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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
Pursuant to Section 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of March 2015
Commission
File Number: 333-12138
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
2500,
855 2nd Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 4J8
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or 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):
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Exhibit Number
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Description |
99.1 |
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Canadian Natural Resources Limited Notice of Annual General Meeting and Management Information Circular to Shareholders dated March 18, 2015. |
SIGNATURE
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.
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CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
(Registrant) |
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Date: March 25,
2015
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By: |
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/s/ B. E. MCGRATH
B. E. McGRATH
Corporate Secretary |
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SIGNATURE
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Exhibit 99.1
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY MAY 7, 2015
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting (the "Meeting") of the Shareholders of Canadian Natural Resources Limited
(the "Corporation") will be held at the Metropolitan Centre, 333 4th Avenue S. W., in the City of Calgary, in the
Province of Alberta, Canada, on Thursday May 7, 2015, at 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon (MDT) for the following purposes:
- 1.
- To
receive the Annual Report of the Corporation to the Shareholders, the Consolidated Financial Statements, and the report of the Auditors, for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2014;
- 2.
- To
elect Directors for the ensuing year;
- 3.
- To
appoint Auditors for the ensuing year and to authorize the Audit Committee of the Corporation's Board of Directors to fix their remuneration;
- 4.
- To
vote, on an advisory basis, on the Corporation's approach to executive compensation as described in the Information Circular accompanying this Notice of
Meeting; and
- 5.
- To
transact such other business as may properly be brought before the Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
ANY SHAREHOLDER OF RECORD AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON MARCH 18, 2015 WILL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE NOTICE OF, AND VOTE AT THE MEETING, PROVIDED THAT TO THE EXTENT SUCH A
SHAREHOLDER TRANSFERS THE OWNERSHIP OF ANY OF HIS SHARES AFTER THE RECORD DATE AND THE TRANSFEREE OF THOSE SHARES ESTABLISHES THAT HE OWNS SUCH SHARES AND DEMANDS NOT LATER THAN 5 DAYS BEFORE
THE MEETING THAT HIS NAME BE INCLUDED ON THE SHAREHOLDERS' LIST, SUCH TRANSFEREE IS ENTITLED TO VOTE SUCH SHARES AT THE MEETING. IF YOU CANNOT BE PRESENT IN PERSON, PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED
PROXY FORM IN THE ADDRESSED ENVELOPE PROVIDED. IN ORDER FOR YOUR PROXY FORM TO BE EFFECTIVE, IT MUST BE DULY COMPLETED AND MUST REACH THE OFFICE OF COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY OF CANADA,
8TH FLOOR, 100 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA M5J 2Y1 AT LEAST 24 HOURS BEFORE THE MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY MAY
7, 2015.
The
specific details of the matters proposed to be put before the Meeting are set forth in the Information Circular of the Corporation, which accompanies this Notice. Copies of the Annual Report of
the Corporation and Consolidated Financial Statements referred to herein are being sent under separate cover if you are a registered holder, or if, as a beneficial shareholder, you returned the
financial statement request card sent with 2014 proxy solicitation material.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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Bruce E. McGrath
Corporate Secretary |
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
(the "CORPORATION")
INFORMATION CIRCULAR
FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY MAY 7, 2015 AT 1:00 P.M. (MDT)
AT THE METROPOLITAN CENTRE
333 - 4TH AVENUE S. W. CALGARY, ALBERTA
Contents of This Information Circular
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Page |
I. |
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Information On Items To Be Acted Upon |
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1 |
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Solicitation of Proxies |
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1 |
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Information Concerning Voting |
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1 |
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Number of Voting Shares Outstanding and Principal Holders Thereof |
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3 |
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Business of the Meeting |
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3 |
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Receiving the Annual Report |
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3 |
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Election of Directors |
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4 |
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Director Compensation |
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11 |
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Appointment of Auditors |
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12 |
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Non-Binding Advisory Vote on Approach to Executive Compensation |
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13 |
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Other Matters |
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13 |
II. |
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Information Respecting Executive Compensation |
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14 |
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Letter to Shareholders |
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14 |
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Compensation Discussion and Analysis |
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16 |
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Equity Compensation Plan Information |
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36 |
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Indebtedness of Executive Officers and Directors |
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37 |
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Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance |
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38 |
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Interests of Informed Persons in Material Transactions |
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38 |
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Additional Information |
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38 |
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Approval of Circular |
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38 |
III. |
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Schedules to the Information Circular |
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A-1 |
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Schedule "A" Statement of Corporate Governance Practices of the Corporation |
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A-1 |
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Schedule "B" Board of Directors Corporate Governance Guidelines |
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B-1 |
Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar figures stated in this Circular represent Canadian dollars. On December 31, 2014, the reported Bank of Canada noon
rate for one Canadian dollar was U.S. $0.8620 and Pound Sterling was £0.5534. On December 31, 2014, the reported Bank of Canada noon rate for one U.S. dollar was
Canadian $1.1601 and for one pound sterling was $1.8071.
I. INFORMATION ON ITEMS TO BE ACTED UPON
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
This Information Circular (the "Circular") is furnished in connection with THE SOLICITATION OF PROXIES BY THE
MANAGEMENT OF CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED (the "Corporation" or "Canadian Natural") for use at the 2015 Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders of the
Corporation.
The
solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail, but may also be by telephone, electronic communication or oral communications by the directors, officers and regular employees of the
Corporation, at no additional compensation. The costs of preparation and mailing of the Notice of Meeting, Instrument of Proxy and this Information Circular as well as any such solicitation referred
to above will be paid by the Corporation.
Except
as otherwise stated, the information contained herein is given as of March 18, 2015.
INFORMATION CONCERNING VOTING
Where and When the Meeting Will Be Held
The 2015 Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders of the Corporation will be held at the Metropolitan Centre,
333 - 4th Avenue S.W. in the City of Calgary, in the Province of Alberta, Canada, on Thursday May 7, 2015 at 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon
(MDT) (the "Meeting") and at any adjournments thereof, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting.
Quorum for the Meeting
Holders of five percent of the outstanding common shares of the Corporation entitled to vote, present at the Meeting in person or by proxy, will
constitute a quorum for the Meeting.
Who Can Vote at the Meeting
Anyone who holds common shares of the Corporation as a registered shareholder or a beneficial shareholder on March 18, 2015
(the "Record Date") is entitled to receive notice of the Meeting and to vote at the Meeting to be held on May 7, 2015 or any adjournment of the Meeting (see Voting as a Registered
Shareholder or Voting as a Beneficial Shareholder below). If you became a shareholder after the Record Date you may vote if you produce a properly endorsed share certificate or otherwise establish
ownership of the common shares and not later than 5 days before the Meeting you request your name be included on the list of shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting.
You as a shareholder have the right to designate a person or company (who need not be a shareholder of the corporation) other than N. Murray Edwards and Steve W. Laut,
the management designees, to attend and act for you at the Meeting. Such right may be exercised by inserting in the blank space provided the name of the person or company to be designated and deleting
therefrom the names of the management designees or by completing another proper instrument of proxy.
Voting as a Registered Shareholder
A registered shareholder is a shareholder who has a share certificate registered in their name. If you are a registered shareholder, you can attend
the Meeting and vote in person, or, appoint someone to vote at the Meeting on your behalf in the manner described above.
Voting
by proxy can be done in one of the following ways; 1) by mailing or personally delivering the completed form of proxy enclosed with this Information Circular to Computershare Trust
Company of Canada, 8th Floor, 100 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2Y1 at least 24 hours before the Meeting for which it is to be used;
2) by telephone by calling the toll free number specified in the form of proxy; or, 3) by internet by accessing the website address specified in the form of proxy.
Voting as Beneficial Shareholder
A non-registered shareholder (a beneficial shareholder) is a shareholder who has their shares held by an intermediary such as a broker,
dealer, trustee or financial institution.
1
If
you are a beneficial shareholder and you wish to have your shares voted at the Meeting, you must provide instructions to the intermediary who is holding your shares on how you want your shares
voted at the Meeting. If you have provided instructions to your intermediary to receive information from the Corporation, you will receive from your intermediary a Voting Instruction Form. This form
must be completed by you and returned to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions on the Voting Instruction Form. Alternatively, you can provide voting instruction by calling a toll free
number or by internet by accessing the website address indicated on the Voting Instruction Form and following the instructions.
If
you wish to vote in person at the Meeting, insert your name in the space provided on the Voting Instruction Form provided to you and sign and return it in accordance with the instructions provided.
Do not otherwise complete the form, as you will be voting at the Meeting. When you arrive at the Meeting please register at the registration table.
In
any case DO NOT send the Voting Instruction Form to the transfer agent or the Corporation as it is not a legal proxy for voting your shares at the Meeting.
How Your Shares Will Be Voted
Your shares will be voted or withheld from voting on any ballot that may be called in accordance with the instructions you have provided on the
properly completed proxy. If no voting instructions have been specified by you, the person you have appointed to vote on your behalf has discretion to vote as they see fit. If your proxy holder is one
designated by us, and no voting instructions have been specified by you, your shares will be voted in favour of the persons nominated by management for election as directors, in favour of the
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditor and the authorization of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors to fix their remuneration, and, on the advisory vote, in favour of
the Corporation's approach to executive compensation.
The
proxy also confers discretionary authority upon the person you have named to vote on your behalf with respect to amendments or variations to matters identified in the Notice of Meeting and with
respect to other matters which may properly come before the Meeting, or at any adjournment thereof. Management of the Corporation does not know of any matters which may be presented at the Meeting,
other than the matters set forth in the notice but if the other matters or amendments or variations do properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed Form
of Proxy to vote such proxy according to their best judgment.
Changing Your Vote
If you are a registered shareholder and change your mind on how you want your shares voted, or, you decide to attend the Meeting and vote in person,
you can revoke your proxy by personally attending at the Meeting and voting your shares, or, depositing another form of proxy with a later date. You can also revoke your proxy by (a) providing
written notice at the registered office of the Corporation or the office of Computershare Trust Company of Canada, 8th Floor, 100 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada M5J 2Y1 at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting or any adjournment; or, (b) depositing written notice with the Chair of such Meeting
on the day of the Meeting prior to its commencement or adjournment.
The
written notice revoking your proxy can be from you or your attorney, provided they have your written authorization. If the shares are owned by a corporation, the written notice must be from its
authorized officer or attorney.
If
you are a beneficial shareholder follow the instructions of your intermediary with respect to the procedures to be followed for voting as discussed above. Any votes that have been cast on your
behalf prior to your revoking your proxy will remain and you will be bound by such vote.
You May Receive More than One Set of Voting Materials
You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this Information Circular and multiple proxy or Voting
Instruction Forms if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account. You will receive a separate Voting Instruction Form for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. If you are a
registered holder of record and you hold your shares in more than one name or variation of your name, you will receive more than one form of proxy. Please complete, sign and return each form of proxy
and Voting Instruction Form you receive, or you may cast your vote by telephone or internet by following the instructions on each form of proxy or Voting Instruction Form.
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How the Votes are Counted
As a shareholder you are entitled to one vote for each Common Share you hold as at March 18, 2015 on all matters proposed to come before the
Meeting. Computershare Trust Company of Canada counts and tabulates the votes independently of the Corporation. Proxies are referred to the Corporation only when (i) it is clear a shareholder
wants to communicate with management; (ii) the validity of the proxy is in question; or, (iii) it is required by law.
If You Have Other Questions
If you are a registered shareholder and have any questions regarding the Meeting or require any assistance in completing the form of proxy, contact
the Corporation's transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company of Canada, 1-800-564-6253 in Canada or the United States or outside of Canada or the United States at 1-514-982-7555.
If
you are a beneficial shareholder and have any questions regarding the Meeting or require any assistance in completing the Voting Instruction Form received from an intermediary, contact the
intermediary from whom you received the Voting Instruction Form.
NUMBER OF VOTING SHARES OUTSTANDING AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
March 18, 2015 is the record date for determination of holders of Common Shares of the Corporation entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Meeting, provided that to the extent a shareholder transfers the ownership of any of his shares after the record date and the transferee of those shares establishes that they own such shares and
requests not later than 5 days before the Meeting that their name be included on the shareholders' list, such transferee is entitled to vote such shares at the Meeting.
As
at March 18, 2015 the Corporation has 1,092,569,694 voting securities outstanding as fully paid and non-assessable Common Shares without par value, each share carrying the right to
one vote.
To
the knowledge of the directors and officers of the Corporation no person or company beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly or indirectly, voting securities carrying 10% or more of the
voting rights attached to all voting securities of the Corporation.
BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
RECEIVING THE ANNUAL REPORT
Copies of the Annual Report will be sent under separate cover to all registered shareholders and to those beneficial shareholders who requested a
copy of the Annual Report. The Annual Report is also available on the Corporation's website at www.cnrl.com and on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and
Retrieval ("SEDAR") at www.sedar.com. As a shareholder, you will have an opportunity at the Meeting to address any questions you may have, to the Corporation's independent
auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, regarding their audit.
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The affairs of the Corporation are managed by a board of directors who are elected annually at each Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Directors
are elected to hold office until the next Annual General Meeting, unless the Director resigns or the position becomes vacant for any reason prior to the next Annual General Meeting. The Articles of
the Corporation allow for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 15 directors. Shareholders will be asked to elect 11 directors at the Meeting of which 9 nominees out of 11 (82%) are
independent. Ms. Annette M. Verschuren was appointed by the Board of Directors effective November 6, 2014. The remaining 10 nominees are currently Directors who were elected at
the Annual General Meeting of shareholders held on May 8, 2014.
The
following table sets forth among other information the name of each of the persons proposed to be nominated for election as a director (the "Nominee"); the Nominee's principal occupation at
present and within the preceding five (5) years; all positions and offices in the Corporation held by the Nominee, if applicable; other public company directorships held by the Nominee, if any;
the date the Nominee was first elected, or appointed a director; the voting results of the Nominee at the previous Annual Meeting, if applicable; the number and market value of the Common Shares
and/or Deferred Share Units ("DSUs") of the Corporation that the Nominee has advised are beneficially owned or controlled or directed, directly or indirectly, by the Nominee as of March 18,
2015; whether each Nominee meets the mandatory share ownership level; the meeting attendance record of each Nominee, if applicable; whether each Nominee is independent or non-independent; and, in the
case of Nominees who are members of management, the number of stock options held. Refer to page A-6 for additional information on the level of experience reflected on the Board.
Majority Voting for Directors
In accordance with the Corporation's majority voting policy for directors, any Nominee in an uncontested election who receives a greater number of
shares withheld than shares voted in favour of their appointment must tender their resignation to the Board for consideration and to take effect upon acceptance of the resignation by the Board. The
majority voting policy does not apply if there are contested director elections.
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Catherine M. Best, FCA, ICD.D
(age 61)
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
Director since November 2003
Independent |
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Ms. C. M. Best is a corporate director. Until May 2009 she served as Interim Chief Financial Officer of Alberta Health Services. Prior to that Ms. C. M. Best was Executive Vice-President, Risk Management
and Chief Financial Officer of Calgary Health Region from 2000. The Calgary Health Region was one of the largest fully integrated, publicly-funded health care systems in Canada. Prior to 2000 she was with Ernst & Young, a firm of chartered
accountants where she served as a staff member and manager from 1980 to 1991, and was Corporate Audit Partner from 1991 to 2000. She holds a Bachelor of Interior Design degree from the University of Manitoba. Ms. C. M. Best is a Chartered
Accountant, was awarded her FCA designation in 2005 and her ICD.D in 2009 and is a member of the Board of the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, the Calgary Foundation, The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company and serves as a volunteer member of
the Audit Committee of the Calgary Stampede and of the Audit Committee of the University of Calgary. |
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Voting Results at 2014 Annual Meeting |
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Other Public Company Board Memberships |
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For: 97.88%
Withheld: 2.12% |
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Superior Plus Corporation
AltaGas Ltd.
Aston Hill Financial Inc. |
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Meeting Attendance |
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Securities held/market value of Common Shares |
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Board of Directors
Audit (Chair)
Compensation |
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7 of 7
5 of 5
6 of 6 |
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100% |
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Common Shares
30,988/$1,169,487 |
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Required Ownership
$656,000 |
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Exceeds Ownership
Requirements |
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4
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N. Murray Edwards O.C.
(age 55)
Calgary/Banff, Alberta
Canada
Executive Chair
Director since September 1988
Non-independent (Management) |
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Mr. N. M. Edwards is owner and President, Edco Financial Holdings Ltd. a private management and consulting company. He has been a major contributor to the success and growth of the Corporation since becoming a
Director and significant shareholder in 1988. Prior thereto he was a partner of the law firm Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer in Calgary. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Great Distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor of
Laws degree (Honours) from the University of Toronto and is a recipient of the Order of Canada. Mr. N. M. Edwards is a member of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives and is on the Board of Directors of the C. D. Howe Institute. |
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Voting Results at 2014 Annual Meeting |
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Other Public Company Board Memberships |
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For: 97.78%
Withheld: 2.22% |
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Ensign Energy Services Inc.
Magellan Aerospace Corporation |
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Board/Committee Membership |
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Meeting Attendance |
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Securities held/market value of Common Shares |
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Board of Directors
Reserves |
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7 of 7
1 of 2 |
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89% |
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Common Shares
22,584,805/$852,350,541
Stock Options
1,950,000 |
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Required Ownership
$2,713,848 |
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Exceeds Ownership
Requirements |
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Timothy W. Faithfull
(age 70)
London, United Kingdom
Director since November 2010
Independent |
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Mr. T. W. Faithfull is a corporate director. Until July 2003, when he retired, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Shell Canada Limited. He joined the Royal Dutch Shell Group of companies in 1967
and throughout his 36 year international career with them he held ever increasing senior positions including Vice-President Crude Oil Shell International Trading and Shipping Company from 1993 to 1996 and Chairman and CEO Shell Companies in
Singapore from 1996 to 1999 before culminating in his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of Shell Canada Limited. Between 1999 and July 2003 he also served on the boards of the Calgary Health Trust and Epcor Centre for the
Performing Arts and is Chairman of the Starehe Endowment Fund in the UK and a Council Member of the Canada-UK Colloquia. Mr. T. W. Faithfull holds Master of Arts from the University of Oxford (Keble College) (Philosophy, Politics and Economics)
and is an alumnus of the London Business School (Senior Executive Program). He is on the board of directors of Shell Pension Trust Limited, LIFFE Administration and Management, and ICE Futures Europe, all of which are non-public companies and he is a
former director of AMEC plc, Canadian Pacific Railway and Enerflex Systems Income Fund. |
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Voting Results at 2014 Annual Meeting |
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Other Public Company Board Memberships |
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For: 99.25%
Withheld: 0.75 |
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TransAlta Corporation |
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Board/Committee Membership |
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Meeting Attendance |
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Securities held/market value of Common Shares |
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Board of Directors
Audit
Health, Safety and
Environmental |
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7 of 7
5 of 5
4 of 4 |
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100% |
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Common Shares
9,000/$339,660
DSU
17,000/$641,580 |
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Required Ownership
$656,000 |
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Exceeds Ownership
Requirements |
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5
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Honourable Gary A. Filmon
P.C., O.C., O.M.
(age 72)
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada
Director since February 2006
Independent |
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The Honourable G. A. Filmon is a corporate director. Previously he was a consulting engineer for five years and President of Success/Angus Commercial College for eleven years. He served in public office for over
20 years becoming Premier of Manitoba in 1988 until 1999, retiring from public office in 2000. He also served as a member and Chair of Canada's Security and Intelligence Review Committee from 2001 to 2010. He has received numerous community
achievement awards and in 2009 was a recipient of the Order of Canada. Mr. G. A. Filmon holds both a Masters and Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba. |
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Voting Results at 2014 Annual Meeting |
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Other Public Company Board Memberships |
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For: 99.35
Withheld: 0.65 |
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MTS Allstream Inc.
