UNITED STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
[ ] REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b)
or 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR
15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
[ ] SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR
15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 0-15490
QUARTZ MOUNTAIN RESOURCES LTD.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
(Jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
15th Floor, 1040 West Georgia
Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 4H1
(Address
of principal executive offices)
Trevor Thomas, Corporate
Secretary
Facsimile No.: 604-681-2741
15th Floor, 1040 West Georgia
Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 4H1
(Name,
Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section
12(b) of the Act.
Title of Each Class: |
Name of each exchange on which registered
|
|
|
Not applicable |
Not applicable |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section
12(g) of the Act
Common shares, no par value
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the
issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period
covered by the annual report:
27,299,513 common shares as of July 31, 2014
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known
seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes [
]
No [X]
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by
check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section
13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes [
]
No [X]
Indicate by check mark whether Registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
[X]
No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted
electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive
Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation
S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes [
]
No [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large
accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or non-accelerated filer. See definition
of "accelerated filer" and "large accelerated filer" in Rule 126-2 of the
Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer [ ] |
Accelerated Filer [ ] |
Non-Accelerated Filer [X]
|
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant
has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP [ ] |
International Financial Reporting Standards
as issued [X] |
Other [ ] |
|
by the International Accounting Standards
Board |
|
If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous
question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant
has elected to follow.
Item 17 [
]
Item 18 [ ]
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the
Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
Yes [
] No
[X]
2
GENERAL |
5 |
|
CURRENCY AND MEASUREMENT |
7 |
|
NOTE ON FORWARD LOOKING
STATEMENTS |
7 |
ITEM 1 |
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND
ADVISERS |
8 |
|
A. |
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT |
8 |
|
B. |
ADVISORS |
8 |
|
C. |
AUDITORS |
8 |
ITEM 2 |
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE |
8 |
ITEM 3 |
KEY INFORMATION |
8 |
|
A. |
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
8 |
|
B. |
CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS |
10 |
|
C. |
REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
10 |
|
D. |
RISK FACTORS |
10 |
ITEM 4 |
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY |
15 |
|
A. |
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE
COMPANY |
15 |
|
B. |
BUSINESS OVERVIEW |
16 |
|
C. |
MINERAL PROPERTIES AND
EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES AND PLANS |
18 |
|
D. |
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE |
23 |
|
E. |
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT |
23 |
|
F. |
CURRENCY |
23 |
ITEM 4A |
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
24 |
ITEM 5 |
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS |
24 |
|
OVERVIEW |
24 |
|
A. |
OPERATING RESULTS |
24 |
|
B. |
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES |
27 |
|
C. |
RESEARCH EXPENDITURES |
29 |
|
D. |
TREND INFORMATION |
29 |
|
E. |
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS |
30 |
|
F. |
TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS |
31 |
|
G. |
SAFE HARBOR |
31 |
ITEM 6 |
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT
AND EMPLOYEES |
31 |
|
A. |
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT |
31 |
|
B. |
COMPENSATION |
36 |
|
C. |
BOARD PRACTICES |
37 |
|
D. |
EMPLOYEES |
42 |
|
E. |
SHARE OWNERSHIP |
42 |
ITEM 7 |
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
43 |
|
A. |
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS |
43 |
|
B. |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
45 |
|
C. |
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL |
45 |
ITEM 8 |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
46 |
|
A. |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL
INFORMATION |
46 |
|
B. |
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES |
46 |
ITEM 9 |
THE OFFER AND LISTING |
46 |
3
|
A. |
OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS |
46 |
|
B. |
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION |
47 |
|
C. |
MARKETS |
47 |
|
D. |
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS |
47 |
|
E. |
DILUTION |
48 |
|
F. |
EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE |
48 |
ITEM 10 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
48 |
|
A. |
SHARE CAPITAL |
48 |
|
B. |
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF
ASSOCIATION |
48 |
|
C. |
MATERIAL CONTRACTS |
50 |
|
D. |
EXCHANGE CONTROLS |
50 |
|
E. |
TAXATION |
51 |
|
F. |
DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS |
58 |
|
G. |
STATEMENT BY EXPERTS |
59 |
|
H. |
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY |
59 |
|
I. |
SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION |
59 |
ITEM 11 |
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
59 |
|
A. |
TRANSACTION RISK AND CURRENCY RISK MANAGEMENT |
59 |
|
B. |
EXCHANGE RATE SENSITIVITY |
59 |
|
C. |
INTEREST RATE RISK AND EQUITY PRICE RISK |
59 |
|
D. |
COMMODITY PRICE RISK |
59 |
ITEM 12 |
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY
SECURITIES |
59 |
ITEM 13 |
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES
AND DELINQUENCIES |
59 |
ITEM 14 |
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF
SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS |
60 |
ITEM 15 |
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
60 |
|
A. |
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
60 |
|
B. |
MANAGEMENT'S ANNUAL REPORT ON
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING |
60 |
|
CHANGES IN
INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING |
60 |
|
LIMITATIONS OF CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
61 |
ITEM 16 |
[RESERVED] |
61 |
ITEM 16A |
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL
EXPERT |
61 |
ITEM 16B |
CODE OF ETHICS |
61 |
ITEM 16C |
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND
SERVICES |
62 |
ITEM 16D |
EXEMPTIONS FROM LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT
COMMITTEES |
62 |
ITEM 16E |
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS |
62 |
ITEM 16F |
CHANGE IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT |
62 |
ITEM 16G |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
63 |
ITEM 16H |
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE |
63 |
ITEM 17 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
63 |
ITEM 18 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
63 |
ITEM 19 |
EXHIBITS |
63 |
4
GENERAL
In this Annual Report on Form 20-F, all references to "we", the
"Company" or "Quartz Mountain" refer to Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. and its
consolidated subsidiary.
The Company uses the Canadian dollar as its reporting currency.
All references in this document to "dollars" or "$" are expressed in Canadian
dollars, unless otherwise indicated. See also Item 3 "Key Information" for
more detailed currency and conversion information.
Except as noted, the information set forth in this Annual
Report is as of October 9, 2014, and all information included in this document
should only be considered correct as of such date.
Certain terms used herein are defined as follows:
ICP |
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry is a
type of mass spectrometry which is capable of detecting metals and several
non-metals at concentrations as low as one part per trillion. |
ICP-AES |
Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy
is an analytical technique used for the detection of trace metals. It is a
type of emission spectroscopy that uses the inductively coupled plasma to
produce excited atoms and ions that emit electromagnetic radiation at
wavelengths characteristic of a particular element. The intensity of this
emission is indicative of the concentration of the element within the
sample. |
Induced Polarization (IP) Survey |
A geophysical survey used to identify a feature that
appears to be different from the typical or background survey results when
tested for levels of electro-conductivity; IP detects both chargeable,
pyrite-bearing rock and non-conductive rock that has a high content of
quartz. |
Epithermal Deposit |
Gold, gold-silver or silver deposits, some also include
important base metals; occurring as narrow vein to large low grade
disseminated deposits. |
Mineral Reserve |
Securities and Exchange Commission Industry Guide 7
"Description of Property by Issuers Engaged or to be Engaged in
Significant Mining Operations" (under the United States Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) defines a 'reserve' as that part of a
mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or
produced at the time of the reserve determination. Reserves consist of: |
|
|
|
(1) Proven (Measured) Reserves. Reserves for which: (a)
quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in outcrops, trenches,
workings or drill holes; grade and/or quality are computed from the
results of detailed sampling; and (b) the sites for inspection, sampling
and measurement are spaced so closely and the geologic character is so
well defined that size, shape, depth and mineral content of reserves are
well-established.
|
|
|
|
(2) Probable (Indicated) Reserves. Reserves for which
quantity and grade and/or quality are computed from information similar to
that used for proven (measured) reserves, but the sites for inspection,
sampling and measurement are farther apart or are otherwise less
adequately spaced. The degree of assurance, although lower than that for
proven (measured) reserves, is high enough to assume continuity between
points of observation. |
|
|
|
As a reporting issuer under the Securities Acts of
British Columbia and Alberta, the Company is subject to National
Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" of the
Canadian Securities Administrators. Securities and Exchange Commission
Industry Guide 7, as interpreted by Securities and Exchange Commission
Staff, applies standards that are different from those prescribed by
National Instrument 43-101 in order to classify mineralization as a
reserve. Under the standards of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the
determination has been made that the mineralization could be economically
and legally produced or extracted at the time the reserve determination is made. Among other
things, all necessary permits would be required to be in hand or issued
imminently in order to classify mineralized material as reserves under
Securities and Exchange Commission Industry Guide 7. Accordingly, mineral
reserve estimates established in accordance with National Instrument
43-101 may not qualify as "reserves" under SEC standards. The Company does
not currently have any mineral deposits that have been classified as
reserves. |
5
Mineral Resource |
National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for
Mineral Projects" issued by the Canadian Securities Administrators defines
a "Mineral Resource" as a concentration or occurrence of natural, solid,
inorganic or fossilized organic material in or on the Earth's crust in
such form and quantity and of such a grade or quality that it has
reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The location, quantity,
grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a mineral resource are
known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and
knowledge. |
|
|
|
Mineral Resources are sub-divided, in order of increasing
geological confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured
categories. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence
than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource. An Indicated Mineral
Resource has a higher level of confidence than an Inferred Mineral
Resource but has a lower level of confidence than a Measured Mineral
Resource. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of Measured Mineral
Resources, Indicated Mineral Resources, or Inferred Mineral Resources will
ever be upgraded to a higher category. It also cannot be assumed that any
part of any reported Measured Mineral Resources, Indicated Mineral
resources, or Inferred Mineral Resources is economically or legally
mineable. Further, in accordance with Canadian rules, estimates of
Inferred Mineral Resources cannot form the basis of feasibility or other
economic studies. |
|
|
|
(1) Inferred Mineral Resource. An 'Inferred Mineral
Resource' is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity and grade
or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and
limited sampling and reasonably assumed, but not verified, geological and
grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and
sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as
outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. |
|
|
|
(2) Indicated Mineral Resource. An 'Indicated Mineral
Resource' is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or
quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics can be estimated
with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application
of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and
evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based
on detailed and reliable exploration and testing information gathered
through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches,
pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for
geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed. |
|
|
|
(3) Measured Mineral Resource. A 'Measured Mineral
Resource' is that part of a Mineral Resource for which quantity, grade or
quality, densities, shape, physical characteristics are so well
established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow
the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to
support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of
the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration,
sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques
from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes
that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade
continuity. |
|
|
|
Industry Guide 7 "Description of Property by Issuers
Engaged or to be Engaged in Significant Mining Operations" of the
Securities and Exchange Commission does not define or recognize resources.
In addition, disclosure of resources using "contained ounces" is permitted
under Canadian regulations; however, the Securities and Exchange
Commission only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not
qualify as a reserve as in place tonnage and grade without reference
to unit measures. As used in this Form 20-F, "resources" are as defined in
National Instrument 43-101.
For the above reasons, information in the
Company's publicly-available documents containing descriptions of the
Company's mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information
made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure
requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules
and regulations thereunder. |
6
Mineral Symbols |
As arsenic; Au gold; Ag silver; Cu copper; Fe
iron; Hg mercury; Mo molybdenum; Na sodium; Ni nickel; O oxygen;
Pd - palladium; Pt platinum; Pb lead; S sulphur; Sb antimony; Zn
zinc. |
Net Smelter Return (NSR) |
Monies received for concentrate delivered to a smelter
net of metallurgical recovery losses, transportation costs, smelter
treatment-refining charges and penalty charges. |
Porphyry Deposit |
Mineral deposit characterized by widespread disseminated
or veinlet- hosted sulphide mineralization, characterized by large tonnage
and moderate to low grade. |
Skarn Deposit |
Sulphide-bearing deposits formed at the contact zone
between granitic intrusions and carbonate sedimentary rocks. |
Sulphide |
A compound of sulphur with another element, typically a
metallic element or compound. |
Vein |
A tabular or sheet-like mineral deposit with identifiable
walls, often filling a fracture or fissure. |
CURRENCY AND MEASUREMENT
All currency amounts in this Annual Report are stated in
Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. Conversion of metric units into
imperial equivalents is as follows:
Metric Units |
Multiply by |
Imperial Units |
hectares |
2.471 |
=
acres |
meters |
3.281 |
= feet
|
kilometers |
0.621 |
=
miles (5,280 feet) |
grams |
0.032 |
= troy
ounces |
tonnes |
1.102 |
=
short tons (2,000 lbs) |
grams per tonne |
0.029 |
= troy
ounces per ton |
NOTE ON FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 20-F contains statements that
constitute "forward-looking statements". Any statements that are not statements
of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These
statements appear in a number of different places in this Annual Report and, in
some cases, can be identified by words such as "anticipates", "estimates",
"projects", "expects", "intends", "believes", "plans", or their negatives or
other comparable words. The forward-looking statements, including the statements
contained in Item 3D "Risk Factors", Item 4B "Business Overview", Item 5
"Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" and Item 11 "Quantitative and
Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk", involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results,
performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such statements.
Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the outlook for the Company's future
operations, plans and timing for the Company's exploration programs, statements
about future market conditions, supply and demand conditions, forecasts of
future costs and expenditures, the outcome of legal proceedings, and other
expectations, intentions and plans that are not historical facts.
7
You are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not
guarantees. The risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual
results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements include:
|
changes in general economic and business
conditions, including commodity prices, costs associated with mineral
exploration and development, changes in interest rates and the
availability of financing on reasonable terms; |
|
|
|
natural phenomena, including geological and
meteorological phenomena; |
|
|
|
actions by government authorities, including
changes in government regulation and permitting requirements; |
|
|
|
uncertainties associated with legal
proceedings; |
|
|
|
future decisions by management in response to
changing conditions; |
|
|
|
the Company's ability to execute prospective
business plans; and |
|
|
|
misjudgments in the course of preparing
forward-looking statements. |
The Company advises you that these cautionary remarks expressly
qualify, in their entirety, all forward-looking statements attributable to
Quartz Mountain or persons acting on the Company's behalf. The Company assumes
no obligation to update the Company's forward-looking statements to reflect
actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting
such statements. You should carefully review the cautionary statements and risk
factors contained in this and other documents that the Company files from time
to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ITEM 1 |
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND
ADVISERS |
A. |
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR
MANAGEMENT |
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
ITEM 2 |
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
|
Not applicable.
A. |
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
The following tables summarize selected financial data for the
Company (stated in Canadian dollars) prepared, in respect of the years ended
July 31, 2014 and July 31, 2013, in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board (IASB) (IFRS-IASB).
As permitted by SEC Release No. 33-8879 Acceptance from
Foreign Private Issuers of Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance with
International Reporting Standards Without Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP, the Company includes selected financial data prepared in
compliance with IFRS-IASB without reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. The Company
adopted IFRS at the beginning of its fiscal year ended July 31, 2011.
8
The selected financial data of the Company for the fiscal years
presented was derived from the consolidated financial statements of the Company
that have been audited by Davidson & Company LLP, independent Registered
Public Accountants, as indicated in their audit report which is included at
Exhibit 99.1 in this Annual Report.
The auditors conducted their audits in accordance with United
States and Canadian generally accepted auditing standards, and the standards of
the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
|
|
|
Year ended
July 31, 2014 |
|
|
Year
ended |
|
|
Year
ended July |
|
|
Year
ended |
|
|
|
July
31, 2013 |
|
|
31,
2012 |
|
|
July
31, 2011 |
|
Sales revenue |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Loss from operations |
|
$ |
865,427 |
|
$ |
3,458,827 |
|
$ |
3,587,805 |
|
$ |
174,867 |
|
Loss and comprehensive loss |
|
$ |
865,427 |
|
$ |
3,458,827 |
|
$ |
3,587,805 |
|
$ |
183,483 |
|
Basic and diluted loss per common share |
|
$ |
0.03 |
|
$ |
0.13 |
|
$ |
0.20 |
|
$ |
0.01 |
|
Dividends per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Working capital |
|
$ |
(2,527,095) |
|
$ |
(1,743,116) |
|
$ |
911,035 |
|
$ |
57,066 |
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
1,975,310 |
|
$ |
2,469,814 |
|
$ |
2,821,289 |
|
$ |
99,230 |
|
Shareholders equity |
|
$ |
(1,588,609) |
|
$ |
(723,182) |
|
$ |
989,036 |
|
$ |
57,067 |
|
Share capital |
|
$ |
26,050,118 |
|
$ |
26,050,118 |
|
$ |
24,514,381 |
|
$ |
20,375,746 |
|
Shares outstanding |
|
|
27,299,513 |
|
|
27,299,513 |
|
|
22,032,793 |
|
|
13,399,422 |
|
Currency and Exchange Rates
On October 9, 2014 the rate of exchange of the Canadian dollar,
based on the daily noon rate in Canada as published by the Bank of Canada, was
US$1 = Canadian $1.115. Exchange rates published by the Bank of Canada are,
available on its website www.bankofcanada.ca, nominal quotations not buying or
selling rates and are intended for statistical or analytical purposes.
The following tables set out the exchange rates, based on the
daily noon rates in Canada as published by the Bank of Canada for the conversion
of Canadian dollars per U.S. dollar.
|
For the fiscal year ended
July 31
(Canadian Dollars per U.S. Dollar) |
|
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
2011 |
2010 |
End of Period |
$1.0890 |
$1.0287 |
$1.0014 |
$0.9538 |
$1.0290 |
Average for the
Period (1) |
$1.0733 |
$1.0070 |
$1.0084 |
$0.9930 |
$1.0486 |
High for the
Period |
$1.1251 |
$1.0576 |
$1.0604 |
$1.0642 |
$1.1079 |
Low for the Period
|
$1.0237 |
$0.9710 |
$0.9980 |
$0.9449 |
$0.9961 |
(1) |
The average rate for each period is the average of the
daily noon rates on the last day of each month during the
period. |
9
Monthly High and Low Exchange Rate (Canadian Dollars per U.S.
Dollar) |
Month |
High |
Low |
October 2014 (to
October 9, 2014) |
$1.1256 |
$1.1149 |
September 2014 |
$1.1208 |
$1.0863 |
August 2014 |
$1.0982 |
$1.0857 |
July 2014 |
$1.0909 |
$1.0634 |
June 2014 |
$
1.0937 |
$
1.0676 |
May 2014 |
$
1.0973 |
$
1.0837 |
April 2014 |
$
1.1042 |
$
1.0903 |
B. |
CAPITALIZATION AND
INDEBTEDNESS |
Not applicable.
C. |
REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF
PROCEEDS |
Not applicable.
Due to the nature of the Company's business and the present
stage of exploration and development of its projects in British Columbia, an
investment in the securities of Quartz Mountain is highly speculative and
subject to a number of risks. Briefly, these include the highly speculative
nature of the resources industry, characterized by the requirement for large
capital investments from an early stage and a very small probability of finding
economic mineral deposits. In addition to the general risks of mining, there are
country-specific risks, including currency, political, social, permitting and
legal risk.
You should carefully consider the risks described below and the
other information that Quartz Mountain furnishes to, or files with, the
Securities and Exchange Commission and with Canadian securities regulators
before investing in Quartz Mountain's common shares. You should not consider an
investment in Quartz Mountain unless you are capable of sustaining the economic
loss of your entire investment.
Going concern assumption
The Company's consolidated financial statements have been
prepared assuming the Company will continue on a going concern basis. However,
unless additional funding is obtained, this assumption will have to change. The
Company has incurred losses since inception. Failure to continue as a going
concern would require that Quartz Mountain's assets and liabilities be restated
on a liquidation basis, which could differ significantly from the going concern
basis.
Additional Funding Requirements
At July 31, 2014, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of
$1.0 million and a working capital deficit of $2.6 million. Further corporate
activities and development of the Company's properties will require additional
capital. The Company currently does not have sufficient funds to fully develop
the properties it holds. In addition, a positive production decision at these
properties or any other development projects acquired in the future would
require significant capital for project engineering and construction.
Accordingly, the continuing development of the Company's properties will depend
upon the Company's ability to obtain funding through debt or equity financings,
the joint venturing of projects, or other means. It is possible that the
financing required by the Company will not be available, or, if available, will
not be available on acceptable terms. If the Company issues treasury shares to
finance its operations or expansion plans, control of the Company may change and
shareholders may suffer dilution of their investment. If adequate funds are not
available, or are not available on acceptable terms, the Company may not be able to take advantage of opportunities, or
otherwise respond to competitive pressures and remain in business. In addition,
a positive production decision at any of the Companys current projects or any
other development projects acquired in the future would require significant
resources/funding for project engineering and construction. Accordingly, the
continuing development of the Companys properties will depend upon the
Companys ability to obtain financing through debt financing, equity financing,
the joint venturing of projects, or other means. There is no assurance that the
Company will be successful in obtaining the required financing for these or
other purposes, including for general working capital.
10
Market for Securities and Volatility of Share Price
There can be no assurance that active trading market in the
Company's securities will be established or sustained. The market price for the
Company's securities is subject to wide fluctuations. Factors such as
announcements of exploration results, as well as market conditions in the
industry or the economy as a whole, may have a significant adverse impact on the
market price of the securities of the Company.
The stock market has from time to time experienced extreme
price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated to the operating
performance of particular companies.
Exploration, Development and Mining Risks
Resource exploration, development, and operations are highly
speculative, characterized by a number of significant risks, which even a
combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not reduce,
including among other things, unsuccessful efforts resulting not only from the
failure to discover mineral deposits but from finding mineral deposits which,
though present, are insufficient in quantity and quality to return a profit from
production. Few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into
producing mines. Unusual or unexpected formations, formation pressures, fires,
power outages, labor disruptions, flooding, explosions, cave-ins, landslides and
the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labor are
other risks involved in the operation of mines and the conduct of exploration
programs. The Company will rely upon consultants and others for exploration,
development, construction and operating expertise. Substantial expenditures are
required to establish mineral resources and mineral reserves through drilling,
to develop metallurgical processes to extract the metal from mineral resources,
and in the case of new properties, to develop the mining and processing
facilities and infrastructure at any site chosen for mining.
No assurance can be given that minerals will be discovered in
sufficient quantities to justify commercial operations or that funds required
for development can be obtained on a timely basis. Whether a mineral deposit
will be commercially viable depends on a number of factors, some of which are:
the particular attributes of the deposit, such as size, grade and proximity to
infrastructure; metal prices, which are highly cyclical; and government
regulations, including regulations relating to prices, taxes, royalties, land
tenure, land use, importing and exporting of minerals, and environmental
protection. The exact effect of these factors cannot accurately be predicted,
but the combination of these factors may result in the Company not receiving an
adequate return on invested capital.
The Company will carefully evaluate the political and economic
environment in considering any properties for acquisition.
Future Profits/Losses and Production Revenues/Expenses
The Company has no history of operations or earnings, and
expects that its losses and negative cash flow will continue for the foreseeable
future. The Company currently has a limited number of mineral properties and
there can be no assurance that the Company will, if needed, be able to acquire
additional properties of sufficient technical merit to represent a compelling
investment opportunity. If the Company is unable to acquire additional
properties, its entire prospects will rest solely with its current projects and
accordingly, the risk of being unable to identify a mineral deposit will be
higher than if the Company had additional properties to explore. There can be no
assurance that the Company will ever be profitable in the future. The Company's
operating expenses and capital expenditures may increase in subsequent years as
needed consultants, personnel and equipment associated with advancing
exploration, development and commercial production of its current properties and
any other properties that the Company may acquire are added. The amounts and
timing of expenditures will depend on the progress of on-going exploration and
development, the results of consultants' analyses and recommendations, the rate
at which operating losses are incurred, the execution of any joint venture
agreements with strategic partners, and the Company's acquisition of additional
properties and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control.
The Company does not expect to receive revenues from operations in the
foreseeable future, and will incur losses unless and until such time as its
current properties, or any other properties the Company may acquire commence
commercial production and generate sufficient revenues to fund its continuing
operations. The development of the Companys current properties and any other properties the Company may acquire will require the commitment
of substantial resources to conduct the time-consuming exploration and
development of properties. The Company anticipates that it will retain any cash
resources and potential future earnings for the future operation and development
of the Company's business.
11
The Company has not paid dividends since incorporation and the
Company does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. There
can be no assurance that the Company will generate any revenues or achieve
profitability.
There can be no assurance that the underlying assumed levels of
expenses will prove to be accurate. To the extent that such expenses do not
result in the creation of appropriate revenues, the Company's business may be
materially adversely affected. It is not possible to forecast how the business
of the Company will develop.
Permits and Licenses
The operations of the Company will require licenses and permits
from various governmental authorities. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to obtain all necessary licenses and permits which may be
required to carry out exploration and development of the Company's projects.
