Form 20-F o | Form 40-F þ |
Yes o | No þ |
Date:
|
December 9, 2005 | |
Shaw Communications Inc. |
Date:
|
Thursday, January 12, 2006 | |
Time:
|
11:00 a.m. (Pacific time) | |
Location:
|
Shaw Tower 1067 West Cordova Street Vancouver, British Columbia |
1. | to receive the consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2005 and the auditors report on those statements; |
2. | to elect directors; |
3. | to appoint auditors; and |
4. | to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. |
By Order of the Board of Directors, | |
(signed) Douglas J. Black, Q.C. | |
Corporate Secretary |
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i
Securities Owned/Controlled(2) | ||||||||||||||||
Class B | ||||||||||||||||
Nominee, Date of Board | Non- | |||||||||||||||
Appointment and Current | Class A | Voting | ||||||||||||||
Committee Appointments(1) | Background/Principal Occupation | Year | Shares | Shares | Options(3) | DSU(4) | ||||||||||
ADRIAN I. BURNS | ||||||||||||||||
Rockcliffe Park, ON Canada Age: 59 Director since 2001 Member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee |
Corporate Director Former Member of the Copyright Board of Canada Former Commissioner of the Canadian Radio- television and Telecommunications Commission. Other Positions: Vice-chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Arts Centre Board member of several business and community organizations, including the Canwest Independent Producers Fund, Carthy Foundation and Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union. |
2005 2004 |
1,300 1,300 |
3,000 3,000 |
10,000 10,000 |
4,969 2,454 |
1
Securities Owned/Controlled(2) | ||||||||||||||||
Class B | ||||||||||||||||
Nominee, Date of Board | Non- | |||||||||||||||
Appointment and Current | Class A | Voting | ||||||||||||||
Committee Appointments(1) | Background/Principal Occupation | Year | Shares | Shares | Options(3) | DSU(4) | ||||||||||
JAMES F. DINNING | ||||||||||||||||
Calgary, AB Canada Age: 53 Director since 1997 Member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee |
Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Western
Financial Group Inc., a financial services company Prior to January 1, 2005, Executive Vice President, TransAlta Corporation, an electric industry holding company Formerly held various positions during 11 years as a member of the legislative assembly of Alberta, including Provincial Treasurer, Minister of Education and Minister of Community and Occupational Health. Other Public Board Memberships: Finning International Inc. (TSX) JED Oil Inc. (AMEX) Liquor Stores Income Fund (TSX) Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSX) Parkland Income Fund (TSX) Russel Metals Inc. (TSX) Other Positions: Director of several private companies and not-for-profit organizations including the Alberta Energy Research Institute. |
2005 2004 |
1,000 1,000 |
4,500 4,500 |
10,000 10,000 |
3,728 1,724 |
||||||||||
GEORGE F. GALBRAITH | ||||||||||||||||
Vernon, BC Canada Age: 61 Director since 1991 Member of the Executive Committee and Audit Committee |
Corporate Director Former President of Vercom Cable Services Ltd. which operated the cable television system serving Vernon, British Columbia. Other Positions: Chairman of Pacific Coast Public Television. |
2005 2004 |
5,000 5,000 |
250,618 250,618 |
10,000 10,000 |
Nil Nil |
||||||||||
RONALD V. JOYCE, C.M. | ||||||||||||||||
Calgary, AB Canada Age: 75 Director since 2000 Member of the Executive Committee |
Corporate Director Former Senior Chairman and Co-Founder of The TDL Group, licensor of Tim Hortons restaurants in Canada and the United States. Other Positions: Director of several private companies including Jetport Inc., Southmedic Inc. and Vista Holdings Inc. Chairman of Ron Joyce Foundation and Chairman Emeritus of the Tim Hortons Childrens Foundation. |
2005 2004 |
50,000 50,000 |
7,004,698 5,933,398 |
10,000 10,000 |
4,645 2,352 |
2
Securities Owned/Controlled(2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Class B | ||||||||||||||||||
Nominee, Date of Board | Non- | |||||||||||||||||
Appointment and Current | Class A | Voting | ||||||||||||||||
Committee Appointments(1) | Background/Principal Occupation | Year | Shares | Shares | Options(3) | DSU(4) | ||||||||||||
RT. HON. DONALD F. | ||||||||||||||||||
MAZANKOWSKI, P.C., O.C., LL.D. Sherwood Park, AB Canada Age: 70 Director since 1993 and Lead Director since 2004 Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Member of the Executive Committee |
Corporate Director Former Member of the Parliament of Canada from 1968 to 1993 who held a number of Cabinet positions, including Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and President of the Privy Council. Other Public Board Memberships: ATCO Ltd. (TSX) Canadian Oil Sands Limited (TSX) Power Corporation of Canada (TSX) Power Financial Corporation, including subsidiaries Great West Lifeco and Investors Group (TSX) Weyerhaeuser Co. (TSX, NYSE) Yellow Pages Group Co. (TSX) Other Positions: Senior adviser with Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, Barristers and Solicitors Director of Canadian Genetic Diseases Network |
2005 2004 |
1,000 1,000 |
6,000 6,000 |
10,000 10,000 |
4,280 1,233 |
||||||||||||
MICHAEL W. OBRIEN(5) | ||||||||||||||||||
Canmore, AB Canada Age: 60 Director since 2003 Chair of the Audit Committee |
Corporate Director Until his retirement in 2002, served as Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development and Chief Financial Officer of Suncor Energy Inc., an integrated energy company. Other Public Board Memberships: PrimeWest Energy Inc. (TSX) Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX, NYSE) |
2005 2004 |
5,000 5,000 |
6,500 6,500 |
10,000 10,000 |
4,069 505 |
||||||||||||
HAROLD A. ROOZEN | ||||||||||||||||||
Edmonton, AB | President and Chief Executive Officer, | 2005 | 1,035,000 (6) | 4,705,019 | (6) | 10,000 | Nil | |||||||||||
Canada | CCI Thermal Technologies Inc., a | 2004 | 1,035,000 (6) | 4,695,019 | (6) | 10,000 | Nil | |||||||||||
Age: 52 Director since 2000 Member of the Audit Committee |
manufacturing company Former chair of the board of directors of WIC Western International Communications Ltd. and Canadian Satellite Communications Inc. Other Public Board Memberships: Royal Host Real Estate Investment Trust (trustee) (TSX) |
3
Securities Owned/Controlled(2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Class B | ||||||||||||||||||
Nominee, Date of Board | Non- | |||||||||||||||||
Appointment and Current | Class A | Voting | ||||||||||||||||
Committee Appointments(1) | Background/Principal Occupation | Year | Shares | Shares | Options(3) | DSU(4) | ||||||||||||
JEFFREY C. ROYER | ||||||||||||||||||
Toronto, ON | Corporate Director and Private | 2005 | 50,000 | 7,472,786 | (7) | 10,000 | 2,591 | |||||||||||
Canada | Investor. | 2004 | 50,000 | 6,972,786 | (7) | 10,000 | 1,149 | |||||||||||