Arctic Glacier Income Trust
Exchange Income Corporation |
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Board/Committee Membership |
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Meeting Attendance |
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Securities held/market value of Common Shares |
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Board of Directors
Audit
Nominating, Governance and Risk |
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6 of 7
5 of 5
3 of 3 |
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93% |
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Common Shares
15,263/$576,026
DSU
23,010/$868,397 |
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Required Ownership
$656,000 |
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Exceeds Ownership
Requirements |
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Christopher L. Fong
(age 65)
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
Director since November 2010
Independent |
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Mr. C. L. Fong is a corporate director. Until his retirement in May 2009 he was Global Head, Corporate Banking, Energy with RBC Capital Markets. Prior thereto between 1974 and September 1980 Mr. C.
L. Fong worked as a petroleum engineer and as corporate planning analyst in the oil and gas industry. He was appointed Advisor to the Alberta Department of Energy's Competitive Review process in 2009. He has served as Chair of EducationMatters,
Calgary's Public Education Trust and as a governor of Honen's, an International Piano Competition. He is past Chair of UNICEF Canada. Mr. C. L. Fong graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and has post graduate
courses in Finance, Economics and Accounting from McGill University and University of Calgary. He sits on the Petroleum Advisory Committee of the Alberta Securities Commission. |
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Voting Results at 2014 Annual Meeting |
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Other Public Company Board Memberships |
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For: 99.69%
Withheld: 0.31% |
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Anderson Energy Inc.
Computer Modelling Group Ltd. |
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Board/Committee Membership |
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Meeting Attendance |
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Securities held/market value of Common Shares |
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Board of Directors
Health, Safety and Environmental
Reserves |
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6 of 7
4 of 4
2 of 2 |
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92% |
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Common Shares
17,000/$641,580 |
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Required Ownership
$656,000 |
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Minimum Ownership
Required by November 2015 |
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6
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Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin
(age 65)
Atlanta, Georgia
U.S.A.
Director since May 2002 and
Lead Independent Director since May 2012 |
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Ambassador G. D. Giffin has been a Senior Partner with McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP a law firm based in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia since 2001. Prior thereto he was the United States
Ambassador to Canada from 1997 to 2001 after a career spanning 20 years engaged in the private practice of business and regulatory law. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University and a J.D. from Emory University School of
Law. |
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Voting Results at 2014 Annual Meeting |
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Other Public Company Board Memberships |
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For: 95.88%
Withheld: 4.12% |
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Canadian National Railway Company
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Element Financial Corporation
Just Energy Corp.
TransAlta Corporation |
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Board/Committee Membership |
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Meeting Attendance |
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Securities held/market value of Common Shares |
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Board of Directors
Audit
Nominating,
Governance and Risk (Chair) |
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7 of 7
5 of 5
3 of 3 |
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100% |
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Common Shares
58,856/$2,221,225 |
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Required Ownership
$656,000 |
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Exceeds Ownership
Requirements |
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Wilfred A. Gobert
(age 67)
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
Director since November 2010
Independent |
|
Mr. W. A. Gobert is an independent businessman. Until his retirement in 2006, he was Vice-Chair of Peters and Co. Limited a position he held since 2002 and was a member of its Board of Directors and its
Executive Committee. Prior thereto he joined Peters & Co. Limited in 1979 as Managing Director, Research and throughout his career at the firm his responsibilities included research analysis of integrated oil companies and oil and gas
producers. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s he consistently ranked among the top ten rated analysts in the annual survey of oil industry analysts in Canada. Mr. W. A. Gobert received an MBA degree from McMaster University as well as Bachelor
Science (Honours) degree from the University of Windsor and holds a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He sits on a number of not-for-profit boards and is Senior Fellow, Energy Studies, Centre for Energy Policy Studies with The Fraser
Institute. |
|
Voting Results at 2014 Annual Meeting |
|
Other Public Company Board Memberships |
|
|
|
|
|
For: 97.79%
Withheld: 2.21% |
|
Gluskin Sheff & Associates
Trilogy Energy Corp.
Manitok Energy Inc.
Mapan Energy Ltd. |
|
|
|
Board/Committee Membership |
|
Meeting Attendance |
|
Securities held/market value of Common Shares |
|
Board of Directors
Compensation
Nominating,
Governance and Risk
Reserves |
|
6 of 7
5 of 6
3 of 3
2 of 2 |
|
89% |
|
Common Shares
38,500/$1,452,990 |
|
Required Ownership
$656,000 |
|
Exceeds Ownership
Requirements |
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steve W. Laut
(age 57)
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
President
Director since August 2006
Non-independent (Management) |
|
Mr. S. W. Laut has been President of the Corporation since 2005. Prior thereto, he joined the Corporation as Senior Exploitation Engineer in 1991 and was appointed to positions of increasing responsibility as
Vice-President, Operations in 1996; Executive Vice-President, Operations in 2001; Chief Operating Officer in 2003; and, President in 2005. He has been instrumental in contributing to the Corporation's growth and success during his tenure. Mr. S.
W. Laut holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary and is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geoscientists of Alberta ("APEGA"). |
|
Voting Results at 2014 Annual Meeting |
|
Other Public Company Board Memberships |
|
|
|
|
|
For: 99.52%
Withheld: 0.48% |
|
None |
|
|
|
Board/Committee Membership |
|
Meeting Attendance |
|
Securities held/market value of Common Shares |
|
Board of Directors
Health, Safety and Environmental |
|
7 of 7
4 of 4 |
|
100% |
|
Common Shares
2,345,721/$88,527,511
Stock Options
2,100,000 |
|
Required Ownership
$2,713,848 |
|
Exceeds Ownership
Requirements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Honourable Frank J. McKenna,
P.C., O.C., O.N.B., Q.C.
(age 67)
Cap Pelé, New Brunswick
Canada
Director since August 2006
Independent |
|
Mr. F. J. McKenna is the Deputy Chair of TD Bank Group. Prior to this, he served as Canadian Ambassador to the United States from 2005 to 2006, Counsel to Atlantic Canada law firm McInnes Cooper from 1998
to 2005, and Premier of New Brunswick from 1987 to 1997. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Francis Xavier University and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of New Brunswick. He received the Order of Canada in
2008. |
|
Voting Results at 2014 Annual Meeting |
|
Other Public Company Board Memberships |
|
|
|
|
|
For: 97.99%
Withheld: 2.01% |
|
Brookfield Asset Management Inc. |
|
|
|
Board/Committee Membership |
|
Meeting Attendance |
|
Securities held/market value of Common Shares |
|
Board of Directors
Compensation (Chair)
Nominating,
Governance and Risk |
|
7 of 7
6 of 6
3 of 3 |
|
100% |
|
Common Shares
17,064/$643,995
DSU
23,010/$868,397 |
|
Required Ownership
$656,000 |
|
Exceeds Ownership
Requirements |
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David A. Tuer
(age 65)
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
Director since May 2002
Independent |
|
Mr. D. A. Tuer is Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Teine Energy Ltd., a private oil and gas exploration company. He served as Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Marble Point
Energy Ltd. the predecessor to Teine Energy Ltd., also a private oil and gas exploration company from 2008 until 2010. He was Chairman of the Calgary Health Region, a position he held from 2001 to 2008 when the Alberta government
consolidated all of the provincial health regions under one authority, Alberta Health Services. Mr. D. A. Tuer also served as Executive Vice-Chairman, BA Energy Inc. from 2005 until 2008 when it was acquired by its parent company Value
Creation Inc. through a Plan of Arrangement and which until recently was engaged in the development, building and operations of a merchant heavy oil upgrader in Northern Alberta for the purpose of upgrading bitumen and heavy oil feedstock into
high-quality crude oils. Prior thereto he was President and Chief Executive Officer of PanCanadian Petroleum Inc. from 1994 to 2001 and President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Hawker Resources Inc. from 2003 to 2005.
Mr. D. A. Tuer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary. He is serving on the board of directors of Altalink Management LLP, a private limited partnership. |
|
Voting Results at 2014 Annual Meeting |
|
Other Public Company Board Memberships |
|
|
|
|
|
For: 99.39%
Withheld: 0.61% |
|
None |
|
|
|
Board/Committee Membership |
|
Meeting Attendance |
|
Securities held/market value of Common Shares |
|
Board of Directors
Audit
Reserves (Chair) |
|
7 of 7
5 of 5
2 of 2 |
|
100% |
|
Common Shares
68,508/$2,585,492 |
|
Required Ownership
$656,000 |
|
Exceeds Ownership
Requirements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annette M. Verschuren O.C.
(age 58)
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
Director since November 2014
Independent |
|
Ms. A. M. Verschuren is the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of NRStor Inc., an energy storage project developer of energy storage technologies. She was President of The Home Depot Canada from 1996 to 2011
where she oversaw the company's successful growth in Canada leading to its entry into China. Prior to joining The Home Depot, Ms. A. M. Verschuren was President and co-owner of Michaels of Canada, a chain of arts and crafts stores. Previously,
Ms. A. M. Verschuren was the Vice President, Corporate Development of Imasco Ltd. and the Executive Vice President of Canada Development Investment Corporation. She currently serves as Chancellor of Cape Breton University and as a director
of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group and a board member of numerous non-profit organizations. Ms. A. M. Verschuren is an Officer of the Order of Canada and holds honorary doctorate degrees from Dalhousie University, Mount Saint Vincent University,
Carleton University and St. Francis Xavier University where she also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. |
|
Voting Results at 2014 Annual Meeting |
|
Other Public Company Board Memberships |
|
|
|
|
|
For: N/A
Withheld: N/A |
|
Air Canada
Saputo Inc. |
|
|
|
Board/Committee Membership |
|
Meeting Attendance |
|
Securities held/market value of Common Shares |
|
Board of Directors |
|
N/A |
|
N/A |
|
Common Shares
9,500/$358,530 |
|
Required Ownership
$656,000 |
|
Minimum Ownership
Required by November 2019 |
|
We would like to acknowledge the contribution and service to the Corporation and to the Board of Mr. Keith A. J. MacPhail, who has decided not to stand
for re-election at the Meeting. Mr. MacPhail has served as a director since 1993 and was Executive Vice-President of the Corporation until 1997. While a Director he served on the Health, Safety
and Environmental Committee and on the Reserves Committee.
We
would also like to acknowledge the contribution and service to the Corporation and to the Board of Dr. Eldon Smith, who is not standing for re-election at the Meeting having reached the
mandatory retirement age of 75.
9
Dr. Smith
has served as a director since 1997 and as a member of the Compensation Committee and as a member and Chair of the Health, Safety and Environmental Committee since 2003.
The
depth of knowledge, experience and stewardship brought to the Board by Messrs. MacPhail and Smith and their dedication of service to the Corporation and its employees and shareholders has
been instrumental in the Corporation's success.
Additional Disclosures Relating to Directors
Ambassador G. D. Giffin was a director of AbitibiBowater Inc. from October 29, 2007 until his resignation on January 22, 2009.
In April 2009, AbitibiBowater Inc. and certain of its U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware
for relief under the provisions of Chapter 11 and Chapter 15 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, as amended, and sought creditor protection under the Companies' Creditors
Arrangement Act (the "CCAA") with the Superior Court of Quebec in Canada.
Mr. Gary
A. Filmon is a Trustee of Arctic Glacier Income Fund which on February 22, 2012 applied for and was granted by the Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench, protection under the CCAA.
Under CCAA protection the operating assets of the Fund were sold and the Fund is currently undergoing the process of being wound up and distributing the remaining assets, after all claims have been
settled, to the unit holders.
Mandatory Share Ownership
The Board believes that in order to better align the interests of the directors and the executive officers with those of the Corporation's
shareholders, share ownership by the directors and executive officers is desirable. Non-management directors are required to acquire and hold Common Shares and/or DSUs of the Corporation within five
(5) years from the date of the director's appointment to the Board equal to a minimum aggregate market value of $656,000, being three times the annual retainer fee paid to directors in 2014.
Management directors are required to hold Common Shares of the Corporation within three (3) years from the date of their appointment as an officer of the Corporation equal to a minimum
aggregate market value of four times their annual salary. As the Executive Chair's annual salary is $1, his mandatory required holdings is the same as the President's, at $2,713,848, being four times
the annual salary of the President.
Directors
are required to confirm annually for the Corporation's Information Circular their Common Share and DSU ownership position which is reported in the table above for each director. Each
director has also confirmed that such position is their beneficial and legal ownership position and that it has not been hedged against declines in the value of the Common Shares or
otherwise sold.
10
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
With the exception of the fee paid to the Lead Independent Director, which is determined by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board, the
Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee reviews the fees paid to the directors to ensure the fees are reasonable and competitive. The Corporation pays compensation comprised of cash and Common
Shares of the Corporation to its non-management directors in their capacity as directors. In 2013 the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee reviewed the fees paid to directors and recommended to
the Board, the fees be adjusted to remain comparable with fees paid by companies of similar size and complexity. The Board approved the recommended fee adjustment and the fees became effective
May 3, 2013. Prior to this the fees had not been adjusted since 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Retainer Fees(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Board Member |
|
$ |
50,000(3) |
|
|
|
|
4,000 common shares(2) |
|
|
|
Committee Member |
|
$ |
5,000 |
|
|
|
Committee Chair |
|
$ |
10,000 |
|
Audit Committee Chair |
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
Compensation Committee Chair |
|
$ |
15,000 |
|
|
|
Lead Director |
|
$ |
25,000 |
|
|
|
Per Meeting Fees |
|
|
|
|
Attended in person |
|
$ |
1,500 |
|
Attended by telephone unless meeting called by telephone |
|
$ |
1,000 |
|
Time and travel fee for a director whose principal residence is out of province and attends meetings in person. |
|
$ |
4,000 per round trip |
|
|
|
- (1)
- Retainer fees can be taken as DSUs which are redeemed for cash after the director leaves the Board. Messrs. T. W. Faithfull,
G. A. Filmon, F. J. McKenna and E. R. Smith are participants in the DSU plan.
- (2)
- Shares are purchased on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
- (3)
- The Directors agreed to a 10% reduction in the 2015 annual cash retainer to $45,000.
There are no vesting or hold restrictions on the shares purchased as part of director's fees except to the extent required to be in compliance with the share
ownership threshold for directors under the share ownership guidelines of the Corporation. Fees paid are inclusive of the time required preparing for Board or committee meetings.
The
DSUs are included in the share ownership requirements for a Director.
The
Compensation Committee, as one of its primary responsibilities, reviews and approves compensation to directors who provide ongoing day-to-day management services to the Corporation. No annual
retainer, meeting fees or other form of director fees are paid to such directors. The compensation paid to Messrs. N. M. Edwards and S. W. Laut is reported in the Summary Compensation Table for
Named Executive Officers on page 32. Fees paid to non-management directors for 2014 are reported in the table below.
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Fees
Earned
|
|
Share
Based
Awards
|
|
Option
Based
Awards
|
|
Common
Share
Retainer(1)(2)
|
|
Pension
Value
|
|
All Other
Compensation(3)
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
C. M. Best |
|
$ |
106,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
168,670 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
274,670 |
|
T. W. Faithfull |
|
|
84,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
168,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
16,000 |
|
|
268,670 |
|
G. A. Filmon |
|
|
81,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
168,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
16,000 |
|
|
265,670 |
|
C. L. Fong |
|
|
78,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
168,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
246,670 |
|
G. D. Giffin |
|
|
111,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
168,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
291,670 |
|
W. A. Gobert |
|
|
89,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
168,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
257,670 |
|
K. A.J. MacPhail |
|
|
79,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
168,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
247,670 |
|
F. J. McKenna |
|
|
92,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
168,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
16,000 |
|
|
277,170 |
|
E. R. Smith |
|
|
90,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
168,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
259,170 |
|
D. A. Tuer |
|
|
83,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
168,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
252,170 |
|
A. M. Verschuren |
|
$ |
10,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
33,540 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
43,540 |
|
|
|
- (1)
- The amount shown represents the cost of Common Shares purchased on TSX as the equity portion of the 2014 fees paid to directors.
Ms. A. M. Verschuren was appointed a Director in the fourth quarter of 2014.
- (2)
- Messrs. T. W. Faithfull, G. A. Filmon, F. J. McKenna and E. R. Smith
participate in the DSU Plan and receive the equivalent number of DSUs in lieu of
shares for the equity portion of directors' fees which are given the same value as the Common Shares purchased for the other directors.
- (3)
- The amount shown was paid to the
director whose principal place of residence is out of province and who attended meetings in person in 2014.
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
The Board of Directors of the Corporation upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected the firm of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC") to be nominated at the Meeting for re-appointment as the Corporation's independent auditors for the ensuing year at remuneration to be fixed by the Audit
Committee of the Board of Directors. Before PwC was recommended for appointment the Audit Committee met with management and PwC to review and discuss the proposed fiscal year 2015 audit and non-audit
services to be rendered, the relationship of PwC with the Audit Committee, and, the independence of PwC. The Corporation's independent auditor since its inception has been PwC. The Corporation has
been advised by PwC that it is the policy of PwC to rotate the senior audit partner for the Corporation at least once every five years. The current senior audit partner for the Corporation has been
the senior audit partner for the Corporation for three years.
The
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors in 2014 approved specified audit and non-audit services to be performed by PwC. The services provided include: (i) the annual audit of the
Corporation's consolidated financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting, reviews of the Corporation's quarterly unaudited consolidated financial statements, audits of certain of
the Corporation's subsidiary companies' annual financial statements as well as other audit services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings; (ii) audit related services
including pension assets and Crown Royalty Statements; (iii) tax services related to expatriate personal tax and compliance and other corporate tax return matters; and (iv) non-audit
services related to expatriate visa application assistance and to accessing resource materials through PwC's accounting literature library.
Fees Accrued to Auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Services
|
|
Fiscal 2014
|
|
Fiscal 2013
|
|
|
|
Audit |
|
$ |
3,047,000 |
|
$ |
3,032,000 |
|
Audit Related |
|
|
259,000 |
|
|
212,000 |
|
Tax Related |
|
|
523,000 |
|
|
478,000 |
|
Other |
|
|
87,000 |
|
|
73,000 |
|
|
|
Total Accrued Fees |
|
$ |
3,916,000 |
|
$ |
3,795,000 |
|
|
|
Additional disclosure regarding the Audit Committee and its members is contained in the Corporation's Annual Information Form under "Audit Committee
Information".
12
NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON APPROACH TO EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Corporation is once again providing you with an opportunity to advise us of your view on its approach to executive compensation through a
non-binding advisory vote ("Say-On-Pay"). Our compensation policies and procedures are centered on a pay for performance philosophy and aligned with the long term interests of our shareholders. With a
pay mix heavily weighted towards at-risk incentive pay (short-term incentives comprised of annual cash incentive awards and long-term incentives comprised of stock options) our compensation program is
designed to:
-
- Reward creation of long-term shareholder value.
-
- Reflect short-, mid- and long-term corporate performance.
-
- Maintain an appropriate balance between base salary and short-term and long-term incentive opportunities, with a distinct
emphasis on compensation that is "at risk".
-
- Be competitive, so as to attract and retain talented individuals.
-
- Encourage share ownership by employees.
-
- Align the pay-for-performance approach to executive compensation to the long-term interests of the shareholders.