Infrastructure Risk
The operations of the Company are carried out in geographical
areas which may lack adequate infrastructure and are subject to various other
risk factors. Mining, processing, development and exploration activities depend,
to one degree or another, on adequate infrastructure. Reliable roads, bridges,
power sources and water supply are important determinants which affect capital
and operating costs. Lack of such infrastructure or unusual or infrequent
weather phenomena, government or other interference in the maintenance or
provision of such infrastructure could adversely affect the Company's
operations, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in Local Legislation or Regulation
The Company's mining and processing operations and
exploration activities are subject to extensive laws and regulations governing
the protection of the environment, exploration, development, production,
exports, taxes, labor standards, occupational health, waste disposal, toxic
substances, mine and worker safety, protection of endangered and other special
status species and other matters. The Company's ability to obtain permits and
approvals and to successfully operate in particular communities may be adversely
impacted by real or perceived detrimental events associated with the Company's
activities or those of other mining companies affecting the environment, human
health and safety of the surrounding communities. Delays in obtaining or failure
to obtain government permits and approvals may adversely affect the Company's
operations, including its ability to explore or develop properties, commence
production or continue operations. Failure to comply with applicable
environmental and health and safety laws and regulations may result in
injunctions, fines, suspension or revocation of permits and other penalties. The
costs and delays associated with compliance with these laws, regulations and
permits could prevent the Company from proceeding with the development of a
project or the operation or further development of a mine or increase the costs
of development or production and may materially adversely affect the Company's
business, results of operations or financial condition. The Company may also be
held responsible for the costs of addressing contamination at the site of
current or former activities or at third party sites. The Company could also be
held liable for exposure to hazardous substances.
Land Claims
In Canada, aboriginal interests, rights (including treaty
rights), claims and title may exist notwithstanding that they may be
unregistered or overlap with other tenures and interests granted to third
parties. Generally speaking, the scope and content of such rights are not well
defined and may be the subject of litigation or negotiation with the government.
The government has a legal obligation to consult First Nations on proposed
activities that may have an impact on asserted or proven aboriginal interests,
claims, rights or title. All of the mineral claims in the Companys projects are
identified by the Province of British Columbia as overlapping with areas in
which certain aboriginal groups have asserted aboriginal interests, rights,
claims or, title. Nevertheless, potential overlaps between the Companys
properties and existing or asserted aboriginal interests, rights, claims or,
title, or undefined rights under historic treaties may exist notwithstanding
whether the Province of British Columbia has identified such interests, rights,
claims, title or undefined rights under historic treaties.
12
Groups Opposed to Mining May Interfere with the Company's
Efforts to Explore and Develop its Properties
Organizations opposed to mining may be active in the regions
in which the Company conducts its exploration activities. Although the Company
intends to comply with all environmental laws and maintain good relations with
local communities, there is still the possibility that those opposed to mining
will attempt to interfere with the development of the Company's properties. Such
interference could have an impact on the Company's ability to explore and
develop its properties in a manner that is most efficient or appropriate, or at
all, and any such impact could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition and the results of its operations.
Environmental Matters
All of the Company's operations are and will be subject to
environmental laws and regulations, which can make operations expensive or
prohibit them altogether. The Company may be subject to potential risks and
liabilities associated with pollution of the environment and the disposal of
waste products that could occur as a result of its mineral exploration,
development and production. In addition, environmental hazards may exist on a
property in which the Company directly or indirectly holds an interest, which
are unknown to the Company at present and have been caused by previous or
existing owners or operators of the Companys projects. Environmental
legislation provides for restrictions and prohibitions on spills, releases or
emissions of various substances produced in association with certain mining
industry operations which would result in environmental pollution. A breach of
such legislation may result in the imposition of fines and penalties, or the
requirement to remedy environmental pollution, which would reduce funds
otherwise available to the Company and could have a material adverse effect on
the Company. If the Company is unable to fully remedy an environmental problem,
it could be required to suspend operations or undertake interim compliance
measures pending completion of the required remedy, which could have a material
adverse effect on the Company.
There is no assurance that future changes in environmental
regulation, if any, will not adversely affect the Companys operations. There is
also a risk that the environmental laws and regulations may become more onerous,
making the Company's operations more expensive. Many of the environmental laws
and regulations applicable to the Companys operations will require the Company
to obtain permits for its activities. The Company will be required to update and
review its permits from time to time, and may be subject to environmental impact
analyses and public review processes prior to approval of the additional
activities. It is possible that future changes in applicable laws, regulations
and permits or changes in their enforcement or regulatory interpretation could
have a significant impact on some portion of the Company's business, causing
those activities to be economically re-evaluated at that time.
Conflicts of Interest
The Company's directors and officers may serve as directors or
officers of other companies, joint venture partners, or companies providing
services to the Company or they may have significant shareholdings in other
companies. Situations may arise where the directors and/or officers of the
Company may be in competition with the Company. Any conflicts of interest will
be subject to and governed by the law applicable to directors' and officers'
conflicts of interest. In the event that such a conflict of interest arises at a
meeting of the Company's directors, a director who has such a conflict will
abstain from voting for or against the approval of such participation or such
terms. In accordance with applicable laws, the directors of the Company are
required to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the
Company.
Lack of Revenue and a History of Operating Losses
The Company does not have any operational history or earnings
and the Company has incurred net losses and negative cash flow from its
operations since its incorporation. Although the management of the Company hopes
to eventually generate revenues, significant operating losses are to be
anticipated for at least the next several years and possibly longer. To the
extent that such expenses do not result in the creation of appropriate revenues,
the Company's business may be materially adversely affected. It is not possible
to forecast how the business of the Company will develop.
General Economic Conditions
Global financial markets have experienced a sharp increase in
volatility during the last few years. Market conditions and unexpected
volatility or illiquidity in financial markets may adversely affect the
prospects of the Company and the value of the Company's shares.
13
Reliance on Key Personnel
The Company is dependent on the continued services of its
senior management team, and its ability to retain other key personnel. The loss
of such key personnel could have a material adverse effect on the Company. There
can be no assurance that any of the Company's employees will remain with the
Company or that, in the future, the employees will not organize competitive
businesses or accept employment with companies competitive with the Company.
Furthermore, as part of the Company's growth strategy, it must continue to hire
highly qualified individuals. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to attract, train or retain qualified personnel in the future, which would
adversely affect its business.
Competition
The resources industry is highly competitive in all its phases,
and the Company will compete with other mining companies, many of which have
greater financial, technical and other resources. Competition in the mining
industry is primarily for: attractive mineral rich properties capable of being
developed and producing economically; the technical expertise to find, develop
and operate such properties; the labour to operate the properties; and the
capital for the purpose of funding such properties. Many competitors not only
explore for and mine certain minerals, but also conduct production and marketing
operations on a worldwide basis. Such competition may result in the Company
being unable to acquire desired properties, to recruit or retain qualified
employees or to acquire the capital necessary to fund its operations and develop
its properties. The Company's inability to compete with other mining companies
for these resources could have a materially adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations and its business.
Uninsurable Risks
In the course of exploration, development and production of
mineral properties, certain risks, and in particular, unexpected or unusual
geological operating conditions including rock bursts, cave ins, fires, flooding
and earthquakes may occur. It is not always possible to fully insure against
such risks and the Company may decide not to take out insurance against such
risks as a result of high premiums or other reasons.
Property Title
The acquisition of title to resource properties is a very
detailed and time-consuming process. Title to, and the area of, resource claims
may be disputed. Although the Company believes it has taken reasonable measures
to ensure that title to the mineral claims comprising its projects are held as
described, there is no guarantee that title to any of those claims will not be
challenged or impaired. There may be valid challenges to the title of any of the
mineral claims comprising the Companys projects that, if successful, could
impair development or operations or both.
The mineral property underlying the Company's net smelter
return royalty interest contains no known ore.
The Company holds a 1% net smelter return ("NSR") royalty
interest on the Quartz Mountain Property (recently renamed "Angel's Camp"), an
exploration stage prospect in Oregon. The Company's interest in the property
will be limited to any future NSR that would be forthcoming only if or when any
mining commences on the property. There is currently no known body of ore on the
property. Extensive additional exploration work will be required to ascertain if
any mineralization may be economic.
Likely PFIC status has consequences for United States
investors
Potential investors who are U.S. taxpayers should be aware that
the Company expects to be classified for U.S. tax purposes as a passive foreign
investment company ("PFIC") for the current fiscal year, and may also have been
a PFIC in prior years and may also be a PFIC in future years. If the Company is
a PFIC for any year during a U.S. taxpayer's holding period, then such U.S.
taxpayer generally will be required to treat any so-called "excess distribution"
on its common shares, or any gain realized upon a disposition of common shares,
as ordinary income which would be taxed at the shareholder's highest marginal
rates and to pay an interest charge on a portion of such distribution or gain,
unless the taxpayer has made a timely qualified electing fund ("QEF") election
or a mark-to-market election with respect to the shares of the Company. In
certain circumstances, the sum of the tax and the interest charge may exceed the
amount of the excess distribution received, or the amount of proceeds of
disposition realized, by the taxpayer. A U.S. taxpayer who makes a QEF election
generally must report on a current basis its share of the Company's net capital
gain and ordinary earnings for any year in which the Company is a PFIC, whether
or not the Company distributes any amounts to its shareholders. A U.S. taxpayer
who makes the mark-to-market election generally must include as ordinary income
each year the excess of the fair market value of the common shares over the taxpayer's tax basis therein. See also
Item 10E "Passive Foreign Investment Company".
14
Potential investors should also note that recently enacted
legislation may require U.S. shareholders to report their interest in a PFIC on
an annual basis. US shareholders of the Company should consult their tax
advisors as to these reporting requirements as well as the consequences of
investing in the Company.
Penny stock classification
Penny stock classification could affect the marketability of
the Company's common stock and shareholders could find it difficult to sell
their stock
The penny stock rules in the United States require a
broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from
the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document that provides
information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny
stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid
and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer
and its salesperson in the transaction, and monthly account statements showing
the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account. The bid and
offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation
information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to
effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or
with the customer's confirmation.
Further, the penny stock rules require that prior to a
transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from such rules; the
broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is
a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written
agreement to the transaction. These additional broker-dealer practice and
disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading
activity in the secondary market for the Company's common shares in the U.S.,
and shareholders may find it more difficult to sell their shares.
ITEM 4 |
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
|
A. |
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE
COMPANY |
Incorporation
The legal name of the Company is "Quartz Mountain Resources
Ltd."
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. was incorporated on August 3,
1982, in British Columbia, Canada, and it continues to subsist under the laws of
the Province of British Columbia.
The Company was originally incorporated as Wavecrest Resources
Ltd., but changed its name to Quartz Mountain Gold Corp. on June 18, 1986. On
November 5, 1997, the name of the Company was changed from Quartz Mountain Gold
Corp. to Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd., and the common shares were consolidated
on a ten-old-for-one-new share basis.
Market for the Company's Securities
The Company's common shares were quoted on NASDAQ SmallCap
Market in the United States from September 17, 1987 until May 12, 1994. The
Company's common shares were also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange until
November 10, 1994. The Company voluntarily surrendered its listing on the
Vancouver Stock Exchange.
In October 2000, the Company listed on a newly created Tier 3
of the Canadian Venture Exchange (now renamed the TSX Venture Exchange
("TSX-V")). In December 2003, the Company was reclassified as a Tier 2 company
on the TSX-V. On February 17, 2005, the Company transferred its listing to NEX,
a separate board of the TSX-V established in 2003 to provide a new trading forum
for listed companies that had fallen below the TSX-V's continued listing
standards, due to low levels of business activity.
The Company was relisted on the TSX-V on December 30, 2011.
Currently, the Company's common shares trade on the TSX-V under
the symbol QZM, and certain broker-dealers in the United States make market in
the Company's common shares on the OTC Grey Market under the symbol QZMRF.
15
Offices
The Company's business office is located at 15th Floor, 1040
West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 4H1; telephone (604)
684-6365. The Company's registered office is Suite 1500 1055 West Georgia
Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 4N7; telephone (604) 689-9111.
The Company's Business Strategy and Principal Activities
Quartz Mountain is in the business of exploring and developing
mineral properties. The Companys current activities are primarily focused in
British Columbia, Canada, where it has assembled a portfolio of projects through
option or purchase agreements and ground staking. Exploration activities on the
properties are primarily focused on ascertaining whether the properties host
commercially viable mineral deposits.
In the first three years of its existence, the Company was
active in the exploration of small gold and silver prospects in Canada, but none
of these prospects warranted further exploration or development. In 1986, the
Company acquired the Quartz Mountain gold property, located in south central
Oregon, and until January 2002 most of the Company's efforts were expended on
the exploration and maintenance of these claims. The Company's interests in the
Quartz Mountain gold property, and in its other properties, were acquired by
direct purchase, lease and option, or through joint ventures.
The Company sold the Quartz Mountain gold property during 2002,
to Seabridge Resources Ltd. and Seabridge Resources Inc. (collectively
"Seabridge"). Seabridge subsequently changed its name to Seabridge Gold Inc. At
closing, Quartz Mountain received 300,000 Seabridge common shares, 200,000
Seabridge common share purchase warrants, US$100,000 and a 1% NSR from any
future production on the Quartz Mountain gold property. The Seabridge warrants
were exercised and all Seabridge common shares held by the Company have been
sold. The Company's interest in the Quartz Mountain gold property is limited to
the 1% NSR royalty. The Company does not expect to generate any royalty revenue
from the Quartz Mountain gold property (renamed "Angel's Camp" by its subsequent
owners) for several years, and it is not known at this time when any mining will
commence, if at all, on that property.
Following the sale of the Quartz Mountain gold property, the
Company continued in its efforts to find a suitable mineral property for
potential acquisition and exploration during the period of 2002 to 2011.
In December 2011, the Company acquired an option to earn a 100%
interest in the Buck gold-silver property near the town of Houston in central
British Columbia (the Buck Project). Concurrently with the Buck Project
acquisition, the Company completed a $4.2 million private placement financing
and began trading on the TSX-V. Exploration programs were carried out at Buck in
2011 and 2012, confirming targets. Difficult financing conditions for junior
companies in 2013 necessitated that the Company limit its exploration
expenditures and prioritize its property holdings. As a result, Quartz Mountain
terminated its option on the Buck Project in July 2013.
In August 2012, the Company acquired 100% of the Galaxie
copper-gold property in northwestern British Columbia (the Galaxie Project),
and carried out exploration programs in 2012 at five new prospects within the
property as well as at the Gnat porphyry copper deposit.
Quartz Mountain acquired the ZNT Project by utilizing British
Columbias on-line mineral tenure system in 2012. The ZNT Project is located 15
kilometers southeast of the town of Smithers, British Columbia. Exploration in
2012 and 2013 has identified potential for the discovery of a bulk tonnage
silver deposit at ZNT.
In November 2012, Quartz Mountain entered into an option and
joint venture agreement with Amarc Resources Ltd. (Amarc) pursuant to which
Amarc could earn a 40% ownership interest, with an option to acquire an
additional 10% ownership interest, in the Galaxie and ZNT Projects. Amarc gained
an initial 40% interest in the Galaxie and ZNT Projects by funding a drilling
program at Gnat porphyry copper deposit at the Galaxie Project in late 2012.
In June 2013, Quartz Mountain and Amarc entered into an
amendment agreement through which Amarc had an option until October 31, 2013 to
earn a 60% interest in each of the ZNT and Galaxie properties, by making certain
property expenditures. Amarc earned a 60% interest in the ZNT Project but earned
only a 40% interest in the Galaxie Project.
In April 2014, Amarc terminated joint ventures with the Company
and returned earned interests in the Galaxie and ZNT Projects in British
Columbia. As a result, Quartz Mountain owns 100% of the Galaxie and ZNT
Projects.
The Company does not have any operating revenue and anticipates
that it will rely on sales of its equity securities in order to finance its
acquisition and exploration activities.
16
British Columbia Mineral Tenure
On January 12, 2005, the Province of British Columbia adopted an on-line mineral tenure system that includes mineral tenure acquisition and tenure maintenance procedures, as well as a method of converting previous format claims (legacy claims) to
new format claims (cell claims). All of the Company's mineral tenures have been converted to cell claims resulting in new tenure numbers and marginally larger claim boundaries. The mineral claims are maintained through the completion of exploration
activities referred to as "Assessment Work". The financial requirements related to these exploration works defined by the Provincial Government. Currently the cost to stake a mineral claim is $1.75 per hectare and the cost of maintaining a claim
is $5.00 per hectare per year during the first two years following location of the mineral claim, $10.00 per hectare per year in the third and fourth years, $15.00 per hectare in the fifth and sixth years, and $20.00 per hectare in
the seventh and all succeeding years. If the assessment work is not completed the mineral claims may be maintained by a cash payment, but if this payment is not made before the forfeiture date, the tenure is relinquished.
Another type of mineral tenure exists, called crown-granted mineral claims, on which the perimeter has been physically surveyed. Crown-granted mineral claims are maintained by paying taxes on an annual basis. Unlike mineral claims, the taxes can be
paid late with penalties and interest. If the taxes remain unpaid after a specified period of time, the claims will revert to the Crown and will be subsequently made available for acquisition by normal procedures.
Environmental Matters
Environmental matters related to mineral exploration companies in British Columbia are administered by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. The Company files notice of its work programs with the Ministry, and a reclamation security
is determined that will set aside sufficient monies to reclaim the exploration sites to their pre-exploration land use. Typically, no reclamation security is required for non-mechanized exploration activities such as surface geological, geochemical
and geophysical surveys. However, a reclamation security is generally required for mechanized activities such as machine work and drilling. The required level of reclamation usually involves leaving the sites in a geotechnically stable condition,
and grooming the sites to both prevent forest fire hazards and to ensure that natural regeneration of indigenous plant species can progress within a reasonable period of time.
17
C. |
MINERAL PROPERTIES AND EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES AND
PLANS |
The location of Quartz Mountains Galaxie Project is shown on
the map below.
Figure 1 Property Location
Galaxie Project, Northwestern British Columbia
Agreements
Sale Agreement with Finsbury Exploration Ltd.
In August 2012, Quartz Mountain completed the acquisition of a
100% interest in the Galaxie Project from Finsbury Exploration Ltd (Finsbury),
a Non-Arms Length Party, through a sale agreement (the Sale Agreement) dated
July 27, 2012. The Galaxie Project-area, acquired from Finsbury, included an
area of 1,488 square kilometers, comprised of three mineral claims totalling
1,294.3 hectares (the Gnat Pass Property) and the surrounding mineral claims
staked by Finsbury to that time.
Pursuant to the terms of the Sale Agreement, Quartz Mountain
issued 2,038,111 shares to Finsbury and assumed the rights and obligations of
Finsbury under a mineral property purchase agreement (the Bearclaw Agreement) on the Gnat Pass Property between
Finsbury and Bearclaw Capital Corp. (Bearclaw). Quartz Mountain also assumed
the rights and obligations under an NSR Royalty Agreement which requires the
payment to Bearclaw of a 1% NSR royalty on the Gnat Pass Property up to a
maximum of $7,500,000.
18
The remaining payment obligations to Bearclaw for the Gnat Pass
Property under the Bearclaw Agreement to be assumed by Quartz Mountain consisted
of:
1. |
a payment, on or before August 20, 2012, to Bearclaw of
$50,000 in cash (paid); |
|
|
2. |
the issuance, on or before August 20, 2012, to Bearclaw
of a convertible debenture note in the amount of $650,000 at a rate of 8%
per annum and with a maturity date of October 31, 2013 (issued);
and |
|
|
3. |
the issuance, following the closing date of the
transactions contemplated in the Sale Agreement, to Bearclaw of 1,000,000
shares in the capital of Quartz Mountain (issued). |
The convertible debenture was subsequently amended in July 2013
and October 2014 (See ITEM 5B).
Quartz Mountain and Amarc Joint Venture on Galaxie and ZNT
In November 2012, Quartz Mountain and Amarc Resources Ltd.
(Amarc), a public company listed on the TSX-V, entered into a binding letter
agreement (Letter Agreement) pursuant to which Quartz Mountain would grant to
Amarc an initial 40% ownership interest in the Galaxie and ZNT Projects, upon
Amarc making a cash payment of $1 million to Quartz and funding $1 million in
exploration expenditures on the Galaxie Project on or before December 31, 2012
(completed).
On June 27, 2013, the Company entered into an amendment
agreement (the "Amendment") whereby, among other things, the Galaxie ZNT Project
was divided into two separate joint ventures, named the "Galaxie Joint Venture"
and the "ZNT Joint Venture". Under the Amendment, Amarc had an option, until
October 31, 2013, to increase its interest in each of the ZNT Joint Venture and
the Galaxie Joint Venture from its current 40% interest to a 60% ownership
interest by funding exploration expenditures of $210,000 and $235,000,
respectively.
In November 2013, Amarc completed sufficient expenditures to
earn a 60% interest in the ZNT Joint Venture. Amarc also advised that it
expected to remain at a 40% interest in the Galaxie Joint Venture. Amarc
returned operatorship of Galaxie and ZNT to Quartz Mountain. In April 2014,
Amarc terminated the joint ventures and returned its interests in the Galaxie
and ZNT Projects to Quartz Mountain.
Location, Access and Local Resources
The Galaxie Project is located on Highway 37, approximately 24
kilometers south of Dease Lake, BC. The Project area currently consists of
mineral claims covering an area of approximately 1,165 square kilometers.
Paved Highway 37 passes through the center of the Galaxie
Project (Figure 1) and provides year-round direct access to the adjacent project
area, including the Gnat Pass Property. Other parts of the Galaxie Project can
be accessed by helicopter.
The operating season for surface exploration is from early June
through to early October. Because of its close proximity to Highway 37, diamond
drilling activities at the Gnat deposit, within the Gnat Pass Property, can be
carried out throughout the year.
Dease Lake (population of about 600) offers an array of
services, including motel accommodations, food, fuel, a variety of small
equipment operators, post office, health clinic and government services. Mining
and exploration make up the most substantial industry. Regional Power manages
the off-grid Dease Lake Generating Station, located about 30 km west of Dease
Lake. The facility supplies the entire energy load for the community of Dease
Lake. Construction of a 287-kilovolt transmission line, extending 344 kilometers
from the existing Skeena substation south of Terrace to a new substation near
Bob Quinn Lake, about 180 kilometers by road south of Dease Lake was completed
in 2014. It will supply a new mine development under construction at Red Chris
by way of a spur line at Bob Quinn Lake.
Property Description
The Galaxie Project is comprised of claims acquired through the
sale agreement described above and also some additional claims staked by Quartz
Mountain. Names and expiry dates for the claims are summarized below:
19
Property |
Claim
Name |
Expiry
date |
Gnat Pass
|
Tenure
# 512878 (no name) |
Aug 17, 2016
|
Gnat
North |
Gnat 3
|
Galaxie Claims |
Hot
10-33, 34 (1014099), 34 (1014104) |
Stu 001-012, 13, 014-024, 050, 055-060, 063-064, 067-070,
074, 077-078, 080-089, 155, 157-158, 161-162, 168, 171-174, 178- 181,
228-237, 240-241, 246-247, 250-260, 274-289 (880610), 300-302, 372
(942614), 372 (983855), 373 (983863), 374 (983874), 373 (991847), 374
(991824), 374 (983876), 375-388 |
Stu 025-049, 051-054, 062, 066, 071, 075-076, 079,
090-094, 95, 096, 097, 98, 136-154, 156, 159-160, 175, 182, 186-190, 223-
227, 238-239, 242-245, 248-249, 262-273, 289 (880909)-299, 303, 308-312,
314-315, 317, 319 (940641), 319 (940649)-322, 324-341, 370, 393-396, 398,
399 |
July 28, 2015 |
Quartz Mountain will decide whether to retain the mineral
claims expiring in fiscal 2015 as they come due.
Geological Setting
The Galaxie Project is underlain mainly by volcanic, intrusive
and lesser sedimentary rocks of the Middle Triassic to Lower Jurassic Stikine
Terrane which, elsewhere in northern British Columbia is known to host the large
Red-Chris, Schaft Creek, Galore and KSM and Snowfield porphyry deposits.
Upper Triassic Stuhini Group volcanic rocks and a quartz
feldspar porphyry dike complex host the Gnat copper deposit. The Gnat deposit is
located near to the northern contact of the Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic,
multiphase Hotailuh Batholith-Three Sisters Pluton intrusive complex, which
occupies most of the remainder of the Galaxie project-area and hosts a number of
base and/or precious metals prospects and showings.
Exploration and Development History
The first record of exploration in the Gnat Pass Property area
was in 1960 when prospecting work by Cassiar Asbestos Corporation discovered
copper mineralization in the vicinity of Lower Gnat Lake. Since that time, at
least nine companies have explored the property completing geological mapping,
rock, soil and stream sediment geochemical sampling, magnetic and induced
polarization (IP) geophysical surveys and diamond drilling during the periods of
1960-1971, 1990-1996 and in 2005. Most of the historical work focused on the
Gnat deposit, and occurrences in the vicinity.