Age: 50 Director since 1995 Member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee |
||||||||||||||||||
BRADLEY S. SHAW(8) | ||||||||||||||||||
Calgary, AB Canada Age: 41 Director since 1999 |
Senior Vice-President, Operations of the
Corporation Prior to September, 2003, served as Senior Vice-President, Operations of Star Choice Communications Inc. and prior thereto, Vice- President, Operations of the Corporation. Other Positions: Director of Radium Resort Inc. |
2005 2004 |
2,193,000 2,177,500 |
367,743 967,206 |
150,000 100,000 |
250 Nil |
||||||||||||
JR SHAW, O.C.(8) | ||||||||||||||||||
Calgary, AB Canada Age: 71 Director since 1966 Chair of the Executive Committee |
Founder and Executive Chair of the Corporation. Other Public Board Memberships: Suncor Energy Inc. (chair) (TSX, NYSE) Other Positions: Director and president of the Shaw Foundation Director of several private companies including McKenzie Meadows Golf Corp. and Radium Resort Inc. |
2005 2004 |
4,486,504 4,469,004 |
11,962,997 8,309,445 |
400,000 400,000 |
Nil Nil |
||||||||||||
JIM SHAW(8) | ||||||||||||||||||
Calgary, AB Canada Age: 48 Director since 2002 |
Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Other Public Board Memberships: Canadian Hydro Developers, Inc. (TSX) Other Positions: Director of United Acquisitions II Corp. Director of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. (also known as CableLabs). |
2005 2004 |
2,210,000 2,199,500 |
788,896 1,386,831 |
400,000 400,000 |
Nil Nil |
||||||||||||
JC SPARKMAN | ||||||||||||||||||
Englewood, Colorado U.S.A. Age: 73 Director since 1994 Member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and the Executive Committee |
Corporate Director Former Executive Vice-President and Executive Officer of Telecommunications Inc. (also known as TCI), one of the largest cable television operators in the United States. Other Public Board Memberships: Universal Electronics Inc. (NASDAQ) |
2005 2004 |
5,000 5,000 |
29,200 29,200 |
10,000 10,000 |
3,486 1,564 |
4
Securities Owned/Controlled(2) | ||||||||||||||||
Class B | ||||||||||||||||
Nominee, Date of Board | Non- | |||||||||||||||
Appointment and Current | Class A | Voting | ||||||||||||||
Committee Appointments(1) | Background/Principal Occupation | Year | Shares | Shares | Options(3) | DSU(4) | ||||||||||
JOHN S. THOMAS | ||||||||||||||||
Delta, BC Canada Age: 59 Director since 2000 Member of the Audit Committee |
President, Delta Cable Communications Ltd. and Coast Cable Communications Ltd., which operate cable television systems in British Columbia. Other Positions: Director of several private companies including Northwest Communications Ltd., Guiness Communications Inc. and Prime Signal Ltd. |
2005 2004 |
1,000 1,000 |
6,000 6,000 |
10,000 10,000 |
1,680 490 |
||||||||||
WILLARD H. YUILL | ||||||||||||||||
Medicine Hat, AB Canada Age: 67 Director since 1999 Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
The Monarch Corporation, a private holding company with
investments in communications, real estate and sports-related
properties. Other Public Board Memberships: Western Financial Group Inc. (TSX) Other Positions: Director of several private companies and not- for-profit organizations including McKenzie Meadows Golf Corp. Trustee of the St Andrews College Foundation Governor of the Western Hockey League. |
2005 2004 |
5,400 5,400 |
2,858,461 3,756,547 |
10,000 10,000 |
Nil Nil |
(1) | All of the nominees listed above were elected as directors at the annual general meeting of shareholders of the Corporation held on January 13, 2005. For more information about the committees of the Board (Executive, Audit, Corporate Governance and Nominating, and Human Resources and Compensation) as well as the Corporations system and approach with respect to corporate governance, see Statement of Corporate Governance. |
(2) | The information as to the securities (other than DSUs) beneficially owned, or over which control or direction is exercised, has been furnished by each of the nominees as of December 3, 2004 and November 24, 2005. |
(3) | For further details of stock options granted to directors, see the information under the heading Statement of Executive Compensation Compensation of Directors. |
(4) | DSU means deferred share unit. The information as to DSUs is as of November 30, 2004 and November 30, 2005. The DSU Plan was adopted effective January 1, 2004. See the information under the heading Statement of Executive Compensation Compensation of Directors. |
(5) | Michael OBrien qualifies as a financial expert under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other applicable regulatory requirements. |
(6) | Catherine M. Roozen, an associate of Harold A. Roozen, is a major shareholder of Cathton Holdings Ltd., which owns 1,030,000 Class A Shares and 4,674,254 Class B Non-Voting Shares. |
(7) | Jeffrey C. Royer beneficially owns 56,973 Class B Non-Voting Shares. An associate of Mr. Royer owns 7,415,813 Class B Non-Voting Shares. Mr. Royer does not beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over, such shares. This information is included solely to provide more fulsome disclosure to shareholders. |
(8) | JR Shaw is the father of Bradley S. Shaw and Jim Shaw. All of the Class A Shares owned or controlled by JR Shaw, Bradley S. Shaw and Jim Shaw are subject to a Voting Trust Agreement, details of which are provided under the heading Proxy Information Voting Shares and Principal Holders Thereof. Certain Class A Shares and Class B Non-Voting Shares shown for Bradley S. Shaw and Jim Shaw are beneficially owned by such individuals but are held by corporations owned or controlled by JR Shaw. |
(9) | The Board has determined that all directors of the Corporation, other than JR Shaw, Bradley S. Shaw and Jim Shaw, are independent. JR Shaw, Bradley S. Shaw and Jim Shaw are not independent directors due to their positions as officers of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. See Statement of Corporate Governance Corporate Governance Disclosure and Compliance with Corporate Governance Guidelines. |
5
Corporate | Human | |||||||||||||||||||
Governance and | Resources and | |||||||||||||||||||
Board of | Executive | Audit | Nominating | Compensation | ||||||||||||||||
Director | Directors | Committee | Committee | Committee | Committee | |||||||||||||||
(7 meetings) | (1 meeting) | (5 meetings) | (5 meetings) | (4 meetings) | ||||||||||||||||
JR Shaw
|
7 of 7 | 1 of 1 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Adrian I. Burns
|
7 of 7 | | | 5 of 5 | | |||||||||||||||
James F. Dinning
|
7 of 7 | | 2 of 2 | (3) | 2 of 2 | (4) | | |||||||||||||
George F. Galbraith
|
6 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 5 | | | |||||||||||||||
Ronald V. Joyce
|
5 of 7 | 1 of 1 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Charles V.