In
deciding how to vote on this proposal, the Compensation Committee encourages you to read the "Letter to Shareholders" and the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" sections beginning on
page 14 for a detailed description of our executive compensation and programs, the compensation decisions the Compensation Committee has made under these programs and the factors considered in
making these decisions.
Although
this is an advisory vote, and the results will not be binding on the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors, the results of the vote will be taken into consideration by the
Compensation Committee in determining its approach to executive compensation in the future. The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote in favour of the
proposed resolution on the Corporation's approach to executive compensation. The persons designated in the enclosed Voting Instruction Form or Form of Proxy, unless instructed
otherwise, intend to vote FOR the resolution.
Shareholders
will be asked at the Meeting to approve the following resolution:
"RESOLVED
that on an advisory basis and not to diminish the role and responsibilities of the Board of Directors or that of the Compensation Committee, the shareholders accept the approach to executive
compensation as described in the "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section of the Information Circular dated March 18, 2015 and delivered in advance of the 2015 Annual General Meeting of
Shareholders."
OTHER MATTERS
Management is not aware of any matters to come before the Meeting other than those set forth in the Notice of Meeting. If other matters properly come
before the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the form of proxy to vote the same in accordance with their best judgment in such matters.
13
II. INFORMATION RESPECTING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Dear Fellow Shareholders:
We
are pleased to present the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (the "CD&A") detailing the compensation paid to the executives in 2014. This section will help you understand the
Corporation's compensation philosophy, practices and approach to executive compensation and why we pay our executives the way we do. The discussion will also give you insight into your company's
corporate culture one of entrepreneurialism with a focus on value-creation as this culture has been a key element of
our success.
The
Committee carefully considered your views and the result of the say-on-pay vote cast by you in 2014. Approximately 96% of the shares voted were in favour of our approach to executive compensation.
We took this strong level of support as affirmation of the current design, purposes and direction of our compensation programs. In preparing this year's CD&A we reviewed the comments received last
year from the proxy advisory firms regarding certain aspects of our compensation program and solicited input from shareholders who in the aggregate represent more than half our outstanding shares. The
Chair of the Committee also participated in calls with the proxy advisory firms. As a Committee, we continue to monitor trends in executive compensation and review our compensation program to ensure
it remains competitive and aligned with the best interests of the shareholders.
We
pay for performance. Canadian Natural assessed corporate performance under four categories; 1) financial, 2) strategic, 3) operations, and 4) safety, asset integrity and
environmental. Performance under each of these broad categories is assessed through specific metrics each of which has a target and a performance range. The chosen metrics align with the Corporation's
strategy, guidance provided to shareholders and overarching goal of creating sustainable long-term value for our shareholders.
With
respect to compensation for the Named Executive Officers ("NEOs") we reviewed and approved the 2014 bonus program and bonuses awarded for 2014 performance and in doing
so we:
- (i)
- maintained
a structured approach in establishing the total compensation to be paid;
- (ii)
- reviewed
the performance metrics and the weightings assigned to each metric;
- (iii)
- reviewed
year over year performance and 2014 performance relative to established targets; and
- (iv)
- reviewed
the peer group universe, the rationale for choice of peers, peer practices and pay levels and confirmed our pay position and mix among those peers
and considered other factors, including one, three and five year total shareholder return ("TSR"), in setting NEO 2014 compensation.
The
Committee also fulfilled its mandate including the review and approval of the executive succession plans as outlined on page A-4.
2014 PERFORMANCE
Canadian Natural set out its initial financial and operating objectives for 2014 in its budget guidance provided in November 2013. During 2014
the Corporation was successful in executing and integrating strategic acquisitions. Our teams delivered strong overall performance in 2014 in relation to our established
goals:
-
- Financial:
-
- Canadian Natural outperformed in debt to EBITDA, ROACE, ROE and cash flow from operations.
-
- Canadian Natural performed in debt to book value and capital expenditures.
-
- Strategic:
Canadian Natural was successful in executing on our defined plan while transitioning the Corporation to longer life, lower decline assets, with a major milestone achieved earlier than
its original expectation, in the Phase 2A coker tie-in at Horizon. This successful tie-in provides us with additional productive capacity at Horizon and is the next step in completing the
expansion that will take production to 250,000 bbl/d of synthetic light crude oil with zero declines for decades. The two remaining Phases remain on schedule and on budget. Additionally,
successful strategic acquisitions executed in 2014 provide Canadian Natural with an even stronger footprint in our core areas and provide strategic infrastructure to enhance operating effectiveness
and efficiencies to ultimately better control costs and create value. Allocation of capital overall was balanced with a focus on the highest return on capital projects and return to shareholders
through dividends and share purchases.
14
-
- Operations: Overall operating costs were within budget at $18.17 per boe. Overall
production slightly missed the bottom end of budget guidance for 2014 and was largely related to thermal in situ volumes as regulatory steaming approvals at Primrose were delayed longer
than expected.
-
- Safety, asset integrity and
environmental: Total lost time injury frequency was added to the performance scorecard to better reflect overall safety performance of
the Corporation. The Corporation performed on recordable injury frequency, total lost time injury frequency, Greenhouse Gas ("GHG") emissions intensity and pipeline leaks.
Canadian
Natural's 1 year performance as measured by TSR ranked well against its Canadian peers. Only pipeline companies included in the peer group performed better than Canadian Natural in
1 year TSR performance. The 3 year and 5 year TSR's were between the 25th percentile and median, relative to Canadian peers.
The
overall score of 125% reflected in the 2014 scorecard found on page 26, outlining the Corporation's outperformance, represents effective overall execution of the Corporation's strategic
initiatives in meeting or exceeding its targets in 2014. The Corporation's ability in 2014 to successfully execute and integrate significant value added acquisitions and to complete, ahead of
schedule, Horizon Phase 2A contributed to the outperformance. Based on the overall company performance and Canadian Natural's relative stock price returns compared to other large Canadian
upstream companies, no adjustment was considered.
Compensation Philosophy
Canadian Natural's compensation program enables the Corporation to attract and retain top talent. Our compensation program has worked for our
shareholders over the years, and remains aligned with your interests:
-
- Total compensation targeted at the median of similar Canadian oil and gas companies (US peer company pay data is
used as a reference only at this time) with base salaries and bonuses that are below the 25th percentile. As Canadian Natural targets a median pay position, but provides low base salaries, the
proportion of Canadian Natural's variable pay and pay at risk is high relative to peers.
-
- Short term incentive metrics are tied to the budget and to guidance established during the 2014 budget release of
November 2013 and adjusted in February 2014 to reflect a significant acquisition.
-
- A significant proportion of Canadian Natural's compensation is provided through a Performance Share Unit ("PSU") plan for
which the grant size is determined based on 2014 performance.
-
- The Corporation does not have a pension plan for our NEOs. It has a share savings plan through which the Corporation's
common shares are purchased our culture of share ownership is demonstrated by the high participation rate in the plan (approximately 99% employee
participation).
-
- Canadian Natural does not provide employment agreements to its NEOs.
-
- Compensation risk is mitigated by linking the short term incentive plan ("STIP") and PSUs to the Corporation's annual
guidance, the Committee's use of judgment, the NEO's alignment to shareholders through share ownership that is reinforced by ownership guidelines, claw-back and anti-hedging policies as well as
succession planning.
The
design of our compensation program encourages ownership in the Corporation by employees and executives aligning their interests with yours. Almost all of our employees are shareholders, and, the
executive and directors combined have a share ownership in the Corporation that significantly exceeds that of our peers.
We
monitor governance trends in executive compensation and continually review our compensation philosophy and programs to ensure that they (a) support the Corporation's overall business
strategy and objectives to create long term, sustainable value for you the shareholders; (b) attract and retain key executive officers and employees; (c) link compensation with business
objectives and organizational performance; and (d) provide competitive compensation opportunities. We are accountable for ensuring that the links between pay and our business goals are
responsible, appropriate and strongly align with your interest as shareholders while mitigating compensation related risks to the Corporation.
As
a result of the focus on cost control in the current commodity price environment, members of the Corporation's Management Committee have agreed to a 10% salary reduction, effective
March 1, 2015.
Submitted
by the members of the Compensation Committee:
Frank
J. McKenna (Chair)
Catherine
M. Best
Wilfred
A. Gobert
Eldon
R. Smith
15
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Board of Directors Oversight and Compensation Governance
To oversee the Corporation's compensation practices, the Board of Directors (the "Board") established a Compensation Committee
(the "Committee") comprised solely of independent directors.
The
Directors who were members of the Committee during 2014, are: Catherine M. Best, Wilfred A. Gobert, Frank J. McKenna (Chair), and Eldon R. Smith, all of whom are independent and knowledgeable with
respect to executive compensation. Collectively, the members of the Committee have expertise in, among other areas, finance, auditing, law and business management. They possess extensive experience in
executive compensation acquired through their careers as business executives, directors of other companies and specifically as members of compensation committees, acquiring an in-depth understanding
of executive compensation from a diverse array of industries which provided exposure to and experience with varied approaches to executive compensation.
Compensation Committee Mandate
With respect to compensation, the Committee reviews and approves the Corporation's compensation philosophy and programs for executive officers,
including the Corporation's Named Executive Officers, and employees of the Corporation. The Committee sets the compensation paid to each of the Corporation's executive officers; the overall
compensation paid by the Corporation to its employees; the granting of stock options to executive officers and employees; and, approves the compensation paid to the Executive Chair and the President.
The Committee's role includes ensuring there is (i) a well-defined link between executive compensation and performance, and (ii) rigor in setting corporate goals and assessing
performance.
Risk Considerations
Corporate Risk The Board has overall responsibility for risk
oversight with a focus on the most significant risks facing the Corporation, including strategic, operational, cyber and reputational risks. The Board's risk oversight process builds upon management's
risk assessment and mitigation processes, which include reviews of long-term strategic and operational planning; executive development and evaluation; code of conduct compliance, regulatory
compliance; safety and environmental compliance; financial reporting and controllership; and information technology and security. Management is responsible for the identification of key business
risks, providing for appropriate management of these risks and enforcement through policies and procedures. The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee assists the Board by reviewing significant
enterprise risk exposure not delegated to other Board committees and those steps management has taken to monitor, control and report such exposures.
Compensation Risk The Compensation Committee assists the Board in monitoring the risks associated with the
Corporation's compensation program and practices. The Committee, in reviewing and before approving the Corporation's compensation program, considered such risks. Compensation practices do not vary
between business units or executives, except for the level and mix of pay that is commensurate with the responsibilities of the position. The compensation program of the Corporation consists of
(i) a fixed annual base salary; (ii) a cash bonus, with capped payout, based on the overall performance of the Corporation in meeting specific goals set by the Corporation and the Board
(iii) a PSU plan with a capped award level that vests annually over a three year period; and, (iv) common share stock options which have five year vesting provisions with the first 20%
not vesting until the first anniversary of the grant date and the final 20% having only one month to be exercised before expiry following vesting on the 5th anniversary of grant
date. The Compensation Committee concluded that the Corporation's compensation policies do not create an environment where an executive or any individual is encouraged to take excessive risk, but does
encourage and reward prudent business judgment and appropriate risk taking over the short and long term without creating risk that is reasonably likely to have a material adverse impact on the
Corporation.
Stock Ownership Guidelines and Common Shares Held by Named Executive Officers The Board adopted Common Share
ownership guidelines for officers of the Corporation. The guidelines require Common Share ownership proportionate to the individual's compensation and position which are:
|
|
|
|
The Executive Chair, the President and the Chief Operating Officer |
|
4 times base salary |
Senior Vice-President |
|
2 times base salary |
All other Officers |
|
1 times base salary |
|
16
Under the guidelines, the individual has 3 years from date of hire or appointment as an officer to acquire and hold the required level of Common
Share ownership. Common Share ownership includes Common Shares of the Corporation purchased and held within the Corporation's stock savings plan and any other personal holdings of the individual. As
of the date of this Information Circular, each officer meets or exceeds the share ownership requirement of the Corporation.
Officers
are required to confirm annually their Common Share ownership position and that such position is their beneficial and legal ownership position and has not been hedged or otherwise sold. The
following table sets forth as of March 18, 2015, the beneficial ownership and market value of the Common Shares of the Corporation held directly and indirectly by the NEOs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Number of
Common
Shares Held
|
|
Market
Value of
Common
Shares Held(1)
|
|
Share
Ownership
Requirements
(multiple of
base salary)
|
|
Value of
Share Ownership
Requirements
To Be Met
|
|
Meets
Share
Ownership
Requirements
|
|
|
|
N. Murray Edwards |
|
|
22,584,805 |
|
$ |
852,350,541 |
|
|
4 times |
|
$ |
2,713,848 |
|
|
Exceeds |
|
Steve W. Laut |
|
|
2,345,721 |
|
$ |
88,527,511 |
|
|
4 times |
|
$ |
2,713,848 |
|
|
Exceeds |
|
Tim S. McKay |
|
|
1,118,608 |
|
$ |
42,216,266 |
|
|
4 times |
|
$ |
2,346,152 |
|
|
Exceeds |
|
Corey B. Bieber |
|
|
170,041 |
|
$ |
6,417,347 |
|
|
2 times |
|
$ |
763,846 |
|
|
Exceeds |
|
Réal J. H. Doucet |
|
|
365,153 |
|
$ |
13,780,874 |
|
|
2 times |
|
$ |
921,924 |
|
|
Exceeds |
|
Lyle G. Stevens |
|
|
724,903 |
|
$ |
27,357,839 |
|
|
2 times |
|
$ |
978,462 |
|
|
Exceeds |
|
|
|
- (1)
- The closing price of the Corporation's Common Shares on TSX on March 18, 2015 was $37.74.
Clawback Policy The Corporation's clawback policy provides the
Compensation Committee with the authority to seek re-imbursement of all or any portion of performance based compensation from any NEO who in the Compensation Committee's determination is responsible
for a material misrepresentation or misconduct resulting in a restatement of the financial results of the Corporation and was improperly paid such performance based compensation in the year for which
the financial misstatement occurred.
Anti-Hedging Policy The Corporation's anti-hedging policy prohibits directors and officers of the Corporation
from purchasing any financial instrument that is designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of the Corporation's common shares, including options, prepaid variable forward contracts,
equity swaps, collars and exchange funds. The policy does not prohibit pledging as collateral for loans, nor does it prohibit holding the Corporation's securities in broker margin accounts.
Independent Advice The Committee engaged the independent consulting firm Hugessen Consulting Inc.
("Hugessen"). Hugessen's mandate is to support the Committee developing draft principles related to disclosure and shareholder engagement, and to advise the Committee on the structure of the
Corporation's executive compensation and management's compensation recommendations. In carrying out their mandate, Hugessen met separately with the Chair of the Committee, the other Committee members
and with management. The Corporation paid for Committee consulting services provided as indicated in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
Executive Compensation Related Fees |
|
$ |
123,876 |
|
$ |
133,547 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Fees |
|
$ |
123,876 |
|
$ |
133,547 |
|
|
|
Succession Planning The Corporation does not have a chief executive
officer but has a management committee comprised of seventeen members of the management group including the Executive Chair, the President, the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Financial Officer
and Senior Vice-President, Finance. The management committee structure is an effective leadership and accountability driven organizational structure and has kept pace with the expansion and increased
complexity of operations. This management structure (1) limits the ability of any one individual to unduly influence the direction of the Corporation as consensus of other members of the
management committee must be achieved; (2) enables the continuation of the strong leadership of the Corporation should a
17
member
of the management team leave the Corporation; and (3) enhances management development in learning key decision making strategy, skills and leadership and secures management succession.
The
Corporation has developed a strong culture of promoting from within. As part of succession planning, management at least annually reviews each executive position and evaluates the qualification
and experience needed to succeed in the position. Each member of the corporate Management Committee evaluates their direct reports and from that evaluation identifies up to 3 possible
candidates for succession. Through the evaluation, the strengths of each candidate and required areas of development are identified and a development plan created to ensure the candidate will be ready
to succeed the incumbent. The approximate length of time required before the candidate is ready to assume the role is also a factor in the evaluation. Senior management presents a recommendation of
the executive succession plans, including the detailed succession planning logs completed by management, to the Compensation Committee for their review, consideration and approval.
Peer Group
Compensation levels of the NEOs are compared to similar positions within comparable Canadian peer companies, while a US peer group is used as a
secondary point of reference. The peer group of companies is chosen from oil and gas exploration and production companies that are of similar size as the Corporation, have comparably complex
operations, and operate in similar geographical regions. In reviewing the peer group in 2014, the Committee determined that the peers were an acceptable comparative group for Canadian Natural, so no
changes were made. In reviewing the US based secondary "reference" peer group of companies, the Committee determined the peer group to also be appropriate. In our view, the following companies operate
in the same or related industries and are comparable in size and scope of operations to the Corporation, and therefore were deemed reasonable peers to benchmark executive compensation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FY 2014
Revenue
($B)
|
|
Total
Enterprise
Value ($B)
Dec. 31, 2014
|
|
Production
FY 2014
(MBOE/d)
|
|
|
|
Primary Group (production before royalties) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cenovus Energy Inc. |
|
$ |
20 |
|
$ |
22 |
|
|
285 |
|
Enbridge Inc. |
|
|
38 |
|
|
92 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Encana Corporation |
|
|
9 |
|
|
12 |
|
|
554 |
|
Husky Energy Inc. |
|
|
24 |
|
|
31 |
|
|
340 |
|
Suncor Energy Inc. |
|
|
40 |
|
|
60 |
|
|
566 |
|
Talisman Energy Inc. |
|
|
6 |
|
|
15 |
|
|
369 |
|
TransCanada Corp. |
|
|
10 |
|
|
71 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
Average |
|
$ |
21 |
|
$ |
43 |
|
|
423 |
|
|
|
Canadian Natural Resources Limited |
|
$ |
19 |
|
$ |
53 |
|
|
790 |
|
Secondary Reference Group (production after royalties) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation |
|
$ |
19 |
|
$ |
59 |
|
|
843 |
|
Apache Corp. |
|
|
16 |
|
|
42 |
|
|
647 |
|
Devon Energy Corporation |
|
|
20 |
|
|
44 |
|
|
673 |
|
EOG Resources, Inc. |
|
|
19 |
|
|
64 |
|
|
595 |
|
Marathon Oil Corporation |
|
|
13 |
|
|
29 |
|
|
460 |
|
|
|
Average |
|
$ |
17 |
|
$ |
48 |
|
|
644 |
|
|
|
Note: Source for information above is S&P Capital IQ and public company reports.
18
Compensation Philosophy
Compensation at Canadian Natural is structured to attract, retain and motivate employees and officers, and to encourage share
ownership and a focus on improving corporate performance. Compensation is comprised of base salary and short-term and longer term performance-conditioned incentive payments.
Canadian
Natural targets the median of total compensation (including base salary, bonuses, mid and long term incentives and perquisites) among its most relevant Canadian peers. While NEO total
compensation is targeted at the median, total cash compensation (base salaries and bonuses) is at or below the 25th percentile of the Canadian peers. In addition to cash
compensation, Canadian Natural provides annual awards of PSUs and stock options. For the PSUs, the size of the award is conditioned upon Canadian Natural's corporate performance during the most
recently completed year. These performance-conditioned equity awards make up a significant portion of the NEOs' total compensation. The Corporation does not have a pension plan for or employment
contracts with any of its NEOs.
Having
reviewed market practice, Canadian Natural has refined its approach to target compensation at the median of the larger exploration and production companies based in Canada. While Canadian
Natural reviews US compensation levels, the information is provided to the Committee for reference purposes only and has not been considered in the development of executive pay levels.