During the period 1965-69, previous operators completed 18,390
meters of diamond drilling in 110 holes in this area. Most of this historical
drilling was carried out in the Gnat deposit over an area measuring about 600
meters by 600 meters, down to a maximum depth of about 300 meters below surface.
The result of a historical estimate of the indicated reserves in the Gnat
deposit was reported in 1972.
Past work on other mineral occurrences on the Galaxie Project
area includes:
|
At Hu, during the period 1969 to 2007, several mining
companies carried out: silt, soil and rock geochemical sampling;
geological mapping; Induced Polarization (IP) and ground magnetic surveys;
and 22 bulldozer trenches. |
|
|
|
At Disco, Stikine Moly and Stikine, during the period
1970-79, two companies carried out: silt, soil and rock geochemical
sampling; geological mapping; IP, ground magnetic and VLF surveys; and
limited hand trenching and test-pitting. |
|
|
|
At Nup, during the period 1970 to 2008, six mining
companies and one individual carried out: silt, soil and rock geochemical
sampling; geological mapping; IP and ground magnetic surveys; and limited
hand trenching and test-pitting. Three diamond drilling programs (14
holes) tested porphyry molybdenum+/-copper showings and soil geochemical
anomalies. |
|
|
|
At Pat, during the period 1971-76, two companies carried
out: grid soil surveys; IP and ground magnetic surveys; and a refraction
seismic survey. |
In September 2011, Finsbury completed a first-pass
reconnaissance prospecting and geochemical silt, soil and rock sampling program
within a number of target areas in the Galaxie Claims area. Much of the work was
outside of known areas of mineralization, but some work did overlap with known
mineral occurrences, including some of those listed above. A total of
486 silt, 912 soil and 35 rock grab samples were collected.
20
Sample Preparation and Analyses for 2012-2013 Programs
Silt samples are comprised of fines material taken from the
active part of streams. Sample protocols for soil samples were similar to those
for silt samples. For soil samples, B horizon material was collected at most
sites; in disturbed areas, the top of the C horizon was the preferred sample
medium with surface material or buried organic materials avoided as well as
larger rock fragments, with an average sample size of about 500 grams. For both
soils and silts, sample material was placed into a standard kraft sample bag and
the location was marked by a survey ribbon. Rock samples were collected as a
composite or select grabs of variably mineralized, altered and/or iron-stained
rock chip material. About 2-3 kilograms of sample material was placed into a
plastic bag, identified by an assay ticket and secured with a nylon cable
tie.
Field notes were recorded for each sample including sampler
name; property name; target area and grid number; date and time; sample site
coordinates (UTM, NAD 83 - Zone 9); sample number and sample description. For
rock samples, the size of the occurrence, its orientation (strike and dip if
measurable), host rock, sulphides present and their amounts in percent, and any
other data that would aid in later interpretation after receipt of analytical
results were also recorded. All field notes were later compiled into a digital
file.
Silt and soil samples were hung to dry, then packed in a secure
container and shipped to the Acme Analytical Laboratories Ltd. (Acme)
preparation facility in Smithers, B.C where they were dried at 60° Celsius and
sieved to -80 mesh (0.18 mm or 180µm), then shipped to Acmes laboratory in
Vancouver where they were analyzed for gold and multi-elements by ICP
methods.
Rock samples were packed in a secure container and also shipped
to Acmes preparation lab in Smithers, B.C. Entire rock samples were crushed to
80% passing 10 mesh, from which a 250 gram split was taken, and shipped to
Acmes laboratory in Vancouver where the sub-samples were pulverized to 85%
passing 200 mesh (0.075 mm or 75 microns). Then 15 gram splits were analyzed for
gold and multi-elements by acid digestion ICP methods.
All soil, silt and rock samples in the 2013 program were
prepared at the Acme Laboratories in Smithers or Vancouver and analyzed using
their 36 element aqua regia digestion ICP/MS package at the Vancouver, Canada
facility. Rock chip samples >10,000 ppm Zn were also analyzed by 4 acid
digestion ICP-AES finish.
Acme is ISO 9001:2005 certified for the provision of assays and
geochemical analysis.
Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) samples were done
at the laboratory. QA/QC samples were inserted as flows: 1 blank for every 30
regular samples, 1 standard for every 30 regular samples and 1 duplicate for
every 20 regular samples.
Recent Work
Gnat Deposit
In 2012, Quartz Mountain relogged historical drill holes and
carried out geological mapping in the Gnat deposit-area. Two deep diamond drill
holes totaling 1,164 meters were also drilled into the Gnat deposit to test for
continuation of copper mineralization beneath an area in which a historical
reserve estimate had been completed by a prior operator in 1972. Hole GT12001
drilled in 2012 intersected two intervals of significant copper mineralization,
including 56 meters grading 0.44% Cu, well below the extent of the historical
estimate, demonstrating that porphyry-style copper mineralization in the Gnat
deposit extends over a known vertical range of about 500 meters. In their lower
portions, both holes encountered a major thrust fault which has structurally
superimposed older deposit host rocks over younger, Hazelton Group sedimentary
rocks.
Geological mapping in the Gnat deposit area identified
porphyry-style hydrothermal alteration characterized by occurrences of
k-feldspar veining and flooding, tourmaline in veins or breccia bodies and
chalcopyrite mineralization over a west-northwest trending zone measuring about
3.5 kilometers long by 700 meters to 1,000 meters wide. Contained within this
large 'hydrothermal footprint' are the Creek Zone and Moss copper prospects, the
two main known mineralized zones outside of the Gnat deposit area (see Figure 2
below).
21
Figure 2 Gnat Deposit Area
There is considerable room to explore for new zones of copper
mineralization at moderate to greater depths in portions of the Gnat deposit, in
the Creek Zone and Moss prospect areas, and elsewhere along the 3.5
kilometer-long zone of porphyry-style hydrothermal alteration. Mineralization
may include porphyry-type deposits or more constrained, but possibly higher
grade, mineralized breccia bodies.
Other Targets
In 2012, Quartz Mountain completed extensive exploration work
on seven IP/soil grids and two target areas throughout the Galaxie Project-area.
Totals of 182 silt, 6,155 soil and 498 rock samples were collected and 308.5
line-km of IP surveys were completed on the grids. These surveys delineated four
porphyry copper targets and a silver skarn target for ground follow-up.
Amarc completed programs at a few of these targets in 2013 as
part of its earn-in obligations under the amended joint venture agreement on
Galaxie. The 2013 programs included geological mapping, 10 line kilometers of IP
ground geophysical surveying and collection of 96 rock and 246 soil geochemical
samples. No immediate drill targets were identified; however, a series of alkali
intrusions which are known to be the principal hosts in the Stikine-Iskut
porphyry belt for porphyry copper-gold deposits were observed during the 2013
program around one of the targets, called Hu.
One of the target areas identified by Quartz Mountain but not
followed up in 2013 is called Dalvenie East. The Dalvenie East target-area is
located about 7 km south of the Gnat deposit. Preliminary prospecting of two
gossans in the area by Quartz Mountain was successful in locating encouraging
copper mineralization in chalcopyrite +/- bornite veins up to 10 cm wide, hosted
in chlorite-altered diorite to monzodiorite wall rocks. Narrow k-feldspar
alteration envelopes surrounding the veins also contain chalcopyrite and
bornite. Magnetic signatures at Dalvenie East suggest that regional-scale
faults, or subsidiary faults related to them, could control vein-type or
fault-controlled copper-gold mineralization similar to that seen at the nearby
Dalvenie prospect.
As a result of difficult financing conditions for junior
exploration companies, no work was completed at Galaxie in 2014. The potential
of the intrusions at Hu and the mineralization at the Dalvenie East target
warrant further exploration when funds become available.
Other Properties
ZNT Property
The ZNT Property is located in central British Columbia, some
15 kilometers southeast of the town of Smithers, BC. The property consists of
102 square kilometers of mineral claims owned 100% by Quartz Mountain.
Claim expiry dates are as follows:
22
Claim Name |
Expiry
|
ZNT 01-21 |
August
06, 2016 |
The ZNT property was staked by Quartz Mountain in 2012 on the
basis of significant zinc and gold values in regional till samples, as well as
copper and silver mineral occurrences as reported by Geoscience BC and the
provincial government surveys, respectively.
Work in 2012 by Quartz Mountain included soil geochemistry grid
and an IP geophysical survey. A high-contrast, 1,800 meter by 1,200 meter
silver-zinc geochemical anomaly, in part coincident with an extensive IP
chargeability anomaly, was outlined. Programs in 2013 were carried out under the
amended joint venture agreement. A pitting and trenching program was done to
further refine the target identified in 2012, and later tested by a 600-meter,
2-hole drill program. The drill holes indicated a limited extent to the
prospective host rock package and did not encounter economic mineralization. No
further work is planned.
Angel's Camp Property
The Company retains a 1% net smelter return royalty payable to
the Company on any production from the Angel's Camp property located in Lake
County, Oregon. The Angel's Camp property is currently held by Alamos Gold
Inc.
During the year ended July 31, 2002, the Company sold 100% of
its title, rights and interest in the Angel's Camp property located in Lake
County, Oregon to Seabridge Resources Inc. ("Seabridge"), which later changed
its name to Seabridge Gold Inc., for 300,000 common shares of Seabridge (sold in
prior years), 200,000 common share purchase warrants of Seabridge (exercised and
sold in prior years), cash of $100,000, and a 1% net smelter return royalty
payable to the Company on any production from the Angel's Camp property.
In 2003, Seabridge optioned a 50% interest in the property to
Quincy Gold Inc., which later changed its name to Golden Predator Mines Inc.,
then to Golden Predator Royalty & Development Corporation, then to Golden
Predator Corporation, and is now named Americas Bullion Royalty Corp
(TSX:AMB).
In April 2012, Orsa Ventures Corp. (Orsa) (TSX-V: ORN)
exercised its option to acquire all of Seabridge's remaining undivided 50%
beneficial joint venture interest in the Angel's Camp property. In March 2013,
Orsa announced it had entered into an agreement with Americas Bullion Royalty
Corp. to acquire, over a number of years, the 50% of Angels Camp that it did
not own. Additionally, in March 2013 Orsa announced that it had received
regulatory approval for, and fulfilled closing requirements for the joint
venture purchase agreement with Americas Bullion Royalty Corp. to acquire their
50% joint venture interest in the Angel's Camp Property.
In September 2013, Alamos Gold Inc. reported the completion of
the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Orsa
Ventures Corp.
D. |
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE |
The Company operates in a single reportable operating segment
the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral property interests. The
Company is currently focused on the acquisition and exploration of mineral
property interests in Canada, and conducts most of its business affairs through
its Canadian parent entity.
The Company has one inactive wholly-owned subsidiary, Wavecrest
Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation.
E. |
PROPERTY, PLANT AND
EQUIPMENT |
The Company has no material tangible fixed assets, such as
mining equipment or plant facilities.
All currency amounts in this Annual Report are stated in
Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated (see Item 3 for exchange rate
information).
23
ITEM 4A |
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
|
Not applicable.
ITEM 5 |
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND
PROSPECTS |
OVERVIEW
As a result of difficult financing conditions for junior
exploration companies, no material exploration work was completed in 2014.
Accordingly, during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, the Company's
activities primarily involved seeking joint ventures or farm out agreements to
advance the exploration activities at its properties.
The Company's financial statements are prepared on the basis
that it will continue as a going concern. The Company has incurred losses since
inception, and the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern depends
upon its ability to continue to raise adequate financing and to develop
profitable operations. Quartz Mountain's financial statements do not reflect
adjustments, which could be material, to the carrying values of assets and
liabilities, which may be required should the Company not be able to continue as
a going concern.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
audited annual consolidated financial statements for the years ended July 31,
2014 and 2013 and the related notes accompanying this Annual Report. The Company
prepares its financial statements in accordance with IFRS. The Company includes
selected financial data prepared in compliance with IFRS without reconciliation
to U.S. GAAP.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The required disclosure is provided in note 3 of the
accompanying audited financial statements as of and for the year ended July 31,
2014, which are presented in Exhibit 99.1 of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
Comprehensive loss for the year ended July 31, 2014 vs. 2013
The Company recorded a loss from operations of $865,000 in the
current year compared to a loss from operations of $3,469,000 in the prior
fiscal year.
Exploration and evaluation (E&E) expenditures increased
in the first half of fiscal 2013 due to the acquisition of the Galaxie Project,
and ZNT property. E&E costs decreased after January 2013 as the Company had
been mainly focused on property evaluation activities.
24
The following table provides a breakdown of exploration costs
incurred during the year ended July 31, 2014:
Exploration and evaluation
costs |
|
Galaxie |
|
|
Hotai |
|
|
ZNT |
|
|
Other (i) |
|
|
Total 2014 |
|
Assaying |
$ |
7,274 |
|
$ |
1,053 |
|
$ |
12,104 |
|
$ |
490 |
|
$ |
20,921 |
|
Drilling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,773 |
|
|
|
|
|
90,773 |
|
Environmental |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,507 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,507 |
|
Engineering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geological |
|
30,570 |
|
|
3,200 |
|
|
45,615 |
|
|
(11,698 |
) |
|
67,687 |
|
Graphics |
|
204 |
|
|
|
|
|
153 |
|
|
3,060 |
|
|
3,417 |
|
Property fees |
|
1,409 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,409 |
|
Site activities |
|
8,529 |
|
|
677 |
|
|
19,571 |
|
|
8,772 |
|
|
37,549 |
|
Socioeconomic |
|
|
|
|
34 |
|
|
15,641 |
|
|
75 |
|
|
15,750 |
|
Helicopter |
|
4,770 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,770 |
|
Travel |
|
4,672 |
|
|
5,530 |
|
|
5,337 |
|
|
2,649 |
|
|
18,188 |
|
Total |
$ |
57,428 |
|
$ |
10,494 |
|
$ |
190,701 |
|
$ |
3,348 |
|
$ |
261,971 |
|
(i) |
Recorded under geological expenses are cost recoveries
pertaining to Mineral Exploration Tax Credits received or receivable from
the Government of British Columbia |
The following table provides a breakdown of the administration
costs incurred:
Administration costs |
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
Legal, accounting and audit |
$ |
50,321 |
|
$ |
61,634 |
|
Office and administration |
|
505,061 |
|
|
1,161,928 |
|
Shareholder communication |
|
18,565 |
|
|
50,541 |
|
Travel |
|
8,147 |
|
|
40,197 |
|
Trust and filing |
|
21,904 |
|
|
45,371 |
|
Total |
$ |
603,998 |
|
$ |
1,359,671 |
|
Administrative costs have tended to follow the trend in the
Company's exploration and business development activities of the Company. They
have been reduced to minimum levels necessary to meet continued disclosure and
corporate governance requirements of a public company.
In the current fiscal year, the Company expensed stock options
to employees and directors for $nil compared to $211,000 in the same comparative
fiscal year.
Comprehensive loss for the year ended July 31, 2013 vs. 2012
The Company recorded a loss from operations of $3,459,000 in
the 2013 fiscal year compared to a loss from operations of $3,588,000 in 2012
fiscal year.
Exploration costs increased in the 2013 fiscal year as the
Company advanced exploration activities on the Galaxie Project (including Hotai
Claims) and the ZNT project independently beginning in August 2012 through
December 2012 and from then on as a 60% partner in relation to the Letter
Agreement (Section 1.2.1) . Additionally, the Company was required to make cash
and share payments in relation to acquisition of the Hotai and ZNT claims.
25
The following tables provide a breakdown of exploration costs
incurred during the year ended July 31, 2013:
Exploration and evaluation costs |
|
Galaxie |
|
|
Hotai |
|
|
ZNT |
|
|
Other(i) |
|
|
Total 2013 |
|
Assaying |
$ |
239,526 |
|
$ |
16,976 |
|
$ |
55,035 |
|
$ |
48,391 |
|
$ |
359,928 |
|
Drilling |
|
265,336 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
265,336 |
|
Engineering |
|
9,044 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,474 |
|
|
21,518 |
|
Environmental |
|
122 |
|
|
|
|
|
488 |
|
|
|
|
|
610 |
|
Geological |
|
1,331,104 |
|
|
132,127 |
|
|
176,547 |
|
|
(79,508) |
|
|
1,560,270 |
|
Graphics |
|
18,913 |
|
|
1,615 |
|
|
8,899 |
|
|
18,037 |
|
|
47,464 |
|
Helicopter |
|
632,568 |
|
|
57,997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
690,565 |
|
Property fees |
|
15,590 |
|
|
14,555 |
|
|
53,692 |
|
|
125 |
|
|
83,962 |
|
Site activities |
|
626,914 |
|
|
9,083 |
|
|
71,346 |
|
|
15,995 |
|
|
723,338 |
|
Socio economics |
|
12,016 |
|
|
725 |
|
|
7,230 |
|
|
14,362 |
|
|
34,333 |
|
Travel |
|
74,840 |
|
|
1,271 |
|
|
15,310 |
|
|
1,696 |
|
|
93,117 |
|
Total |
$ |
3,225,973 |
|
$ |
234,349 |
|
$ |
388,547 |
|
$ |
31,512 |
|
$ |
3,880,441 |
|
(i) |
Recorded under geological expenses are cost recoveries
pertaining to Mineral Exploration Tax Credits received or receivable from
the Government of British Columbia |
The following tables provide a breakdown of exploration costs
incurred during the year ended July 31, 2012:
26
Year Ended July 31, 2012
Exploration and evaluation costs |
|
Buck |
|
|
Galaxie |
|
|
Hotai |
|
|
Karma |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Total |
|
Assaying |
$ |
45,963 |
|
$ |
2,696 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
1,998 |
|
$ |
2,088 |
|
$ |
52,745 |
|
Engineering |
|
8,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,400 |
|
Environmental |
|
1,375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,375 |
|
Geological |
|
329,108 |
|
|
288,152 |
|
|
13,280 |
|
|
225,603 |
|
|
14,374 |
|
|
870,517 |
|
Graphics |
|
9,741 |
|
|
702 |
|
|
312 |
|
|
624 |
|
|
1,627 |
|
|
13,006 |
|
Helicopter |
|
|
|
|
100,914 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,914 |
|
Property fees |
|
889,044 |
|
|
1,518 |
|
|
|
|
|
16,944 |
|
|
3,313 |
|
|
910,819 |
|
Site activities |
|
31,595 |
|
|
89,928 |
|
|
6,200 |
|
|
14,201 |
|
|
1,620 |
|
|
143,544 |
|
Socio economics |
|
77,969 |
|
|
2,410 |
|
|
1,365 |
|
|
7,842 |
|
|
60 |
|
|
89,646 |
|
Travel |
|
13,978 |
|
|
31,210 |
|
|
|
|
|
9,943 |
|
|
553 |
|
|
55,684 |
|
Total |
$ |
1,407,173 |
|
$ |
517,530 |
|
$ |
21,157 |
|
$ |
277,155 |
|
$ |
23,635 |
|
$ |
2,246,650 |
|
The following table provides a breakdown of the administration
costs incurred:
Administration costs |
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
Legal, accounting and audit
|
$ |
61,634 |
|
$ |
301,641
|
|
Office and administration |
|
1,161,628 |
|
|
756,498 |
|
Shareholder communication |
|
50,541 |
|
|
28,097 |
|
Travel |
|
40,197 |
|
|
31,357 |
|
Trust and filing |
|
45,371 |
|
|
48,659 |
|
Total |
$ |
1,359,671 |
|
$ |
1,166,252 |
|
In the 2012 fiscal year, legal and administrative costs related
to the reactivation of the Company, moving from the NEX Exchange to the TSX-V,
and legal costs related to acquiring the options on the Buck and Galaxie
Projects resulted in higher administration costs.
In the 2013 fiscal year, salaries and benefits increased in
support of exploration activities as the Company advanced work on the Galaxie
and ZNT Projects.
In the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013, the Company expensed
stock options to employees and directors amounting to $211,000 compared to
$381,000 in the then-previous fiscal year.
B. |
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL
RESOURCES |
Historically, the Company's source of funding has been the
issuance of equity securities for cash, primarily through private placements to
sophisticated investors and institutions. The Company is in the process of
acquiring and exploring mineral property interests. The Company's continuing
operations are entirely dependent upon the ability of the Company to obtain the
necessary financing to complete the exploration and development of its projects,
the existence of economically recoverable mineral reserves at its projects, the
ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits to mine, on future
profitable production of any mine and the proceeds from the disposition of its
mineral property interests.
27
At July 31, 2014, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of
$1.0 million and a working capital deficit of $2.6 million. Of the total
short-term liabilities of $3.6 million at July 31, 2014, $3.0 million was
payable to Hunter Dickinson Services Inc. ("HDSI"), a related party.
To address its working capital deficit at July 31, 2014, the
Company has sought and received a confirmation from HDSI that HDSI will continue
to provide services to the Company and will not demand repayment of amounts
outstanding, prior to November 1, 2015.
After the reporting period, the Company entered into an
agreement with the convertible debenture holder to restructure the payment terms
of the debenture (refer to "Debenture" below).
Management believes that its liquid assets at July 31, 2014 are
sufficient to meet its known obligations falling due in next 12 months and to
maintain its mineral rights in good standing for this next 12 month period. The
Company is actively managing its cash reserves, and curtailing activities as
necessary in order to ensure its ability to meet payments as they come due.
Additional debt or equity financing will be required to fund
additional exploration or development programs. The Company has a reasonable
expectation that additional funds will be available to meet ongoing exploration
and development costs. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will
continue to obtain additional financial resources or that it will be able to
achieve positive cash flows. If the Company is unable to obtain adequate
additional financing, the Company will be required to re-evaluate its planned
expenditures and will rely on short term borrowings to finance its minimum
expenditure requirement until additional funds can be raised through financing
activities.
General market conditions for junior resource companies have
deteriorated and have resulted in depressed equity prices for resource
companies, despite higher commodity prices. Although the Company was able to
successfully complete private placements in each 2012 and 2013 fiscal years, the
deterioration in market conditions could potentially increase the cost of
obtaining capital or limit the availability of funds in the future. Accordingly,
management is actively monitoring the effects of the current economic and
financing conditions on our business and reviewing our discretionary spending,
capital projects and operating expenditures, and implementing appropriate cash
and cash management strategies.
Debenture
In August 2012, pursuant to the Sale Agreement relating to the
Galaxie Project, the Company issued a convertible debenture (the "Debenture") in
the amount of $650,000 maturing on October 31, 2013, and bearing interest at a
rate of 8% per annum (payable quarterly in arrears) to Bearclaw. The Debenture
was convertible into the Company's common shares at a conversion price of $0.40
per share at any time before its expiry.
July 2013 Amendment
In July 2013, Quartz Mountain and the holder of the Debenture
entered into an agreement to amend the Debenture, whereby among other things,
the Company made a $50,000 payment toward the Debenture reducing the outstanding
balance to $600,000, the interest rate was increased to 10% per annum from 8%
per annum, and the maturity date was extended to October 31, 2014 from October
31, 2013. Interest payments for the Debenture were payable quarterly in arrears
and the Debenture was convertible into the Company's common shares at an
exercise price of $0.15 per share (previously $0.40 per share) on or before
maturity of the Debenture on October 31, 2014. Any interest accrued, but unpaid,
was to be converted at an exercise price of the higher of $0.15 per share
(previously $0.40 per share) and the market price at the time of conversion.
October 2014 Amendment
After the end of the reporting period, effective October 1,
2014, the Company and Bearclaw amended the terms of the Debenture (hereafter
referred to as the Amended Debenture), pursuant to which:
|
the Company made a principal payment of $50,000
to Bearclaw against the Debenture (completed October 8, 2014), |
|
|
|
the remaining balance (the Principal Sum) of
$550,000 is repayable in equal annual installments of $50,000, commencing
on January 31, 2015; |
|
|
|
effective October 1, 2014, the principal amount
outstanding bears interest at 7.5% per annum, payable quarterly in
arrears. |
Upon a completion by the Company of an equity financing (the
New Financing) for a minimum amount of $1,000,000, at least 50% of any
outstanding balance of the then-outstanding Principal Sum along with any
interest accrued thereon will be automatically converted (the Automatic
Conversion) into the Companys common shares. Bearclaw may elect to convert,
concurrent with the Automatic Conversion, any portion of the remaining 50% of
the then-outstanding Principal Sum and accrued interest thereon (the Optional Conversion) into Quartz Mountain common shares.
For the purposes of Automatic Conversion and Optional Conversion, subject to the
rules and policies of the TSX-V, the conversion price will be the greater of (i)
the volume-weighted average trading price of common shares of the Company on the
TSX-V for the 20 consecutive trading days ending on the fifth trading day
preceding the date of such conversion, and (ii) the price at which the Company
issues common shares pursuant to the New Financing. For the purposes of
Automatic Conversion and Optional Conversion of any accrued interest, the
conversion price will be the market price of the Companys common shares on the
date of conversion. Except pursuant to the Automatic Conversion and Optional
Conversion provisions, Bearclaw does not have an option to convert the Amended
Debenture into the Companys common shares.