Keating(1)
|
7 of 7 | | | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | (1) | ||||||||||||||
Donald F. Mazankowski
|
7 of 7 | 1 of 1 | | 5 of 5 | | |||||||||||||||
Michael W. OBrien
|
7 of 7 | | 5 of 5 | | | |||||||||||||||
Harold A. Roozen
|
6 of 7 | | 5 of 5 | | | |||||||||||||||
Jeffrey C. Royer
|
7 of 7 | | | | 4 of 4 | |||||||||||||||
Bradley S.
Shaw(2)
|
7 of 7 | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Jim
Shaw(2)
|
7 of 7 | | | | | |||||||||||||||
JC Sparkman
|
6 of 7 | 1 of 1 | | | 4 of 4 | |||||||||||||||
John S. Thomas
|
7 of 7 | | 3 of 3 | (3) | 3 of 3 | (4) | | |||||||||||||
Willard H. Yuill
|
7 of 7 | | | | 4 of 4 | |||||||||||||||
Total Attendance Rate
|
95% | |||||||||||||||||||
(1) | Charles V. Keating was appointed to the Human Resources and Compensation Committee effective January 13, 2005. Mr. Keating passed away on November 22, 2005. |
(2) | Neither Bradley S. Shaw nor Jim Shaw served as a member of a committee of the Board during fiscal 2005, 2004 or 2003. As executive officers of the Corporation, Bradley S. Shaw and Jim Shaw attend committee meetings on an ad hoc basis at the request of the committees. |
(3) | Effective January 13, 2005, James F. Dinning ceased to be a member of the Audit Committee and John S. Thomas was appointed to the Audit Committee. |
(4) | Effective January 13, 2005, John S. Thomas ceased to be a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and James F. Dinning was appointed to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. |
6
Lead | Committee | Percentage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Board | Director | Committee | Chair | Attendance | Total | Paid in | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Director | Retainer | Retainer | Retainers | Retainer | Fees | Compensation | DSUs(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||
($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | (%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
JR
Shaw(2)
|
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adrian I. Burns
|
42,500 | | 3,000 | | 12,000 | 57,500 | 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||
James F. Dinning
|
42,500 | | 3,000 | | 11,000 | 56,600 | 75 | |||||||||||||||||||||
George F. Galbraith
|
42,500 | | 6,000 | | 12,000 | 60,500 | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Ronald V. Joyce
|
42,500 | | 3,000 | | 6,000 | 51,500 | 100 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Charles V.
Keating(3)
|
42,500 | | 6,000 | (6) | | 14,000 | 62,500 | 100 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Donald F. Mazankowski
|
42,500 | 50,000 | (5) | 6,000 | 2,000 | 13,000 | 113,500 | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Michael W. OBrien
|
42,500 | | 3,000 | 26,000 | (7) | 12,000 | 81,833 | 100 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Harold A. Roozen
|
42,500 | | 3,000 | 1,000 | (7) | 11,000 | 57,500 | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Jeffrey C. Royer
|
42,500 | | 5,250 | (6) | | 11,000 | 58,750 | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bradley S. Shaw
|
42,500 | | | | 7,000 | 49,500 | 25 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Jim
Shaw(2)
|
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
JC
Sparkman(4)
|
42,500 | | 6,000 | 1,000 | (8) | 11,000 | 60,500 | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||||
John S. Thomas
|
42,500 | | 3,000 | | 13,000 | 58,500 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Willard H. Yuill
|
42,500 | | 3,000 | 1,000 | (8) | 11,000 | 57,500 | |
(1) | Elected participation percentages effective as of January 1, 2005. |
(2) | Each of JR Shaw and Jim Shaw has elected not to receive directors fees. |
(3) | Charles V. Keating passed away on November 22, 2005. |
(4) | Fees paid to JC Sparkman, a resident of the United States, are payable in U.S. dollars. Fees paid to all other directors are payable in Canadian dollars. |
(5) | Commenced effective January 1, 2005, at an annual rate of $75,000. |
(6) | In addition to serving as a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, Charles V. Keating was appointed to the Human Resources and Compensation Committee effective January 13, 2005. In addition to serving as a member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, Jeffrey C. Royer served as a member of the Executive Committee until January 13, 2005. |
(7) | Harold A. Roozen served as chair of the Audit Committee until October, 2004 when he was succeeded by Michael OBrien. Effective January 1, 2005, the Audit Committee chair retainer was increased from $5,000 to $42,500. |
(8) | JC Sparkman served as chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee until January 13, 2005, when he was succeeded by Willard H. Yuill. |
Company | Directors of the Corporation | |
McKenzie Meadows Golf Corp.
|
JR Shaw Willard H. Yuill |
|
Radium Resort Inc.
|
JR Shaw Bradley S. Shaw |
|
Suncor Energy Inc.
|
Michael W. OBrien JR Shaw |
|
Western Financial Group Inc.