The
Committee believes this target pay level, mix and use of peer group comparisons is appropriate to ensure that overall compensation levels remain competitive to attract and retain quality employees
while also ensuring that overall compensation levels do not become excessive. The Committee continually reviews all components of the Corporation's compensation program. The purpose of the review is
to ensure the Corporation's compensation program is competitive, reasonable, fair to all of its employees, and overall, in the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders.
Executive Compensation Pay Structure
Named Executive Officers for 2014
The Corporation does not have a chief executive officer but has a corporate management committee which includes two members who are
also directors of the Corporation, the Executive Chair and the President. Neither of the two directors who serve on the corporate Management Committee receives fees related to serving as a director.
Accordingly, the Corporation has determined that its NEOs should include the two members of the corporate Management Committee who are directors, in addition to the Chief Financial Officer and the
next three highest paid members of the corporate Management Committee.
Mr. N.
M. Edwards, Executive Chair, is a director and a member of the corporate Management Committee and a significant shareholder of the Corporation. He is paid an annual cash salary of $1
(one dollar) by the Corporation and does not participate in the Corporation's stock savings plan. However, he is compensated relative to other Named Executive Officers with compensation based
on bonus, PSUs and options to acquire share ownership.
Components of Compensation
1. Base Salary
Base salaries for the NEOs are well below the median level for similar positions in crude oil and natural gas companies of comparable size. The Corporation
reviews and the Committee approves its level of base salary for all employees and officers including the NEOs in the first quarter of each year making adjustments as
necessary to reflect changes in competitive practices, market and overall economic conditions. Relative to practice among our Canadian peers, base salaries are generally around the
25th percentile.
2. Annual Bonus
The Committee believes that incentive or "at risk" compensation motivates individual performance and aligns executive officer performance with the Corporation's
objectives and shareholder interests. The cash bonus awarded is based on the Corporation's and the individual's performance over the year in contributing to the Corporation meeting its yearly
operating plans and its operating and financial goals as evidenced by corporate performance.
19
Canadian
Natural measures corporate performance across four broad categories weighted as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance Measure
|
|
2014 Metrics Included:
|
|
Weighting
|
|
|
|
Financial |
|
Balance sheet strength, capital expenditures, ROE, ROACE, cash flow |
|
|
30% |
|
Strategic |
|
Allocation of cash flow, mid and long term projects, dividend and share purchases |
|
|
30% |
|
Operational |
|
Production, operating costs |
|
|
30% |
|
Safety, Asset Integrity and Environmental |
|
Recordable injury frequency, lost time injury frequency, greenhouse gas emissions, pipeline leaks |
|
|
10% |
|
|
|
For NEOs, performance and payouts under the short term incentive plan ("STIP") are based on corporate performance. At or below the minimum level of corporate
performance, no STIP will be paid; above the maximum level of corporate performance, STIP payouts are capped.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance
|
|
Approximate Corporate
Performance Score
|
|
Payout (as a target % of STIP target value)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Min
Low
Target
High
Max |
|
60% of target
80% of target
100% of target
120% of target
140% of target |
|
0%
50%
100%
150%
200% |
|
|
|
|
|
Based on historic performance, in a typical year, Canadian Natural expects the operating range to be within plus or minus 20% of target which would produce a
bonus award and a PSU award between 50% and 150% of the targeted amount. Significant under or over performance may result in bonus and PSU awards that may range as low as 0% (for a corporate
performance score below threshold) and as high as 200% of target (for a corporate performance score above maximum).
The
relationship between the corporate performance score and the STIP payout multiple are shown graphically below.
20
Use of Judgment
As the Corporation operates in a cyclical industry, at times Canadian Natural needs to adjust its short term strategies to deal with
rapid changes. The Committee may apply judgment to assess the performance of the Corporation and its executives in leveraging unexpected opportunities or mitigating unexpected risks while delivering
on its goals.
STIP Calculation
The amount of STIP paid depends on the NEOs base salary, target bonus and the performance defined by four categories of corporate
performance. STIP payouts for each NEO are calculated as follows:
As
an example, Canadian Natural has included a sample calculation for a STIP payout for a senior vice-president with a base salary of $400,000 and a target bonus of 35% of salary based on the STIP
plan with the following corporate performance:
|
|
|
Performance Measures
|
|
Performance Assumptions
|
|
Financial (30%) |
|
125% of target |
Strategic (30%) |
|
100% of target |
Operational (30%) |
|
100% of target |
Safety, Asset Integrity and Environmental (10%) |
|
90% of target |
|
In this example, the corporate performance rating will be 106.5% of target as shown below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Component of
performance measurement
|
|
Component
Weighting
|
|
Component
Performance
(% of target)
|
|
Weighted
Performance
|
|
|
|
Financial |
|
|
30.0% |
|
|
125.0% |
|
|
37.5% |
|
Strategic |
|
|
30.0% |
|
|
100.0% |
|
|
30.0% |
|
Operational |
|
|
30.0% |
|
|
100.0% |
|
|
30.0% |
|
Safety, Asset Integrity and Environmental |
|
|
10.0% |
|
|
90.0% |
|
|
9.0% |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
100.0% |
|
|
not applicable |
|
|
106.5% |
|
|
|
From the chart on page 20, the corporate performance rating of 106.5% of target results in a bonus payout of 116.25% of target. Based on these
assumptions, the STIP payout would be as follows:
$400,000 × 35% × 116.25% = $162,750
NEO
total cash compensation (base salary plus cash bonus) is generally at or below the 25th percentile of the Canadian peers. This is consistent with Canadian Natural's
compensation approach that performance-based equity awards should make up a significant portion of the NEOs' total compensation.
21
Long Term Incentive Plans
1. Performance Share Unit
The Performance Share Unit ("PSU") Plan provides a grant of shares based on the most recent year's corporate performance. As a result, the plan provides a link
to short term performance, alignment to long term shareholder interests and enables retention of employees and officers without the dilutive aspects of issuing shares from treasury or granting stock
options. The table below summarizes the characteristics of the PSU Plan.
The
PSU is granted based on the same corporate performance measures used in the STIP. For NEOs, PSU awards are based on corporate performance. At or below the minimum level of corporate performance,
no PSU will be awarded. Above the maximum level of corporate performance, PSU awards are capped. The PSU has the same expected corporate performance range and related performance award multiplier as
the STIP.
In
considering PSU compensation for the NEOs for 2014 performance, the Compensation Committee reviewed comments raised by various stakeholders. In particular, in response to a comment regarding the
metrics used in the Corporation's PSU program, a look-back comparison of the Corporation's current front-end performance conditioned structure relative to a typical back-end relative TSR performance
conditioned plan was conducted.
The
results of the analysis showed hypothetical payouts under a relative TSR structured PSU plan would have been greater than the front-end conditioned scorecard approach used by the Corporation.
As
the current PSU program was determined to be more favourable to the shareholders resulting in more moderate payouts to the NEOs, the Compensation Committee felt the current program should
be maintained.
22
2. Stock Option Plan
The Committee believes that to remain competitive in the crude oil and natural gas industry it is important that the Corporation has a stock option plan
available to maintain parity with compensation levels within the industry, and the granting of reasonable levels of stock options should be used as part of the overall compensation package. These
stock options provide an incentive for all employees and officers to ensure they are striving to maximize shareholder value. The Board believes this established policy of awarding stock options meets
the Corporation's business objectives provided the total number of stock options outstanding at any time is limited to a maximum of 9% of the Corporation's outstanding Common Shares. The table below
summarizes the characteristics of the Stock Option Plan.
In
making the determination as to the number of options to be awarded, the Committee considers the grant date value determined by the Black-Scholes-Merton methodology (value reported in the
Option-based Awards column of the Summary Compensation Table). To assist in determining reasonable levels of stock options awarded to the NEOs, the Corporation uses published data of the peer
companies as a guideline. In the aggregate, the number of options granted to the NEOs in 2014 represents 7% of options awarded to all employees in 2014. The stock option plan is approved by
shareholders every three years and shareholders last approved the plan in 2013.
3. Stock Savings Plan
The Corporation does not have a pension plan. The Corporation established a Stock Savings Plan for all permanent employees. Under this plan, employees may elect
to contribute up to 10% of their gross annual salary and the Corporation contributes one and one-half times the contribution of the employee. Provided the
employee does not leave the employment of the Corporation for any reason prior to the vesting dates the Corporation's portion of the contributions vests
as follows:
-
- For employees with less than five years of continuous participation in the plan, over a two-year period.
-
- For employees who have five years of continuous participation in the plan, on January 1 of each year.
-
- Upon retirement, if normal retirement age reached.
This
plan provides additional share ownership in the Corporation by its executive officers and employees. The Common Shares are purchased through TSX.
23
2014 Target Pay Levels and Mix
The following table shows the target pay levels and compensation mix for the NEOs based on the incentive plan designs described
above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Chair
N. M. Edwards
|
|
President
S. W. Laut
|
|
COO
T. S. McKay
|
|
CFO
C. B. Bieber
|
|
SVP Horizon
R. J. H. Doucet
|
|
EVP
Canadian Conventional
L. G. Stevens
|
|
|
|
Annual Base salary |
|
$ |
1 |
|
$ |
678,000 |
|
$ |
587,000 |
|
$ |
382,000 |
|
$ |
461,000 |
|
$ |
489,000 |
|
|
|
Target STIP (Bonus) (% of salary) |
|
|
* |
|
|
120% |
|
|
50% |
|
|
35% |
|
|
35% |
|
|
35% |
|
|
|
Target Total Cash Compensation |
|
$ |
1,098,361 |
|
$ |
1,491,600 |
|
$ |
880,500 |
|
$ |
515,700 |
|
$ |
622,350 |
|
$ |
660,150 |
|
|
|
Performance Share Unit (% of bonus) |
|
|
400% |
|
|
333% |
|
|
275% |
|
|
275% |
|
|
275% |
|
|
275% |
|
|
|
Option-based LTIP (% of salary) |
|
|
* |
|
|
525% |
|
|
375% |
|
|
275% |
|
|
275% |
|
|
275% |
|
|
|
Total Direct Compensation |
|
$ |
9,051,301 |
|
$ |
7,760,388 |
|
$ |
3,888,875 |
|
$ |
1,933,875 |
|
$ |
2,333,813 |
|
$ |
2,475,563 |
|
|
|
- *
- Executive Chair STIP award is 135% of President's STIP award and his option-based LTIP is equal to the President's option-based LTIP award.
Determining Compensation
Compensation levels of the Corporation's employees and executive officers are reviewed annually following completed performance
reviews.
The
Committee continually reviews the relative merits of the Corporation's compensation practice. The approach provides the necessary flexibility to appropriately incentivize the management team in
managing the business of the Corporation through the cyclical nature of the crude oil and natural gas industry, yet, base a part of their "at risk" bonus payments on meeting specified established
targets relating to financial results, strategic development of long life, low decline assets, operations (production volumes and cost) and, safety, asset integrity and environmental risk management
performance. This methodology is evaluated annually to ensure executive compensation is linked with the performance of the Corporation.
In
arriving at the compensation levels paid by the Corporation to its executive officers, the Committee takes into account a number of factors
including:
-
- the expertise and experience of the individual;
-
- the overall performance of the Corporation; and,
-
- an evaluation of peer-company market data.
In
addition, the Committee also periodically discuss with external independent compensation consultants to review:
- (i)
- processes
used to develop executive compensation industry surveys to yield meaningful analysis of compensation practices;
- (ii)
- compensation
trends within the Corporation's geographic area;
- (iii)
- common
practices used by companies to compensate employees;
- (iv)
- other
trends in compensation practices for incentivizing and compensating employees; and,
- (v)
- other
emerging corporate governance practices in executive compensation.
24
DECISION MAKING PROCESS
2014 Compensation Decisions
Overview of Key 2014 Corporate Results
In 2014, Canadian Natural continued to focus on a disciplined approach to capital allocation. The Corporation balanced its capital
allocation between short-, mid- and long-term projects and returns to shareholders through dividends and share purchases. This capital allocation provides for near-term production growth while at the
same time transitioning the Corporation to a long life, low decline production base requiring lower amounts of reserve replacement capital and generating greater amounts of free cash flow. The
following list highlights the Corporation's key results from 2014:
-
- Canadian Natural successfully executed its capital allocation strategy while generating strong cash flow from operations.
This resulted in a strong balance sheet, which management and the Board believes is imperative to being able to execute on mid-term and long-term projects throughout commodity price cycles and
provides the ability to execute on potential opportunities.
-
- Return on capital improved significantly from 2013 levels partly due to the nature of the mid- and long-term projects
which require upfront capital before production and cash flow commence. Long term projects such as Kirby South and Horizon Phase 2A contributed to the increased return on capital.
-
- Overall, total BOE production was slightly below expectations for 2014, however the Corporation delivered 18% BOE
production growth over 2013 levels.
-
- North America conventional oil and total natural gas production met expectations for the year notwithstanding increased
targets to reflect acquisitions completed throughout the year.
-
- Horizon production performed as targeted in 2014. Management's continued focus on safe, steady and reliable operations
proved successful in 2014 with no major unplanned downtime and production meeting original targets.
-
- Thermal in-situ missed the bottom end of production guidance in 2014 due to steaming restrictions at Primrose and related
steaming approvals being delayed longer than expected. Steaming restrictions resulted from bitumen emulsion to surface fissures at 4 locations discovered in 2013. Environmental and clean-up
processes were immediate on identification and all sites are fully cleaned up and contained. The Corporation has implemented enhanced monitoring equipment and has heightened the response to any
indications of a release to ensure future bitumen emulsion to surface is mitigated.
-
- The Corporation was able to execute strategic acquisitions in 2014 that further strengthens the Corporation's footprint in
core operating areas. The Corporation was able to act quickly on the transactions given management's focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet in favorable commodity price cycles.
-
- Operating costs met expectations overall.
25
-
- Total lost time injury frequency was added to the performance scorecard to better reflect overall safety performance of
the Corporation. The Corporation performed on recordable injury frequency, total lost time injury frequency, GHG emissions intensity and pipeline leaks.
-
- 2014 1 year TSR was above the median of Canadian Natural's Canadian energy peers; 3 year and 5 year
TSR were between the 25th percentile and median relative to Canadian peers.
2014 Performance Scorecard
Canadian Natural largely established its 2014 corporate performance targets with the release of its 2014 budget in
November 2013. Canadian Natural adjusted targets relating to capital expenditures, cash flow from operations and production in its February 2014 press release resulting from the
announcement of a significant acquisition. All other 2014 targets remained the same as established at the budget release in November 2013. The metrics are assigned weightings as indicated below
and result in an overall score to be utilized by the Compensation Committee to determine the performance bonus for the NEOs, and the other members of the Corporation's Management Committee. The
Compensation Committee reserves the ability to apply discretion to the performance bonus.
The
following table shows the 2014 targets and compares those targets to 2014 actual results with the 2013 actual results to assess performance. Canadian Natural's Corporate Performance Scorecard
produced a score of 125% of target in 2014.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
Performance Metrics
|
|
2013 Actual
|
|
2014 Target
|
|
2014 Result
|
|
Assessment of
Performance
|
|
Performance
Bonus
Allocation
|
|
|
|
Financial (30%) |
|
Balance Sheet Strength: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48% |
|
|
|
Debt to Book |
|
27.0% |
|
25% - 45% |
|
32.6% |
|
Performed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt/EBITDA |
|
1.1x |
|
1.8x - 2.2x |
|
1.3x |
|
Outperformed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Expenditures ($MM) |
|
7,274 |
|
11,475 - 11,875
(+/- 5%) |
|
11,744 |
|
Performed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Returns: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
on equity |
|
9.1% |
|
Improve over 2013 |
|
14.4% |
|
Outperformed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
on average capital employed |
|
7.0% |
|
|
|
10.6% |
|
Outperformed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
from operations ($MM) |
|
7,477 |
|
9,250 - 9,450 |
|
9,587 |
|
Outperformed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
per Common Share ($) |
|
6.87 |
|
8.50 - 8.65 |
|
8.78 |
|
Outperformed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strategic Development of
Assets; Capital |
|
Mid & long term projects ($MM)
Opportunistic Acquisitions |
|
3,316
284 |
|
3,650 - 4,050 |
|
3,521
3,743 |
|
Outperformed
Outperformed |
|
|
50% |
|
Allocation (30%) |
|
Dividends ($MM and $/share) |
|
523 & $0.50/$0.80 |
|
Increase |
|
955 & $0.90 |
|
Performed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NCIB ($MM) |
|
320 |
|
Strategic |
|
453 |
|
Performed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operation (30%) |
|
Total BOE Production
(BOE/d) |
|
671,162 |
|
792,000 - 836,000 |
|
790,410 |
|
Underperformed |
|
|
17% |
|
|
|
Total BOE Operating Cost
($/BOE) |
|
18.55 |
|
15.75 - 19.75 |
|
18.17 |
|
Performed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Safety, Asset Integrity and Environmental |
|
Recordable Injury Frequency
(per 200,000 hours worked) |
|
0.86 |
|
Each metric to compare favourably to 2013 and prior years |
|
0.73 |
|
Performed |
|
|
10% |
|
(10%) |
|
Total LTI frequency
(per 200,000 hours worked) |
|
0.09 |
|
|
|
0.10 |
|
Performed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
GHG emissions intensity
(tonnes/BOE) |
|
0.073 |
|
|
|
0.065 |
|
Performed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pipeline Leaks (number of leaks/1,000KM of pipeline) |
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
Performed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Corporate Performance Score |
|
|
125% |
|
|
|
Note: A barrel of oil equivalent ("BOE") is derived by converting six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one
barrel of crude oil (6 Mcf:1bbl). This conversion may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation, since the 6 Mcf:1bbl ratio is based on an energy equivalency conversion method
primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In comparing the value ratio using current crude oil prices relative to natural gas prices, the
6 Mcf:1bbl conversion ratio may be misleading as an indication of value.
26
2014 STIP Award
The Chart below shows the relationship between the Corporate Performance Score of 125% and the actual STIP and PSU multiplier
of 162.5%.
The
corporate performance score of 125% results in a STIP award of 162.5% of target, and the following awards to the NEOs. Based on the overall corporate performance, the Committee chose not to apply
any judgment to the assessment of performance when making compensation decisions this year Canadian Natural derived compensation for the NEOs from the
Performance Scorecard.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Base Salary
|
|
Target Incentive
(% of base salary)
|
|
STIP Performance
Multiplier
(% of target)
|
|
2014 STIP
Award
|
|
|
|
N. Murray Edwards |
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
162.5% |
|
$ |
1,786,000 |
|
Steve W. Laut |
|
|
678,462 |
|
|
120% |
|
|
162.5% |
|
|
1,323,000 |
|
Tim S. McKay |
|
|
586,538 |
|
|
50% |
|
|
162.5% |
|
|
477,000 |
|
Corey B. Bieber |
|
|
381,923 |
|
|
35% |
|
|
162.5% |
|
|
217,000 |
|
Réal J.H. Doucet |
|
|
460,962 |
|
|
35% |
|
|
162.5% |
|
|
262,000 |
|
Lyle G. Stevens |
|
$ |
489,231 |
|
|
35% |
|
|
162.5% |
|
$ |
278,000 |
|
|
|
- (1)
- Mr. N.M. Edwards STIP equal to 135% of Mr. S.W. Laut.