28
Capital Resources
The Company had no material commitments for capital
expenditures as at July 31, 2014.
The Company has no lines of credit or other sources of
financing which have been arranged but are as of yet, unused.
At July 31, 2014, there were no externally imposed capital
requirements to which the Company is subject and with which the Company has not
complied.
As the Company continues to incur losses in support of the
advancement of exploration activities on its projects, shareholders equity has
come to be in a deficit position.
Requirement of Financing
The Company is in the process of acquiring and exploring
mineral property interests. The Company's continuing operations are entirely
dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable mineral reserves, the
ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing to complete the
exploration and development of these projects, obtaining the necessary permits
to mine, on future profitable production of any mine and the proceeds from the
disposition of the mineral property interests.
Management believes that its current liquid assets, as of the
date of this Annual Report, are sufficient to meet all known obligations and to
maintain its mineral rights in good standing for the next 12 month period.
Additional debt or equity financing will be required to fund additional
exploration or development programs. The Company has a reasonable expectation
that additional funds will be available when necessary to meet ongoing
exploration and development costs. However, there can be no assurance that the
Company will continue to obtain additional financial resources and/or achieve
profitability or positive cash flows. If the Company is unable to obtain
adequate additional financing, the Company will be required to re-evaluate its
planned expenditures until additional funds can be raised through financing
activities.
Except for the Debenture, the Company has no long-term debt,
capital lease obligations, operating leases or any other long-term obligations.
The Company has no "Purchase Obligations" defined as any
agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding
on the Company that specifies all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum
quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the
approximate timing of the transaction.
Quartz Mountain does not carry out any research or development
activities. Please refer to Item 5A and Item 5B above for a discussion of the
expenditures that the Company has incurred in connection with its business
activities.
As a natural resource exploration company, Quartz Mountain's
activities reflect the traditional cyclical nature of metal prices.
Consequently, Quartz Mountain's business is primarily an "event-driven" business
based on exploration results.
The discussion in this section references calendar years and
dollar amounts are stated in United States dollars.
Copper prices showed a significant increase between late 2003
and mid-2008, and after a steep decline in late 2008 and early 2009, steadily
increased until late 2011. The price of copper was variable in 2012 and 2013,
but averaged lower each year. Prices were on a downtrend to late March 2014, but
have stabilized since that time.
29
The gold price was on an uptrend for over the five years to
2012. Prices were on a general downtrend in 2013. Although prices have been
variable in 2014, the average gold price has decreased.
Silver prices were impacted by economic volatility in
2008-2009. An upward price trend began in 2010, and continued to late September
2011, resulting in the average price in 2011 being the highest since 2008.
Prices ranged between $26/oz and $35/oz between October 2011 and the end of
2012. Prices trended downward in 2013. Although prices have been variable in
2014, the average silver price has decreased.
Average annual prices through 2013 as well as the average
prices so far in 2014 for copper (Cu), gold (Au) and silver (Ag) are shown in
the table below:
Calendar Year
|
Metal Prices ($US)
|
Cu |
Au |
Ag |
2008 |
$3.16/lb |
$871/oz |
US$14.95/oz |
2009 |
$2.34/lb |
$974/oz |
$14.70/oz |
2010 |
$3.42/lb |
$1,228/oz |
$20.24/oz |
2011 |
$4.00/lb |
$1,572/oz |
$35.25/oz |
2012 |
$3.61/lb |
$1,669/oz |
$31.16/oz |
2013 |
$3.32/lb |
$1,410/oz |
$23.80/oz |
2014 to the date
of this Annual Report |
$3.15/lb |
$1,285/oz |
$19.85/oz |
E. |
OFF BALANCE SHEET
ARRANGEMENTS |
Quartz Mountain has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
As used in this Item 5E, the term "off-balance sheet
arrangement" means any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement
to which an entity, unconsolidated with the Company, is a party, under which the
Company has:
(a) |
any obligation under a guarantee contract that has any of
the characteristics identified in paragraph 3 of FASB Interpretation No.
45, Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees,
Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others (November 2002)
("FIN 45"), as may be modified or supplemented, excluding the types of
guarantee contracts described in paragraphs 6 and 7 of FIN 45; |
|
|
(b) |
a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred
to an unconsolidated entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit,
liquidity or market risk support to such entity for such assets; |
|
|
(c) |
any obligation under a derivative instrument that is both
indexed to the Company's own stock and classified in stockholders' equity,
or not reflected, in the Company's statement of financial position;
or |
|
|
(d) |
any obligation, including a contingent obligation,
arising out of a variable interest (as referenced in FASB Interpretation
No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (January 2003), as may
be modified or supplemented) in an unconsolidated entity that is held by,
and material to, the Company, where such entity provides financing,
liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to, or engages in leasing,
hedging or research and development services with, the
Company. |
30
F. |
TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL
OBLIGATIONS |
The following obligations existed at July 31, 2014:
|
|
|
|
|
Payments due by period |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Less than 1 year |
|
|
1-5 years |
|
|
After 5 years |
|
Amounts payable and other liabilities |
$ |
6,844 |
|
$ |
6,844 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Convertible debenture(i) |
|
600,000 |
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due to related a party(ii) |
|
2,957,075 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,957,075 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
$ |
3,563,919 |
|
$ |
606,844 |
|
$ |
2,957,075 |
|
$ |
|
|
(i) |
After the reporting period, the terms of the convertible
debenture was revised (See ITEM 5B) |
|
|
(ii) |
The Company has received a confirmation from HDSI that
HDSI will continue to provide services to the Company and will not demand
repayment of amounts outstanding, prior to November 1,
2015. |
The Company has no material capital lease or operating lease
obligations. The Company has no "Purchase Obligations", defined as any agreement
to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding on the
Company that specifies all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum
quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the
approximate timing of the transaction.
The safe harbor provided in Section 27A of the Securities Act
and Section 21E of the Exchange Act applies to forward-looking information
provided pursuant to Item 5E and Item 5F above.
ITEM 6 |
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
|
A. |
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR
MANAGEMENT |
Ronald W. Thiessen (1952), President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
Ronald Thiessen is a Chartered Accountant with professional
experience in finance, taxation, mergers, acquisitions and re-organizations.
Since 1986, Mr. Thiessen has been involved in the acquisition and financing of
mining and mineral exploration companies. Mr. Thiessen is a director of Hunter
Dickinson Inc. (HDI) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Hunter Dickinson
Services Inc. (HDSI), a company providing management and administrative
services to several publicly-traded companies and focuses on directing corporate
development and financing activities.
Mr. Thiessen is, or was within the past five years, an officer
and/or director of the following public companies:
Company |
Positions Held |
From |
To |
Amarc Resources Ltd. |
Director |
September 1995 |
Present |
President and Chief
Executive Officer |
September 2000 |
Present |
Atlatsa Resources Corporation |
Director |
April
1996 |
June
2011 |
Continental Minerals
Corporation
|
Director |
November 1995 |
April 2011 |
Co-Chairman |
January 2006 |
April
2011 |
31
Company |
Positions Held |
From |
To |
Detour Gold Corporation |
Director |
July
2006 |
May
2012 |
Chairman |
July
2006 |
March
2009 |
Farallon Mining Ltd.
|
Director |
August
1994 |
January 2011 |
Chairman |
December 2005 |
January 2011 |
Great Basin Gold Ltd.
|
Director |
October 1993 |
June
2013 |
Chairman |
November 2006 |
June
2013 |
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. |
Director |
November 1995 |
Present |
President and Chief
Executive Officer |
November 2001 |
Present |
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. |
Director |
December 2011 |
Present |
Taseko Mines Limited |
Director |
October 1993 |
Present |
Chairman |
May
2006 |
Present |
Scott D. Cousens (1964), Chairman and Director
Mr. Cousens provides management and financial services to a
number of publicly traded companies associated with Hunter Dickinson Inc. His
focus for the past 20 years has been the development of relationships within the
international investment community. Substantial financings and subsequent
corporate success has established strong ties with North American, European and
Middle Eastern investors. Mr. Cousens is also the Director of Capital Finance
for Hunter Dickinson Inc.
Mr. Cousens is, or was within the past five years, an officer
and/or director of the following public companies:
Company |
Positions Held |
From |
To |
Amarc Resources Ltd. |
Director |
September 1995 |
Present |
Atlatsa Resources Corporation |
Director |
September 1996 |
June
2009 |
Continental Minerals Corporation |
Director |
June
1994 |
April
2011 |
Heatherdale Resources Ltd. |
Chairman and Director |
November 2009 |
Present |
Northcliff Resources Ltd. |
Director |
May
2012 |
Present |
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. |
Director |
June
1996 |
Present |
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. |
Chairman and Director |
November 2012 |
Present |
Rathdowney Resources Ltd. |
Director |
June
2011 |
Present |
Taseko Mines Limited |
Director |
October 1992 |
July
2014 |
Robert A. Dickinson (1948), Director
Mr. Dickinson is an economic geologist who has been actively
involved in mineral exploration and mine development for over 40 years. He is
Chairman of HDI and HDSI, as well as a director and member of the management
team of a number of the public companies associated with HDI. He is also
President and Director of United Mineral Services Ltd., a private resource
company. He also serves as a Director of the Britannia Mine Museum and a Trustee
of the BC Mineral Resources Education Program.
32
Mr. Dickinson is, or was within the past five years, an officer
and/or director of the following public companies:
Company |
Positions Held |
From |
To |
Amarc Resources Ltd.
|
Director |
April
1993 |
Present |
Chairman |
April
2004 |
Present |
Atlatsa Resources Corporation
|
Director and Co-Chairman |
October 2004
|
June 2009
|
Continental
Minerals Corporation |
Director |
June
2004 |
April
2011 |
Curis Resources Ltd.
|
Director |
November 2010 |
November 2012 |
Chairman |
November 2010 |
December 2010 |
Detour Gold
Corporation |
Director |
August
2006 |
February 2009 |
Heatherdale Resources Ltd. |
Director |
November 2009 |
Present |
Northcliff Resources Ltd.
|
Director |
June
2011 |
Present |
Chairman |
June
2011 |
January 2013 |
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd.
|
Director |
June 1994 |
Present |
Chairman |
April
2004 |
Present |
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Director |
December 2011 |
Present |
Chairman |
December 2011 |
November 2012 |
Rathdowney
Resources Ltd. |
Director & Chairman |
March
2011 |
December 2011 |
Taseko Mines
Limited |
Director |
January 1991 |
Present |
James Kerr (1945), Director
Mr. Kerr holds a B.A. degree and graduated from the University
of British Columbia in 1968. Mr. Kerr is a Chartered Accountant and was a
partner at KPMG, a national accounting firm, until his retirement in 2007. Mr.
Kerr has extensive experience in public practice, and actively involved with
audit committees of mining and energy companies, providing advice on accounting
and compliance issues based on a risk management approach.
Mr. Kerr is, or was within the past five years, a director of
the following public companies:
Company |
Positions Held |
From |
To |
Curis Resources Ltd. |
Director |
November 2010 |
Present |
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. |
Director |
December 2011 |
Present |
33
David Mordant (1944), Director
Mr Mordant is the retired founder and CEO of an agricultural
commodities trading business that was sold to a listed company. He has focused
on commodity and stock market trading in local and international markets since
2002 and has been a guest commentator on CNBC on commodities and stocks.
Mr. Mordant is, or was within the past five years, a director
of the following public companies:
Company |
Positions Held |
From |
To |
Quartz Mountain
Resources Ltd. |
Director |
December 2011 |
Present |
Gordon Fretwell (1953), Director
Mr. Fretwell holds a B.Comm, degree and graduated from the
University of British Columbia in 1979 with his Bachelor of Law degree. Formerly
a partner in a large Vancouver law firm, Mr. Fretwell has, since 1991, been a
self-employed solicitor (Gordon J. Fretwell Law Corporation) in Vancouver
practicing primarily in the areas of corporate and securities law.
Mr. Fretwell is, or was within the past five years, an officer
and/or director of the following public companies:
Company |
Positions Held |
From |
To |
Asanko Gold Inc. |
Director |
February 2004 |
Present |
Auryn Resources
Inc. |
Director |
October 2013 |
Present |
Bell Copper
Corporation |
Secretary |
March
2001 |
May
2011 |
|
Director |
June
2001 |
April
2011 |
Benton Resources Corp. |
Director |
July 2003 |
Present |
Secretary |
December 2003 |
Present |
Continental
Minerals Corporation |
Director |
February 2001 |
April
2011 |
Coro Mining
Corporation |
Director |
June
2009 |
Present |
Coro Resources
Corp. |
Director |
January 2009 |
Present |
Curis Resources
Ltd. |
Director |
January 2011 |
Present |
CVC Cayman Venture
Corp. |
Director |
July
2010 |
November 2010 |
Golden Dory
Resources Corp. |
Secretary |
August
2008 |
Present |
ICN Resources Ltd. |
Secretary |
March
2009 |
August
2010 |
International Royalty Corporation
|
Director |
June 2003 |
February 2010 |
Secretary |
June
2003 |
February 2010 |
Lignol Energy
Corporation |
Director |
January 2007 |
Present |
Meritus Minerals
Ltd. |
Director |
June
2007 |
Present |
Northern Dynasty
Minerals Ltd. |
Director |
June
2004 |
Present |
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Director |
January 2003 |
Present |
Secretary |
January 2003 |
December 2011 |
Rare Earth Metals
Inc. |
Secretary |
December 2009 |
Present |
Company |
Positions Held |
From |
To |
Rockwell Diamonds Inc. |
Secretary |
September 2012 |
Present |
34
Lena Brommeland, BSc (1967), Executive Vice President
Lena Brommeland has a BSc in geology and more than 20 years of
experience in mineral project evaluation and on-site management of large-scale
mineral projects, including the Pebble and Niblack projects both located in
Alaska and the Prosperity project in BC.
Ms. Brommeland is, or was within the past five years, a
director or officer of the following public companies:
Company |
Positions Held |
From |
To |
Rathdowney Resources Ltd. |
Director |
December 2011 |
Present |
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. |
Executive Vice President |
February 2013 |
Present |
Heatherdale Resources Ltd. |
Director |
March
2014 |
Present |
Michael Lee, CA, CIA, CISA, CFE, PMP (1967), Chief Financial
Officer
Michael Lee is a Chartered Accountant and has over 15 years of
experience in the areas of governance, risk management and financial reporting,
working primarily with Canadian and US public corporations.
Mr. Lee is, or was
within the past five years, a director or officer of the following public
companies:
Company |
Positions Held |
From |
To |
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. |
Chief
Financial Officer |
February 2013 |
Present |
Trevor Thomas, LLB (1967), Corporate Secretary
Trevor Thomas has practiced in the areas of corporate
commercial, corporate finance, securities and mining law since 1995, both in a
private practice environment as well as in-house positions and is currently
general counsel for Hunter Dickinson Inc. Prior to joining Hunter Dickinson Inc.
he served as in-house legal counsel with Placer Dome Inc.
Mr. Thomas is, or was within the past five years, an officer of
the following public companies:
Company |
Positions Held |
From |
To |
Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. |
Secretary |
February 2008 |
Present |
Amarc Resources Ltd. |
Secretary |
February 2008 |
Present |
Atlatsa Resources Corporation |
Assistant Secretary |
November 2007 |
March
2011 |
Continental Minerals Corporation |
Secretary |
February 2008 |
April
2011 |
Curis Resources Ltd. |
Secretary |
June
2013 |
Present |
Farallon Mining Ltd. |
Secretary |
December 2007 |
January 2011 |
Heatherdale Resources Ltd.
|
Secretary
|
November 2009 |
September 2010 |
June
2013 |
Present |
Northcliff Resources Ltd. |
Secretary |
June
2011 |
Present |
Company |
Positions Held |
From |
To |
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. |
Secretary |
June
2013 |
Present |
Rathdowney Resources Ltd. |
Secretary |
March
2011 |
Present |
Rockwell Diamonds Inc. |
Secretary |
February 2008 |
September 2012 |
Taseko Mines Limited |
Secretary |
July
2008 |
Present |
35
During the Company's financial year ended July 31, 2014, the
aggregate cash compensation paid or payable by the Company to its directors and
senior officers was $130,805.
Ronald W. Thiessen, President, Michael Lee, Chief Financial
Officer, Lena Brommeland, Executive Vice President, and Simon Beller, former
Chief Financial Officer are each "Named Executive Officers" of the Company for
the purposes of the following disclosure.
The compensation paid to the Named Executive Officers during
the Company's most recently completed financial year is as set out below:
Name and principal
position |
Fiscal
year
|
Salary ($)
|
Share- based
awards ($) |
Option- based
awards ($) |
Pension value
($) |
All other compensa
tion ($) |
Total compensa
tion ($) |
Ronald W. Thiessen (1) President and Chief
Executive Officer |
2014
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
2013
|
66,129 |
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
66,129 |
Michael Lee (2) Chief Financial Officer |
2014
|
36,443 |
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
36,443 |
2013
|
20,500 |
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
20,500 |
Simon Beller (2) Chief Financial Officer |
2014
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
2013
|
24,375 |
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
24,375 |
Lena Brommeland Executive Vice President |
2014
|
16,742 |
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
16,742 |
2013 |
12,935 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
12,935 |
Notes:
(1) |
Mr. Thiessen was appointed as President and Chief
Executive Officer on December 30, 2011. |
|
|
(2) |
Mr. Beller resigned as Chief Financial Officer on
February 22, 2013. Mr. Lee was appointed Chief Financial Officer on
February 22, 2013. |
|
|
(3) |
Ms. Brommeland was appointed as Executive Vice President
on February 22, 2013. |
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, the above named
NEOs did not serve the Company solely on a full-time basis, and their
compensation from the Company is allocated based on the estimated amount of time
spent providing services to the Company.
Director Compensation
The compensation provided to the directors, excluding a
director who is already set out in disclosure for a NEO for the Company's most
recently completed financial year ended July 31, 2014 is as set out below:
36
Name
|
Fees earned ($) |
Share- based awards ($) |
Option- based awards ($) |
Non-
equity
incentive plan compensa tion ($) |
Pension value ($) |
All
other compensa tion ($) |
Total ($) |
Scott Cousens(2)(3)(5) |
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Robert A. Dickinson
(2)(3)(4) |
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
James Kerr
(1)(4)(6) |
27,540 |
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
27,540 |
David Mordant
(1)(4)(7) |
22,540 |
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
22,540 |
Gordon Fretwell
(1)(8) |
27,540 |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
Nil |
27,540 |
Notes:
(1) |
On January 1, 2013 independent director fees were
increased so that they would receive an annual fee of $16,540 for their
services plus an additional $5,000 annually for holding the position of
Committee Chair, and $3,000 annually for being a Committee Member. Prior
to January 1, 2013, independent directors received an annual fee of
$15,750 for their services plus an additional $5,000 annually for holding
the position of Committee Chair, and $3,000 annually for being a Committee
Member. |
|
|
(2) |
Mr. Dickinson resigned as Chairman (however remained as a
Director) on November 22, 2012. Mr. Cousens was appointed as Chairman on
November 22, 2012. |
|
|
(3) |
Pursuant to the Corporate Services Agreement with HDSI,
compensation for Messrs. Cousens and Dickinson is allocated to the Company
on the basis of time spent in respect of the Company's business. |
|
|
(4) |
Messrs. Dickinson, Kerr, and Mordant, were appointed
Directors of the Company effective December 30, 2011. The former Directors
(Rene G. Carrier, Brian Causey and Barry Coughlan) ceased to be Directors
on December 30, 2011 and received no compensation in their roles as
Directors in the year ended July 31, 2012. |
|
|
(5) |
Mr. Cousens is the Chairman of the Compensation
Committee. |
|
|
(6) |
Mr. Kerr is the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee
as well as a member of the Compensation Committee and Nominating and
Governance Committee. |
|
|
(7) |
Mr. Mordant is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee
and Nominating and Governance Committee. |
|
|
(8) |
Mr. Fretwell is the Chairman of the Nominating and
Governance Committee as well as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee
and Compensation Committee. |
Pension and Retirement Benefits
Neither the Company nor its subsidiary provides any pension,
retirement or similar benefits.
All directors were re-elected at the annual general meeting of
the Company's shareholders held on February 24, 2014. All directors have a term
of office expiring at the next annual general meeting of the Company's
shareholders, which is expected to be held in early 2015. All officers have a
term of office lasting until their removal or replacement by the Board of
Directors.
Directors Service Contracts
There is no written employment contract between the Company and
any director.
There is no service contract between any director of the
Company and either the Company or its subsidiary, which provides for any
benefits upon termination of employment.
Audit and Risk Committee
Composition of Audit and Risk Committee
The members of the Audit and Risk Committee are James Kerr,
David Mordant and Gordon J. Fretwell. All Audit and Risk Committee members are
financially literate and no Audit and Risk Committee members are officers, employees or Control Persons of the Company. Mr. Kerr
is a Chartered Accountant, and hence a financial expert.
37
Relevant Education and Experience
As a result of their education and experience, each member of
the Audit and Risk Committee has familiarity with, an understanding of, or
experience in the accounting principles used by the Company to prepare its
financial statements, and the ability to assess the general application of those
principles in connection with estimates, accruals and reserves; reviewing or
evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity
of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity
of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Company's
financial statements; and an understanding of internal controls and procedures
for financial reporting.
Mr. Kerr is a Chartered Accountant and was a partner at KPMG, a
national accounting firm, until his retirement in 2007. He has extensive
experience in public practice, and actively involved with audit committees of
mining and energy companies, providing advice on accounting and compliance
issues based on a risk management approach. Mr. Fretwell is an experienced
securities lawyer and Mr. Mordant is an experienced businessman with corporate
finance experience. See disclosure under A. Directors and Senior Management
above.
Audit and Risk Committees Charter
The function of the Audit and Risk Committee is to oversee the
employment and compensation of the Companys independent auditor, and other
matters under the authority of the Committee. The Committee also assists the
Board of Directors in carrying out its oversight responsibilities relating to
the Companys financial, accounting and reporting processes, the Companys
system of internal accounting and financial controls, the Companys compliance
with related legal and regulatory requirements, and the fairness of transactions
between the Company and related parties.
The Audit and Risk Committee has a charter that sets out its
mandate and responsibilities, which is contained in Appendix 6 of the Corporate
Governance Policies and Procedures Manual (available for download from the
Companys website under Corporate Governance at
www.quartzmountainresources.com). The Audit and Risk Committee has the following
responsibilities and authority:
Relationship with Independent Auditor
Subject to the law of British Columbia as to the role of the
Shareholders in the appointment of independent auditors, the Committee shall
have the sole authority to appoint or replace the independent auditor.
The Committee shall be directly responsible for the
compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor (including
resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditor
regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit
report or related work.
The independent auditor shall report directly to the Committee.
The Committee shall approve in advance all audit and permitted
non-audit services with the independent auditor, including the terms of the
engagements and the fees payable; provided that the Committee Chairman may
approve services to be performed by the independent auditor between Committee
meetings if the amount of the fee does not exceed $50,000, provided that any
such approval shall be reported to the Committee at the next meeting thereof.
The Committee may delegate to a subcommittee the authority to grant
pre-approvals of audit and permitted non-audit services, provided that the
decision of any such subcommittee shall be presented to the full Committee at
its next scheduled meeting.
At least annually, the Committee shall review and evaluate the
experience and qualifications of the lead partner and senior members of the
independent auditor team.
At least annually, the Committee shall obtain and review a
report from the independent auditor regarding:
|
the independent auditors internal
quality-control procedures; |
|
any material issues raised by the most recent internal
quality-control review, or peer review, of the auditor, or by any inquiry
or investigation by governmental or professional authorities within the
preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out
by the firm; |
|
any steps taken to deal with any such issues;
and |
|
all relationships between the independent
auditor and the Company. |
38
At least annually, the Committee shall evaluate the
qualifications, performance and independence of the independent auditor,
including considering whether the auditors quality controls are adequate and
the provision of permitted non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the
auditors independence.
The Committee shall ensure the rotation of the lead (or
coordinating) audit partner having primary responsibility for the audit, the
concurring partner responsible for reviewing the audit, and other audit partners
as required by law.
The Committee shall consider whether, in order to assure
continuing auditor independence, it is appropriate to adopt a policy of rotating
the independent auditing firm on a regular basis.
The Committee shall recommend to the Board policies for the
Companys hiring of employees or former employees of the independent auditor who
were engaged on the Companys account or participated in any capacity in the
audit of the Company.
The Committee shall oversee the implementation by management of
appropriate information technology systems for the Company, including as
required for proper financial reporting and compliance.
Financial Statement and Disclosure Review
The Committee shall review and discuss with management and the
independent auditor the annual audited financial statements, including
disclosures made in managements discussion and analysis, and recommend to the
Board whether the audited financial statements should be filed with applicable
securities regulatory authorities and included in the Companys annual reports.