|
James F. Dinning Willard H. Yuill |
7
Type of Service | Fiscal 2005 | Fiscal 2004 | |||||||
Audit
|
$ | 2,056,213 | $ | 1,166,891 | |||||
Audit-related
|
186,150 | 131,400 | |||||||
Tax
|
232,859 | 523,571 | |||||||
Other
|
| | |||||||
Total
|
$ | 2,475,222 | $ | 1,821,862 | |||||
8
9
10
Long Term | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Securities Under | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Annual | Options/SARs | All Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary | Bonus | Compensation(4) | Granted | Compensation(5) | ||||||||||||||||||
($) | ($) | ($) | ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||
JR Shaw
|
2005 | 900,000 | 6,326,730 | (3) | 142,086 | Nil | Nil | |||||||||||||||||
Executive Chair
|
2004 | 900,000 | 6,326,730 | (3) | 48,423 | Nil | 2,400,737 | (6) | ||||||||||||||||
2003 | 921,000 | (2) | 6,326,730 | (3) | 249,557 | Nil | 15,500 | |||||||||||||||||
Jim Shaw
|
2005 | 850,000 | 4,000,000 | 156,399 | Nil | 15,500 | ||||||||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer
|
2004 | 850,000 | 4,000,000 | 64,755 | Nil | 32,990 | (7) | |||||||||||||||||
2003 | 860,000 | (2) | 4,000,000 | 463,793 | Nil | 15,500 | ||||||||||||||||||
Peter J. Bissonnette
|
2005 | 700,000 | 2,500,000 | 51,011 | Nil | 15,500 | ||||||||||||||||||
President
|
2004 | 700,000 | 2,000,000 | 40,817 | Nil | 15,500 | ||||||||||||||||||
2003 | 700,000 | 2,000,000 | 95,737 | Nil | 15,500 | |||||||||||||||||||
Bradley S. Shaw
|
2005 | 499,500 | (2) | 1,500,000 | 9,688 | Nil | 15,500 | |||||||||||||||||
Senior Vice President,
|
2004 | 497,500 | (2) | 1,000,000 | 61,345 | Nil | 15,500 | |||||||||||||||||
Operations
|
2003 | 493,250 | (2) | 1,000,000 | 73,311 | Nil | 15,500 | |||||||||||||||||
Steve
Wilson(1)
|
2005 | 450,000 | 1,000,000 | Nil | 1,000 | 22,673 | ||||||||||||||||||
Senior Vice President and
|
2004 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer
|
2003 | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil |
(1) | Steve Wilson was appointed as Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation effective September 1, 2004. |
(2) | Includes directors fees paid by the Corporation. During fiscal 2003, each of JR Shaw and Jim Shaw elected to cease receiving directors fees. JR Shaw received directors fees of $21,000 paid in fiscal 2003. Jim Shaw received directors fees of $10,000 paid in fiscal 2003. Bradley S. Shaw received directors fees of $49,500, $47,500 and $43,250 paid in fiscal 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively. |
(3) | Calculated and paid pursuant to the provisions of the agreement between the Corporation and JR Shaw, dated November 18, 1997 as described under the heading Statement of Executive Compensation Employment Contracts. Under the terms of the agreement, provided that the Corporation reaches its annual financial targets, a bonus shall be paid to JR Shaw in an amount between 0.5% and 1.0% of the Corporations service operating income before amortization (as reported in the Corporations annual consolidated financial statements) calculated excluding the results of Star Choice Communications Inc. (the Income Base) for the year in which it is to be paid. For fiscal 2005, JR Shaw elected to cap the bonus paid to him by the Corporation at $6,326,730, the amount paid to him for fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002. This amount represents approximately 0.75% of the Income Base for fiscal 2005, as compared to approximately 0.78%, 0.83% and 0.98% of the Income Base for fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. |
(4) | For each Named Executive Officer, includes share purchase plan benefits and automobile and other transportation-related benefits. For Jim Shaw, includes imputed interest on interest free loans for part of fiscal 2003. During fiscal 2003, Jim Shaw elected to pay interest on the principal amount of such loan at an annual rate of the higher of 4% and the then current quarterly prescribed rate of Canada Revenue Agency pursuant to applicable taxable benefit provisions. For Peter Bissonnette, includes imputed interest on interest free loans for fiscal 2003, 2004 and 2005. |
(5) | Includes pension plan contributions paid on their behalf by the Corporation. |
(6) | Includes the dollar value of remaining premiums paid by the Corporation on the one-time transfer of a paid up key man life insurance policy to JR Shaw. |
(7) | Includes the cash value of options exercised in a subsidiary corporation. Jim Shaw exercised such options during fiscal 2004 and was assigned a taxable benefit of $17,490. See the information set forth in the table under the heading Statement of Executive Compensation Stock Options Aggregated Option Exercises During the Most Recently Completed Financial Year and Financial Year-End Option Values. |
11
Market Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
Approximate | of Securities | |||||||||||||||||||
Securities | % of Total | Underlying | ||||||||||||||||||
Under | Options/SARs | Options/SARs | ||||||||||||||||||
Options/SARs | Granted | Exercise | on the Date | Expiration | ||||||||||||||||
Name | Grant | During Year | Price | of Grant | Date | |||||||||||||||
(#) | ($/Security) | ($/Security) | ||||||||||||||||||
Steve Wilson
|
1,000 | 0.06 | 32.62 | 20.51 | 9/1/2014 |
Value of Unexercised | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unexercised Options as at | In-The-Money Options as at | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Securities | Aggregate | August 31, 2005 | August 31, 2005 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Acquired | Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | on Exercise | Realized | Exercisable | Unexercisable | Exercisable | Unexercisable | ||||||||||||||||||
(#) | ($) | (#) | ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||
JR Shaw
|
Nil | Nil | 400,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||
Jim
Shaw(1)
|
Nil | Nil | 400,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||
Peter J.
Bissonnette(2)
|
Nil | Nil | 200,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||
Bradley S.