2014 Performance Share Unit Award
The corporate performance score of 125% results in a PSU award of 162.5% of target, and the following awards to NEOs.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Base Salary
|
|
Target Bonus
(% of base
salary)
|
|
STIP Performance
Multiplier
(% of target)
|
|
PSU as a Multiple of
Cash Bonus
|
|
2014 PSU
Award
|
|
|
|
N. Murray Edwards |
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
(1) |
|
|
162.5% |
|
|
4.00x |
|
$ |
7,144,000 |
|
Steve W. Laut |
|
|
678,462 |
|
|
120% |
|
|
162.5% |
|
|
3.33x |
|
|
4,405,590 |
|
Tim S. McKay |
|
|
586,538 |
|
|
50% |
|
|
162.5% |
|
|
2.75x |
|
|
1,311,750 |
|
Corey B. Bieber |
|
|
381,923 |
|
|
35% |
|
|
162.5% |
|
|
2.75x |
|
|
596,750 |
|
Réal J.H. Doucet |
|
|
460,962 |
|
|
35% |
|
|
162.5% |
|
|
2.75x |
|
|
720,500 |
|
Lyle G. Stevens |
|
$ |
489,231 |
|
|
35% |
|
|
162.5% |
|
|
2.75x |
|
$ |
764,500 |
|
|
|
- (1)
- Mr. N.M. Edwards STIP equal to 135% of Mr. S.W. Laut.
27
Option valuation and grant calculations
Canadian Natural estimated the value of stock options during 2012 - 2014 using the Black-Scholes-Merton model.
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|
Year
|
|
Stock
Price
|
|
Option
Value
|
|
Expected Life
(years)
|
|
Dividend
Yield
|
|
Forfeiture
Rate
|
|
Volatility
|
|
Risk Free
Rate
|
|
|
|
2014 |
|
$ |
35.97 |
|
$ |
6.44 |
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
2.5% |
|
|
0.0% |
|
|
26.0% |
|
|
1.4% |
|
|
|
$ |
32.75 |
|
$ |
5.56 |
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
2.7% |
|
|
0.0% |
|
|
26.4% |
|
|
1.0% |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
$ |
34.96 |
|
$ |
8.14 |
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
2.3% |
|
|
0.0% |
|
|
32.1% |
|
|
1.6% |
|
|
|
$ |
35.64 |
|
$ |
7.84 |
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
2.2% |
|
|
0.0% |
|
|
30.1% |
|
|
1.6% |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
$ |
28.06 |
|
$ |
8.64 |
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
1.5% |
|
|
0.0% |
|
|
39.9% |
|
|
1.4% |
|
|
|
$ |
28.74 |
|
$ |
8.91 |
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
1.5% |
|
|
0.0% |
|
|
39.8% |
|
|
1.4% |
|
|
|
2014 Stock Option Award and 2014 LTIP Share Election
Canadian Natural develops the stock option grant levels from the peer group data, the target pay position, the pay mix, and the 2014
corporate performance.
The
Corporation has an election process whereby 50% of the stock options the Named Executive Officer would receive are allotted but not granted. The NEO must then elect to receive the allotted
options, or, elect to receive Common Shares. If the NEO elects to receive Common Shares in lieu of the remaining options, such options would not be granted. The number of Common Shares the NEO would
receive in lieu of the options would be determined by multiplying a discounted Black-Scholes-Merton value of a stock option by the number of stock options allotted but not granted. The total arrived
at would then be used to buy common shares through TSX. The Common Share election has an anti-dilutive effect on the outstanding Common Shares. The Common Shares purchased are not immediately
available to the NEO. The Common Shares vest equally to the NEO over three years every November and the NEO must be with the Corporation at time of vesting in order to receive them.
In
2014, Messrs. N. M. Edwards, R. J. H. Doucet and L. G. Stevens elected to receive 50% of their stock option award (300,000, 62,500 and 62,500 options respectively) as Common Shares.
To determine the value Messrs. N. M. Edwards, R. J. H. Doucet and L. G. Stevens would receive for the purchase of Common Shares, the value per option was determined to be $6.00, a discounted
value to the Black-Scholes-Merton value of $6.44 per option. The $6.00 was then multiplied by the number of options and is shown in the table below.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Base
Salary
|
|
Target
Incentive
(% of base salary)
|
|
Target 2014
Stock Option
Award
|
|
Actual Option
Award Value
|
|
Actual Award
Value Elected
to be Taken in
Common Shares
(see 2014
LTIP Share
Election Above)
|
|
2014
Number of
Stock
Options
|
|
2014
Number of
Common
Shares
Elected to
Receive(1)
|
|
|
|
N. Murray Edwards |
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,559,500 |
|
$ |
1,932,000 |
|
$ |
1,800,000 |
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
52,608 |
|
Steve W. Laut |
|
|
678,462 |
|
|
525% |
|
|
3,559,500 |
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
|
Tim S. McKay |
|
|
586,538 |
|
|
375% |
|
|
2,201,250 |
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
Corey B. Bieber |
|
|
381,923 |
|
|
275% |
|
|
1,050,500 |
|
|
750,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
|
Réal J.H. Doucet |
|
|
460,962 |
|
|
275% |
|
|
1,267,750 |
|
|
402,500 |
|
|
375,000 |
|
|
62,500 |
|
|
10,960 |
|
Lyle G. Stevens |
|
$ |
489,231 |
|
|
275% |
|
$ |
1,344,750 |
|
$ |
402,500 |
|
$ |
375,000 |
|
|
62,500 |
|
|
10,960 |
|
|
|
- (1)
- Shares purchased for 2014 share election at an average price of $34.22.
28
2014 Actual Pay Levels and Mix
The following table shows the actual pay levels for the NEOs based on the 2014 performance incentive plan designs and the share
election described above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Chair
N. M. Edwards
|
|
President
S. W. Laut
|
|
COO
T. S. McKay
|
|
CFO
C. B. Bieber
|
|
SVP
Horizon
R. J. H. Doucet
|
|
EVP
Canadian
Conventional
L. G. Stevens
|
|
|
|
Base salary |
|
$ |
1 |
|
$ |
678,462 |
|
$ |
586,538 |
|
$ |
381,923 |
|
$ |
460,962 |
|
$ |
489,231 |
|
STIP (Bonus) (% of salary) |
|
|
|
|
|
195% |
|
|
81% |
|
|
57% |
|
|
57% |
|
|
57% |
|
STIP (Bonus) ($) |
|
$ |
1,786,000 |
|
$ |
1,323,000 |
|
$ |
477,000 |
|
$ |
217,000 |
|
$ |
262,000 |
|
$ |
278,000 |
|
|
|
Total Cash Compensation |
|
$ |
1,786,001 |
|
$ |
2,001,462 |
|
$ |
1,063,538 |
|
$ |
598,923 |
|
$ |
722,962 |
|
$ |
767,231 |
|
|
|
Performance Share Unit (% of bonus) |
|
|
400% |
|
|
333% |
|
|
275% |
|
|
275% |
|
|
275% |
|
|
275% |
|
Performance Share Units ($) |
|
$ |
7,144,000 |
|
$ |
4,405,590 |
|
$ |
1,311,750 |
|
$ |
596,750 |
|
$ |
720,500 |
|
$ |
764,500 |
|
Option-based LTIP (% of salary) |
|
|
|
|
|
442% |
|
|
256% |
|
|
196% |
|
|
169% |
|
|
159% |
|
Option-based LTIP ($) |
|
$ |
3,732,000 |
|
$ |
3,000,000 |
|
$ |
1,500,000 |
|
$ |
750,000 |
|
$ |
777,500 |
|
$ |
777,500 |
|
|
|
Total Direct Compensation |
|
$ |
12,662,001 |
|
$ |
9,407,052 |
|
$ |
3,875,288 |
|
$ |
1,945,673 |
|
$ |
2,220,962 |
|
$ |
2,309,231 |
|
|
|
All other compensation |
|
|
|
|
$ |
96,450 |
|
$ |
84,631 |
|
$ |
58,162 |
|
$ |
131,615 |
|
$ |
67,997 |
|
|
|
Total Compensation |
|
$ |
12,662,001 |
|
$ |
9,503,502 |
|
$ |
3,959,919 |
|
$ |
2,003,835 |
|
$ |
2,352,577 |
|
$ |
2,377,228 |
|
|
|
The table below illustrates the actual total direct compensation pay mix (as a percentage of Total Direct Compensation) among the NEOs for 2014.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Chair
N. M. Edwards
|
|
President
S. W. Laut
|
|
COO
T. S. McKay
|
|
CFO
C. B. Bieber
|
|
SVP
Horizon
R. J. H. Doucet
|
|
EVP
Canadian
Conventional
L. G. Stevens
|
|
|
|
Base salary |
|
|
% |
|
|
7% |
|
|
15% |
|
|
20% |
|
|
21% |
|
|
21% |
|
STIP (Bonus) |
|
|
14% |
|
|
14% |
|
|
12% |
|
|
11% |
|
|
12% |
|
|
12% |
|
Performance Share Unit |
|
|
57% |
|
|
47% |
|
|
34% |
|
|
30% |
|
|
32% |
|
|
33% |
|
Option-based LTIP |
|
|
29% |
|
|
32% |
|
|
39% |
|
|
39% |
|
|
35% |
|
|
34% |
|
|
|
Link between 2014 Corporate Performance and 2014 Named Executive Officer Compensation
During 2014, Canadian Natural performed at a level that produced an aggregate corporate performance score of 125% of target based on
the Committee's assessment of corporate performance. This performance score results in a payout of 162.5% of target for the STIP and PSU. The score reflects the significant acquisitions executed
during the year as well as the completion and tie-in of Phase 2A at Horizon, which was completed approximately 8 months ahead of original schedule, a modestly below target operating
result (Corporate BOE production missed guidance range by less than 0.5%), and achieving targets for safety, asset integrity and environment.
Having
considered these results, the Compensation Committee did not apply any discretion to adjust bonus award amounts. The Compensation Committee awarded the President a commensurate level of
compensation including a bonus of $1,323,000 and a performance share unit award of $4,405,590. The Committee also awarded 500,000 stock options after considering both size of the award and its
estimated expected value (the estimated value per option declined from 2013). Altogether the President's base salary, bonus, PSU and stock option award and all other compensation, result in a
total compensation of $9,503,502 which Canadian Natural believes is consistent with compensation for above target performance among Canada's larger exploration and production companies for the
President role at Canadian Natural. In aggregate, the President's disclosed total compensation is consistent with 2013 and reflects a higher cash bonus, return to historic PSU multiple and an award of
a greater number of options with lower value per option due to the Black-Scholes-Merton modelling values.
29
Alignment of Corporate Performance and President's Compensation Over Time
Compensation at Canadian Natural is structured to encourage share ownership and an alignment to the long-term interests of
shareholders. The table below shows the alignment of corporate performance with the President's compensation over time and also shows:
-
- the value of realized compensation (i.e., base salary, STIP awards, PSUs that have vested and paid out, and
exercised option gains);
-
- realizable compensation (i.e., the in-the-money value of vested and unvested PSUs and stock options that have not
yet paid out or been exercised); and
-
- the total shareholder return over the period of time since the date of grant.
The
table also compares (1) the grant date value of total direct compensation awarded to the President relative to the actual value received from his compensation commencing in 2009; and
(2) the value of $100 compensation awarded in relation to the value of $100 invested in the common share at the beginning of the periods indicated. The table reaffirms the alignment between the
design of the incentive programs and Canadian Natural's relative total shareholder return.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual
Total Direct
Compensation
Value at
Dec 31, 2014
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Direct
Compensation
Awarded(1)
|
|
Value of $100 |
|
Year
|
|
Period
|
|
Steve W. Laut(2)
|
|
Shareholder(3)
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
$ |
9,944,000 |
|
$ |
4,895,429 |
|
|
12/31/2009 to 12/31/2014 |
|
$ |
49 |
|
$ |
101 |
|
2010 |
|
|
11,599,861 |
|
|
3,590,221 |
|
|
12/31/2010 to 12/31/2014 |
|
|
31 |
|
|
86 |
|
2011 |
|
|
6,239,000 |
|
|
2,675,128 |
|
|
12/31/2011 to 12/31/2014 |
|
|
43 |
|
|
99 |
|
2012 |
|
|
7,372,115 |
|
|
7,458,394 |
|
|
12/31/2012 to 12/31/2014 |
|
|
101 |
|
|
130 |
|
2013 |
|
$ |
9,135,000 |
|
$ |
6,278,879 |
|
|
12/31/2013 to 12/31/2014 |
|
$ |
69 |
|
$ |
101 |
|
|
|
- (1)
- Includes base salary, STIP, and grant date value of PSUs and stock options awarded at year end based on performance during the year.
- (2)
- Represents the actual value for each $100 awarded to Mr. S. W. Laut during the fiscal years indicated.
- (3)
- Represents the cumulative
value of a $100 investment in common shares made on the first trading day of the period indicated, assuming dividend reinvestment.
The chart below outlines Mr. S. W. Laut's awarded compensation level and the Corporation's total shareholder return between 2009 and 2014. In general,
changes in the pay levels are consistent with changes in annual total shareholder return of the Company. This trend is consistent with our compensation
philosophy that pay and performance should be closely linked.
30
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following performance graph illustrates, over the five year period ended December 31, 2014, the cumulative return to shareholders of an
investment in the Common Shares of the Corporation compared to the cumulative total shareholder return on the S&P/TSX Composite Index and the S&P/TSX Oil & Gas Exploration and Production Index,
assuming the reinvestment of dividends, where applicable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2014
|
|
2009
|
|
2010
|
|
2011
|
|
2012
|
|
2013
|
|
2014
|
|
Canadian Natural Resources Limited |
|
$100 |
|
$118 |
|
$102 |
|
$78 |
|
$99 |
|
$101 |
S&P/TSX Composite Index |
|
$100 |
|
$118 |
|
$107 |
|
$115 |
|
$130 |
|
$144 |
S&P/TSX Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Index |
|
$100 |
|
$113 |
|
$93 |
|
$82 |
|
$94 |
|
$73 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Primary Group
|
|
1Y TSR CAD
|
|
3Y TSR CAD
|
|
5Y TSR CAD
|
|
Cenovus Energy Inc. |
|
-18% |
|
-22% |
|
5% |
Enbridge Inc. |
|
32% |
|
71% |
|
185% |
Encana Corporation |
|
-14% |
|
-6% |
|
-45% |
Husky Energy Inc. |
|
-15% |
|
27% |
|
13% |
Suncor Energy Inc. |
|
2% |
|
34% |
|
8% |
Talisman Energy Inc. |
|
-23% |
|
-24% |
|
-48% |
TransCanada Corp. |
|
22% |
|
44% |
|
92% |
Summary Statistics |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P75 |
|
12% |
|
39% |
|
53% |
Median |
|
-14% |
|
27% |
|
8% |
P25 |
|
-17% |
|
-14% |
|
-20% |
|
Canadian Natural Resources Limited |
|
2% |
|
-1% |
|
2% |
S&P/TSX Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Index |
|
-22% |
|
-21% |
|
-27% |
|
Note: Source for information of above peers is S&P Capital IQ.
Canadian Natural's 1 year performance as measured by TSR return ranked well against its Canadian peers. Only pipeline companies included in the peer
group performed better than Canadian Natural in 1 year TSR performance. The 3 year and 5 year TSR's were between the 25th percentile and median, relative to Canadian peers.
Finally, Canadian Natural outperformed the S&P/TSX Oil and Gas Exploration & Production Index for the 1 year, 3 year and 5 year TSR.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth all direct and indirect remuneration for services in all capacities to the Corporation and its subsidiaries for the
fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 in respect of each NEO. The total cost of compensation paid to the NEOs in 2014 was less than 1% of the net income of the Corporation.
31
Summary Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal Position
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary
|
|
Option
Based
Awards(2)
|
|
Annual
Incentive
Plans(3)
|
|
Long Term
Incentive
Plans(4)
|
|
All Other
Compensation(1)
|
|
Total
Compensation
|
|
|
|
N. Murray Edwards
Executive Chair
Age 55
Years of service 26 |
|
|
2014
2013
2012 |
|
$ $ $ |
1
1
1 |
|
$ $ $ |
1,932,000
3,196,000
3,510,000 |
|
$ $ $ |
1,786,000
1,306,000
1,000,000 |
|
$ $ $ |
8,944,000
5,877,000
4,000,000 |
|
$ $ $ |
|
|
$ $ $ |
12,662,001
10,379,001
8,510,001 |
|
|
|
Steve W. Laut
President
Age 57
Years of service 24 |
|
|
2014
2013
2012 |
|
$ $ $ |
678,462
620,000
614,615 |
|
$ $ $ |
3,000,000
3,196,000
3,510,000 |
|
$ $ $ |
1,323,000
967,000
750,000 |
|
$ $ $ |
4,405,590
4,352,000
2,497,500 |
|
$ $ $ |
96,450
113,828
92,517 |
|
$ $ $ |
9,503,502
9,248,828
7,464,632 |
|
|
|
Tim S. McKay
Chief Operating Officer
Age 53
Years of service 24 |
|
|
2014
2013
2012 |
|
$ $ $ |
586,538
543,269
518,269 |
|
$ $ $ |
1,500,000
1,997,500
1,755,000 |
|
$ $ $ |
477,000
353,000
250,000 |
|
$ $ $ |
1,311,750
1,059,000
687,500 |
|
$ $ $ |
84,631
100,799
79,338 |
|
$ $ $ |
3,959,919
4,053,568
3,290,107 |
|
|
|
Corey B. Bieber
Chief Financial Officer and
Senior Vice-President, Finance
Age 51
Years of service 14 |
|
|
2014
2013
2012 |
|
$ $ $ |
381,923
345,192
302,308 |
|
$ $ $ |
750,000
998,750
388,800 |
|
$ $ $ |
217,000
157,000
95,000 |
|
$ $ $ |
596,750
432,000
213,750 |
|
$ $ $ |
58,162
67,068
49,429 |
|
$ $ $ |
2,003,835
2,000,010
1,049,287 |
|
|
|
Réal J.H. Doucet
Senior Vice-President
Oil Sands, Projects
Age 62
Years of Service 14 |
|
|
2014
2013
2012 |
|
$ $ $ |
460,962
443,269
420,961 |
|
$ $ $ |
402,500
508,750
540,000 |
|
$ $ $ |
262,000
202,000
140,000 |
|
$ $ $ |
1,095,500
945,625
822,500 |
|
$ $ $ |
131,615
150,049
129,651 |
|
$ $ $ |
2,352,577
2,249,693
2,053,112 |
|
|
|
Lyle G. Stevens
Executive Vice-President,
Canadian Conventional
Age 60
Years of service 20 |
|
|
2014
2013
2012 |
|
$ $ $ |
489,231
454,615
435,962 |
|
$ $ $ |
402,500
998,750
1,316,250 |
|
$ $ $ |
278,000
207,000
155,000 |
|
$ $ $ |
1,139,500
569,000
426,250 |
|
$ $ $ |
67,997
81,720
64,057 |
|
$ $ $ |
2,377,228
2,311,085
2,397,519 |
|
|
|
- (1)
- All Other Compensation is comprised of the aggregate value of perquisites and benefits and the unvested portion in each year of the Corporation's
contribution to the Corporation's Employee Stock Savings Plan for each NEO who is a participant in the plan. The Corporation's contribution to the Corporation's stock savings plan for each NEO who is
a participant in the plan vests on January 1 each year. The unvested portion of the Corporation's contribution in 2014 as at December 31, 2014 for each NEO who is a participant in the
plan and which vested January 1, 2015 is as follows: S. W. Laut, $87,667; T. S. McKay, $75,849; C. B. Bieber, $49,397; R. J. H. Doucet, $59,684 and,
L. G. Stevens, $63,270. Mr. R. J. H. Doucet is also paid a site location allowance and site premium. The value in aggregate of perquisites and benefits which is comprised
only of health, life insurance premiums and parking for each NEO is less than $50,000 and is less or worth less than 10% of total salary for 2014.