The Committee shall review and discuss with management (and, to
the extent the Committee deems it necessary or appropriate, the independent
auditor) the Companys quarterly financial statements, including disclosures
made in managements discussion and analysis, and recommend to the Board whether
such financial statements should be filed with applicable securities regulatory
authorities.
The Committee shall review and discuss with management and the
independent auditor significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in
connection with the preparation of the Companys financial statements, including
the independent auditors assessment of the quality of the Companys accounting
principles, any significant changes in the Companys selection or application of
accounting principles, any major issues as to the adequacy of the Companys
internal controls over financial reporting, and any special steps adopted in
light of material control deficiencies.
At least annually and prior to the publication of annual
audited financial statements, the Committee shall review and discuss with
management and the independent auditor a report from the independent auditor on:
- all critical accounting policies and practices used by the Company;
- all alternative accounting treatments of financial information that have
been discussed with management since the prior report, ramifications of the
use of such alternative disclosures and treatments, the treatment preferred by
the independent auditor, and an explanation of why the independent auditors
preferred method was not adopted; and,
- other material written communications between the independent auditor and
management since the prior report, such as any management letter or schedule
of unadjusted differences, the development, selection and disclosure of
critical accounting estimates, and analyses of the effect of alternative
assumptions, estimates or GAAP methods on the Companys financial statements.
Prior to their filing or issuance, the Committee shall review
the Companys Annual Information Form, quarterly and annual earnings press
releases, and other financial press releases, including the use of pro forma
or adjusted non-GAAP information.
The Committee shall review and discuss with management the
financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating
agencies. Such discussion may be specific or it may be in general regarding the
types of information to be disclosed and the types of presentations to be made.
Conduct of the Annual Audit
The Committee shall oversee the annual audit, and in the course
of such oversight the Committee shall have the following responsibilities and
authority:
The Committee shall meet with the independent auditor prior to
the audit to discuss the planning and conduct of the annual audit, and shall
meet with the independent auditor as may be necessary or appropriate in
connection with the audit.
The Committee shall ascertain that the independent auditor is
registered and in good standing with the Canadian Public Accounting Board and
that the independent auditor satisfies all applicable independence standards.
The Committee shall obtain from the auditor a written statement delineating all
relationships between the auditor and the Company as per applicable
independence standards, and review relationships that may impact the objectivity
and independence of the auditor.
39
The Committee shall discuss with the independent auditor the
matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61
relating to the conduct of the audit, including:
|
the adoption of, or changes to, the Companys significant
auditing and accounting principles and practices as suggested by the
independent auditor, internal auditors or management; |
|
the management letter provided by the independent auditor
and the Companys response to that letter; and |
|
any difficulties encountered in the course of the audit
work, including any restrictions on the scope of activities or access to
requested information, and any significant disagreements with management.
|
The Committee shall make such inquiries to the management and
the independent auditor as the Committee members deem necessary or appropriate
to satisfy themselves regarding the efficacy of the Companys financial and
internal controls and procedures and the auditing process.
Compliance and Oversight
The Committee shall meet periodically with management and the
independent auditor in separate executive sessions. The Committee may also, to
the extent it deems necessary or appropriate, meet with the Companys investment
bankers and financial analysts who follow the Company.
The Committee shall discuss with management and the independent
auditor the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives as well as
off-balance sheet structures on the Companys financial statements.
The Committee shall discuss with management the Companys major
financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and
control such exposures, including the Companys risk assessment and risk
management policies, and regularly review the top risks identified by management
and the policies and practices adopted by the Company to mitigate those risks.
If required, the Committee shall annually review with
management and the independent auditor the disclosure controls and procedures
and confirm that the Company (with CEO and CFO participation) has evaluated the
effectiveness of the design and operation of the controls within 90 days prior
to the date of filing of the AIF. The Committee also shall review with
management and the independent auditor any deficiencies in the design and
operation of internal controls and significant deficiencies or material
weaknesses therein, and any fraud involving management or other employees who
have a significant role in the Companys internal controls. As a part of that
review, the Committee shall review the process followed in preparing and
verifying the accuracy of the required CEO and CFO annual certifications.
If required, the Committee shall annually, prior to the filing
of the AIF, review managements internal control report and the independent
auditors assessment of the internal controls and procedures.
The Committee shall establish procedures for the receipt,
retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding
accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the
confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding
questionable accounting or auditing matters.
The Committee shall discuss with management and the independent
auditor any correspondence with regulators or governmental agencies and any
employee complaints or reports which raise material issues regarding the
Companys financial statements or accounting policies.
At least annually, the Committee shall meet with the Companys
legal counsel and discuss any legal matters that may have a material impact on
the financial statements or the Companys compliance policies.
The Committee shall oversee the preparation of reports relating
to the Audit and Risk Committee as required under applicable laws, regulations
and stock exchange requirements.
The Committee shall exercise oversight with respect to
anti-fraud programs and controls.
Related Party Transactions
The Committee shall review for fairness to the Company proposed
transactions, contracts and other arrangements between the Company and its
subsidiaries and any related party or affiliate, and make recommendations to the
Board whether any such transactions, contracts and other arrangements should be
approved or continued. The foregoing shall not include any compensation payable
pursuant to any plan, program, contract or arrangement subject to the authority
of the Companys Compensation Committee.
As used herein the term related party means any officer or
director of the Company or any subsidiary, or any shareholder holding a greater
than 10% direct or indirect financial or voting interest in the Company, and the term affiliate means any person, whether acting alone
or in concert with others, that has the power to exercise a controlling
influence over the Company and its subsidiaries. "Related party" includes Hunter
Dickinson Services Inc.
40
Compensation Committee
The Boards Compensation Committee currently consists of Scott
Cousens (Chairman), Gordon Fretwell and James Kerr.
The function of the Compensation Committee is to assist the
Board in carrying out its responsibilities relating to executive and director
compensation. The Compensation Committee has a charter that sets out its mandate
and responsibilities, which is contained in Appendix 7 of the Corporate
Governance Policies and Procedures Manual (available for download from the
Companys website under Corporate Governance at
www.quartzmountainresources.com). In furtherance of its purpose, the
Compensation Committee has the following responsibilities and authority:
(a) |
The Compensation Committee shall recommend to the Board
the form and amount of compensation to be paid by the Company to directors
for service on the Board and on Board committees. The Compensation
Committee shall review director compensation at least annually. |
|
|
(b) |
The Compensation Committee shall annually review the
Company's base compensation structure and the Company's incentive
compensation, stock option and other equity based compensation programs
and recommend changes in or additions in such structure and plans to Board
as needed. |
|
|
(c) |
The Compensation Committee shall recommend to the Board
the annual base compensation of the Company's executive officers and
senior managers (collectively the "Officers"). |
|
|
(d) |
The Compensation Committee shall recommend to the Board
the range of increase or decrease in the annual base compensation for
non-Officer personnel providing services to the Company. |
|
|
(e) |
The Compensation Committee shall recommend to the Board
annual corporate goals and objectives under any incentive compensation
plan adopted by the Company for Officers and non-Officer personnel
providing services to the Company, and recommend incentive compensation
participation levels for Officers and non-Officer personnel providing
services to the Company under any such incentive compensation plan. In
determining the incentive component of compensation, the Committee will
consider the Company's performance and relative shareholder return, the
values of similar incentives at comparable companies and the awards given
in past years. |
|
|
(f) |
The Compensation Committee shall evaluate the performance
of Officers generally and in light of annual corporate goals and
objectives under any incentive compensation plan. |
|
|
(g) |
The Compensation Committee shall periodically review with
the Chairman and CEO their assessments of corporate officers and senior
managers and succession plans, and make recommendations to the Board
regarding appointment of officers and senior managers. |
|
|
(h) |
The Compensation Committee shall provide oversight of the
performance evaluation and incentive compensation of non-Officer personnel
providing services to the Company. |
|
|
(i) |
The Compensation Committee shall administer the Company's
stock option and other equity based compensation plans and determines the
annual grants of stock options and other equity based
compensation. |
|
|
(j) |
The Compensation Committee shall recommend to the
Nominating and Governance Committee the qualifications and criteria for
membership on the Compensation Committee. |
Other Board Committees
The Company has a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
which is responsible for identifying new candidates for the Board of Directors
as necessary, after considering what competencies and skills the directors as a
group should possess and assessing the competencies and skills the directors as
a group should possess and assessing the competencies and skills of the existing
and any proposed directors, and considering the appropriate size of the Board.
The committee is also responsible for developing and recommending to the Board a
set of corporate governance principles applicable to the Chief Financial
Officer, and overseeing the evaluation of the Board and Senior Management. The
current members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are Gordon
Fretwell, James Kerr, and David Mordant.
The Company has a Special Committee composed of independent
directors of the Company in order to consider the best interests of the Company
related to all matters in respect of any proposed transactions with members of the Hunter Dickinson group of companies,
including proposed transactions between non-arms length parties, and to make
recommendations to the Board in respect of such matters. The current members of
the Special Committee are Gordon Fretwell, James Kerr, and David Mordant.
41
At October 9, 2014 the Company had no employees and had
contracted staff on an as-needed basis. The directors of the Company primarily
administer the Company's functions through the employees of HDSI, a private
company with certain directors in common with the Company (see Item 7 "Major
Shareholders and Related Party Transactions").
The Company does, from time to time, directly hire local
resident workers for field activities, on engagements of a few weeks at a time.
During the fiscal years 2014 and 2013, no such employees were hired; in fiscal
2012 three employees worked for several weeks, and in fiscal 2011 no such
employees were engaged.
Security Holdings of Directors and Senior Management
As at October 9, 2014, the directors and officers of Quartz
Mountain and their respective affiliates, directly and indirectly, own or
control as a group an aggregate of 4,809,755 common shares or 17.6% .
As at October 9, 2014, the Company's directors and officers
beneficially own the following number of the Company's common shares, options
and warrants:
Name of Insider
|
Securities
Beneficially Owned (1)(3)
|
As a % of outstanding common
shares |
Lena Brommeland |
215,335 common shares
19,500 options(4) |
0.8% |
Scott Cousens |
147,177 common shares
60,000 options(3) |
0.5% |
Robert A. Dickinson |
2,171,730 common shares (2)
60,000 options(3) |
8.0% |
Gordon J. Fretwell |
nil common shares
60,000 options(3) |
nil |
James Kerr |
88,000 common shares 60,000
options(3) |
0.3% |
Michael Lee |
nil common shares
11,100 options(4) |
nil |
David Mordant |
107,000 common shares 60,000
options(3) |
0.4% |
Ronald W. Thiessen |
2,080,514 common shares
60,000 options(3) |
7.6% |
Trevor Thomas |
nil common shares
19,500 options(4) |
nil |
Notes:
(1) |
This information has been provided by the individual
directors as provided by them on www.sedi.ca |
|
|
(2) |
Certain of these shares are beneficially owned through a
private company controlled by Mr. Dickinson. |
|
|
(3) |
Options to purchase common shares at $0.45 per share
expiring on January 18, 2017. |
|
|
(4) |
Options to purchase common shares at $0.45 per share
expiring on January 18, 2015. |
42
Share Option Plan
As at October 9, 2014, an aggregate of 1,587,000 options were
outstanding pursuant to the Company's share option plan (the "Plan"), described
below, and an aggregate of 1,142,951 common shares remained available for
issuance pursuant to the Plan, described below.
The Company adopted the Plan in order to advance the interests
of the Company by providing a means to encourage directors, officers, employees,
and others who provide services to the Company and its subsidiaries to acquire
shares of the Company, thereby increasing their proprietary interest in the
Company, encouraging them to remain associated with the Company and furnishing
them with additional incentive to advance the interests of the Company in the
conduct of their affairs.
The Plan is a "rolling" plan, whereby the maximum number of
shares that may be reserved for issuance pursuant to all option awards granted
under the Plan is 10% of the Company's outstanding common shares, as calculated
at the time that an award is granted. Under the policies of the TSX-V (the
"TSX-V"), the continuation of the Plan required shareholder approval by ordinary
resolution at each annual general meeting of the Company's shareholders. The
Company's shareholders confirmed the Plan in accordance with the policies of the
TSX-V at the Company's last annual general meeting, held on February 24, 2014.
Pursuant to the Plan, if outstanding options are exercised, or
expire, or the number of issued and outstanding common shares of the Company
increases, the number of options available to grant under the Plan increases
proportionately. The exercise price of each option is set by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors at the time of grant but cannot be less than
the Discounted Market Price (as defined in, and determined in accordance with,
the policies of the TSX-V). Options can have a maximum term of five years (or 10
years if the Company becomes a Tier 1 issuer on the TSX-V) and typically
terminate 90 days following the termination of the optionee's employment or
engagement, except in the case of retirement or death. Vesting of options is at
the discretion of the Board of Directors at the time the options are granted.
Eligible Optionees
Under the policies of the TSX-V, to be eligible for the
issuance of a stock option under the Plan, an optionee must either be a
director, officer or employee of the Company, or a consultant or an employee of
a company providing management or other services to the Company, or its
subsidiaries, at the time the option is granted.
Options may be granted only to an individual or to a company
that is wholly-owned by individuals eligible for an option grant. If the option
is granted to a non-individual, the company must provide the TSX-V with an
undertaking that it will not permit any transfer of its securities, nor issue
further securities, to any other individual or entity as long as the incentive
stock option remains in effect without the consent of TSX-V.
Limitations on Awards
No optionee can be granted an option or options to purchase
more than 5% of the outstanding listed shares of the Company in any one year
period.
ITEM 7 |
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY
TRANSACTIONS |
Quartz Mountain is a publicly-held corporation, with its shares
held by residents of Canada, the United States of America and other countries.
To the best of Quartz Mountain's knowledge, other than as noted below, no
person, corporation or other entity beneficially owns, directly or indirectly,
or controls more than 5% of the common shares of Quartz Mountain, the only class
of securities with voting rights. For these purposes, "beneficial ownership"
means the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting or to dispose or
direct the disposition of any security.
As of October 9, 2014, Quartz Mountain had authorized unlimited
common shares without par value, of which 27,299,513 were issued and
outstanding. The following table sets forth certain information with respect to
beneficial ownership of the Company's common stock as of October 9, 2014 by each
shareholder known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the common
stock.
43
Identity of Person or Group |
Shares |
Percentage Beneficially Owned of
Class |
Finsbury Exploration
Ltd. |
2,038,111 |
7.5%
|
Robert A.
Dickinson |
2,171,730 |
8.0%
|
Ronald Thiessen
|
2,080,514 |
7.6%
|
All of the common shares have the same voting rights and no
major shareholders of the Company have different voting rights.
Geographic Breakdown of Shareholders
As of October 9, 2014, Quartz Mountain's register of
shareholders indicates that Quartz Mountain's common shares are held as
follows:
Location |
Number of registered
shareholders of record |
Number of shares |
Percentage of total shares
|
Canada |
34
|
25,803,501 |
94.5%
|
United States |
465
|
1,460,802 |
5.4%
|
Other |
4 |
35,210 |
0.1%
|
Total |
503
|
27,299,513 |
100.0% |
Shares registered in the names of intermediaries, were assumed
to be held by residents of the same country in which the intermediary is
located.
Transfer Agent
The Company's common shares are recorded on the books of its
transfer agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc., located at 4th Floor, 510
Burrard Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3B9; telephone (604) 661-9400 in registered
form. However, the majority of the Company's common shares are registered in the
name of intermediaries such as brokerage houses and clearing houses (on behalf
of their respective brokerage clients). Quartz Mountain does not have knowledge
or access to the identities of the beneficial owners of such shares registered
through intermediaries.
Control
To the best of its knowledge, the Company is not owned or
controlled, directly or indirectly, by any other corporation, by any foreign
government or by any other natural or legal person, severally or jointly, other
than as noted above under Major Shareholders. There are no arrangements known to
Quartz Mountain which, at a subsequent date, may result in a change in control
of the Company.
Insider Reports under the Securities Acts of British
Columbia, Alberta and Ontario
Since the Company is a reporting issuer under the Securities
Acts of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, certain "insiders" of the Company
(including its directors, certain executive officers, and persons who directly
or indirectly beneficially own, control or direct more than 10% of its common
shares) are generally required to file insider reports of changes in their
ownership of Quartz Mountain's common shares within five days following the
trade under National Instrument 55-104 Insider Reporting Requirements and
Exemptions, as adopted by the CSA, and the Securities Act (Ontario). Copies of
such reports are available for public inspection at the offices of the British
Columbia Securities Commission, 9th Floor, 701 West Georgia Street, Vancouver,
British Columbia V7Y 1L2, (604) 899-6500 or at the British Columbia Securities
Commission web site, www.bcsc.bc.ca. In British Columbia, all insider reports
must be filed electronically five days following the date of the trade at
www.sedi.ca. The public is able to access these reports at www.sedi.ca.
44
B. |
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
Except as disclosed herein, Quartz Mountain has not, since the
beginning of its last fiscal year ended July 31, 2014:
(1) |
entered into any transactions which are material to
Quartz Mountain, or a related party or any transactions unusual in their
nature or conditions involving goods, services or tangible or intangible
assets to which Quartz Mountain or any of its former subsidiaries was a
party; |
|
|
|
(2) |
entered into any transactions or loans between the
Company and: |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
enterprises that directly or indirectly through one or
more intermediaries, control or are controlled by, or are under common
control with, Quartz Mountain; |
|
|
|
|
(b) |
associates of Quartz Mountain (unconsolidated enterprises
in which Quartz Mountain has significant influence or which has
significant influence over Quartz Mountain) including shareholders
beneficially owning 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Quartz
Mountain; |
|
|
|
|
(c) |
individuals owning, directly or indirectly, an interest
in the common shares of Quartz Mountain that gives them significant
influence over Quartz Mountain, and close members of any such individuals
family; |
|
|
|
|
(d) |
key management personnel (persons having authority in
responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of
Quartz Mountain including directors and senior management and close
members of such individuals families); or |
|
|
|
|
(e) |
enterprises in which a substantial voting interest is
owned, directly or indirectly, by any person described in (c) or (d) or
over which such a person is able to exercise significant
influence. |
Hunter Dickinson Services Inc. ("HDSI")
As an umbrella organization, HDSI provides, both cost and
expertise advantages to the companies through access to a shared
multidisciplinary team of mining and financial professionals. This includes:
management capability, geological, engineering and environmental expertise,
financial acumen, and administrative and support services. In addition, HDSI
organizes and shares leased premises and office and technical equipment for
staff to perform their duties.
Quartz Mountain's business relationship with HDSI consists of
utilizing the services described above. HDSI provides these services to Quartz
Mountain which includes the services of Quartz Mountain's President, pursuant to
a standard (within the group) Geological Management and Administration Services
Agreement with HDSI, dated June 1, 2008 (the "Geological Management and
Administration Services Agreement") and amended July 2, 2010. Because of cross
membership of many of the boards of directors within the group, certain members
of management and the Board of Directors of Quartz Mountain are also members of
the board of directors or employees of HDSI.
HDSI's arrangements are also flexible enough that it is able to
defer collection of monthly service invoices and on occasion, where surplus
funds are available to HDSI, make short term advances to members of the group.
The Geological Management and Administration Services Agreement can be
terminated by either party on 30 days' notice.
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, the Company had
transactions totaling $535,392 (2013 $2,585,097; 2012 $1,255,789) to HDSI
for services and reimbursements of third party disbursements pursuant to this
agreement.
Finsbury Exploration Ltd.
Finsbury Exploration Ltd. ("Finsbury") is a private company
which has certain directors in common with the Company. During the fiscal year
ended July 31, 2014, the Company had transactions totaling $nil (2013 $nil;
2012 - $25,278) to Finsbury relating to the Galaxie Project.
C. |
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND
COUNSEL |
Not applicable.
45
ITEM 8 |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
A. |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL
INFORMATION |
Quartz Mountain's audited consolidated annual financial
statements as at and for the year ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are
attached in Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report.
Legal Proceedings
The Company is not, and has not been in the recent past,
involved in any legal or arbitration proceedings, including governmental
proceedings and those relating to bankruptcy, receivership, or similar
proceedings.
Dividend Policy
The Company has not paid any dividends on its outstanding
common shares since its incorporation and does not anticipate that it will do so
in the foreseeable future. All funds of the Company are being retained for
administration expenses and mineral property investigations.
There have been no significant changes to the accompanying
financial statements since July 31, 2014, except as disclosed in this Annual
Report on Form 20-F.
ITEM 9 |
THE OFFER AND LISTING
|
A. |
OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS |
Trading Markets
The following tables set forth for the periods indicated the
price history of the Company's common shares on the TSX-V (NEX board from 2008
to 2011) and on the OTC Grey Market:
|
TSX-V |
OTC |
Fiscal year ended July 31 |
High
(Cdn$) |
Low
(Cdn$) |
High
(US$) |
Low
(US$) |
2014
|
0.12 |
0.04 |
0.09 |
0.06 |
2013
|
0.35 |
0.07 |
0.28 |
0.07 |
2012
|
0.50 |
0.20 |
0.50 |
0.20 |
2011
|
0.49 |
0.18 |
0.42 |
0.16 |
2010
|
0.30 |
0.15 |
0.30 |
0.13 |
46
|
TSX-V |
OTC |
Fiscal Quarter
|
High (Cdn$) |
Low (Cdn$) |
High (US$) |
Low (US$) |
Q4, 2014 |
0.08
|
0.04
|
0.07 |
0.06
|
Q3,
2014 |
0.12
|
0.08
|
0.07 |
0.06
|
Q2,
2014 |
0.09
|
0.07
|
0.08 |
0.06
|
Q1,
2014 |
0.10
|
0.07
|
0.09 |
0.07
|
Q4,
2013 |
0.13
|
0.07
|
0.23 |
0.07
|
Q3,
2013 |
0.28
|
0.13
|
0.28 |
0.23
|
Q2,
2013 |
0.34
|
0.23
|
0.28 |
0.25
|
Q1,
2013 |
0.35
|
0.24
|
0.37 |
0.28
|
|
TSX-V |
OTC |
Month
|
High (Cdn$) |
Low (Cdn$) |
High (US$) |
Low (US$) |
to October 9, 2014 |
0.04
|
0.04
|
0.06 |
0.06
|
September 2014 |
0.06
|
0.05
|
0.04 |
0.04
|
August 2014 |
0.06
|
0.06
|
0.05 |
0.05
|
July
2014 |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A |
N/A
|
June
2014 |
0.05
|
0.05
|
0.07 |
0.06
|
May
2014 |
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A |
N/A
|
April 2014 |
0.10
|
0.08
|
0.06 |
0.06
|
Not applicable.
On December 30, 2011, the Company acquired a qualifying
property and was relisted on the main board of the TSX Venture Exchange, trading
under the symbol QZM. The Company continues to trade on the OTC Grey Market
under the symbol QZMRF.
On February 17, 2005, the Company transferred its listing to
NEX, a separate board of TSX-V and the Company's common shares traded on NEX
under the symbol QZM.H.
Prior to February 17, 2005, the Company's common shares were
listed and traded in Canada on Tier 2 on the TSX-V, under the symbol QZM.V. The
transition to Tier 2 became effective December 23, 2003. Prior to this, the
Company traded on Tier 3 on the TSX-V.
Not applicable.
47
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
|
Not applicable.
B. |
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF
ASSOCIATION |
Articles of Association
Quartz Mountain's original corporate constituting documents
comprised of the Memorandum and Articles of Association were registered with the
British Columbia Registrar of Companies under Corporation No. BC0253743. The
Companys Memorandum and Articles have subsequently been replaced by a Notice of
Articles and Articles under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia)
(BCA), and the Articles were last amended by shareholder resolution at the
Companys Annual General Meeting, held on February 24, 2014. The Company's
articles of incorporation do not contain a description or place any restrictions
on the Company's objects and purposes. For more information, see the Articles of
Amalgamation filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Form 20-F.
Certain Powers of Directors
The Companys articles require that a director or senior
officer who holds any office or possesses any property, right or interest that
could result, directly or indirectly, in the creation of a duty or interest that
materially conflicts with that individuals duty or interest as a director or
senior officer, must disclose the nature and extent of the conflict as required
by the BCA.
The BCA requires that every director or senior officer who is a
party to, or who is a director or officer of, or has a material interest in, any
person who is a party to, a material contract or transaction or a proposed
material contract or transaction with the Company, must disclose in writing to
the Company or request to have entered in the minutes of a meeting or a consent
resolution of directors, the nature and extent of his or her interest, and must
refrain from voting in respect of the contract or transaction, unless the
contract or transaction is: (a) one relating primarily to his or her
remuneration as a director of the corporation or an affiliate; (b) one for
indemnity of or insurance for directors as contemplated under the BCA; or (c)
one with an affiliate of the Company. However, a director who is prohibited by
the BCA from voting on a material contract or proposed material contract may be
counted in determining whether a quorum is present for the purpose of the
resolution, if the director disclosed his or her interest in accordance with the
BCA and the contract or transaction was reasonable and fair to the corporation
at the time it was approved.