Shaw(2)
|
Nil | Nil | 100,000 | Nil | Nil | Nil | ||||||||||||||||||
Steve
Wilson(2)
|
Nil | Nil | 250 | 750 | Nil | Nil |
(1) | During fiscal 2004, Jim Shaw held options to acquire an additional 9,000 Class B Non-Voting Shares at an exercise price of $18.27 per share. Such options were originally granted to him in his capacity as director of Canadian Satellite Communications Inc. (Cancom). On the takeover of Cancom by the Corporation, such options became exercisable for Class B Non-Voting Shares of the Corporation. All other terms and conditions of the options remained the same. Jim Shaw exercised these options during fiscal 2004 to acquire 9,000 Class B Non-Voting Shares, realizing an aggregate value of $19,200 (as at August 31, 2004). |
(2) | On September 1, 2005, the following options were granted to Named Executive Officers, none of which options are currently exercisable: |
Peter J. Bissonnette
|
50,000 | |||
Bradley S. Shaw
|
50,000 | |||
Steve Wilson
|
99,000 |
12
Years of Senior Executive Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Remuneration(1)(2) | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||
($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
500,000
|
125,000 | 250,000 | 287,500 | 325,000 | 350,000 | 350,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
1,000,000
|
250,000 | 500,000 | 575,000 | 650,000 | 700,000 | 700,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
1,500,000
|
375,000 | 750,000 | 862,500 | 975,000 | 1,050,000 | 1,050,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
2,000,000
|
500,000 | 1,000,000 | 1,150,000 | 1,300,000 | 1,400,000 | 1,400,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
2,500,000
|
625,000 | 1,250,000 | 1,437,500 | 1,625,000 | 1,750,000 | 1,750,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
3,000,000
|
750,000 | 1,500,000 | 1,725,000 | 1,950,000 | 2,100,000 | 2,100,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
3,500,000
|
875,000 | 1,750,000 | 2,012,500 | 2,275,000 | 2,450,000 | 2,450,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
4,000,000
|
1,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 2,300,000 | 2,600,000 | 2,800,000 | 2,800,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
4,500,000
|
1,125,000 | 2,250,000 | 2,587,500 | 2,925,000 | 3,150,000 | 3,150,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
5,000,000
|
1,250,000 | 2,500,000 | 2,875,000 | 3,250,000 | 3,500,000 | 3,500,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
5,500,000
|
1,375,000 | 2,750,000 | 3,162,500 | 3,575,000 | 3,850,000 | 3,850,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
6,000,000
|
1,500,000 | 3,000,000 | 3,450,000 | 3,900,000 | 4,200,000 | 4,200,000 |
(1) | Assumes full vesting in SERP. Remuneration for purposes of the SERP is the average SERP pensionable earnings based on the annual average of the best consecutive 36 months of SERP eligible earnings (being base annual salary plus annual cash bonus). |
(2) | Remuneration covered by the SERP, estimated credited years of service (rounded to the nearest whole year, as at August 31, 2005) and annual pension payments for the Named Executive Officers are set forth in the following table. Annual pension payments are stated as if the Named Executive Officer retired as of August 31, 2005 and assume that the pension had fully vested. |
Average SERP | Credited Years | Annual Pension | ||||||||||
Named Executive Officer | Pensionable Earnings | Of Service | Payment | |||||||||
($) | ($) | |||||||||||
JR Shaw
|
2,757,143 | (a) | 39 | 1,930,000 | ||||||||
Jim Shaw
|
4,850,000 | 23 | 3,393,073 | |||||||||
Peter J. Bissonnette
|
2,866,667 | 16 | 1,675,665 | |||||||||
Bradley S.
Shaw(b)
|
1,616,667 | 5 | 370,505 | |||||||||
Steve
Wilson(b)
|
1,200,000 | 1 | 60,164 |
(a) | JR Shaw has voluntarily elected to cap his average SERP pensionable earnings at this amount. Such election is rescindable at the option of JR Shaw. | |
(b) | Bradley S. Shaw and Steve Wilson became participants in the SERP effective January 1, 2005. |
13
14
a) | Base Salary |
| Attract and retain executive officers and senior management to achieve ongoing success for the Corporation and further the achievement of its strategic and financial goals; | |
| Provide fair and competitive compensation commensurate with industry standards and with the executive or management officers expertise and experience; and | |
| Motivate performance and recognize and compensate individual contribution to the Corporations objectives. |
b) | Short Term Incentives |
c) | Long Term Incentives Stock Option Plan |
15
Willard H. Yuill (Chair) | |
Jeffrey C. Royer | |
JC Sparkman |
16
(1) | The TSX Cable and Entertainment Index was discontinued in February 2004. |
(2) | All historical pricing information is taken from data supplied by Bloomberg. |
Total Fees Paid to | |||||||||||||
Directors During | |||||||||||||
Type of Fee | Amount | Fiscal 2005(1) | |||||||||||
($) | (Cdn. $) | (U.S. $) | |||||||||||
Annual Board Member Retainer Fee
|
42,500 | 510,000 | 42,500 | ||||||||||
Annual Lead Director Retainer
Fee(2)
|
75,000 | 50,000 | | ||||||||||
Annual Committee Member Retainer Fee
|
3,000 | 44,250 | 6,000 | ||||||||||
Annual Committee Chair Retainer
Fee(3)
|
5,000 | 4,000 | 1,000 | ||||||||||
Annual Audit Committee Chair Retainer
Fee(2)
|
42,500 | 26,000 | | ||||||||||
Board and Committee Attendance Fee (per meeting)
|
1,000 | 133,000 | 11,000 | ||||||||||
Total
|
$ | 767,250 | $ | 60,500 | |||||||||
17
(1) | Fees paid to JC Sparkman, a resident of the United States, are payable in U.S. dollars. Fees paid to all other directors are payable in Canadian dollars. |
(2) | Adopted effective January 1, 2005. |
(3) | Other than for the Audit Committee Chair. The annual Committee Chair retainer fee includes the $3,000 annual retainer fee paid to the Committee Chair as a member of the committee. |
18
Number of securities | Weighted average | Number of securities | ||||||||||||
to be issued upon | exercise price of | remaining available | ||||||||||||
exercise of | outstanding | for future issuance | ||||||||||||
outstanding options | options and | under equity | ||||||||||||
Plan Category | and warrants | warrants | compensation plans(4) | |||||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by
securityholders(1)
|
8,452,250 | $ | 32.55 | 7,310,629 | ||||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by securityholders:
|
||||||||||||||
Cancom Option
Plan(2)
|
57,336 | $ | 13.19 | Nil | ||||||||||
Cancom/ Star Choice Warrant
Plan(3)
|
237,121 | $ | 25.00 | Nil | ||||||||||
Total
|
8,746,707 | | 7,310,629 | |||||||||||
(1) | Stock option plan of the Corporation providing for the issuance of options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation. See information under the heading Statement of Executive Compensation Report on Executive Compensation Compensation Philosophy Long Term Incentives, Stock Option Plan. |
(2) | In conjunction with the takeover of Cancom by the Corporation in 2000, holders of options granted under Cancoms stock option plan elected to be entitled to receive 0.9 Class B Non-Voting Shares of the Corporation in lieu of one common share in Cancom which they otherwise would have been entitled to receive upon exercise of such options. All other terms and conditions of the options, including exercise prices and expiry dates, remained the same. The weighted average remaining contractual life of such options is approximately 2.0 years. |
(3) | Certain distributors and retailers of Cancom and Star Choice Communications Inc. hold warrants to acquire Class B Non-Voting Shares. Each such warrant is exercisable for one Class B Non-Voting Share of the Corporation at an exercise price of $25.00 per warrant. The warrants vest evenly over a four year period and expire five years from the date of grant. As at August 31, 2005, 232,921 warrants had vested. On September 1, 2005, 205,721 warrants expired. |
(4) | Excludes securities reflected in the column under the heading Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options and warrants. |
To the Corporation | ||||||||
Purpose | or its Subsidiaries | To Another Entity | ||||||
($) | ($) | |||||||
Securities Purchases
|
Nil | Nil | ||||||
Other
|
6,457,945 | Nil |
19
Largest | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amount | Outstanding | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
Involvement | Outstanding | as at | Forgiven | ||||||||||||||||||
of Company | During | November 30, | Security for | During | |||||||||||||||||
Name and Principal Position | or Subsidiary | Fiscal 2005 | 2005 | Indebtedness | Fiscal 2005 | ||||||||||||||||
($) | ($) | ($) | |||||||||||||||||||
Securities Purchase Program:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
| Nil | Nil | | Nil | ||||||||||||||||
Other Programs:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Jim
Shaw(1)
|
Lender | 5,828,952 | (2) | 5,246,057 | (2) | Real Estate | Nil | ||||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Peter J.