- (2)
- The grant date fair
value is determined using Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model of options granted in the year. The Corporation chose this methodology
because it is recognized as the most common methodology used for valuing options and doing value comparisons. The options on date of grant have no intrinsic value as the strike price is the closing
price of the Corporation's Common Shares on TSX on the day preceding the grant. The NEOs do not receive any value for these options until options are vested and exercised under the terms of the stock
option plan, provided the price of the Common Shares on TSX is higher than the strike price of the options at time of exercise. The Black-Scholes-Merton assumptions used by the Corporation are
reported on page 28.
- (3)
- The amount shown as Annual Incentive Plans is the cash bonus award to each of the NEO for personal and corporate performance during the year.
- (4)
- Performance Share Unit Plan awards are in the form of a cash payment calculated as a multiple of the cash bonus and deposited to the Employee Stock Savings
Plan for the purpose of purchasing Common Shares of the Corporation on TSX and NYSE, on behalf of the NEO. The PSUs vest equally over three years each July 1 for PSUs awarded for 2014
performance, October 1 for PSUs awarded for 2013 performance and each May 1 for PSUs awarded for 2012 performance. Any dividends declared payable on the Common Shares by the Corporation
are also paid on the unvested shares and dividends paid are used to purchase additional Common Shares which vest immediately. If the NEO leaves the employment of the Corporation for any reason before
normal retirement age, the unvested Common Shares purchased pursuant to the Performance Share Unit Plan are forfeited by the NEO under the terms of the plan. If the NEO elected to receive 50% of their
stock option award as Common Shares, the dollar value of the Common Shares is included.
32
The table below illustrates the number of shares purchased on behalf of the NEO and the average purchase price per share
for each of the three years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Named Executive Officer
|
|
Shares Purchased for 2014
Performance at an Average
Purchase Price of $34.22
|
|
Shares Purchased for 2013
Performance at an Average
Purchase Price of $35.93
|
|
Shares Purchased for 2012
Performance at an Average
Purchase Price of $30.22
|
|
N. Murray Edwards |
|
208,796 |
|
163,549 |
|
132,363 |
Steve W. Laut |
|
128,761 |
|
121,111 |
|
82,644 |
Tim S. McKay |
|
38,338 |
|
29,471 |
|
22,750 |
Corey B. Bieber |
|
17,441 |
|
12,022 |
|
7,072 |
Réal J. H. Doucet |
|
21,058 |
|
15,445 |
|
12,740 |
Lyle G. Stevens |
|
22,344 |
|
15,835 |
|
14,113 |
|
In addition, Messrs. N. M. Edwards and L. G. Stevens elected in 2014 and
R. J. H. Doucet elected in 2012, 2013 and 2014 to receive 50% of their stock option award as Common Shares as indicated in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Named Executive Officer
|
|
Shares Purchased for 2014
Share Election at an Average
Purchase Price of $34.22
|
|
Shares Purchased for 2013
Share Election at an Average
Purchase Price of $35.93
|
|
Shares Purchased for 2012
Share Election at an Average
Purchase Price of $30.22
|
|
N. Murray Edwards |
|
52,608 |
|
|
|
|
Réal J. H. Doucet |
|
10,960 |
|
10,871 |
|
14,477 |
Lyle G. Stevens |
|
10,960 |
|
|
|
|
|
INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS
The following table lists the number of securities underlying unexercised options granted to each of the NEOs and the net benefit of the in-the-money
options as at December 31, 2014. The number of securities underlying unexercised options listed in the table below includes unvested options. The value of those unvested options could not be
realized by the NEO as at December 31, 2014. The Corporation does not have a treasury-based share award program.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Based Awards
|
|
Share-based Awards
|
Name
|
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options(2)
|
|
Option
Exercise
Price(2)
|
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
|
Value of
Unexercised
In-the-money
Options or Similar
Instruments(1)
|
|
Number of
Shares or Units of
Shares that
have not Vested
|
|
Market or
Payout Value
of Share-based
Awards that
have not Vested
|
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
34.385 |
|
January 14, 2015 |
|
614,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
42.24 |
|
January 12, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
350,000 |
|
36.78 |
|
January 13, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
N. Murray Edwards |
|
200,000 |
|
28.06 |
|
January 12, 2018 |
|
1,572,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
28.74 |
|
January 16, 2018 |
|
1,436,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
34.96 |
|
January 10, 2019 |
|
192,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
35.64 |
|
January 11, 2019 |
|
56,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
35.97 |
|
January 9, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
34.385 |
|
January 14, 2015 |
|
614,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
42.24 |
|
January 12, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
36.78 |
|
January 13, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steve W. Laut |
|
200,000 |
|
28.06 |
|
January 12, 2018 |
|
1,572,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
28.74 |
|
January 16, 2018 |
|
1,436,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
34.96 |
|
January 10, 2019 |
|
192,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
35.64 |
|
January 11, 2019 |
|
56,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
35.97 |
|
January 9, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Based Awards
|
|
Share-based Awards
|
Name
|
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options(2)
|
|
Option
Exercise
Price(2)
|
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
|
Value of
Unexercised
In-the-money
Options or Similar
Instruments(1)
|
|
Number of
Shares or Units of
Shares that
have not Vested
|
|
Market or
Payout Value
of Share-based
Awards that
have not Vested
|
|
|
|
160,000 |
|
34.385 |
|
January 14, 2015 |
|
153,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
42.24 |
|
January 12, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
36.78 |
|
January 13, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tim S. McKay |
|
100,000 |
|
28.06 |
|
January 12, 2018 |
|
786,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
28.74 |
|
January 16, 2018 |
|
718,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
34.96 |
|
January 10, 2019 |
|
120,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
35.64 |
|
January 11, 2019 |
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
35.97 |
|
January 9, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,000 |
|
34.385 |
|
January 14, 2015 |
|
52,190 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
42.24 |
|
January 12, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
36.78 |
|
January 13, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corey B. Bieber |
|
22,500 |
|
28.06 |
|
January 12, 2018 |
|
176,850 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
28.74 |
|
January 16, 2018 |
|
161,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
34.96 |
|
January 10, 2019 |
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
35.64 |
|
January 11, 2019 |
|
17,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
35.97 |
|
January 9, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
140,000 |
|
34.385 |
|
January 14, 2015 |
|
214,900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
42.24 |
|
January 12, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Réal J.H. Doucet |
|
125,000 |
|
36.78 |
|
January 13, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
28.06 |
|
January 12, 2018 |
|
491,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
34.96 |
|
January 10, 2019 |
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
35.97 |
|
January 9, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
160,000 |
|
34.385 |
|
January 14, 2015 |
|
245,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
42.24 |
|
January 12, 2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
36.78 |
|
January 13, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lyle G. Stevens |
|
75,000 |
|
28.06 |
|
January 12, 2018 |
|
589,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
28.74 |
|
January 16, 2018 |
|
538,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
34.96 |
|
January 10, 2019 |
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
35.64 |
|
January 11, 2019 |
|
17,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
35.97 |
|
January 9, 2020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- (1)
- The closing price of the Corporation's Common Shares on TSX on December 31, 2014 was $35.92.
- (2)
- For those
options expiring earlier than January 12, 2016, the number of stock options and their exercise price have been adjusted for the 2010
two-for-one stock split.
Incentive plan awards value vested or earned during the year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Share Option based
Awards Value
vested during
the year(1)
|
|
Share-based
Awards Value
vested during
the year(2)
|
|
Non-equity plan
compensation
Value earned
during the year(3)
|
|
N. Murray Edwards |
|
$ |
775,600 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
5,322,050 |
Steve W. Laut |
|
|
775,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
3,666,431 |
Tim S. McKay |
|
|
406,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
996,219 |
Corey B. Bieber |
|
|
102,775 |
|
|
|
|
|
348,541 |
Réal J.H. Doucet |
|
|
63,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
858,449 |
Lyle G. Stevens |
|
$ |
281,625 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
602,419 |
|
- (1)
- This is the aggregate net benefit the NEO would have received before tax had the Named Executive Officer exercised the option on date of vesting based on
the closing price of the Common Shares on TSX on the day prior to vesting.
- (2)
- The Corporation does not have a share-based award program.
- (3)
- This is the aggregate benefit to the NEO based on the closing price of the Common Shares on TSX on the day prior to vesting of the PSU awards during 2014.
PSU awards are in the form of a cash payment deposited to the Employee Stock Savings Plan for the purpose of purchasing Common Shares of the Corporation on TSX, on behalf of the NEO. The Common Shares
vest equally over three years each May 1 for Common Shares purchased for 2012 performance, each October 1 for Common Shares purchased for 2013 performance and each July 1 for
Common Shares purchased for 2014 performance. If the NEO elected to receive 50% of their stock option award as Common Shares, the dollar value of the Common Shares that vested during the year
is included.
34
PENSION PLAN BENEFITS
The Corporation does not provide a pension plan for its NEOs.
TERMINATION AND CHANGE OF CONTROL BENEFITS
The Corporation has not entered into any employment service contracts or change of control agreements with the NEOs. Depending on the conditions of
termination, salary and benefit programs are affected as follows:
|
|
|
|
Resignation |
|
All salary and benefit programs cease as at effective date of resignation.
Annual cash and Performance Share Units are no longer paid.
Unvested options outstanding as at effective date of resignation are forfeited.
Vested options outstanding as at effective date of resignation must be exercised within 30 days from effective date of resignation.
Unvested portion of shares in the savings plan and Performance Share Unit as at effective date of resignation is forfeited.
Unvested portion of shares in the savings plan purchased through the share election is forfeited. |
|
Retirement |
|
All salary and benefit programs cease as at effective date of retirement.
Annual cash and Performance Share Units are no longer paid.
Unvested options outstanding as at effective date of retirement are forfeited.
Vested options outstanding as at effective date of retirement must be exercised within 30 days from effective date of retirement.
Unvested portion of shares in the savings plan and Performance Share Units vest if Normal Retirement Age is reached otherwise forfeited.
Unvested portion of shares in the savings plan purchased through the share election is forfeited. |
|
Death |
|
All salary and benefit programs cease as at date of death except for payout of any
applicable insurance benefits.
Annual cash and Performance Share Units are not paid.
Unvested options outstanding at date of death are cancelled unless vesting is accelerated pursuant to the terms of the option plan.
Vested options outstanding as at date of death must be exercised within three to twelve months from date of death.
Unvested portion of shares in savings plan and Performance Share Units vest at date of death except for those shares purchased through the share election, which are forfeited. |
|
Termination without cause |
|
All salary and benefit programs cease on effective date of termination.
Annual cash and Performance Share Units are no longer paid.
Unvested options outstanding on Notice Date of termination are forfeited.
Vested options outstanding on Notice Date of termination must be exercised within 30 days from Notice Date as defined in the stock option plan.
Unvested portion of shares in savings plan and Performance Share Units is forfeited unless Normal Retirement Age is reached.
Severance provided on an individual basis reflecting service, experience and salary level.
Unvested portion of shares in the savings plan purchased through the share election is forfeited. |
|
Termination for cause |
|
All salary and benefit programs cease on effective date of termination.
Annual cash and Performance Share Units are no longer paid.
Unvested options outstanding as at Notice Date of termination are forfeited.
Vested options outstanding as at Notice Date of termination must be exercised within 30 days from effective date of Notice Date.
Unvested portion of shares in savings plan and Performance Share Units is forfeited unless Normal Retirement Age is reached.
Unvested portion of shares in the savings plan purchased through the share election is forfeited. |
|
35
The Corporation has not entered into any employment agreements or change of control agreements with any of its executives. Pursuant to the terms of the Amended
and Restated Employee Stock Option Plan and the Employee Stock Savings Plan, all unvested options and all unvested shares upon change of control of the Corporation immediately vest whether or not the
employee is terminated upon change of control. The following table outlines the estimated incremental payments (not including any payments on account of normal termination) the NEOs would have
received had a change of control, as defined in the respective plan, occurred effective December 31, 2014.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Base Salary
|
|
Cash Bonus
|
|
Performance
Share Unit(2)
|
|
Accelerated
Option Vesting(1)
|
|
Accelerated
PSU Vesting(1)
|
|
N. Murray Edwards |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
7,144,000 |
|
$ |
2,018,200 |
|
$ |
5,501,028 |
Steve W. Laut |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,405,590 |
|
|
2,003,200 |
|
|
3,889,573 |
Tim S. McKay |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,311,750 |
|
|
1,026,400 |
|
|
978,078 |
Corey B. Bieber |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
596,750 |
|
|
265,040 |
|
|
372,562 |
Réal J. H. Doucet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
720,500 |
|
|
330,750 |
|
|
522,373 |
Lyle G. Stevens |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
764,500 |
|
$ |
738,800 |
|
$ |
548,055 |
|
- (1)
- The closing price of the Corporation's Common Shares on TSX on December 31, 2014 was $35.92.
- (2)
- This is
the dollar value of the PSU awards for 2014 performance with which Common Shares had not as yet been purchased as at
December 31, 2014.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Category
|
|
Number of
Securities to be Issued
Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options
at December 31, 2014
|
|
Weighted-average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options
|
|
Securities Remaining
available
For Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation Plans
at December 31, 2014
|
|
Total Number of
Securities Issuable
Upon Exercise
of Options at
December 31, 2014
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
|
71,707,648 |
|
$35.60 |
|
26,557,669 |
|
98,265,317 |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
71,707,648 |
|
$35.60 |
|
26,557,669 |
|
98,265,317 |
|
Percent of Outstanding Shares |
|
6.6% |
|
|
|
2.4% |
|
9.0% |
|
The Corporation has a long-standing policy of awarding stock options to its Service Providers under the Amended Compiled and Restated Employee Stock Option Plan
(the "SOP"). The options are considered a part of the employee's compensation package to provide parity with compensation levels within the industry. Directors are not eligible to receive
options under the SOP unless they provide ongoing day-to-day management services to the Corporation. The Board believes this established policy of awarding stock options meets the Corporation's
business objectives. The Corporation believes it is in its best interests to continue to award stock options to new employees as part of their compensation package to remain competitive with the
Corporation's peer group. At the shareholder meeting held on May 6, 2010 the SOP was amended to a "rolling 9%" plan whereby the aggregate number of Common Shares that may be available for
issuance from time to time under the Plan as approved by shareholders shall not exceed 9% of the Common Shares. The SOP, as amended, is considered an evergreen plan, since the Common Shares covered by
Options which have been exercised shall be available for subsequent grants under the SOP. Pursuant to the rules of Toronto Stock Exchange, such plans must be presented to the shareholders every three
years to obtain approval of stock options unallocated at that time. On May 2, 2013 the Corporation received approval from the shareholders of the unallocated stock options. The unallocated
stock options pursuant to the SOP as amended must be re-approved by the shareholders on or before May 2, 2016.
The
options issued pursuant to the SOP are non-assignable, have an expiry term not to exceed six years and are exercisable at 20% per year commencing one or two years (for options awarded to
new employees at time of hire) after the date of grant. The exercise price of the options is determined as the closing market price on TSX the day prior to the granting of the options. The Corporation
does not provide any form of financial assistance to facilitate the purchase of securities pursuant to the SOP. Options are exercisable only during the term of employment with the Corporation and the
option holder is not subject to a collective agreement as defined in the SOP text. The aggregate number of Common Shares so available for issuance under the SOP to any one person shall not exceed 5%
of the outstanding issue of Common Shares. The aggregate number of Common Shares reserved for issuance pursuant to all share based compensation plans including options granted to insiders at any time
shall not exceed 9% of the outstanding issue of Common Shares and the aggregate number of Common Shares issued to insiders pursuant to
36
all
share based compensation plans including options within any one year period shall not exceed 10% of the outstanding issue of Common Shares.
If
an Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider to the Corporation for any reason other than death, all unvested options granted to such Optionee shall immediately terminate and be of no further force
and effect and all vested options granted to such Optionee and not exercised within 30 days of the Optionee ceasing to be a Service Provider for any reason other than death shall terminate. If
an Optionee shall die while being a Service Provider to the Corporation any unvested options outstanding at date of death are cancelled unless vesting is accelerated pursuant to the terms of the SOP.
Any Option which has vested at the date of death shall be exercisable from three to twelve months after the date of death and if not exercised, shall terminate no later than the end of twelve months
from date of death.
Shareholders
authorized management to make certain amendments to the SOP without requiring further shareholder approval. Pursuant to terms of the SOP, any amendment to any provision of the SOP or the
stock option certificate shall be subject to the approval, if required, of TSX or any governmental or regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the securities of the Corporation, and if required
by TSX, of the shareholders of the Corporation in the manner prescribed by TSX from time to time. The Board may at any time, without further action by or approval of the shareholders, amend or modify
the SOP and amend or modify the stock option certificate at any time, if and when it is advisable, in the absolute discretion of the Board; provided however, that approval by shareholders shall be
obtained for any amendment which: (a) increases the number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to the SOP; (b) would reduce the exercise price of an outstanding option, including a
cancellation of an option and re-grant of an option in conjunction therewith, constituting a reduction of the exercise price of the option; (c) would extend the term of any option granted under
the SOP beyond the expiration date of the option; (d) amends the SOP to allow for a maximum term of an option to be greater than six years except in the event the Option Period expires during a
Blackout Period or within two business days following the end of a Blackout Period voluntarily imposed by the Corporation during which period Service Providers, amongst others, are prohibited from
trading or otherwise dealing in the Corporation's securities, the Option Period shall be extended to the seventh business day following the later of (i) the last day of a Blackout Period; and
(ii) the date the Option would otherwise expire, if the expiration date would otherwise occur in the time period commencing at the commencement of the Blackout Period to which the Optionee is
subject and ending on the second business day subsequent to the Blackout Period; (e) expands the authority of the Corporation to permit assignability of options beyond that contemplated by the
SOP; (f) adds to the categories of participants who may be designated for participation in the SOP; and (g) amends the SOP to provide for
other types of compensation through equity issuance. No amendment as it may relate to a UK Approved Option (whether granted or to be granted) shall take effect unless and until the approval of the
Board of Inland Revenue has been obtained for such amendment.
No
amendments have been made to the SOP during 2014.
As
at March 18, 2015, the number of Common Shares issuable pursuant to the SOP approved by the shareholders is:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
Securities
|
|
Percent of
Outstanding
Common Shares
|
|
To be issued upon exercise of outstanding options |
|
70,667,886 |
|
6.5 |
Available for future issuance |
|
27,663,386 |
|
2.5 |
|
Total number of securities issuable |
|
98,331,272 |
|
9.0 |
|
INDEBTEDNESS OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The Corporation does not as a general practice extend loans to its directors, executive officers or any of their associates or affiliates. No
directors and executive officers or any of their associates or affiliates is indebted to the Corporation or its subsidiaries.
37
DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' LIABILITY INSURANCE
The Corporation entered into a contract of liability insurance in the amount of US$200,000,000 per policy year for the benefit of the directors and
officers of the Corporation against liability incurred by them in their capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation or of a subsidiary in the event the Corporation cannot or is unable to
indemnify them. The policy expiring March 1, 2016 was purchased for a premium of US$744,300. There is no deductible for this coverage.