The Company's Articles provide that the Board will from time to
time determine the remuneration to be paid to the directors. The Company must
reimburse each director for the reasonable expenses that he or she may incur in
and about the business of the Company. The Board may also, by resolution, award
special remuneration to any director for undertaking any professional or other
services on the Company's behalf, outside than the ordinary duties of a director
of the Company.
The Company's Articles provide that the directors may: (a)
borrow money in the manner and amount, on the security, from the sources and on
the terms and conditions that they consider appropriate; (b) issue bonds,
debentures and other debt obligations either outright or as security for any
liability or obligation of the Company or any other person and at such discounts
or premiums and on such other terms as the directors consider appropriate; (c)
guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any
obligation of any other person; and (d) mortgage, charge, whether by way of
specific or floating charge, grant a security interest in, or give other
security on, the whole or any part of the present and future assets and
undertaking of the Company.
The directors may, by resolution, amend or repeal any articles
that regulate the business or affairs of the Company. The BCA requires the
directors to submit any such amendment or repeal to the Company's shareholders at the next meeting of shareholders, and the
shareholders may confirm, reject or amend the amendment or repeal.
48
The Board does not have a mandatory retirement policy for
directors based solely on age. The Company has a practice of conducting annual
Board, Committee and individual director evaluations, pursuant to which each
director's performance is evaluated annually. There is no minimum share
ownership requirement for directors qualification.
Authorized Share Capital
The Company's authorized share capital consists of an unlimited
number of common shares without par value, and an unlimited number of preferred
shares without par value.
All outstanding common shares of the Company are fully paid and
non-assessable. The holders of the common shares are entitled to one vote per
share at meetings of shareholders and to receive dividends if, as and when
declared by the directors of the Company. In the event of voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, after payment
of all outstanding debts, the remaining assets of the Company available for
distribution would be distributed rateably to the holders of the common shares.
Holders of the common shares of the Company have no pre-emptive, redemption,
exchange or conversion rights.
The preferred shares may be issued in series on such terms as
determined by the Company's directors in accordance with the class rights and
restrictions. The special rights and restrictions attaching to the preferred
shares are set forth in Part 26 of the Articles, and provide the directors with
wide latitude to create a series of preferred shares which may be convertible
into common shares, and have attached to them rights that rank ahead of common
shares in respect of entitlement to dividends. The directors may, by resolution,
create, define and attach special rights and restrictions to the shares of each
series, subject to the special rights and restrictions attached to the preferred
shares.
Except as described above, the Company may not create any class
or series of shares or make any modification to the provisions attaching to the
Company's shares without the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by
the holders of the common shares.
Majority Voting Policy
Under the Companys Corporate Governance Manual, in an
uncontested director election, if the votes for the election of a director
nominee at a meeting of shareholders are fewer than the number voted withhold,
the nominee is expected to submit his or her resignation promptly after the
meeting for the consideration of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The
Nominating and Governance Committee will make a recommendation to the Board of
Directors after reviewing the matter, and the Board of Directors will then
decide whether to accept or reject the resignation. The Boards decision to
accept or reject the resignation will be disclosed to shareholders. The nominee
will not participate in any Nominating and Governance Committee deliberations
whether to accept or reject the resignation.
Meetings of Shareholders
The BCA requires the Company to call an annual shareholders'
meeting not later than 15 months after holding the last preceding annual meeting
and permits the Company to call a special shareholders' meeting at any time. In
addition, in accordance with the BCA, the holders of not less than 5% of the
Company's shares carrying the right to vote at a meeting sought to be held may
requisition the directors to call a special shareholders' meeting for the
purposes stated in the requisition. The Company is required to mail a notice of
meeting and management information circular to registered shareholders not less
than 21 days and not more than 2 months prior to the date of any annual or
special shareholders' meeting. These materials are also filed with Canadian
securities regulatory authorities and furnished to the SEC. The Company's
articles provide that a quorum of two shareholders in person or represented by
proxy holding or representing by proxy at least 10% of the Company's issued
shares carrying the right to vote at the meeting is required to transact
business at a shareholders' meeting. In addition to shareholders and their duly
appointed proxies and corporate representatives, the Company's directors,
president, secretary, lawyers, auditors, and invitees of the directors or
chairperson, are entitled to be admitted to the Company's annual and special
shareholders' meetings; provided that any such person is not to be counted in
the quorum and is not entitled to vote at the meeting unless that person is a
shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the meeting.
49
Disclosure of Share Ownership
The Securities Act (British Columbia) currently provides that
the directors and certain officers of an issuer and its subsidiaries and any
person or company that beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, voting securities of an issuer or that exercises control or direction
over voting securities of an issuer or a combination of both, carrying more than
10% of the voting rights attached to all the issuer's outstanding voting
securities (a "significant shareholder"), as well as the directors and officers
of any significant shareholder, (each an "insider") must, within 10 days of
becoming an insider, file a report in the required form effective the date on
which the person became an insider, disclosing any direct or indirect beneficial
ownership of, or control or direction over, securities of the reporting issuer.
The Securities Act (British Columbia) also provides for the filing of a report
by an insider of a reporting issuer who acquires or transfers securities of the
issuer or who enters into, materially amends or terminates an arrangement the
effect of which is to alter the insider's economic interest in a security of the
issuer or the insider's economic exposure to the issuer. These reports must be
filed within five days after the reportable event. The Securities Act (British
Columbia) also requires these reports to be filed by reporting insiders within
five days after the applicable event, though are only required by the Chief
Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, directors,
any person or company responsible for a principal business unit and significant
shareholders of the Company.
The Securities Act (British Columbia) also provides that a
person or company that acquires (whether or not by way of a take-over bid, offer
to acquire or subscription from treasury) beneficial ownership of voting or
equity securities or securities convertible into voting or equity securities of
a reporting issuer that, together with previously held securities brings the
total holdings of such holder to 10% or more of the outstanding securities of
that class, must (a) issue and file forthwith a news release containing certain
prescribed information and (b) file a report within two business days containing
the same information set out in the news release. The acquiring person or
company must also issue a news release and file a report each time it acquires,
in the aggregate, an additional 2% or more of the outstanding securities of the
same class and every time there is a change to any material fact in the news
release and report previously issued and filed.
The rules in the United States governing the ownership
threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed are more stringent
than those discussed above. Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), imposes reporting requirements on persons
who acquire beneficial ownership (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under
the Exchange Act) of more than 5% of a class of an equity security registered
under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. In general, such persons must file, within
ten days after such acquisition, a report of beneficial ownership with the SEC
containing the information prescribed by the regulations under Section 13(d) of
the Exchange Act and promptly file an amendment to such report to disclose any
material change to the information reported, including any acquisition or
disposition of 1% or more of the outstanding securities of the registered class.
Certain institutional investors that acquire shares in the ordinary course of
business and not with the purpose or with the effect of changing or influencing
the control of the issuer, are subject to lesser disclosure obligations.
Quartz Mountain's material contracts as of October 9, 2014 are:
|
Corporate Services Agreement with HDSI, dated
for reference July 2, 2010. See Item 7B; |
|
|
|
Convertible Debenture Agreement with Bearclaw
Capital Corp., dated for reference August 20, 2012 and amendments thereto.
See Item 5B; |
Quartz Mountain is incorporated pursuant to the laws of the
Province of British Columbia, Canada. There is no law or governmental decree or
regulation in Canada that restricts the export or import of capital, or affects
the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to a non-resident holder
of common shares, other than withholding tax requirements. Any such remittances
to United States residents are generally subject to withholding tax, however no
such remittances are likely in the foreseeable future. See "Taxation", below.
There is no limitation imposed by Canadian law or by the
charter or other constituent documents of the Company on the right of a
non-resident to hold or vote Common Shares of the Company, except that the
Investment Canada Act may require review and approval by the Minister of
Industry (Canada) of certain acquisitions of "control" of the Company by a
"non-Canadian". The threshold for acquisitions of "control" is generally defined
as being one-third or more of the voting shares of the Company. "Non-Canadian"
generally means an individual who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent
resident of Canada, or a corporation, partnership, trust or joint venture that
is ultimately controlled by non-Canadians.
50
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Information for United
States Residents
The following summarizes the principal Canadian federal income
tax considerations generally applicable to the holding and disposition of common
shares of the Company by a holder (a) who, for the purposes of the Income Tax
Act (Canada) the ("Tax Act"), is not resident in Canada or deemed to be resident
in Canada, deals at arm's length and is not affiliated with the Company, holds
the common shares as capital property and does not use or hold the common shares
in the course of carrying on, or otherwise in connection with, a business in
Canada, and (b) who, for the purposes of the Canada-United States Income Tax
Convention (the "Treaty"), is a resident of the United States, has never been a
resident of Canada, has not held or used (and does not hold or use) common
shares in connection with a permanent establishment or fixed base in Canada, and
who qualifies for the full benefits of the Treaty. The Canada Revenue Agency has
recently introduced special forms to be used in order to substantiate
eligibility for Treaty benefits, and affected holders should consult with their
own advisors with respect to these forms and all relevant compliance matters.
Holders who meet all such criteria in clauses (a) and (b) above
are referred to herein as a "U.S. Holder" or "U.S. Holders", and this summary
only addresses such U.S. Holders. The summary does not deal with special
situations, such as particular circumstances of traders or dealers, limited
liability companies, tax-exempt entities, insurers, financial institutions
(including those to which the mark-to-market provisions of the Tax Act apply),
or entities considered fiscally transparent under applicable law, or otherwise.
This summary is based on the current provisions of the Tax Act
and the regulations thereunder, all proposed amendments to the Tax Act and
regulations publicly announced by the Minister of Finance (Canada) to the date
hereof, the current provisions of the Treaty and our understanding of the
current administrative practices of the Canada Revenue Agency. It has been
assumed that all currently proposed amendments to the Tax Act and regulations
will be enacted as proposed and that there will be no other relevant change in
any governing law, the Treaty or administrative policy, although no assurance
can be given in these respects. This summary does not take into account
provincial, U.S. or other foreign income tax considerations, which may differ
significantly from those discussed herein.
This summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian income
tax consequences. It is not intended as legal or tax advice to any particular
U.S. Holder and should not be so construed. The tax consequences to a U.S.
Holder will depend on that U.S. Holder's particular circumstances. Accordingly,
all U.S. Holders or prospective U.S. Holders should consult their own tax
advisors with respect to the tax consequences applicable to them having regard
to their own particular circumstances. The discussion below is qualified
accordingly.
Dividends
Dividends paid or deemed to be paid or credited by the Company
to a U.S. Holder are subject to Canadian withholding tax. Under the Treaty, the
rate of withholding tax on dividends paid to a U.S. Holder is generally limited
to 15% of the gross dividend (or 5% in the case of a U.S. holder that is a
corporate shareholder owning at least 10% of the Company's voting shares),
provided the U.S. Holder can establish entitlement to the benefits of the
Treaty.
Disposition
A U.S. Holder is generally not subject to tax under the Tax Act
in respect of a capital gain realized on the disposition of a common share in
the open market, unless the share is "taxable Canadian property" to the holder
thereof and the U.S. Holder is not entitled to relief under the Treaty.
Provided that the Company's common shares are listed on a
"designated stock exchange" for purposes of the Tax Act (which currently
includes the TSX Venture) at the time of disposition, a common share will
generally not constitute taxable Canadian property to a U.S. Holder unless, at
any time during the 60 month period ending at the time of disposition, (i) the
U.S. Holder or persons with whom the U.S. Holder did not deal at arm's length
(or the U.S. Holder together with such persons) owned 25% or more of the issued
shares of any class or series of the Company AND (ii) more than 50% of the fair
market value of the share was derived directly or indirectly from certain types
of assets, including real or immoveable property situated in Canada, Canadian
resource properties or timber resource properties, and options, interests or
rights in respect of any of the foregoing. Common shares may also be deemed to
be taxable Canadian property under the Tax Act in certain specific
circumstances. A U.S. Holder holding Common shares as taxable Canadian property
should consult with the U.S. Holder's own tax advisors in advance of any
disposition of Common shares or deemed disposition under the Tax Act in order to
determine whether any relief from tax under the Tax Act may be available by
virtue of the Treaty, and any related compliance procedures.
51
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The Company believes it is likely a "passive foreign investment
company" which may have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S.
shareholders
U.S. shareholders should be aware that the Company believes it
was classified as a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC") during the tax
year ended July 31, 2014, and may be a PFIC in future tax years. If the Company
is a PFIC for any year during a U.S. shareholder's holding period, then such
U.S. shareholder generally will be required to treat any gain realized upon a
disposition of common shares, or any so-called "excess distribution" received on
its common shares, as ordinary income, and to pay an interest charge on a
portion of such gain or distributions, unless the shareholder makes a timely and
effective "qualified electing fund" election ("QEF Election") or a
"mark-to-market" election with respect to the common shares. A U.S. shareholder
who makes a QEF Election generally must report on a current basis its share of
the Company's net capital gain and ordinary earnings for any year in which the
Company is a PFIC, whether or not the Company distributes any amounts to its
shareholders. However, U.S. shareholders should be aware that there can be no
assurance that the Company will satisfy record keeping requirements that apply
to a qualified electing fund, or that the Company will supply U.S. shareholders
with information that such U.S. shareholders require to report under the QEF
Election rules, in the event that the Company is a PFIC and a U.S. shareholder
wishes to make a QEF Election. Thus, U.S. shareholders may not be able to make a
QEF Election with respect to their common shares. A U.S. shareholder who makes
the mark-to-market election generally must include as ordinary income each year
the excess of the fair market value of the common shares over the taxpayer's
basis therein. This paragraph is qualified in its entirety by the discussion
below under the heading "Certain United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations." Each U.S. shareholder should consult its own tax advisor
regarding the PFIC rules and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the
acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares.
Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a general summary of certain material U.S.
federal income tax considerations applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below)
arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of
common shares.
This summary is for general information purposes only and does
not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal
income tax considerations that may apply to a U.S. Holder arising from and
relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares. In
addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and
circumstances of any particular U.S. Holder that may affect the U.S. federal
income tax consequences to such U.S. Holder, including specific tax consequences
to a U.S. Holder under an applicable tax treaty. Accordingly, this summary is
not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or U.S. federal income
tax advice with respect to any U.S. Holder. This summary does not address the
U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and
local, and foreign tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the acquisition,
ownership, and disposition of common shares. Each prospective U.S. Holder should
consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative
minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax
consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of common
shares.
No legal opinion from U.S. legal counsel or ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") has been requested, or will be obtained,
regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition,
ownership, and disposition of common shares. This summary is not binding on the
IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from,
and contrary to, the positions taken in this summary. In addition, because the
authorities on which this summary is based are subject to various
interpretations, the IRS and the U.S. courts could disagree with one or more of
the conclusions described in this summary.
Scope of this Summary
Authorities
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or
proposed), published rulings of the IRS, published administrative positions of
the IRS, the Convention Between Canada and the United States of America with
Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed September 26, 1980, as amended
(the "Canada-U.S. Tax Convention"), and U.S. court decisions that are applicable
and, in each case, as in effect and available, as of the date of this document.
Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a
material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on
a retroactive or prospective basis which could affect the U.S. federal income
tax considerations described in this summary. This summary does not discuss the
potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation
that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis.
52
U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, the term "U.S. Holder" means a
beneficial owner of common shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
an individual who is a citizen
or resident of the U.S.;
a corporation (or other entity
taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) organized under
the laws of the U.S., any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
an estate whose income is
subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
a trust that (1) is subject to
the primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one or
more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions or (2) has a valid election in
effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
Non-U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, a "non-U.S. Holder" is a
beneficial owner of common shares that is not a U.S. Holder. This summary does
not address the U.S. federal income tax consequences to non-U.S. Holders arising
from and relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common
shares. Accordingly, a non-U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor
regarding the U.S. federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal
estate and gift, U.S. state and local, and foreign tax consequences (including
the potential application of and operation of any income tax treaties) relating
to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares.
U.S. Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax
Rules Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax
considerations applicable to U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions
under the Code, including, but not limited to, the following: (a) U.S. Holders
that are tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual
retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) U.S. Holders that are
financial institutions, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate
investment trusts, or regulated investment companies; (c) U.S. Holders that are
broker-dealers, dealers, or traders in securities or currencies that elect to
apply a mark-to-market accounting method; (d) U.S. Holders that have a
"functional currency" other than the U.S. Dollar; (e) U.S. Holders that own
common shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion
transaction, constructive sale, or other arrangement involving more than one
position; (f) U.S. Holders that acquired common shares in connection with the
exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services;
(g) U.S. Holders that hold common shares other than as a capital asset within
the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment
purposes); or (h) U.S. Holders that own or have owned (directly, indirectly, or
by attribution) 10% or more of the total combined voting power of the
outstanding shares of the Company. This summary also does not address the U.S.
federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders who are: (a) U.S.
expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S.; (b) persons that have
been, are, or will be a resident or deemed to be a resident in Canada for
purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act"); (c) persons that use or
hold, will use or hold, or that are or will be deemed to use or hold common
shares in connection with carrying on a business in Canada; (d) persons whose
common shares constitute "taxable Canadian property" under the Tax Act; or (e)
persons that have a permanent establishment in Canada for the purposes of the
Canada-U.S. Tax Convention. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions
under the Code, including, but not limited to, U.S. Holders described
immediately above, should consult their own tax advisor regarding the U.S.
federal, U.S. federal alternative minimum, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S.
state and local, and foreign tax consequences relating to the acquisition,
ownership and disposition of common shares.
If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership
(or other "pass-through" entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds
common shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such entity and the
partners (or other owners) of such entity generally will depend on the
activities of the entity and the status of such partners (or owners). This
summary does not address the tax consequences to any such owner. Partners (or
other owners) of entities or arrangements that are classified as partnerships or
as "pass-through" entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult
their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences
arising from and relating to the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of
common shares.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules
If the Company were to constitute a "passive foreign investment
company" under the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code (a "PFIC", as defined
below) for any year during a U.S. Holder's holding period, then certain
potentially adverse rules will affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences
to a U.S. Holder resulting from the acquisition, ownership and disposition of
common shares. The Company believes that it was classified as a PFIC during the
tax year ended July 31, 2014, and may be a PFIC in future tax years. The
determination of whether any corporation was, or will be, a PFIC for a tax year
depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which
are subject to differing interpretations. In addition, whether any corporation
will be a PFIC for any tax year depends on the assets and income of such
corporation over the course of each such tax year and, as a result, cannot be
predicted with certainty as of the date of this document. Accordingly, there can
be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge any determination made by the
Company (or any subsidiary of the Company) concerning its PFIC status. Each U.S.
Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the PFIC status of the
Company and any subsidiary of the Company.
53
In addition, in any year in which the Company is classified as
a PFIC, such holder would be required to file an annual report with the IRS
containing such information as Treasury Regulations and/or other IRS guidance
may require. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the
requirements of filing such information returns under these rules, including the
requirement to file a IRS Form 8621.
PFIC Status of the Company
The Company generally will be a PFIC if, for a tax year, (a)
75% or more of the gross income of the Company is passive income (the "income
test") or (b) 50% or more of the value of the Company's assets either produce
passive income or are held for the production of passive income, based on the
quarterly average of the fair market value of such assets (the "asset test").
"Gross income" generally includes all sales revenues less the cost of goods
sold, plus income from investments and from incidental or outside operations or
sources, and "passive income" generally includes, for example, dividends,
interest, certain rents and royalties, certain gains from the sale of stock and
securities, and certain gains from commodities transactions.
Active business gains arising from the sale of commodities
generally are excluded from passive income if substantially all (85% or more) of
a foreign corporation's commodities are stock in trade or inventory, depreciable
property used in a trade or business, or supplies regularly used or consumed in
a trade or business and certain other requirements are satisfied.
For purposes of the PFIC income test and asset test described
above, if the Company owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the total
value of the outstanding shares of another corporation, the Company will be
treated as if it (a) held a proportionate share of the assets of such other
corporation and (b) received directly a proportionate share of the income of
such other corporation. In addition, for purposes of the PFIC income test and
asset test described above, and assuming certain other requirements are met,
"passive income" does not include certain interest, dividends, rents, or
royalties that are received or accrued by the Company from certain "related
persons" (as defined in Section 954(d)(3) of the Code), to the extent such items
are properly allocable to the income of such related person that is not passive
income.
Under certain attribution rules, if the Company is a PFIC, U.S.
Holders will generally be deemed to own their proportionate share of the
Company's direct or indirect equity interest in any company that is also a PFIC
(a ''Subsidiary PFIC''), and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on their
proportionate share of (a) any "excess distributions," as described below, on
the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC and (b) a disposition or deemed disposition of
the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC by the Company or another Subsidiary PFIC, both
as if such U.S. Holders directly held the shares of such Subsidiary PFIC. In
addition, U.S. Holders may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any indirect
gain realized on the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC on the sale or disposition of
common shares. Accordingly, U.S. Holders should be aware that they could be
subject to tax even if no distributions are received and no redemptions or other
dispositions of common shares are made.
Default PFIC Rules Under Section 1291 of the Code
If the Company is a PFIC for any tax year during which a U.S.
Holder owns common shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S.
Holder of the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of common shares will
depend on whether and when such U.S. Holder makes an election to treat the
Company and each Subsidiary PFIC, if any, as a "qualified electing fund" or
"QEF" under Section 1295 of the Code (a "QEF Election") or makes a
mark-to-market election under Section 1296 of the Code (a "Mark-to-Market
Election"). A U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF Election or a
Mark-to-Market Election will be referred to in this summary as a "Non-Electing
U.S. Holder."
A Non-Electing U.S. Holder will be subject to the rules of
Section 1291 of the Code (described below) with respect to (a) any gain
recognized on the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares and (b) any
excess distribution received on the common shares. A distribution generally will
be an "excess distribution" to the extent that such distribution (together with
all other distributions received in the current tax year) exceeds 125% of the
average distributions received during the three preceding tax years (or during a
U.S. Holder's holding period for the common shares, if shorter).
Under Section 1291 of the Code, any gain recognized on the sale
or other taxable disposition of common shares (including an indirect disposition
of the stock of any Subsidiary PFIC), and any "excess distribution" received on common shares or with respect to the stock of a
Subsidiary PFIC, must be ratably allocated to each day in a Non-Electing U.S.
Holder's holding period for the respective common shares. The amount of any such
gain or excess distribution allocated to the tax year of disposition or
distribution of the excess distribution and to years before the entity became a
PFIC, if any, would be taxed as ordinary income. The amounts allocated to any
other tax year would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the highest tax
rate applicable to ordinary income in each such year, and an interest charge
would be imposed on the tax liability for each such year, calculated as if such
tax liability had been due in each such year. A Non-Electing U.S. Holder that is
not a corporation must treat any such interest paid as "personal interest,"
which is not deductible.
54
If the Company is a PFIC for any tax year during which a
Non-Electing U.S. Holder holds common shares, the Company will continue to be
treated as a PFIC with respect to such Non-Electing U.S. Holder, regardless of
whether the Company ceases to be a PFIC in one or more subsequent tax years. A
Non-Electing U.S. Holder may terminate this deemed PFIC status by electing to
recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code
discussed above), but not loss, as if such common shares were sold on the last
day of the last tax year for which the Company was a PFIC.
QEF Election
A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective QEF Election
for the first tax year in which its holding period of its common shares begins
generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed
above with respect to its common shares. A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and
effective QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such U.S.
Holder's pro rata share of (a) the net capital gain of the Company, which will
be taxed as long-term capital gain to such U.S. Holder, and (b) the ordinary
earnings of the Company, which will be taxed as ordinary income to such U.S.
Holder. Generally, "net capital gain" is the excess of (a) net long-term capital
gain over (b) net short-term capital loss, and "ordinary earnings" are the
excess of (a) "earnings and profits" over (b) net capital gain. A U.S. Holder
that makes a QEF Election will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such
amounts for each tax year in which the Company is a PFIC, regardless of whether
such amounts are actually distributed to such U.S. Holder by the Company.
However, for any tax year in which the Company is a PFIC and has no net income
or gain, U.S. Holders that have made a QEF Election would not have any income
inclusions as a result of the QEF Election. If a U.S. Holder that made a QEF
Election has an income inclusion, such a U.S. Holder may, subject to certain
limitations, elect to defer payment of current U.S. federal income tax on such
amounts, subject to an interest charge. If such U.S. Holder is not a
corporation, any such interest paid will be treated as "personal interest,"
which is not deductible.