Bissonnette(1)
|
Lender | 1,000,000 | (3) | 900,000 | (3) | Real Estate | Nil | ||||||||||||||
President
|
(1) | Named Executive Officer (see Statement of Executive Compensation). |
(2) | During fiscal 2003, Jim Shaw voluntarily elected to pay interest on the principal amount of the loan at an annual rate of the higher of 4% and the then current quarterly prescribed rate of Canada Revenue Agency pursuant to applicable taxable benefit provisions. Prior to then, the loan did not bear interest. The loan is repayable in full on or before July 26, 2012. During fiscal 2005, Mr. Shaw voluntarily elected to repay $582,895 (10%) of the principal amount outstanding. |
(3) | The loan to Peter J. Bissonnette does not bear interest. The loan is repayable on or before June 28, 2012, with a specified payment schedule commencing June 28, 2007. During fiscal 2005, Mr. Bissonnette voluntarily elected to repay $100,000 (10%) of the principal amount outstanding. |
20
Total Number of | |||||||||||||||||
Shares Purchased as | Maximum Number of | ||||||||||||||||
Total Number | Average Price | Part of Publicly | Shares that May Yet | ||||||||||||||
of Shares | Paid per Share | Announced Plans or | Be Purchased Under | ||||||||||||||
Period | Purchased | ($) | Programs | the Plans or Programs | |||||||||||||
November 8 to 30, 2004
|
309,900 | 21.58 | 309,900 | 11,950,100 | |||||||||||||
December 1 to 31, 2004
|
19,200 | 20.54 | 329,100 | 11,930,900 | |||||||||||||
January 1 to 31, 2005
|
200,000 | 20.93 | 529,100 | 11,730,900 | |||||||||||||
April 1 to 30, 2005
|
4,350,000 | 24.48 | 4,879,100 | 7,380,900 | |||||||||||||
May 1 to 31, 2005
|
1,104,900 | 26.20 | 5,984,000 | 6,276,000 | |||||||||||||
June 1 to 30, 2005
|
2,614,600 | 26.13 | 8,598,600 | 3,661,400 | |||||||||||||
July 1 to 31, 2005
|
2,301,400 | 25.79 | 10,900,000 | 1,360,000 | |||||||||||||
September 1 to 30, 2005
|
1,360,000 | 24.97 | 12,260,000 | Nil | |||||||||||||
TOTAL
|
12,260,000 | 25.15 | 12,260,000 | Nil | |||||||||||||
21
22
Corporate Governance and | Human Resources and | |||||||
Executive Committee | Audit Committee | Nominating Committee | Compensation Committee | |||||
JR Shaw (Chair)
|
Michael W. OBrien (Chair)
|
Donald F. Mazankowski (Chair)
|
Willard H. Yuill (Chair) | |||||
George F. Galbraith
|
George F. Galbraith
|
Adrian I. Burns
|
Jeffrey C. Royer | |||||
Ronald V. Joyce
|
Harold A. Roozen
|
James F. Dinning
|
JC Sparkman | |||||
Donald F. Mazankowski
|
John S. Thomas
|
|||||||
JC Sparkman
|
23
24
Disclosure Item | Comments | |
1. Board of Directors
|
||
Independence
|
The Board defines a director to be independent if he or she has no direct or indirect material relationship with the Corporation, as determined by the Board in consultation with the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. A material relationship is a relationship which could, in the Boards view, be reasonably expected to interfere with the exercise of a directors independent judgment. | |
Based upon the definition of an independent director and a review of the applicable factual circumstances (including financial, contractual and other relationships), the Board, in consultation with the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, has determined that 11 of 14 (79%) of the Corporations directors, representing a majority of directors, are independent. These 12 independent directors are: Adrian I. Burns, James F. Dinning, George F. Galbraith, Ronald V. Joyce, Donald F. Mazankowski, Michael W. OBrien, Harold A. Roozen, Jeffrey C. Royer, JC Sparkman, John S. Thomas and Willard H. Yuill. | ||
JR Shaw, Jim Shaw and Bradley S. Shaw are not independent directors, due to their positions as officers of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. In addition, JR Shaw, Jim Shaw and Bradley S. Shaw are deemed to be, or are related to, the Corporations controlling shareholder through the voting trust described under the heading Proxy Information Voting Shares and Principal Holders Thereof. | ||
For further details about each director of the Corporation, see the information under the heading Business of the Meeting Election of Directors. | ||
Other Directorships
|
Several of the directors of the Corporation are presently directors of other reporting issuers (or the equivalent) in Canada and the United States. For further details, see the information about each director under the heading Business of the Meeting Election of Directors. | |
In Camera Sessions
|
Following each meeting, the Board and its committees conduct in camera sessions, at which non-independent directors or members of management are not in attendance. The in camera portion of each Board meeting consists of one session without the presence of any member of management or any management director (other than the Executive Chair) and one session without the presence of any member of management, any management director or the Executive Chair. |
25
Disclosure Item | Comments | |
For information concerning the number of such meetings, refer to the disclosure under the heading Business of the Meeting Election of Directors. | ||
Board Chair/ Lead Director
|
The Executive Chair of the Board, JR Shaw, is not an independent director. | |
The Corporation has appointed Donald F. Mazankowski as lead director. Mr. Mazankowski is an independent director. The lead director facilitates the functioning of the Board independently of the Corporations management and is generally charged with the responsibility of maintaining and enhancing the quality of the Corporations corporate governance practices. | ||
For further information concerning the lead director, see Statement of Corporate Governance Lead Director. A copy of the written position description for the lead director is also available on the Corporations website, www.shaw.ca. | ||
Meeting Attendance Records
|
For information concerning the attendance record of each director for all Board and committee meetings, refer to the disclosure under the heading Business of the Meeting Election of Directors. | |
2. Board Mandate
|
||
A summary of the Board mandate is set out under the heading Statement of Corporate Governance Board Mandate and Composition. | ||
In addition to setting out the responsibilities and duties of the Board, the Board mandate describes the terms of reference and expectations for the chair of the Board and for each individual director. | ||
A copy of the Boards written mandate is appended to this proxy circular as Exhibit A. | ||
3. Position Descriptions
|
||
Board Chair and Committee
Chairs
|
The Board, in consultation with the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, has developed written position descriptions for the chair of the Board and the chair of each Board committee. For the position description of the chair of the Board, please refer to the Boards written mandate appended to this circular as Exhibit A. For the position descriptions of the chair of each committee of the Board, please refer to the charter of each such committee, available on the Corporations website, www.shaw.ca. | |
CEO
|
The Human Resources and Compensation Committee sets the corporate objectives that the CEO is responsible for meeting on an annual basis and regularly reviews whether such objectives are being met. The annual objectives of the CEO are also presented to and considered by the Board. | |
4. Orientation and Continuing Education
|
||
Orientation of New Directors
|
Under the guidance of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, the Corporation runs an in-depth orientation session which, while aimed at new directors, is open to all directors. The session includes an overview of the Corporations history and operations, a review of industry conditions and competition, and an introduction to the Corporations management team. | |
The Corporation has developed and distributed a board manual, containing relevant corporate and business information (such as the Corporations public disclosure documents and written policies and guidelines), to orient and assist directors in fulfilling their duties and obligations. The manual is updated on a regular basis, as required. |