INTERESTS OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
The management of the Corporation is not aware of any material interest, direct or indirect, of any director, any proposed nominee for director or
officer of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, any person beneficially owning, or controlling or directing directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the Corporation's voting securities, or any
associate or affiliate of any such person in any transaction since the commencement of the last completed financial year of the Corporation or in any proposed transaction which in either case has
materially affected or will materially affect the Corporation or its subsidiaries.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Financial information is provided in the Corporation's annual and quarterly financial statements and annual and quarterly management's discussion and
analysis ("MD&A"). The Corporation is a reporting issuer under the securities acts of all provinces of Canada and a reporting "foreign private issuer" under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in
the United States ("US") and complies with the requirement to file annual and quarterly financial statements, annual and quarterly MD&A, as well as its management information circular and
annual information form ("AIF") with the various securities commissions in such provinces and with the SEC in the US. The Corporation's most recent AIF, audited financial statements, MD&A, quarterly
financial statements and quarterly MD&A subsequent to the audited financial statements and management information circular may be viewed on the Corporation's website at
www.cnrl.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the name Canadian Natural Resources Limited. The Corporation's filings with the SEC,
including its annual financial statements, annual MD&A and AIF on its annual report on Form 40-F, can be accessed on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Printed
copies of the Corporation's financial statements and MD&A, AIF, Form 40-F, management information circular, corporate governance guidelines, committee charters or ethics policy can also
be obtained from the Corporation free of charge by contacting:
Corporate
Secretary of the Corporation at:
2100, 855 - 2nd Street S. W.
Calgary, Alberta T2P 4J8
APPROVAL OF CIRCULAR
The contents and sending of this Information Circular has been approved in substance by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
DATED at Calgary, Alberta, this 18th day of March 2015
38
III. SCHEDULES TO THE INFORMATION CIRCULAR
SCHEDULE "A" TO INFORMATION CIRCULAR DATED MARCH 18, 2015
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED (the "Corporation")
STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES OF THE CORPORATION
The Board of Directors (the "Board") continually evaluates the corporate governance policies, practices and procedures of the Corporation.
Regulatory changes and trends relating to corporate governance are continually monitored by the Board and the Board will take the appropriate action accordingly. The following describes the
Corporation's corporate governance practices which are in compliance with all corporate governance requirements established under National Instrument 58-101, National Policy 58-201
and the New York Stock Exchange Listing Standards applicable to foreign private issuers.
Director Independence
The Board has a policy that a majority of the Board must qualify as independent directors. Since the date of the last Information Circular, the Board
has reviewed its standing committee memberships to ensure the Audit, the Compensation and the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committees are constituted with all independent directors pursuant to the
independence standards established under National Instrument 58-101 and within the meaning of section 1.4 of National Instrument 52-110 and the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE") Listing Standards and to ensure the Health, Safety and Environmental and the Reserves Committees are constituted with a majority of independent directors.
For
a director to be independent, the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee and the Board must affirmatively determine such independence, taking into account any applicable regulatory requirements
and such other factors as the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee and Board may deem appropriate; provided, however, that there shall be a three (3) year period during which the following
individuals shall not be deemed independent: (i) former employees of the Corporation, or of its independent auditor; (ii) former employees of any company whose compensation committee
includes or included in that time an officer of the Corporation; and, (iii) an immediate family member of the individuals specified in (i) and (ii) above. In addition, a director
whose immediate family member is or was an executive of the Corporation or a current employee of any company whose compensation committee includes an officer of the Corporation will not be considered
independent. The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee and the Board review annually the relationship that each director has with the Corporation (either directly; or, as a partner, shareholder or
officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Corporation). Following this review, only those Directors whom the Board and the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee affirmatively
determine have no direct or indirect material relationship with the Corporation by taking into account the above mentioned factors, any applicable regulatory requirements and such other factors as the
Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee and Board may deem appropriate, will be considered independent directors.
Nine
of the 11 director nominees proposed by management for election are independent as determined by the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee and the Board and pursuant to the independent
standards established under section 1.2(1) of National Instrument 58-101 and within the meaning of section 1.4 of National Instrument 52-110 and the NYSE
Listing Standards. Ms. C. M. Best and Messrs. T. W. Faithfull, G. A. Filmon, C. L. Fong, G. D. Giffin, W. A. Gobert, F. J. McKenna, and D. A. Tuer and Ms. A. M. Verschuren have
all been affirmatively determined as having no material relationship with the Corporation and to be independent. The two remaining Directors, Messrs. N. M. Edwards and S. W. Laut who, as part
of the senior management
committee of the Corporation have been determined by the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee and the Board to be non-independent.
A-1
The
following table illustrates the independent status of each director nominee. The proposed nominees consist of 9 nominees out of 11 (82%) being independent.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Independent
No Material
Relationship
|
|
|
|
Management
|
|
Reason for
Non-independent Status
|
|
Catherine M. Best |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N. Murray Edwards |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
Member of Corporate Management Committee |
|
Timothy W. Faithfull |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Honourable Gary A. Filmon |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christopher L. Fong |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin (Lead Independent Director) |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wilfred A. Gobert |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steve W. Laut |
|
|
|
|
|
X |
|
Member of Corporate Management Committee |
|
Honourable Frank J. McKenna |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David A. Tuer |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annette M. Verschuren |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Board of Directors functions independently of management and appoints the Chair. The Executive Chair is considered non-independent. In 2014 the Board of
Directors re-appointed Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin, Chair of the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee, Lead Independent Director.
Lead Independent Director
The Lead Independent Director ensures that the Board is able to function independent of management. The Lead Independent Director also chairs
periodic meetings of the independent directors including the in-camera meetings held at each Board meeting and reports to the Board as appropriate. In addition and among other things the Lead
Independent Director serves as principal liaison between the independent directors and the Chairman. The Lead Independent Director is elected annually by a vote of the independent directors in
conjunction with the Corporation's annual meeting of shareholders.
Other Issuer Directorships
The Board has not adopted a policy limiting the number of other issuer boards a Director may join. Directors are expected to inform the Chair of the
Board and the Chair of the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee in advance of accepting an outside directorship. Directorships of other issuers held by the director nominees are reported in this
Information Circular in the table under "Election of Directors" beginning on page 4.
Executive Sessions of Board and Committee Meetings
Prior to the termination of each Board meeting, the non-management directors meet in executive session chaired by the Lead Director without the
presence of management to discuss whatever topics are appropriate. Additional executive sessions may be scheduled from time to time as determined by a majority of the non-management directors in
consultation with the Chair of the Board and Lead Independent Director. In addition, at each meeting of a Board committee, each committee schedules an executive session without the presence of
management. The Audit Committee also meets in-camera, without management present, with the internal auditors of the Corporation and the Corporation's independent auditors at each meeting the internal
auditors and the independent auditors are in attendance. The independent members of the Reserves Committee also meet in-camera, without management present, with the Corporation's independent reserves
evaluators at each meeting the independent reserves evaluators attend.
A-2
Average
attendance rate in 2014 for all Board meetings held during the year is 96%. For more detailed information regarding the number of Board and Board committee meetings held during 2014 and the
attendance of each director at these meetings, refer to the table under "Election of Directors" beginning on page 4.
Board and Committee Mandate
The Board has developed corporate governance guidelines to assist the Board in meeting its responsibilities and they reflect the Board's commitment
to monitor the effectiveness of policy and decision making both at the Board and management level, with a view to enhancing long term shareholder value. The role and responsibilities of the Chair and
the Chair of the Board committees is determined through the mandates of the Board and the mandate of each Board committee. The Corporation does not have a designated CEO position. This role is
delegated by the Board to the Corporate Management Committee of the Corporation which is comprised of 17 members of the senior management group including the Chair of the Board and the
President. The Corporate Management Committee shares the responsibilities normally associated with a CEO position. The Corporation's corporate governance guidelines state that the Board is responsible
for the stewardship of the Corporation and overseeing the business and affairs of the Corporation; any responsibility that is not delegated to senior management or a Board committee remains with the
full Board. In addition, the Board in conjunction with senior management determines the limits of management's responsibilities and establishes annual corporate objectives which management is
responsible for meeting.
The
Board's mandate is set out as Schedule "B" to this Information Circular which outlines in detail the responsibilities of the Board.
Audit Committee
Each member of the Audit Committee is independent. The Audit Committee's primary duties and responsibilities as stated in its charter
include to:
- a)
- ensure
that the Corporation's management implemented a system of internal controls over financial reporting and monitors its effectiveness;
- b)
- monitor
and oversee the integrity of the Corporation's financial statements, financial reporting processes and systems of internal controls regarding
financial, accounting and compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements as they relate to financial statements, taxation matters and disclosure of material facts;
- c)
- review
the Corporation's financial statements, management discussion and analysis and annual and interim earnings before the release of this information by
press release or distribution to the shareholders;
- d)
- select
and recommend to the Board for appointment by the shareholders, the Corporation's independent auditors, pre-approve all audit and non-audit services
to be provided to the Corporation or its subsidiary entities by the Corporation's independent auditors consistent with all applicable laws, and establish the fees and other compensation to be paid to
the independent auditors and oversee the work of the independent auditor, including resolution of disagreements with management;
- e)
- monitor
the independence, qualifications and performance of the Corporation's independent auditors;
- f)
- oversee
the audit of the Corporation's financial statements;
- g)
- monitor
the performance of the internal audit function;
- h)
- establish
procedures for the receipt, retention, response to and treatment of complaints, including confidential, anonymous submissions by the Corporation's
employees, regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters;
- i)
- provide
an avenue of communication among the independent auditors, management, the internal audit function and the Board; and,
- j)
- review
and approve the Corporation's hiring policies regarding partners, employees and former partners and employees of present and former external auditors.
A-3
Audit Committee Financial Expert
All of the members of the Corporation's Audit Committee are financially literate. Ms. C. M. Best who is Chair of the Audit Committee qualifies
as an "audit committee financial expert" under the rules issued by the SEC pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
The
Corporation's Annual Information Form contains additional information on the Audit Committee and its members under the section entitled "Audit Committee Information" which includes a full
transcript of the Audit Committee Charter.
Compensation Committee
The Board has constituted the Compensation Committee as a standing committee of the Board of Directors to review and approve the Corporation's
compensation philosophy and programs for executive officers and employees and to approve and evaluate all compensation of executive officers including salaries, bonuses and equity compensation plans.
In
arriving at the compensation levels paid by the Corporation to its executive officers the Committee takes into account a number of factors,
including:
-
- the expertise and experience of the individual;
-
- the overall performance of the Corporation; and
-
- an evaluation of peer-company market data.
In
addition, the Committee also periodically discuss with external independent compensation consultants:
- (I)
- processes used to develop executive compensation industry surveys to yield meaningful analysis of
compensation practices;
- (II)
- compensation trends within the Corporation's geographic area;
- (III)
- common practices used by companies to compensate employees;
- (IV)
- other trends in compensation practices for incentivizing and compensating employees; and,
- (V)
- other emerging "best practices" in executive compensation.
The
Compensation Committee is comprised entirely of independent directors. The Compensation Committee's primary duties and responsibilities as stated in its charter
include to:
- a)
- review
and approve the Corporation's compensation philosophy and programs for executive officers and employees of the Corporation that (i) supports
the Corporation's overall business strategy and objectives; (ii) attracts and retains key executives and employees; (iii) links compensation with business objectives, organizational
performance and long term shareholder interest; and (iv) provides competitive compensation opportunities;
- b)
- selection
and retention of compensation consultants and approval of their fees and services to be provided;
- c)
- consider
the implications of the risks associated with the Corporation's compensation policies and practices as they relate to executive compensation;
- d)
- approve
and evaluate all compensation of executive officers including salaries, bonuses, and equity compensation plans;
- e)
- review
the Corporation's senior management and the steps being taken to assure the succession of qualified senior management at the Corporation through
monitoring the Corporation's management resources, structure, succession planning, development and selection process as well as the performance of key executives;
A-4
- f)
- review
the Corporation's Amended, Compiled and Restated Employee Stock Option Plan, the Employee Stock Purchase Plan under which Common Shares may be
acquired by directors, executive officers and employees of the Corporation, and, the Corporation's pension plan which was acquired at the time of the acquisition of Anadarko Canada Corporation and
whose only members are former employees of Anadarko Canada Corporation and its predecessor companies. The Compensation Committee will also review the administration of all equity plans the Corporation
may establish;
- g)
- review
management's Compensation Discussion and Analysis of executive compensation for inclusion in the Information Circular of the Corporation; and,
- h)
- periodically
review and recommend to the Board appropriate compensation for the independent Lead Director of the Board.
Health, Safety and Environmental Committee
The Health, Safety and Environmental Committee is comprised of a majority of independent directors and is chaired by an independent director. The
Health, Safety and Environmental Committee's primary duties and responsibilities as stated in its charter include to:
- a)
- generally
ensure that the management of the Corporation has designed and implemented effective health, safety and environmental risk programs, controls and
reporting systems and reporting to the Board in respect thereof;
- b)
- generally
ensure that the management of the Corporation has designed and implemented an effective voluntary employee wellness program that is available to
all employees and which promotes and encourages healthy living choices by employees;
- c)
- monitor
the Corporation's performance in the areas of health, safety and environmental stewardship and its compliance with the regulatory requirements in the
jurisdictions in which it operates;
- d)
- review
quarterly the key performance indicators for health and safety, asset integrity and environmental performance against goals, objectives and targets in
those areas and on a periodic basis, actions and initiatives undertaken to mitigate related risk;
- e)
- assess
the impact of proposed or enacted laws and regulations related to health, safety and environment in those jurisdictions where the Corporation
operates; and,
- f)
- review
management's commitment, overall plans and strategies in the areas of corporate citizenship, ethics, social responsibility and community affairs to
ensure they are in line with the Corporation's goals and image.
Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee
The Board has constituted the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee to annually conduct a self-assessment of the Board's performance, an
assessment of Board members and its committees, (with each committee assessing its members), and to recommend to the Board, nominees for appointment of new directors to fill vacancies or meet
additional needs of the Board. Through the Board evaluation process and ongoing monitoring of the needs of the Corporation, desired expertise, diversity and skill sets are identified and individuals
that possess the required experience and skills are contacted by the Chair of the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee. Prospective new director nominees are interviewed by the Chair of the
Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee and the Chair of the Board and considered by the entire Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee for recommendation to the Board as potential nominee
directors.
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The
matrix below illustrates the mix of experience, knowledge and understanding possessed by the members of the Board in the categories that are relevant to the Corporation that enable the Board to
better carry out its fiduciary responsibilities.
|
|
|
Experience Description
|
|
Directors with
relevant experience
|
|
Accounting/Finance |
|
6 |
Executive Leadership/Compensation |
|
11 |
Economics/Business |
|
11 |
Engineering/Technical |
|
4 |
Governance |
|
9 |
Government/Regulatory |
|
9 |
Health, Safety/Environmental |
|
7 |
International Business |
|
6 |
Law |
|
2 |
Oil and Gas Industry |
|
7 |
Risk Management |
|
10 |
|
The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee also reviews periodically the adequacy and structure of directors' compensation and makes recommendations to the
Board designed to ensure the directors' compensation realistically reflects the responsibilities, time commitments and risks of the directors.
The
Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee is composed entirely of independent directors. The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee's primary duties and responsibilities as stated in its
charter include to:
- a)
- provide
assistance to the Board and the Chair of the Board in the area of review and consideration of developments in corporate governance practices;
- b)
- recommend
to the Board a set of corporate governance principles and procedures applicable to and employed by the Corporation;
- c)
- provide
assistance to the Board and the Chair of the Board in the area of Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee selection and rotation practices;
- d)
- provide
assistance to the Board and the Chair of the Board in the area of evaluation of the overall effectiveness of the Board and management;
- e)
- annually
evaluate the performance of each Director;
- f)
- identify
individuals qualified to become Board members with the Chair of the Board and recommend to the Board, director nominees for the next annual meeting
of shareholders;
- g)
- review
and recommend periodically to the Board, the Corporation's compensation for directors of the Corporation;
- h)
- review
significant enterprise risk exposures not delegated to other Board committees and steps management has taken to monitor, control and report
such exposures;
- i)
- review
annually the Corporation's Code of Integrity, Business Ethics and Conduct policy; and
- j)
- review
annually the Corporation's Board of Directors Corporate Governance Guidelines.
Reserves Committee
The Reserves Committee is comprised of a majority of independent directors and is chaired by an independent director. The Reserves Committee's
primary duties and responsibilities as stated in its charter include to:
- a)
- generally
assume responsibility for assisting the Board in respect of annual independent and/or internal review of the Corporation's petroleum and natural
gas reserves;
- b)
- appoint
the independent evaluating engineers and approve their remuneration; and,
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- c)
- report
to the Board on the Corporation's petroleum and natural gas reserves and recommend to the Board for acceptance and inclusion of the contents of the
annual independent report on the Corporation's petroleum and natural gas reserves for filing with the regulatory authorities.
Director Orientation
The Corporation has an orientation program whereby new members of the Board are provided background information about the Corporation's business,
current issues, and corporate strategies. They also receive a Director's Manual which contains the Information Circular, annual report, press releases, Annual Information Form and Form 40-F.
They receive a copy of the Corporation's Code of Integrity, Business Ethics and Conduct, Human Rights Statement, Board and Board committee mandates and other information about the Board, its
committees, director's duties and responsibilities. They meet with key operations personnel and receive specific information on the business and ongoing operations of the Corporation, corporate
structure, management structure, financial position of the Corporation, business risks, employee compensation, business conduct philosophies, culture of the Corporation and corporate governance
practices. As well, any director has unrestricted direct access to any member of senior management and their staff at any time.
Director Education
The Corporation provides ongoing continuous education programs through key business area presentations, business updates and operations site visits
as appropriate. In 2014 detailed presentations to the Board were conducted on the Corporation's (i) Canadian drilling and completions activities including historical look-back and changes in
the industry in the intervening period; (ii) operations accounting processes and reporting structure; (iii) Information Services area and the principle functions of each unit within;
(iv) thermal assets including location of land positions, the potential of the assets, the growth plan for thermal development and ten year production forecast; (v) related crude oil and
natural gas production technology development and R&D funding; (vi) environmental performance; and, investor relations activities. Each Director is expected to participate in continuing
education programs to maintain any professional designation that they may have and which would have been considered in their nomination as a Director. Each Director is expected to participate in
programs that would be necessary to maintain a level of expertise in order to perform his or her responsibilities as a director and committee member and to provide ongoing guidance and direction
to management.
Board and Committee Assessment
The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee is responsible for assessing the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, the committees of the Board and
the contribution of individual directors. The assessment includes a detailed annual questionnaire that each director must complete. The annual questionnaire covers a range of topics including:
individual self-assessment; assessment of board and committee performance and effectiveness; and, an assessment of peer performance at the Board level and at the committee level. An independent
management consulting firm is engaged to review and analyze the completed questionnaires and provide to the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee a presentation and a detailed written report of
the responses to the questionnaire and an analysis of those responses. The independent management consultant attends at a meeting of the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee to present their
report, address any questions the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee may have and make recommendations as appropriate. The written analysis from the consulting firm together with any issues or
concerns raised by the questionnaires and during the meeting with the independent management consultant constitutes part of the report to the full Board. The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee
present the detailed report to the Board and makes recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the Board in light of the results of the performance evaluation.
Director Retirement Policy
In the interest of Board renewal the Board of Directors established a mandatory retirement policy for Directors. Under the policy, any Director who
has reached the age of 75 cannot stand for election to the Board. The retirement policy is reviewed periodically by the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee.