A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective QEF Election
with respect to the Company generally (a) may receive a tax-free distribution
from the Company to the extent that such distribution represents "earnings and
profits" of the Company that were previously included in income by the U.S.
Holder because of such QEF Election and (b) will adjust such U.S. Holder's tax
basis in the common shares to reflect the amount included in income or allowed
as a tax-free distribution because of such QEF Election. In addition, a U.S.
Holder that makes a QEF Election generally will recognize capital gain or loss
on the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares.
The procedure for making a QEF Election, and the U.S. federal
income tax consequences of making a QEF Election, will depend on whether such
QEF Election is timely. A QEF Election will be treated as "timely" if such QEF
Election is made for the first year in the U.S. Holder's holding period for the
common shares in which the Company was a PFIC. A U.S. Holder may make a timely
QEF Election by filing the appropriate QEF Election documents at the time such
U.S. Holder files a U.S. federal income tax return for such year. If a U.S.
Holder does not make a timely and effective QEF Election for the first year in
the U.S. Holder's holding period for the common shares, the U.S. Holder may
still be able to make a timely and effective QEF Election in a subsequent year
if such U.S. Holder meets certain requirements and makes a "purging" election to
recognize gain (which will be taxed under the rules of Section 1291 of the Code
discussed above) as if such common shares were sold for their fair market value
on the day the QEF Election is effective. If a U.S. Holder owns PFIC stock
indirectly through another PFIC, separate QEF Elections must be made for the
PFIC in which the U.S. Holder is a direct shareholder and the Subsidiary PFIC
for the QEF rules to apply to both PFICs.
A QEF Election will apply to the tax year for which such QEF
Election is timely made and to all subsequent tax years, unless such QEF
Election is invalidated or terminated or the IRS consents to revocation of such
QEF Election. If a U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election and, in a subsequent tax
year, the Company ceases to be a PFIC, the QEF Election will remain in effect
(although it will not be applicable) during those tax years in which the Company
is not a PFIC. Accordingly, if the Company becomes a PFIC in another subsequent
tax year, the QEF Election will be effective and the U.S. Holder will be subject
to the QEF rules described above during any subsequent tax year in which the
Company qualifies as a PFIC.
U.S. Holders should be aware that there can be no assurances
that the Company will satisfy the record keeping requirements that apply to a
QEF, or that the Company will supply U.S. Holders with information
that such U.S. Holders are required to report under the QEF rules, in the event that the Company is a PFIC. Thus, U.S. Holders may not be able to make a QEF Election with respect to their common shares. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax
advisor regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a QEF Election.
55
A U.S. Holder makes a QEF Election by attaching a completed IRS Form 8621, including a PFIC Annual Information Statement, to a timely filed United States federal income tax return. However, if the Company cannot provide the required information with
regard to the Company or any of its Subsidiary PFICs, U.S. Holders will not be able to make a QEF Election for such entity and will continue to be subject to the rules discussed above that apply to Non-Electing U.S. Holders with respect to the
taxation of gains and excess distributions.
Mark-to-Market Election
A U.S. Holder may make a Mark-to-Market Election only if the common shares are marketable stock. The common shares generally will be "marketable stock" if the common shares are regularly traded on (a) a national securities exchange that is
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (b) the national market system established pursuant to section 11A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, or (c) a foreign securities exchange that is regulated or supervised by a
governmental authority of the country in which the market is located, provided that (i) such foreign exchange has trading volume, listing, financial disclosure, and surveillance requirements, and meets other requirements and the laws of the country
in which such foreign exchange is located, together with the rules of such foreign exchange, ensure that such requirements are actually enforced and (ii) the rules of such foreign exchange effectively promote active trading of listed stocks. If
such stock is traded on such a qualified exchange or other market, such stock generally will be "regularly traded" for any calendar year during which such stock is traded, other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar
quarter.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to its common shares generally will not be subject to the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above with respect to such common shares. However, if a U.S. Holder does not make a
Mark-to-Market Election beginning in the first tax year of such U.S. Holder's holding period for the common shares or such U.S. Holder has not made a timely QEF Election, the rules of Section 1291 of the Code discussed above will apply to certain
dispositions of, and distributions on, the common shares.
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will include in ordinary income, for each tax year in which the Company is a PFIC, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the fair market value of the common shares, as of the close of such
tax year over (b) such U.S. Holder's tax basis in such common shares. A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will be allowed a deduction in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (a) such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common
shares, over (b) the fair market value of such common shares (but only to the extent of the net amount of previously included income as a result of the Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years).
A U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election generally also will adjust such U.S. Holder's tax basis in the common shares to reflect the amount included in gross income or allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election. In
addition, upon a sale or other taxable disposition of common shares, a U.S. Holder that makes a Mark-to-Market Election will recognize ordinary income or ordinary loss (not to exceed the excess, if any, of (a) the amount included in ordinary income
because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years over (b) the amount allowed as a deduction because of such Mark-to-Market Election for prior tax years). Losses that exceed this limitation are subject to the rules generally applicable to
losses provided in the Code and Treasury Regulations.
A Mark-to-Market Election applies to the tax year in which such Mark-to-Market Election is made and to each subsequent tax year, unless the common shares cease to be "marketable stock" or the IRS consents to revocation of such election. Each U.S.
Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the availability of, and procedure for making, a Mark-to-Market Election.
Although a U.S. Holder may be eligible to make a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to the common shares, no such election may be made with respect to the stock of any Subsidiary PFIC that a U.S. Holder is treated as owning, because such stock is
not marketable. Hence, the Mark-to-Market Election will not be effective to eliminate the application of the default rules of Section 1291 of the Code described above with respect to deemed dispositions of Subsidiary PFIC stock or excess
distributions from a Subsidiary PFIC.
Other PFIC Rules
Under Section 1291(f) of the Code, the IRS has issued proposed Treasury Regulations that, subject to certain exceptions, would cause a U.S. Holder that had not made a timely QEF Election to recognize gain (but not loss) upon certain transfers of
common shares that would otherwise be tax-deferred (e.g., gifts and exchanges pursuant to corporate reorganizations). However,
the specific U.S. federal income tax consequences to a U.S. Holder may vary
based on the manner in which common shares are transferred.
56
Certain additional adverse rules may apply with respect to a
U.S. Holder if the Company is a PFIC, regardless of whether such U.S. Holder
makes a QEF Election. For example, under Section 1298(b)(6) of the Code, a U.S.
Holder that uses common shares as security for a loan will, except as may be
provided in Treasury Regulations, be treated as having made a taxable
disposition of such common shares.
Special rules also apply to the amount of foreign tax credit
that a U.S. Holder may claim on a distribution from a PFIC. Subject to such
special rules, foreign taxes paid with respect to any distribution in respect of
stock in a PFIC are generally eligible for the foreign tax credit. The rules
relating to distributions by a PFIC and their eligibility for the foreign tax
credit are complicated, and a U.S. Holder should consult with its own tax
advisor regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit with respect to
distributions by a PFIC.
The PFIC rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult
its own tax advisor regarding the PFIC rules and how the PFIC rules may affect
the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and
disposition of common shares.
Ownership and Disposition of Common Shares
The following discussion is subject to the rules described
above under the heading "Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules."
Distributions on Common Shares
A U.S. Holder that receives a distribution, including a
constructive distribution, with respect to a common share will be required to
include the amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend (without
reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distribution) to the
extent of the current or accumulated "earnings and profits" of the Company, as
computed for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A dividend generally will be
taxed to a U.S. Holder at ordinary income tax rates if the Company is a PFIC. To
the extent that a distribution exceeds the current and accumulated "earnings and
profits" of the Company, such distribution will be treated first as a tax-free
return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder's tax basis in the common
shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of such common shares.
(See " Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of common shares" below). However, the
Company may not maintain the calculations of earnings and profits in accordance
with U.S. federal income tax principles, and each U.S. Holder should therefore
assume that any distribution by the Company with respect to the common shares
will constitute ordinary dividend income. Dividends received on common shares
generally will not be eligible for the "dividends received deduction". In
addition, the Company does not anticipate that its distributions will constitute
qualified dividend income eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to
long-term capital gains. The dividend rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder
should consult its own tax advisor regarding the application of such rules.
Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Shares
Upon the sale or other taxable disposition of common shares, a
U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to
the difference between the U.S. Dollar value of cash received plus the fair
market value of any property received and such U.S. Holder's tax basis in such
common shares sold or otherwise disposed of. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in common
shares generally will be such holder's U.S. Dollar cost for such common shares.
Gain or loss recognized on such sale or other disposition generally will be
long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or other disposition,
the common shares have been held for more than one year.
Preferential tax rates currently apply to long-term capital
gain of a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or trust. There are
currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gain of a U.S. Holder
that is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses are subject to significant
limitations under the Code.
Additional Tax on Passive Income
For tax years beginning after December 31, 2012, certain
individuals, estates and trusts whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be
required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surtax on "net investment income" including,
among other things, dividends and net gain from dispositions of property (other
than property held in a trade or business). U.S. Holders should consult with
their own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this tax on their
ownership and disposition of common shares.
Receipt of Foreign Currency
The amount of any distribution paid to a U.S. Holder in foreign
currency, or on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of common
shares, generally will be equal to the U.S. Dollar value of such foreign
currency based on the exchange rate applicable on the date of receipt
(regardless of whether such foreign currency is converted into U.S. Dollars at
that time). A U.S. Holder will have a basis in the foreign currency equal to its U.S. Dollar value on the date of receipt. Any U.S.
Holder who converts or otherwise disposes of the foreign currency after the date
of receipt may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be
treated as ordinary income or loss, and generally will be U.S. source income or
loss for foreign tax credit purposes. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own
U.S. tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of
receiving, owning, and disposing of foreign currency.
57
Foreign Tax Credit
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed above, a U.S. Holder that
pays (whether directly or through withholding) Canadian income tax with respect
to dividends paid on the common shares generally will be entitled, at the
election of such U.S. Holder, to receive either a deduction or a credit for such
Canadian income tax. Generally, a credit will reduce a U.S. Holder's U.S.
federal income tax liability on a Dollar-for-Dollar basis, whereas a deduction
will reduce a U.S. Holder's income subject to U.S. federal income tax. This
election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all foreign taxes paid
(whether directly or through withholding) by a U.S. Holder during a year.
Complex limitations apply to the foreign tax credit, including
the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of
a U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability that such U.S. Holder's
"foreign source" taxable income bears to such U.S. Holder's worldwide taxable
income. In applying this limitation, a U.S. Holder's various items of income and
deduction must be classified, under complex rules, as either "foreign source" or
"U.S. source." Generally, dividends paid by a foreign corporation should be
treated as foreign source for this purpose, and gains recognized on the sale of
stock of a foreign corporation by a U.S. Holder should be treated as U.S. source
for this purpose, except as otherwise provided in an applicable income tax
treaty, and if an election is properly made under the Code. However, the amount
of a distribution with respect to the common shares that is treated as a
"dividend" may be lower for U.S. federal income tax purposes than it is for
Canadian federal income tax purposes, resulting in a reduced foreign tax credit
allowance to a U.S. Holder. In addition, this limitation is calculated
separately with respect to specific categories of income. The foreign tax credit
rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax advisor
regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Under U.S. federal income tax law and Treasury Regulations,
certain categories of U.S. Holders must file information returns with respect to
their investment in, or involvement in, a foreign corporation. For example,
recently enacted legislation generally imposes new U.S. return disclosure
obligations (and related penalties) on individuals who are U.S. Holders that
hold certain specified foreign financial assets in excess of $50,000. The
definition of specified foreign financial assets includes not only financial
accounts maintained in foreign financial institutions, but also, unless held in
accounts maintained by a financial institution, any stock or security issued by
a non-U.S. person, any financial instrument or contract held for investment that
has an issuer or counterparty other than a U.S. person and any interest in a
foreign entity. U.S. Holders may be subject to these reporting requirements
unless their common shares are held in an account at a domestic financial
institution. Penalties for failure to file certain of these information returns
are substantial. U.S. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors
regarding the requirements of filing information returns, including the
requirement to file an IRS Form 8938.
Payments made within the U.S. or by a U.S. payor or U.S.
middleman, of dividends on, and proceeds arising from the sale or other taxable
disposition of, common shares will generally be subject to information reporting
and backup withholding tax, at the rate of 28% (and increasing to 31% for
payments made after December 31, 2012), if a U.S. Holder (a) fails to furnish
such U.S. Holder's correct U.S. taxpayer identification number (generally on
Form W-9), (b) furnishes an incorrect U.S. taxpayer identification number, (c)
is notified by the IRS that such U.S. Holder has previously failed to properly
report items subject to backup withholding tax, or (d) fails to certify, under
penalty of perjury, that such U.S. Holder has furnished its correct U.S.
taxpayer identification number and that the IRS has not notified such U.S.
Holder that it is subject to backup withholding tax. However, certain exempt
persons generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup
withholding rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts
withheld under the U.S. backup withholding tax rules will be allowed as a credit
against a U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will be
refunded, if such U.S. Holder furnishes required information to the IRS in a
timely manner. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the
information reporting and backup withholding rules.
F. |
DIVIDENDS AND PAYING
AGENTS |
Not applicable.
58
Not applicable.
Exhibits attached to this Form 20-F are also available for
viewing on EDGAR at http://www.sec.gov/, or at the offices of the Company, 15th
Floor - 1040 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 4H1 or on
request of the Company at 604-684-6365, attention: Investor Relations
Department. Copies of the Company's IFRS financial statements and other
continuous disclosure documents required under the British Columbia Securities
Act are available for viewing on the internet at www.sedar.com.
I. |
SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION |
Not applicable.
ITEM 11 |
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK |
A. |
TRANSACTION RISK AND CURRENCY RISK
MANAGEMENT |
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of
financial instrument related risks. The Board approves and monitors the risk
management processes, inclusive of documented treasury policies, counterparty
limits, and controlling and reporting structures.
B. |
EXCHANGE RATE SENSITIVITY |
The Company incurs substantially all of its expenditures in
Canada and substantially all of its cash and cash equivalents held are
denominated in Canadian dollars. Consequently the Company is not subject to
material foreign exchange risk.
C. |
INTEREST RATE RISK AND EQUITY PRICE
RISK |
The Company is subject to interest rate risk with respect to
its investments in cash and cash equivalents. The Company's policy is to invest
cash at fixed rates of interest and cash reserves are to be maintained in cash
and cash equivalents in order to maintain liquidity, while achieving a
satisfactory return for shareholders. Fluctuations in interest rates when the
cash and cash equivalents mature impact interest income earned.
As at July 31, 2014, the Company held cash and cash equivalents
in financial institutions in the amount of $1,025,320 (2012 $706,393; 2011
$2,450,451).
While the value of the Company's resource properties, if any,
can always be said to relate to the price of precious metals and the outlook for
same, the Company does not have any resource properties or operating mines and
hence does not have any hedging or other commodity based operational risks
respecting to its business activities.
ITEM 12 |
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY
SECURITIES |
Not applicable.
ITEM 13 |
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND
DELINQUENCIES |
Not applicable.
59
ITEM 14 |
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF
SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
|
Not applicable.
ITEM 15 |
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
|
A. |
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND
PROCEDURES |
At the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form
20-F, an evaluation was carried out with the participation of the Company's
management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and the
Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), of the effectiveness of the Company's
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a 15(e) and 15d
15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act")). Based on that evaluation, the President and CEO and the CFO have
concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form
20-F, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in
providing reasonable assurance that: (i) information required to be disclosed by
the Company in reports that it files or submits to the SEC under the Exchange
Act was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified in applicable rules and forms, and (ii) material information required
to be disclosed in the Company's reports filed under the Exchange Act was
accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the
President and CEO and the CFO, as appropriate, to allow for accurate and timely
decisions regarding required disclosure.
B. |
MANAGEMENT'S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER
FINANCIAL REPORTING |
The Company's management, including the President and CEO and
CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control
over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the
Exchange Act. The Company's internal control over financial reporting is a
process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS. The Company's internal
control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that:
|
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable
detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of
the assets of the Company; |
|
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with IFRS, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and
directors of the Company; and |
|
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or
timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the
Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial
statements. |
With the participation of the President and CEO and CFO,
management conducted an evaluation of the design and operation of the Company's
internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2014, based on the
criteria set forth in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. This
evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the
design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of
controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Based on this evaluation,
management concluded in its report that the Company's internal control over
financial reporting was effective as of July 31, 2014.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of
the Company's registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over
financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by the
Company's registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules that permit the
Company to provide only management's report in this annual report.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
During the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 20-F,
no changes occurred in the Company's internal control over financial reporting
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
60
LIMITATIONS OF CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The Company's management, including its President and CEO and
CFO, does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures or internal
controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system,
no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not
absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further,
the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource
constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their
costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation
of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances
of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent
limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be
faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake.
Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some
persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the
controls. The design of any system of controls is also based in part upon
certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no
assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all
potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or
procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a
cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and
not be detected.
ITEM 16 |
[RESERVED] |
|
|
ITEM 16A |
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
|
The members of the Audit and Risk Committee are James Kerr,
David Mordant and Gordon J. Fretwell. The Board of Directors has determined that
Mr. Kerr qualifies as a "financial expert" under the rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, based on his education and experience. Messrs. Kerr,
Mordant and Fretwell are "independent", as that term is defined in section 803
of the NYSE MKT Company Guide. Mr. Kerr is an accredited Chartered Accountant in
Canada.
Each Audit and Risk Committee member is able to read and
understand fundamental financial statements.
The Company's board of directors has adopted a written Code of
Ethics governing directors, officers and employees. The Code of Ethics sets
forth written standards that are designed to deter wrongdoing and to meet the
Company's core vision: to become a successful and innovative mining and mineral
exploration corporation.
In order to achieve the Company's vision the following values
are to be included in all activities:
- Responsibly explore for and develop mineral resources;
- Be respectful of the environment;
- Be an industry leader and participate in industry organizations devoted to
improving the industry;
- Be a strong and honest competitor;
- Be a responsible corporate citizen and contribute to the community;
- Deal fairly with our customers, suppliers and joint venture participants;
- Provide a safe and rewarding work environment; and
- Deliver value to shareholders.
The board of directors monitors compliance with the Code of
Ethics by ensuring that all Company personnel have read and understood the Code
of Ethics, and by charging management with bringing to the attention of the
board of directors any issues that arise with respect to the Code of Ethics.
A copy of the Code of Ethics was filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report filed on Form
20-F for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012 and is available at www.sec.gov.
The Company will also provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to any person without
charge, upon request. Requests can be sent by mail to: 15th Floor, 1040 West
Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 4H8; or submitted by
telephone at 604-684-6365, attention: Investor Relations Department.
During the most recently completed fiscal year, the Company has
neither: (a) amended its Code of Ethics; nor (b) granted any waiver (including
any implicit waiver) form any provision of its Code of Ethics.
61
ITEM 16C |
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
|
The following table discloses the aggregate fees billed for
each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the
Company's audit firm, Davidson & Company LLP for various services.
Services: |
Year ended |
|
July
31, 2014 |
July
31, 2013 |
Audit Fees (1) |
$
24,000 |
$
32,750 |
Audit Related Fees
(2) |
|
|
Tax Fees (3) |
|
|
All Other Fees (4)
|
|
|
Total |
$
24,000 |
$
32,750 |
Notes:
(1) |
"Audit Fees" include fees necessary to perform the annual
audit and quarterly reviews of the Company's consolidated financial
statements. Audit Fees include fees for review of tax provisions and for
accounting consultations on matters reflected in the financial statements.
Audit Fees also include audit or other attest services required by
legislation or regulation, such as comfort letters, consents, reviews of
securities filings and statutory audits. |
|
|
(2) |
"Audit-Related Fees" include services that are
traditionally performed by the auditor. These audit-related services
include employee benefit audits, due diligence assistance, accounting
consultations on proposed transactions, internal control reviews and audit
or attest services not required by legislation or regulation. |
|
|
(3) |
"Tax Fees" include fees billed for professional services
rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and
tax planning. |
|
|
(4) |
"All Other Fees" include fees billed for products and
services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services
reported in (1), (2) or (3) above. |
From time to time, management of the Company recommends to and
requests approval from the Audit and Risk Committee for non-audit services to be
provided by the Company's auditors. The Audit and Risk Committee routinely
considers such requests at committee meetings, and if acceptable to a majority
of the Audit and Risk Committee members, pre-approves such non-audit services by
a resolution authorizing management to engage the Company's auditors for such
non-audit services, with set maximum dollar amounts for each itemized service.
During such deliberations, the Audit and Risk Committee assesses, among other
factors, whether the services requested would be considered "prohibited
services" as contemplated by the SEC, and whether the services requested and the
fees related to such services could impair the independence of the auditors. No
material non-audit services were provided by the Company's auditors during the
year ended July 31, 2014.
ITEM 16D |
EXEMPTIONS FROM LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT
COMMITTEES |
Not applicable.
ITEM 16E |
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER
AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS |
|
During the year ended July 31, 2014, the Company did not
purchase any of its issued and outstanding common shares pursuant to any
repurchase program or otherwise.
ITEM 16F |
CHANGE IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING
ACCOUNTANT |
None.
62
ITEM 16G |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
|
Not applicable.
ITEM 16H |
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
|
Not applicable.
ITEM 17 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
Not applicable. See Item 18.
ITEM 18 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
See Exhibit 99.1.
The following Exhibits have been filed with the Company's
Annual Report on Form 20-F in previous years:
Exhibit Number |
Description
of Exhibit |
Note |
1.1 |
Transition Application dated October 11, 2005 |
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2005, filed on January 10, 2006.
|
1.2 |
Notice of Articles dated October 11, 2005 |
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2005, filed on January 10, 2006.
|
1.3 |
Notice of Alteration of Articles dated October 11, 2005
|
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2005, filed on January 10, 2006.
|
1.4 |
Notice of Alteration dated February 17, 2006 |
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2006, filed on January 29, 2007.
|
1.5 |
Notice of Articles dated February 17, 2006 |
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2006, filed on January 29, 2007.
|
4.2 |
Services Agreement between Hunter Dickinson Inc. and the
Company dated July 2, 2010 |
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2010, filed on October 28, 2010.
|
4.1 |
Sale Agreement between Finsbury Exploration Ltd. and the
Company dated July 27, 2012 |
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2012, filed on November 30, 2012.
|
4.3 |
Convertible Debenture Agreement between Bearclaw Capital
Corp. and the Company dated August 20, 2012, and amended July 14, 2013.
|
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2012, filed on November 30, 2012.
|
63
Exhibit
Number |
Description of Exhibit |
Note |
4.4 |
Letter Agreement between Amarc Resources Ltd. and the
Company, dated November 1, 2012 |
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2012, filed on November 30, 2012.
|
4.5 |
Amended Letter Agreement between Amarc Resources Ltd. and
the Company, dated June 27, 2013 |
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2013, filed on November 28, 2013.
|
6.1 |
Stock Option Plan approved by Shareholders on March 15,
2012 |
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2012, filed on November 30, 2012.
|
6.2 |
Audit and Risk Committee Charter |
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2012, filed on November 30, 2012.
|
10.1 |
Articles approved by Shareholders on March 15, 2012
|
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2012, filed on November 30, 2012.
|
16B. |
Code of Ethics and Trading Restrictions |
Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended July 31, 2012, filed on November 30, 2012.
|
The following exhibits are filed with this Annual Report on
Form 20-F:
Exhibit |
|
Number |
Description of Exhibit |
1.7 |
Articles, as amended the Companys
Annual General Meeting, held on February 24, 2014. |
4.6 |
Amendment dated July 14, 2013 to Convertible
Debenture Agreement between Bearclaw Capital Corp. and the Company dated
August 20, 2012. |
4.7 |
Amendment dated October 1, 2014 to
Convertible Debenture Agreement between Bearclaw Capital Corp. and the
Company dated August 20, 2012. |
12.1 |
Section 302 Certification of the Chief Executive
Officer |
12.2 |
Section 302 Certification of the
Chief Financial Officer |
13.1 |
Section 906 Certification of the Chief Executive
Officer |
13.2 |
Section 906 Certification of the
Chief Financial Officer |
99.1 |
Independent Auditors Report, dated October 9, 2014; |
|
Statements of financial position as at July 31, 2014, and July
31, 2013; |
|
Statements of comprehensive loss for the years ended July 31,
2014, July 31, 2013 and July 31, 2012; |
|
Statements of cash flows for the years ended July 31, 2014,
July 31, 2013 and July 31, 2012; |
|
Statements of changes in equity for the years ended July 31,
2014, July 31, 2013 and July 31, 2012; |
|
Notes to audited annual financial
statements |
64
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized
the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
QUARTZ MOUNTAIN RESOURCES LTD.