26
Disclosure Item | Comments | |
Continuing Education
|
The Corporation undertakes ongoing education efforts that include tours of various corporate sites and facilities, meetings with management of the Corporation, and a directors retreat held every other year. | |
The Corporation is also in the process of establishing educational sessions to be conducted in conjunction with regularly scheduled board meetings. Such sessions will be led by recognized experts from independent consulting bodies and will address topics necessary for the Board to keep abreast of corporate governance issues, with the objective of enhancing Board and director effectiveness. | ||
5. Ethical Business Conduct
|
||
Code of Conduct
|
The Corporation has adopted the Shaw Business Conduct Standards, governing the behaviour of directors, officers and employees of the Corporation. A summary of the Business Conduct Standards is set out under the heading Statement of Corporate Governance Other Corporate Governance Matters. The full text of the Business Conduct Standards is available on the Corporations website, www.shaw.ca. | |
The Board monitors compliance with the Business Conduct Standards through both the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Audit Committee. Each such committee receives an update on matters relating to the Business Conduct Standards at its regularly scheduled quarterly meetings. | ||
No material change reports have been filed since the beginning of the Corporations most recently completed financial year that pertains to any conduct of a director or executive officer that constitutes a departure from the Shaw Business Conduct Standards. | ||
Transactions Involving
Directors or Officers
|
In the case of any transaction or agreement in respect of which a director or executive officer of the Corporation has a material interest, the director or officer is required to disclose his or her interest in accordance with the Business Corporations Act (Alberta). Where applicable, he or she is also required to exclude him or herself from any discussions or vote relating to such transaction or agreement. | |
At each quarterly meeting, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews the fairness of any potential transactions in which a director or officer of the Corporation may be involved or connected. | ||
Other Measures
|
The Board of Directors has overseen the recent implementation of Shaws Vision and Values, a reflection of the culture, strategy and goals of the Corporation. The Corporations vision statement is: We, the leading entertainment and communications company, deliver exceptional customer experience through outstanding people sharing Shaw values. Shaws stated core values are: Integrity; Loyalty; Team Player; Accountable; Customer Focused; Positive, Can Do Attitude; and Balance. |
27
Disclosure Item | Comments | |
6. Nomination of Directors
|
||
Nomination Process
|
Under the guidance of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, the Corporation has developed written guidelines for the nomination and election of candidates to serve as members of the Board. In conjunction with the Executive Chair, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee identifies and reviews the qualifications of potential candidates for the Board. In particular, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee assesses, among other factors, industry experience, functional expertise, financial literacy and expertise, board experience and diversity of background. Upon such review, and after conducting appropriate due diligence, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee makes recommendations on candidates to the Board. | |
Nominating Committee
|
The Board has established a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, which is composed of three independent directors. | |
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for the Corporations approach to corporate governance issues and for the disclosure of this approach in accordance with the Guidelines. For further information concerning the responsibilities, powers and operation of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, see Statement of Corporate Governance Committees of the Board. | ||
7. Compensation
|
||
Compensation Committee
|
The Board has established a Human Resources and Compensation Committee, which is composed of three independent directors. | |
The Human Resources and Compensation Committee is responsible for the Corporations approach to human resources issues, including compensation of directors and officers. For further information concerning the responsibilities, powers and operation of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, see Statement of Corporate Governance Committees of the Board. | ||
Compensation Determination
|
The Human Resources and Compensation Committee is charged with the responsibility of reviewing the adequacy and form of the compensation of directors. | |
During fiscal 2003, in conjunction with external consultants, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee reviewed and increased the fees paid by the Corporation to directors to ensure that they are competitive with the market and that they reflect the value that the directors bring to the Corporation. | ||
During fiscal 2005, in conjunction with external consultants, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee reviewed and set the annual retainer of the lead director and the chair of the Audit Committee. | ||
The Human Resources and Compensation Committee reviews the compensation proposed to be paid to the five most highly compensated executive officers and makes recommendations to the Board with respect thereto. The Board of Directors approves the compensation to be paid to such officers on an annual basis. | ||
The Human Resources and Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the compensation to be paid to all other officers of the Corporation. |
28
Disclosure Item | Comments | |
Compensation Consultant
|
From time to time, the Human Resources and Compensation Committee retains independent human resources consultants to provide expert advice and opinions on compensation and other matters. | |
During fiscal 2005, the Corporation retained Hewitt Associates to provide comparative survey data for the five most highly compensated positions of the Corporation. During the fiscal year, the Corporation also retained Hewitt Associates in connection with a company-wide employee survey and to provide actuarial and other pension-related services. | ||
During fiscal 2005, the Corporation retained Hamilton Hall Ray & Berndtson to provide comparative survey data with respect to director compensation matters. During the fiscal year, the Corporation also retained Hamilton Hall Ray & Berndtson to provide executive search services. | ||
8. Other Board Committees
|
The Board has established an Executive Committee, which is composed of four independent directors and one non-independent director (JR Shaw). | |
The Executive Committee is responsible for exercising the powers of the Board that may be specifically and lawfully delegated to it by the Board. For further information concerning the responsibilities, powers and operation of the Executive Committee, see Statement of Corporate Governance Committees of the Board. | ||
9. Board and Committee Assessments
|
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews the effectiveness of the Board, its committees and individual directors. | |
Under the direction of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, the Corporation has developed a Board Effectiveness Questionnaire, which is completed on an annual basis. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee reviews recommendations arising out of the questionnaire and implements such changes arising therefrom as it considers appropriate. Several recommendations received as a result of past Board Effectiveness Questionnaires have now been implemented. | ||
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is also responsible for ongoing assessments of individual directors. |