Ethics Policy
The Board of Directors has adopted a written code for the directors, officers and employees of the Corporation and contractors entitled The Code of
Integrity, Business Ethics and Conduct (the "Code"). The Code applies to all
A-7
directors,
officers and employees as well as others who perform services for or on behalf of the Corporation and is supported by the Board as a whole. It includes such topics as employment standards
relating among other things to restrictions on gifts and entertainment and adherence to local laws and regulations in the communities in which we do business, conflicts of interest, communication, the
treatment of confidential information, privacy practices, financial integrity, environmental management, health and safety, and, trading in the Corporation's securities. The Code is designed to ensure
that the Corporation's business is conducted in a consistently legal and ethical manner. Each Director and all employees including each member of senior management are required to abide by the Code.
The
Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee reviews the Code annually to ensure it addresses appropriate matters, complies with regulatory requirements and to ensure it keeps pace with evolving
business ethics and best practices. The Board must approve any changes to the Code and only after a recommendation to the Board is received from the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee who has
the responsibility to recommend to the Board any amendments it determines is appropriate. Material changes to the Code are communicated to all employees to ensure they are aware of such changes and
that they are in compliance with the Code.
Each
new employee must also sign an acknowledgement form upon hire, acknowledging that they have received a copy of the Code, have read it, understand it and agree to abide by it. Directors, officers
and employees must immediately declare any actual or known potential conflicts of interest that may exist.
Annually
a reminder with a copy of the Code is sent to each director and to all employees reminding them of the importance of adhering to the spirit and intent of the Code and how a copy can be
acquired or referenced at any time. In addition, annually, each director and officer must acknowledge in writing the Code and confirm they are familiar with it, understand it and that they are not in
breach of any of its principles nor were granted any waivers for compliance with the Code in whole or in part.
Periodic
reports are provided to the Board from management directly responsible for compliance related matters on compliance with the Code and on any existing or potential conflicts of interest of
directors, officers and employees. The Board, through the Audit Committee Chair, also receives reports of any financial or accounting issues raised through the Corporation's anonymous toll-free
hot-line.
No
material change report pertaining to the conduct of any director or executive officer has been required or filed during the most recently completed financial year. To the best of the Board's
knowledge, there has been no departure from the Code in the conduct of any director or executive officer.
Any
waivers to the Code must be approved by the Board of Directors and appropriately disclosed. No waivers to the Code in whole or in part have been asked for or granted to any director, officer
or employee.
Copies
of the Code can be obtained free of charge from SEDAR at www.sedar.com or by contacting the office of the Corporate Secretary at the address indicated under
"Additional Information" on page 38.
Independent Judgment of Directors
To ensure independent judgment is exercised by the directors on any transaction they may be considering where another director or executive officer
of the Corporation may have a material interest, the director or executive officer with the material interest must declare such material interest and would be excused from that portion of the meeting.
After management's presentation has been made and all questions have been answered to the satisfaction of the disinterested directors, the disinterested directors then have an open and unencumbered
discussion on the merits of the transaction and its benefit to the Corporation.
Diversity and Board Renewal
The Corporation is currently considering the adoption of a formal diversity policy. The Directors believe it is to the best interests of the
Corporation in having a Board whose members are diverse in background and experience for good governance, guidance, direction and leadership of the Corporation and can bring a broad perspective to the
decision making process. Directors are selected for their ability to exercise independent judgment, experience, expertise and for their individual diversity of gender, background, experience and
skills. In recognizing the importance of diversity, the Board appointed Ms. Annette M. Verschuren in November 2014 who brings strong and proven entrepreneurial, business and risk
management experience to the Board. Together with Ms. Catherine M.
A-8
Best
who has been a Board member since 2004 and is Chair of the Audit Committee, the Board is comprised of two women of an eleven member board or 18%.
The
Corporation does not have a policy that specifically targets a definitive number of women in executive positions. As part of the overall management succession plans of the Corporation and in
following its mission statement to develop people, all employees have the benefit of having access to the same continuing education and career development opportunities offered through the
Corporation. Appointments by the Board to the executive level are determined on merit, performance, management skills, expertise and experience of the individual that is relevant to the area of
responsibility that they will be assuming. Currently the Corporation has 34 women in manager positions including 4 women vice-presidents; one of whom is a member of the senior management
team of seventeen, and nearly 300 women who are in supervisory and/or technical roles.
The
Board has not adopted term limits for directors. It is felt that term limits can disadvantage the Corporation by it being deprived of the contributions of Directors who have developed an
understanding of and insight into the Corporation, knowledge of its industry, operations and management, whose expertise, breadth of experience, wisdom and leadership continue to benefit the
Corporation. Board renewal is attained through the Board's retirement policy and through regular Board and Director performance assessments. In addition, the Board, as permitted by its Articles, may
appoint additional members as deemed necessary, of up to 1/3 of the number of directors serving on the Board. Over the past five years, four non-management directors have joined the
Board bringing additional diversity and industry, business and managerial experience.
The New York Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Listing Standards
The Corporation, as a "foreign private issuer" (as such term is defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as
amended (the "Exchange Act")) listed on the NYSE in the United States, may rely on home jurisdiction listing standards for compliance with the NYSE Corporate Governance Listing Standards
but must comply with the following NYSE rules: (i) the requirement (Section 303A.06) for the audit committee to meet the requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act;
(ii) the requirement (Section 303A.11) for the Corporation to disclose in its annual report or on its website any significant differences between its corporate governance practices and
the NYSE listing standards applicable to U.S. domestic companies; (iii) the requirement (Section 303A.12(b)) for the Corporation's CEO to promptly notify in writing the NYSE after
any executive officer becomes aware of any non-compliance with the applicable provisions of NYSE Corporate Governance Listing Standards; and, (iv) the requirement (Section 303A.12(c))
for the Corporation to submit an executed Annual Written Affirmation affirming the Corporation's compliance with audit committee requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act or, as may be
required from time to time, an Interim Written Affirmation to the NYSE in the event of certain changes to the Audit Committee membership or member's independence, and that the Corporation has provided
its statement of significant corporate governance differences as required to be included in its annual report to shareholders or on its website.
As
required by the NYSE, a statement of the significant differences between the Corporation's current corporate governance practices and those currently required for U.S. domestic companies
listed on the NYSE is included in the Corporation's annual report to shareholders.
A-9
SCHEDULE "B" TO INFORMATION CIRCULAR DATED MARCH 18, 2015
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED (the "Corporation")
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
The Board of Directors (the "Board") of the Corporation has adopted the following Corporate Governance Guidelines
(the "Guidelines") to assist the Board in meeting its responsibilities. These Guidelines reflect the Board's commitment to monitor the effectiveness of policy and decision making both at the
Board and management level, with a view to enhancing long-term shareholder value. The Board requires the directors, officers and employees of the Corporation to comply with all legal and regulatory
requirements and encourages them to adhere to the highest ethical standards in the performance of their duties.
Directors
must perform their duties, keeping in mind their fiduciary duty to the shareholders and the Corporation. That duty includes the obligation to ensure that the Corporation's disclosures
contain accurate information that fairly presents the Corporation and its operations to shareholders and the public in conformity with applicable laws, rules and regulations.
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board is responsible for the stewardship of the Corporation and overseeing the business and affairs of the Corporation. In
executing this role, the Board shall oversee the conduct, direction and results of the business. In turn, management is mandated to conduct the day-to-day business and affairs of the Corporation and
is responsible for implementing the Board's strategies, goals and directions. The Board and its members shall at all times act in the best interest of the Corporation and its actions shall reflect its
responsibility of establishing proper business practices and high ethical standards expected of the Corporation.
In
discharging the Board's stewardship obligations, the Board assumes responsibility for the following matters:
- 1.
- monitor
the effectiveness of management policies and decisions including the creation and execution of its strategies;
- 2.
- review,
and, where appropriate, approve the Corporation's major financial objectives, plans and actions;
- 3.
- with
the assistance of its standing committees, the identification of the principal risks of the Corporation's business and ensuring the implementation of
appropriate systems to manage these risks;
- 4.
- succession
planning; including appointing, training and monitoring senior management;
- 5.
- a
communication and disclosure policy for the Corporation; and,
- 6.
- the
integrity of the Corporation's internal control and management information systems.
COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD
Criteria for Board of Directors
The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee comprised entirely of Directors who qualify as independent directors under the
requirements of the regulatory bodies to which the Corporation is subject ("Independent Directors"), is responsible for identifying, screening and recommending director nominations for appointment as
members of the Board. The Board, however, will ultimately be responsible for nominating for appointment new directors and for the selection of its Chair.
The
Board requires that a majority of the Board qualify as Independent Directors. Nominees for director are selected on the basis of, among other things, broad perspective, integrity, independence of
judgment, experience, expertise, diversity in background, experience and skills, ability to make independent analytical inquiries, understanding of the Corporation's business environment and
willingness to devote adequate time and effort to Board responsibilities.
Election of Directors by Shareholders
Election of director nominees by shareholders in an uncontested election shall be by majority vote. A director nominee who receives
in an uncontested election, a greater number of votes withheld than votes cast in favour of the election of the director nominee, shall forthwith submit to the Board, his or her resignation, to take
effect upon acceptance by the Board. The Board shall exercise discretion in considering the resignation of the director nominee and if it is deemed to be in the best interests of the Corporation and
the shareholders and, absent any extenuating
B-1
circumstances
deemed by the Board to exist, the Board shall accept such resignation within 90 days of having received the resignation of the director nominee.
Independence
As stated previously, the Board shall be comprised of a majority of Independent Directors. For a director to be independent, the
Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee and the Board must affirmatively determine that an individual is independent, taking into account any applicable regulatory requirements and such other
factors as the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee and Board may deem appropriate; provided, however, that there shall be a three (3) year period during which they shall not be deemed
independent, for the following individuals; (i) former employees of the Corporation, or of its independent auditor; (ii) former employees of any company whose compensation committee
includes an officer of the Corporation; and (iii) immediate family members of the individuals specified in (i) and (ii) above. The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee and
the Board will review annually the relationship that each director has with the Corporation (either directly; or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with
the Corporation). Following this review, only those Directors who the Board and the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee affirmatively determine meet any applicable regulatory independence
requirements and have no material relationship with the Corporation will be considered Independent Directors. The basis for any determination that a relationship is not material will be published in
the Corporation's Information Circular.
Directors
have an obligation to inform the Board of any material changes in their circumstances or relationships that may impact their designation by the Board as "independent".
Size of the Board
The Articles of the Corporation provide that the Board will have not less than three (3) or more than fifteen
(15) members. The Board will fix the exact number of directors at any time after considering the recommendation of the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee. The size of the Board should
enable its members to effectively and responsibly discharge their responsibilities to the Corporation.
Lead Director
The non-management Directors shall designate one non-management Director to serve in the capacity of Lead Director for the purposes
outlined in the terms of reference for the Lead Director or for other responsibilities that the independent Directors might designate from time to time.
Other Company Directorships
The Corporation does not have a policy limiting the number of other company boards of directors upon which a Director may sit. The
Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee shall consider the number of other company boards or comparable governing bodies on which a prospective nominee is a member.
Directors
are expected to advise the Chair of the Board and the Chair of the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee in advance of accepting any other company directorships or any assignment to the
audit committee or compensation committee of the board of directors of any other company.
While
the Corporation does not restrict the number of public company boards that a Director may serve on, each Director is expected to devote sufficient time and energy to fulfill their
responsibilities to the Corporation and to carry out their duties as a Director of the Corporation effectively.
Term Limits
The Board does not favour the concept of mandatory term limits. The Board believes term limits have the disadvantage of losing the
contribution of Directors who have been able to develop, over a period of time, increasing insight into the Corporation and its operations and thereby provide an increasing contribution to the Board
as a whole.
Retirement Policy
Under the Board's retirement policy Directors will not stand for re-election after reaching the age of 75. The Nominating, Governance
and Risk Committee has the responsibility to evaluate annually the effectiveness of each Director.
B-2
DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Each Director shall have the responsibility to exercise his or her business judgment in good faith and in a manner that he or she
reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the Corporation. A Director is expected to spend the time and effort necessary to properly discharge such Director's responsibilities. Accordingly, a
Director is expected to regularly attend a minimum of 75% of all meetings of the Board and committees on which such Director sits (except for any extenuating circumstances) and to review in advance
the meeting materials.
DIRECTOR ORIENTATION
New members of the Board shall be provided an orientation which includes background information about the Corporation's business,
current issues, corporate strategies, general information about the Board and committees and Director's duties and responsibilities and meetings with key operations personnel. Each Director is
expected to participate in continuing educational programs in order to maintain the necessary level of expertise to perform his or her responsibilities as a Director.
BOARD MEETINGS
The Board has five (5) regularly scheduled meetings each year appropriately scheduled for the Board to meet its
responsibilities. In addition, unscheduled Board meetings may be called upon proper notice being given at any time to address specific needs of the Corporation. One half (or where one half of
the Directors is not a whole number, the whole number which is closest to and less than one half) of the Directors then in office constitutes a quorum for Board of Directors meetings.
The
Chair of the Board will establish the agenda for each Board meeting. Any member of the Board may request that an item be included on the agenda and at any Board meeting raise subjects that are not
on the agenda for that meeting.
At
the invitation of the Board, members of senior management and independent advisors recommended by the Chair or the President attend Board meetings or portions thereof for the purpose of
participating in discussions thereby providing certain expertise and/or insight into items that may be open for discussion. The Corporate Secretary attends all Board meetings except where there is a
specific reason for the Corporate Secretary to be excluded.
Materials
for the review, discussion, and/or action of the Board are, to the extent practicable, to be distributed sufficiently in advance of meetings, thereby allowing time for review prior to the
meeting. It is recognized that in certain circumstances written materials may not be available in advance of the meeting.
Immediately
following the termination of each regularly scheduled Board meeting, the Independent Directors shall meet in executive session without the presence of management to discuss whatever topics
they believe are appropriate. These meetings will be chaired by the Lead Director. Additional executive sessions may be scheduled from time to time as determined by a majority of the Independent
Directors in consultation with the Chair of the Board and the Lead Director.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Board has established five (5) standing committees to assist the Board in fulfilling
its mandate:
- 1.
- Audit
Committee;
- 2.
- Compensation
Committee;
- 3.
- Nominating,
Governance and Risk Committee;
- 4.
- Reserves
Committee; and
- 5.
- Health,
Safety and Environmental Committee.
The
purpose and responsibilities for each of these committees are outlined in committee charters adopted by the Board.
The
Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee shall each be comprised entirely of Independent Directors. The Reserves Committee and the Health,
Safety and Environmental Committee shall be comprised of a majority of Independent Directors. The Chair of each of the Reserves Committee and the Health, Safety and Environmental Committee shall be an
Independent Director.
B-3
Appointment
of directors to standing committees shall be the responsibility of the Board, having received the recommendation of the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee, based upon consultations
with the members of the Board and the Chair.
The
Board may constitute additional standing committees or special committees with special mandates as may be required or appropriate from time to time.
The
Chair of each committee will determine the agenda, frequency and length of the committee meetings consistent with any requirements set forth in the committee's charter.
BOARD EVALUATION
The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee will sponsor an annual self-assessment of the Board's performance, Directors'
performance as well as the performance of each committee of the Board, the results of which will be discussed with the full Board and each committee. In preparing these assessments, the Nominating,
Governance and Risk Committee, circulates to each Director a questionnaire through which each Director can provide input. The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee will also utilize the results of
this self-evaluation process in assessing and determining the characteristics and critical skills required of prospective candidates for appointment to the Board and making recommendations to the
Board with respect to assignments of Board members to various committees.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Senior management of the Corporation shall report periodically to the Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee on the status of the
Corporation's Directors' compensation practices in relation to the other companies of comparable size and within the industry. The Corporation believes in a mix of both cash and stock based
compensation. The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee will recommend any changes in Director compensation to the Board for approval.
Director's
fees are the only compensation an Audit Committee member may receive from the Corporation.
SHARE OWNERSHIP
Directors are required to acquire and hold Common Shares of the Corporation equal to a minimum aggregate market value of three times
the annual retainer fee paid to directors within five (5) years from the date of their appointment as a director of the Corporation.
Directors
are required to confirm annually for the Corporation's Information Circular their share ownership position and that such position is their beneficial and legal ownership position and has not
been hedged or otherwise sold.
EVALUATION OF SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Senior management is responsible for the day to day operation of the Corporation. Operations are to be conducted in a manner, which
reflects the standards established by the Board, and with the goal of implementing and fulfilling the policies, strategies and goals established by the Board. The Board shall determine the specific or
general terms and levels of authority for senior management as it may consider advisable from time to time.
The
Corporation does not have a CEO designation. This role is delegated by the Board to the senior management of the Corporation including the Chair of the Board and the President. The Board
establishes annual corporate objectives which senior management is responsible for meeting and assesses senior management's performance annually. This evaluation is based upon objective criteria
previously authorized by the Board including consideration of the performance of the business of the Corporation, accomplishment of short and long-term strategic objectives, material business
accomplishments and development of management. The evaluation is used by the Compensation Committee, as part of a formal process of considering compensation of senior management with reference to the
performance in meeting the corporate objectives.
The
President reports to the Compensation Committee annually with respect to senior management succession issues and the status of the Corporation's on-going program for management development.
B-4
DIRECTOR ACCESS TO MANAGEMENT, EMPLOYEES AND ADVISORS
Each Director may consult with any manager or employee of the Corporation or with any independent advisor to the Corporation at
any time.
In
appropriate circumstances, the committees of the Board are authorized to engage independent advisors as may be necessary in the circumstances.
In
discharging his or her obligations, an individual director may engage outside advisors, at the expense of the Corporation, in appropriate circumstances.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Management speaks for the Corporation and is responsible for communications with the press, analysts, regulators, and other
constituencies. From time to time members of the Board may be requested to communicate with one or more of those constituencies. It is anticipated that such communication will be coordinated with the
Corporation's Management Committee.
COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD
The Chair speaks on behalf of the Board. However, any shareholder or interested party who wishes to communicate with the Board or any
specific director may contact the Board or such specific director at the head office of the Corporation at the following address:
Canadian
Natural Resources Limited
C/O
Corporate Secretary
#2100,
855 2nd St. S. W.
Calgary,
Alberta
T2P 4J8
Depending
on the subject matter, the Corporate Secretary will:
-
- Forward the communication to the director to whom it is addressed;
-
- Refer the inquiry to the appropriate corporate department if it is a matter that does not appear to require direct
attention by the Board or an individual director; or
-
- Not forward the communication if it is primarily commercial in nature or if it relates to an improper or irrelevant topic.
CODE OF INTEGRITY, BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT
The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee will periodically assess the Corporation's Code of Integrity, Business Ethics and
Conduct policies to ensure it addresses appropriate topics and complies with the appropriate regulatory bodies' regulations and recommend any appropriate changes to the Board for approval. The Board
must approve any waiver of the Code for any member of senior management or Directors. Any waiver must be disclosed in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements.
MODIFICATIONS TO CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
The Nominating, Governance and Risk Committee will annually review these Corporate Governance Guidelines and recommend any
appropriate changes to the Board for approval.
B-5
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CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY MAY 7, 2015
I. INFORMATION ON ITEMS TO BE ACTED UPON
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
INFORMATION CONCERNING VOTING
NUMBER OF VOTING SHARES OUTSTANDING AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
RECEIVING THE ANNUAL REPORT
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON APPROACH TO EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
OTHER MATTERS
II. INFORMATION RESPECTING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
INDEBTEDNESS OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS' LIABILITY INSURANCE
INTERESTS OF INFORMED PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
APPROVAL OF CIRCULAR
III. SCHEDULES TO THE INFORMATION CIRCULAR
STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES OF THE CORPORATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
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