warrants, 17,366,615 Options issued under the Omnibus Plan, 4,986,469 stock options issued under the Previous Option Plan of the Company and the acquired options under the former option plan of Newstrike Brands Ltd. acquired May 24, 2019 of 1,935,835 outstanding as of July 31, 2019. |
(3) |
Based on Common Shares issuable under the Omnibus Plan equal to 10% of the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares as at July 31, 2019, being 256,981,753 , less 17,366,615 Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of Options issued under the Omnibus Plan as of July 31, 2019. These amounts do not include the Newstrike Replacement Options, which were exercisable for an additional 1,935,835 Common Shares as of July 31, 2019. |
Burn Rate of Security-Based Compensation Plan Awards
In accordance with the requirements of section 613 of the TSX Company Manual, the following table sets out the burn rate of awards granted under the Omnibus Plan as of the end of the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019 and for the two preceding financial years. The burn rate is calculated by dividing the number of awards granted under the security-based compensation plans during the relevant fiscal year by the weighted average number of securities outstanding for the applicable fiscal year. The Omnibus Plan was adopted by the Corporation on June 27, 2018.
Fiscal Year Ended
July 31, 2019 |
Fiscal Year Ended
July 31, 2018 |
Fiscal Year Ended
July 31, 2017 |
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Number of awards granted under the Omnibus Plan |
12,693,118 | 5,691,500 | Nil | |||||||||
Weighted average of outstanding securities for that fiscal year |
212,740,552 | 134,171,509 | N/A | |||||||||
Annual Burn Rate |
6 | % | 4 | % | N/A |
The following table sets out the burn rate of awards granted under the Previous Option Plan as of the end of the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019 and for the two preceding financial years.
Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2019 |
Fiscal Year Ended
July 31, 2018 |
Fiscal Year Ended
July 31, 2017 |
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Number of awards granted under the Previous Option Plan |
Nil | 4,482,500 | 2,428,777 | |||||||||
Weighted average of outstanding securities for that fiscal year |
212,740,552 | 134,171,509 | 58,556,121 | |||||||||
Annual Burn Rate |
0 | % | 3 | % | 4 | % |
The following table sets out the burn rate of awards granted under the Acquired Newstrike Brands Ltd. Option Plan as of the end of the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019 and for the two preceding financial years.
Fiscal Year Ended
July 31, 2019 |
Fiscal Year Ended
July 31, 2018 |
Fiscal Year Ended
July 31, 2017 |
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Number of awards granted under the Previous Option Plan |
Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||||||
Weighted average of outstanding securities for that fiscal year |
212,740,552 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
Annual Burn Rate |
0 | % | N/A | N/A |
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
No director, proposed director, executive officer, nor any of their respective associates or affiliates, is or has been indebted to the Corporation or its subsidiaries since the beginning of the Corporations most recently completed financial year.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The transfer agent and registrar of the Corporation is TSX Trust Company at its office in Toronto, Ontario, M5H 4H1. The co-transfer agent for the Corporation in the United States is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company at its offices in New York, New York.
INTEREST OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Except for the disclosed transaction below, or in the audited financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended July 31, 2019, neither the Corporation nor any director or officer of the Corporation, nor any proposed nominee for election as a director of the Corporation, nor any other insider of the Corporation, nor any associate or affiliate of any one of them has or has had, at any time since the beginning of the year ended July 31, 2019, any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction or proposed transaction that has materially affected or would materially affect the Corporation.
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019, the Company formed a new legal entity Belleville Complex Inc. (BCI) in the form of a joint venture with the partner Olegna Holdings Inc (OHI). OHI is directly controlled by Vince Chiara, Director of the Company. The Company holds a 25% interest in BCI with OHI possessing the remaining 75%. The primary purpose of BCI is the ownership and management of a property in Belleville, ON. In order to facilitate the acquisition of the property in Belleville, ON by BCI, on September 7, 2018, the Company loaned $20,279,000, bearing an annual interest rate of 4%, payable monthly and maturing in 120 days (the Loan). The Loan was amended
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to extend the maturity date past 120 days and was ultimately repaid in full (inclusive of accrued interest) to the Company during the third quarter of the fiscal year. As at July 31, 2019 the Company had in place an anchor tenant agreement for a 20-year period and leased 579,000 sq. ft. of the property, resulting in a future commitment of approximately $99,651,690. Subsequently, this agreement was amended, as such the Company is now the anchor tenant for a period of 15-years and leases 729,000 sq. ft.
OTHER MATTERS WHICH MAY COME BEFORE THE MEETING
Management of the Corporation knows of no matters to come before the Meeting other than as set forth in this Circular. HOWEVER, IF OTHER MATTERS WHICH ARE NOT KNOWN TO THE MANAGEMENT SHOULD PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING, THE ENCLOSED FORM OF PROXY WILL BE USED TO VOTE ON SUCH MATTERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BEST JUDGMENT OF THE PERSONS VOTING THE PROXY.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information relating to the Corporation is available under the Corporations profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Financial information is provided in the Corporations audited consolidated financial statements and managements discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2019. Copies of the Corporations financial statements and managements discussion and analysis may be obtained under the Corporations profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, EDGAR at www.sec.gov or upon written request to the Corporate Secretary at 204-490 Boulevard Saint-Joseph, Gatineau, Québec, J8Y 3W9.
APPROVAL OF BOARD
The contents of this Circular and delivery of it to each director of the Corporation, to the auditors of the Corporation and to the Shareholders of the Corporation entitled to notice of the Meeting, have been approved by the directors of the Corporation.
DATED at Gatineau, Québec this 29th day of November, 2019.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
(Signed) Sébastien St-Louis |
Sebastien St-Louis |
President and Chief Executive Officer and Director |
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