29
(signed) JR Shaw | (signed) Jim Shaw | |
Executive Chair | Chief Executive Officer |
C-1
I. | Mandate |
| manage the business and affairs of the Corporation; | |
| act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Corporation; and | |
| exercise the care, diligence and skill that reasonably prudent people would exercise in comparable circumstances. |
II. | Composition |
III. | Meetings |
A-1
IV. | Responsibilities and Duties of the Board |
1. | Selection and Oversight of Management |
| select and appoint the CEO and senior management of the Corporation; | |
| review the performance of the CEO and senior management; | |
| approve the compensation of the CEO and senior management; | |
| ensure that plans have been made for management succession, training and development; | |
| provide advice and counsel to the CEO and senior management in the execution of their duties; and | |
| satisfy itself as to the integrity of the CEO and senior management, and ensure that such officers create a culture of integrity throughout the Corporation. |
2. | Strategic Planning |
| review and approve the Corporations long-term strategic objectives and monitor the Corporations progress in reaching such strategic objectives; | |
| review and approve the business plans, consolidated budgets and other similar plans of the Corporation on an annual basis and monitor the implementation of such plans; | |
| review and approve significant strategic transactions that are not considered to be in the ordinary course of business as well as other items of significance, including significant acquisitions, dispositions and financings; and | |
| identify and review other matters of significance that require approval or input of the Board. |
3. | Monitoring and Acting |
| identify and assess the principal risks inherent in the business activities of the Corporation and ensure that management takes all reasonable steps to implement appropriate systems to manage such risks; | |
| ensure that management implements, and maintains the integrity of, internal control procedures and management information systems; |
A-2
| develop, review and monitor the Corporations approach to corporate governance, including developing the Corporations corporate governance guidelines and measures for receiving shareholder feedback; and | |
| adopt, and monitor compliance with, a code of business conduct applicable to directors, officers and employees of the Corporation. |
4. | Reporting |
| ensure that the operational and financial performance of the Corporation, as well as any developments that may have a significant and material impact on the Corporation, are adequately reported to shareholders, regulators and stakeholders on a timely and regular basis; | |
| ensure that the financial performance of the Corporation is reported fairly and in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and any other applicable laws and regulations; and | |
| develop, implement and oversee a disclosure policy to enable the Corporation to communicate effectively with its shareholders and stakeholders. |
5. | Legal Requirements |
| any submission to shareholders of the Corporation of a question or matter requiring their approval; | |
| filling of a vacancy among the directors or in the office of auditors of the Corporation; | |
| issuance of securities; | |
| declaration of dividends; | |
| purchase, redemption or any other form of acquisition of shares issued by the Corporation; | |
| payment of a commission to any person in consideration of such person purchasing or agreeing to purchase shares of the Corporation from the Corporation or from any other person, or procuring or agreeing to procure purchasers for any such shares; | |
| approval of management proxy circulars; | |
| approval of any take-over bid circular or directors circular; | |
| approval of annual financial statements of the Corporation; and | |
| adoption, amendment or repeal of the By-Laws of the Corporation. |
6. | Board Functioning |
| manage its own affairs, including developing its own agendas and procedures; | |
| consider, on an annual basis, the composition and size of the Board and its impact, if any, on the Boards effectiveness; | |
| identify and approve prospective nominees to the Board; | |
| ensure that there is a comprehensive orientation session for directors, as well as other continuing education opportunities; | |
| regularly assess the effectiveness and contribution of the Board, its committees and each individual director; | |
| determine the compensation of directors; and | |
| otherwise establish and review its own policies and practices from time to time. |
A-3
V. | Committees of the Board |
| Audit Committee; | |
| Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee; and | |
| Human Resources and Compensation Committee. |
VI. | Terms of Reference for the Chair |
| facilitate the effective operation and management of, and provide leadership to, the Board; | |
| act as chair of meetings of the Board; | |
| assist in setting the agenda for each meeting of the Board and in otherwise bringing forward for consideration matters within the mandate of the Board; | |
| facilitate the Boards interaction with management of the Corporation; | |
| act as a resource and mentor and provide leadership for other members of the Board; and | |
| perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be delegated to the Chair by the Board from time to time. |
VII. | Terms of Reference for Individual Directors |
1. | General |
| Act and speak honestly and with integrity. | |
| Demonstrate high ethical standards. | |
| Support principled and ethical business practices. | |
| Maintain a solid understanding of the role, responsibilities and duties of a director. | |
| Understand conflict of interest issues and declare real or perceived conflicts. | |
| Be an effective ambassador and representative of the Corporation. |
2. | Skills and Experience |
| Demonstrate skills and experience that are complementary to other directors of the Board and that are valuable in light of the Corporations business and strategic direction. | |
| Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the Corporations business, operations, products, financial position, industry and markets. | |
| Apply his or her knowledge, experience and expertise to issues confronting the Corporation. | |
| Participate in on-going training and continuing education as may be required or desirable. | |
| Serve as a helpful resource to the Board and to management, where necessary or appropriate. |
A-4
3. | Preparation, Attendance and Availability |
| Maintain an excellent attendance record for meetings of both the Board and committees of the Board. | |
| Prepare for meetings of the Board and committees of the Board, by reading reports and background materials and by otherwise preparing in a manner that will assist the director in evaluating and adding value to meeting agenda items. | |
| Be available and accessible to other members of the Board and to management of the Corporation, as needed. | |
| Have the necessary time and commitment to fulfil all responsibilities as a member of the Board and committees of the Board. |
4. | Communication and Interaction |
| Participate fully and frankly in Board deliberations and discussions and contribute meaningfully and knowledgeably to Board discussions. | |
| Work effectively with, and be collegial and respectful towards, fellow directors and management of the Corporation. | |
| Encourage free and open discussion by the Board with respect to the business and affairs of the Corporation. | |
| Communicate with the Chair and CEO of the Corporation, as appropriate, including when planning to introduce significant or new information or material at a meeting of the Board. | |
| Act and speak independently and exercise independent judgment. | |
| Respect confidentiality. |
5. | Committee Work |
| Participate as a member of a committee of the Board, when requested. | |
| Become knowledgeable about the purpose and objectives of any committee of the Board on which the director serves. |
VIII. | Resources |
A-5