/s/ Ronald W. Thiessen
Ronald W. Thiessen
President and Chief Executive Officer
Dated: October 16, 2014
65
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT
ARTICLES
OF
QUARTZ MOUNTAIN RESOURCES LTD.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1 INTERPRETATION |
1 |
PART 2 SHARES AND SHARE CERTIFICATES |
2 |
PART 3 ISSUE OF SHARES |
4 |
PART 4 SHARE REGISTERS |
5 |
PART 5 SHARE TRANSFERS |
5 |
PART 6 TRANSMISSION OF SHARES |
6 |
PART 7 PURCHASE, REDEEM OR OTHERWISE
ACQUIRE SHARES |
7 |
PART 8 BORROWING POWERS |
8 |
PART 9 ALTERATIONS |
9 |
PART 10 MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS |
10 |
PART 11 PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF
SHAREHOLDERS |
12 |
PART 12 VOTES OF SHAREHOLDERS |
16 |
PART 13 DIRECTORS |
20 |
PART 14 ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS |
22 |
PART 15 ALTERNATE DIRECTORS |
29 |
PART 16 POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS |
31 |
PART 17 INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
|
31 |
PART 18 PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS |
33 |
PART 19 EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES |
35 |
PART 20 OFFICERS |
37 |
PART 21 INDEMNIFICATION |
38 |
PART 22 DIVIDENDS |
40 |
PART 23 ACCOUNTING RECORDS AND AUDITOR |
41 |
PART 24 NOTICES |
42 |
PART 25 SEAL |
44 |
PART 26 SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS ATTACHED TO
PREFERRED SHARES |
45 |
|
Articles adopted by special resolution passed at
the Annual General and Special Meeting held on March 15, 2012 and
effective on deposit of the minutes at the Companys records office on
June 20, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). |
|
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT
ARTICLES
OF
QUARTZ MOUNTAIN RESOURCES LTD.
(the Company)
Number: BC0253743
PART 1
INTERPRETATION
Definitions
1.1 In these Articles, unless the
context otherwise requires:
(a)
Act means the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) from
time to time in force and all amendments thereto and includes all regulations
and amendments thereto made pursuant to that Act;
(b)
board of directors, directors and board mean the
directors or sole director of the Company for the time being;
(c)
Interpretation Act means the Interpretation Act (British
Columbia) from time to time in force and all amendments thereto and includes all
regulations and amendments thereto made pursuant to that Act;
(d)
legal personal representative means the personal or other legal
representative of the shareholder;
(e)
registered address of a shareholder means the shareholders address as
recorded in the central securities register;
(f)
seal means the seal of the Company, if any;
(g)
share means a share in the share structure of the Company; and
(h)
special majority means the majority of votes described in §11.2 which
is required to pass a special resolution.
Act and Interpretation Act Definitions Applicable
1.2 The definitions in the Act
and the definitions and rules of construction in the Interpretation Act, with
the necessary changes, so far as applicable, and except as the context requires otherwise, apply to these Articles as if they were an
enactment. If there is a conflict between a definition in the Act and a
definition or rule in the Interpretation Act relating to a term used in these
Articles, the definition in the Act will prevail. If there is a conflict or
inconsistency between these Articles and the Act, the Act will prevail.
- 2 -
PART 2
SHARES AND SHARE CERTIFICATES
Authorized Share Structure
2.1 The authorized share
structure of the Company consists of shares of the class or classes and series,
if any, described in the Notice of Articles of the Company.
Form of Share Certificate
2.2 Each share certificate issued
by the Company must comply with, and be signed as required by, the Act.
Shareholder Entitled to Certificate, Acknowledgment or
Written Notice
2.3 Unless the shares of which
the shareholder is the registered owner are deemed by the Board to be a class of
uncertificated shares, each shareholder is entitled, without charge, to (a) one
share certificate representing the shares of each class or series of shares
registered in the shareholders name or (b) a non-transferable written
acknowledgment of the shareholders right to obtain such a share certificate,
provided that in respect of a share held jointly by several persons, the Company
is not bound to issue more than one share certificate and delivery of a share
certificate for a share to one of several joint shareholders or to one of the
shareholders duly authorized agents will be sufficient delivery to all. If a
shareholder is the registered owner of uncertificated shares, the Company must
send to a holder of an uncertificated share a written notice containing the
information required by the Act within a reasonable time after the issue or
transfer of such share.
Delivery by Mail
2.4 Any share certificate or
non-transferable written acknowledgment of a shareholders right to obtain a
share certificate, or written notice of the issue or transfer of an
uncertificated share may be sent to the shareholder by mail at the shareholders
registered address and neither the Company nor any director, officer or agent of
the Company is liable for any loss to the shareholder because the share
certificate, acknowledgement or written notice is lost in the mail or stolen.
Replacement of Worn Out or Defaced Certificate or
Acknowledgement
2.5 If a share certificate or a
non-transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholders right to obtain a
share certificate is worn out or defaced, the Company must, on production of the share certificate or acknowledgment, as the
case may be, and on such other terms, if any, as are deemed fit:
- 3 -
(a)
cancel the share certificate or acknowledgment; and
(b) issue
a replacement share certificate or acknowledgment.
Replacement of Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificate or
Acknowledgment
2.6 If a share certificate or a
non-transferable written acknowledgment of a shareholders right to obtain a
share certificate is lost, stolen or destroyed, a replacement share certificate
or acknowledgment, as the case may be, must be issued to the person entitled to
that share certificate or acknowledgment, if the requirements of the Act are
satisfied, as the case may be, if the directors receive:
(a) proof
satisfactory to it of the loss, theft or destruction; and
(b) any
indemnity the directors consider adequate.
Splitting Share Certificates
2.7 If a shareholder surrenders a
share certificate to the Company with a written request that the Company issue
in the shareholders name two or more share certificates, each representing a
specified number of shares and in the aggregate representing the same number of
shares as the share certificate so surrendered, the Company must cancel the
surrendered share certificate and issue replacement share certificates in
accordance with that request.
Certificate Fee
2.8 There must be paid to the
Company, in relation to the issue of any share certificate under §2.5, §2.6 or
§2.7, the amount, if any, not exceeding the amount prescribed under the Act,
determined by the directors.
Recognition of Trusts
2.9 Except as required by law or
statute or these Articles, no person will be recognized by the Company as
holding any share upon any trust, and the Company is not bound by or compelled
in any way to recognize (even when having notice thereof) any equitable,
contingent, future or partial interest in any share or fraction of a share or
(except as required by law or statute or these Articles or as ordered by a court
of competent jurisdiction) any other rights in respect of any share except an
absolute right to the entirety thereof in the shareholder.
- 4 -
PART 3
ISSUE OF SHARES
Directors Authorized
3.1 Subject to the Act and the
rights, if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Company may
allot, issue, sell or otherwise dispose of the unissued shares, and issued
shares held by the Company, at the times, to the persons, including directors,
in the manner, on the terms and conditions and for the consideration (including
any premium at which shares with par value may be issued) that the directors may
determine. The issue price for a share with par value must be equal to or
greater than the par value of the share.
Commissions and Discounts
3.2 The Company may at any time
pay a reasonable commission or allow a reasonable discount to any person in
consideration of that persons purchase or agreement to purchase shares of the
Company from the Company or any other persons procurement or agreement to
procure purchasers for shares of the Company.
Brokerage
3.3 The Company may pay such
brokerage fee or other consideration as may be lawful for or in connection with
the sale or placement of its securities.
Conditions of Issue
3.4 Except as provided for by the
Act, no share may be issued until it is fully paid. A share is fully paid when:
(a)
consideration is provided to the Company for the issue of the share by one or
more of the following:
(i) past
services performed for the Company;
(ii)
property;
(iii)
money; and
(b) the
value of the consideration received by the Company equals or exceeds the issue
price set for the share under §3.1.
Share Purchase Warrants and Rights
3.5 Subject to the Act, the
Company may issue share purchase warrants, options and rights upon such terms
and conditions as the directors determine, which share purchase warrants,
options and rights may be issued alone or in conjunction with debentures,
debenture stock, bonds, shares or any other securities issued or created by the
Company from time to time.
- 5 -
PART 4
SHARE REGISTERS
Central Securities Register
4.1 As required by and subject to
the Act, the Company must maintain in British Columbia a central securities
register and may appoint an agent to maintain such register. The directors may
appoint one or more agents, including the agent appointed to keep the central
securities register, as transfer agent for shares or any class or series of
shares and the same or another agent as registrar for shares or such class or
series of shares, as the case may be. The directors may terminate such
appointment of any agent at any time and may appoint another agent in its place.
PART 5
SHARE TRANSFERS
Registering Transfers
5.1 A transfer of a share must
not be registered unless the Company or the transfer agent or registrar for the
class or series of shares to be transferred has received:
(a)
except as exempted by the Act, a written instrument of transfer in respect of
the share has been received by the Company (which may be a separate document or
endorsed on the share certificate for the shares transferred) made by the
shareholder or other appropriate person or by an agent who has actual authority
to act on behalf of that person;
(b) if a
share certificate has been issued by the Company in respect of the share to be
transferred, that share certificate;
(c) if a
non-transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholders right to obtain a
share certificate has been issued by the Company in respect of the share to be
transferred, that acknowledgment; and
(d) such
other evidence, if any, as the Company or the transfer agent or registrar for
the class or series of share to be transferred may require to prove the title of
the transferor or the transferors right to transfer the share, that the written
instrument of transfer and the right of the transferee to have the transfer
registered.
Form of Instrument of Transfer
5.2 The instrument of transfer in
respect of any share of the Company must be either in the form, if any, on the
back of the Companys share certificates of that class or series or in some
other form that may be approved by the directors from time to time or by the
transfer agent or registrar for those shares.
- 6 -
Transferor Remains Shareholder
5.3 Except to the extent that the
Act otherwise provides, the transferor of a share is deemed to remain the holder
of it until the name of the transferee is entered in a securities register of
the Company in respect of the transfer.
Signing of Instrument of Transfer
5.4 If a shareholder, or the
shareholders duly authorized attorney, signs an instrument of transfer in
respect of shares registered in the name of the shareholder, the signed
instrument of transfer constitutes a complete and sufficient authority to the
Company and its directors, officers and agents to register the number of shares
specified in the instrument of transfer or specified in any other manner, or, if
no number is specified, all the shares represented by the share certificates or
set out in the written acknowledgments deposited with the instrument of
transfer, or if the shares are uncertificated shares, then all of the shares
registered in the name of the shareholder on the central securities register:
(a) in the name of the person named as transferee in that instrument of
transfer; or
(b) if no person is named as transferee in that instrument of
transfer, in the name of the person on whose behalf the instrument is deposited
for the purpose of having the transfer registered.
Enquiry as to Title Not Required
5.5 Neither the Company nor any
director, officer or agent of the Company is bound to inquire into the title of
the person named in the instrument of transfer as transferee or, if no person is
named as transferee in the instrument of transfer, of the person on whose behalf
the instrument is deposited for the purpose of having the transfer registered or
is liable for any claim related to registering the transfer by the shareholder
or by any intermediate owner or holder of the shares transferred, of any
interest in such shares, of any share certificate representing such shares or of
any written acknowledgment of a right to obtain a share certificate for such
shares.
Transfer Fee
5.6 There must be paid to the
Company, in relation to the registration of a transfer, the amount, if any,
determined by the directors.
PART 6
TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
Legal Personal Representative Recognized on Death
6.1 In case of the death of a
shareholder, the legal personal representative of the shareholder, or in the
case of shares registered in the shareholders name and the name of another
person in joint tenancy, the surviving joint holder, will be the only person
recognized by the Company as having any title to the shareholders interest in
the shares. Before recognizing a person as a legal personal representative of a
shareholder, the Company shall receive the documentation required by the Act.
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Rights of Legal Personal Representative
6.2 The legal personal
representative of a shareholder has the same rights, privileges and obligations
that attach to the shares held by the shareholder, including the right to
transfer the shares in accordance with these Articles, provided the documents
required by the Act and the directors have been deposited with the Company. This
§6.2 does not apply in the case of the death of a shareholder with respect to
shares registered in the name of the shareholder and the name of another person
in joint tenancy.
PART 7
PURCHASE, REDEEM OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRE SHARES
Company Authorized to Purchase, Redeem or Otherwise Acquire
Shares
7.1 Subject to §7.2, the special
rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series and the
Act, the Company may, if authorized by the directors, purchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any of its shares at the price and upon the terms determined
by the directors.
Purchase When Insolvent
7.2 The Company must not make a
payment or provide any other consideration to purchase, redeem or otherwise
acquire any of its shares if there are reasonable grounds for believing that:
(a) the
Company is insolvent; or
(b)
making the payment or providing the consideration would render the Company
insolvent.
Sale and Voting of Purchased, Redeemed or Otherwise Acquired
Shares
7.3 If the Company retains a
share redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired by it, the Company may sell,
gift or otherwise dispose of the share, but, while such share is held by the
Company, it:
(a) is
not entitled to vote the share at a meeting of its shareholders;
(b) must
not pay a dividend in respect of the share; and
(c) must
not make any other distribution in respect of the share.
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Company Entitled to Purchase, Redeem or Otherwise Acquire
Share Fractions
7.4 The Company may, without
prior notice to the holders, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for fair
value any and all outstanding share fractions of any class or kind of shares in
its authorized share structure as may exist at any time and from time to time.
Upon the Company delivering the purchase funds and confirmation of purchase or
redemption of the share fractions to the holders registered or last known
address, or if the Company has a transfer agent then to such agent for the
benefit of and forwarding to such holders, the Company shall thereupon amend its
central securities register to reflect the purchase or redemption of such share
fractions and if the Company has a transfer agent, shall direct the transfer
agent to amend the central securities register accordingly. Any holder of a
share fraction, who upon receipt of the funds and confirmation of purchase or
redemption of same, disputes the fair value paid for the fraction, shall have
the right to apply to the court to request that it set the price and terms of
payment and make consequential orders and give directions the court considers
appropriate, as if the Company were the acquiring person as contemplated by
Division 6, Compulsory Acquisitions, under the Act and the holder were an
offeree subject to the provisions contained in such Division, mutatis
mutandis.
PART 8
BORROWING POWERS
8.1 The Company, if authorized by
the directors, may:
(a)
borrow money in the manner and amount, on the security, from the sources and on
the terms and conditions that they consider appropriate;
(b) issue
bonds, debentures and other debt obligations either outright or as security for
any liability or obligation of the Company or any other person and at such
discounts or premiums and on such other terms as the directors consider
appropriate;
(c)
guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any
obligation of any other person; and
(d)
mortgage, charge, whether by way of specific or floating charge, grant a
security interest in, or give other security on, the whole or any part of the
present and future assets and undertaking of the Company.
8.2 The powers conferred under
this Part 8 shall be deemed to include the powers conferred on a company by
Division VII of the Special Corporations Powers Act being chapter P-16 of
the Revised Statutes of Quebec, 1988, and every statutory provision that may be
substituted therefor or for any provision therein.
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PART 9
ALTERATIONS
Alteration of Authorized Share Structure
9.1 Subject to §9.2 and the Act,
the Company may by ordinary resolution (or a resolution of the directors in the
case of §9.1(c) or §9.1(f)):
(a)
create one or more classes or series of shares or, if none of the shares of a
class or series of shares are allotted or issued, eliminate that class or series
of shares;
(b)
increase, reduce or eliminate the maximum number of shares that the Company is
authorized to issue out of any class or series of shares or establish a maximum
number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue out of any class or
series of shares for which no maximum is established;
(c)
subdivide or consolidate all or any of its unissued, or fully paid issued,
shares;
(d) if
the Company is authorized to issue shares of a class of shares with par value:
(i)
decrease the par value of those shares; or
(ii) if
none of the shares of that class of shares are allotted or issued, increase the
par value of those shares;
(e)
change all or any of its unissued, or fully paid issued, shares with par value
into shares without par value or any of its unissued shares without par value
into shares with par value;
(f) alter
the identifying name of any of its shares; or
(g)
otherwise alter its shares or authorized share structure when required or
permitted to do so by the Act where it does not specify by a special resolution;
and, if applicable, alter its Notice of Articles and Articles
accordingly.
Special Rights or Restrictions
9.2 Subject to the Act and in
particular those provisions of the Act relating to the rights of holders of
outstanding shares to vote if their rights are prejudiced or interfered with,
the Company may by ordinary resolution:
(a)
create special rights or restrictions for, and attach those special rights or
restrictions to, the shares of any class or series of shares, whether or not any
or all of those shares have been issued; or
(b) vary
or delete any special rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class
or series of shares, whether or not any or all of those shares have been issued,
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and alter its Notice of Articles and Articles accordingly.
Change of Name
9.3 The Company may by resolution
of the directors authorize an alteration to its Notice of Articles in order to
change its name or adopt or change any translation of that name.
Other Alterations
9.4 If the Act does not specify
the type of resolution and these Articles do not specify another type of
resolution, the Company may by ordinary resolution alter these Articles.
PART 10
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Annual General Meetings
10.1 Unless an annual general
meeting is deferred or waived in accordance with the Act, the Company must hold
its first annual general meeting within 18 months after the date on which it was
incorporated or otherwise recognized, and after that must hold an annual general
meeting at least once in each calendar year and not more than 15 months after
the last annual reference date at such time and place as may be determined by
the directors.
Resolution Instead of Annual General Meeting
10.2 If all the shareholders who
are entitled to vote at an annual general meeting consent in writing by a
unanimous resolution to all of the business that is required to be transacted at
that annual general meeting, the annual general meeting is deemed to have been
held on the date of the unanimous resolution. The shareholders must, in any
unanimous resolution passed under this §10.2, select as the Companys annual
reference date a date that would be appropriate for the holding of the
applicable annual general meeting.
Calling of Meetings of Shareholders
10.3 The directors may, at any
time, call a meeting of shareholders.
Notice for Meetings of Shareholders
10.4 The Company must send notice
of the date, time and location of any meeting of shareholders (including,
without limitation, any notice specifying the intention to propose a resolution
as an exceptional resolution, a special resolution or a special separate
resolution, and any notice to consider approving an amalgamation into a foreign
jurisdiction, an arrangement or the adoption of an amalgamation agreement, and
any notice of a general meeting, class meeting or series meeting), in the manner
provided in these Articles, or in such other manner, if any, as may be
prescribed by ordinary resolution (whether previous notice of the resolution has
been given or not), to each shareholder entitled to attend the meeting, to each
director and to the auditor of the Company, unless these Articles otherwise
provide, at least the following number of days before the meeting:
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(a) if
the Company is a public company, 21 days;
(b)
otherwise, 10 days.
Record Date for Notice
10.5 The directors may set a date
as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to
notice of any meeting of shareholders. The record date must not precede the date
on which the meeting is to be held by more than two months or, in the case of a
general meeting requisitioned by shareholders under the Act, by more than four
months. The record date must not precede the date on which the meeting is held
by fewer than:
(a) if
the Company is a public company, 21 days;
(b)
otherwise, 10 days.
If no record date is set, the record date is 5 p.m. on the day
immediately preceding the first date on which the notice is sent or, if no
notice is sent, the beginning of the meeting.
Record Date for Voting
10.6 The directors may set a date
as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to vote
at any meeting of shareholders. The record date must not precede the date on
which the meeting is to be held by more than two months or, in the case of a
general meeting requisitioned by shareholders under the Act, by more than four
months. If no record date is set, the record date is 5 p.m. on the day
immediately preceding the first date on which the notice is sent or, if no
notice is sent, the beginning of the meeting.
Failure to Give Notice and Waiver of Notice
10.7 The accidental omission to
send notice of any meeting of shareholders to, or the non-receipt of any notice
by, any of the persons entitled to notice does not invalidate any proceedings at
that meeting. Any person entitled to notice of a meeting of shareholders may, in
writing or otherwise, waive that entitlement or may agree to reduce the period
of that notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting of shareholders is a waiver
of entitlement to notice of the meeting unless that person attends the meeting
for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the
grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called.
Notice of Special Business at Meetings of Shareholders
10.8 If a meeting of shareholders
is to consider special business within the meaning of §11.1, the notice of
meeting must:
(a) state
the general nature of the special business; and
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(b) if
the special business includes considering, approving, ratifying, adopting or
authorizing any document or the signing of or giving of effect to any document,
have attached to it a copy of the document or state that a copy of the document
will be available for inspection by shareholders:
(i) at
the Companys records office, or at such other reasonably accessible location in
British Columbia as is specified in the notice; and
(ii)
during statutory business hours on any one or more specified days before the day
set for the holding of the meeting.
Place of Meetings
10.9 In addition to any location in British Columbia, any
general meeting may be held in any location outside British Columbia approved by
a resolution of the directors.
PART 11
PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Special Business
11.1 At a meeting of
shareholders, the following business is special business:
(a) at a
meeting of shareholders that is not an annual general meeting, all business is
special business except business relating to the conduct of or voting at the
meeting;
(b) at an
annual general meeting, all business is special business except for the
following:
(i)
business relating to the conduct of or voting at the meeting;
(ii)
consideration of any financial statements of the Company presented to the
meeting;
(iii)
consideration of any reports of the directors or auditor;
(iv) the
setting or changing of the number of directors;
(v) the
election or appointment of directors;
(vi) the
appointment of an auditor;
(vii)
the setting of the remuneration of an auditor;
(viii)
business arising out of a report of the directors not requiring the passing of a
special resolution or an exceptional resolution;
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(ix) any
other business which, under these Articles or the Act, may be transacted at a
meeting of shareholders without prior notice of the business being given to the
shareholders.
Special Majority
11.2 The majority of votes
required for the Company to pass a special resolution at a general meeting of
shareholders is two-thirds of the votes cast on the resolution.
Quorum
11.3 Subject to the special
rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series of shares,
and to §11.4, the quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of
shareholders is two persons who are, or who represent by proxy, shareholders
who, in the aggregate, hold at least 10% of the issued shares entitled to be
voted at the meeting.
One Shareholder May Constitute Quorum
11.4 If there is only one
shareholder entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders:
(a) the
quorum is one person who is, or who represents by proxy, that shareholder, and
(b) that
shareholder, present in person or by proxy, may constitute the meeting.
Persons Entitled to Attend Meeting
11.5 In addition to those persons
who are entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders, the only other persons
entitled to be present at the meeting are the directors, the president (if any),
the secretary (if any), the assistant secretary (if any), any lawyer for the
Company, the auditor of the Company, any persons invited to be present at the
meeting by the directors or by the chair of the meeting and any persons entitled
or required under the Act or these Articles to be present at the meeting; but if
any of those persons does attend the meeting, that person is not to be counted
in the quorum and is not entitled to vote at the meeting unless that person is a
shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the meeting.
Requirement of Quorum
11.6 No business, other than the
election of a chair of the meeting and the adjournment of the meeting, may be
transacted at any meeting of shareholders unless a quorum of shareholders
entitled to vote is present at the commencement of the meeting, but such quorum
need not be present throughout the meeting.
Lack of Quorum
11.7 If, within one-half hour
from the time set for the holding of a meeting of shareholders, a quorum is not
present:
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(a) in
the case of a general meeting requisitioned by shareholders, the meeting is
dissolved, and
(b) in
the case of any other meeting of shareholders, the meeting stands adjourned to
the same day in the next week at the same time and place.
Lack of Quorum at Succeeding Meeting
11.8 If, at the meeting to which
the meeting referred to in §11.7(b) was adjourned, a quorum is not present
within one-half hour from the time set for the holding of the meeting, the
person or persons present and being, or representing by proxy, two or more
shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the meeting shall be deemed to
constitute a quorum.
Chair
11.9 The following individual is
entitled to preside as chair at a meeting of shareholders:
(a) the
chair of the board, if any; or
(b) if
the chair of the board is absent or unwilling to act as chair of the meeting,
the president, if any.
Selection of Alternate Chair
11.10 If, at any meeting of
shareholders, there is no chair of the board or president present within 15
minutes after the time set for holding the meeting, or if the chair of the board
and the president are unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, or if the chair
of the board and the president have advised the secretary, if any, or any
director present at the meeting, that they will not be present at the meeting,
the directors present may choose either one of their number or the solicitor of
the Company to be chair of the meeting. If all of the directors present decline
to take the chair or fail to so choose or if no director is present or the
solicitor of the Company declines to take the chair, the shareholders entitled
to vote at the meeting who are present in person or by proxy may choose any
person present at the meeting to chair the meeting.
Adjournments
11.11 The chair of a meeting of
shareholders may, and if so directed by the meeting must, adjourn the meeting
from time to time and from place to place, but no business may be transacted at
any adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting
from which the adjournment took place.
Notice of Adjourned Meeting
11.12 It is not necessary to give
any notice of an adjourned meeting of shareholders or of the business to be
transacted at an adjourned meeting of shareholders except that, when a meeting
is adjourned for 30 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given
as in the case of the original meeting.
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Decisions by Show of Hands or Poll
11.13 Subject to the Act, every
motion put to a vote at a meeting of shareholders will be decided on a show of
hands unless a poll, before or on the declaration of the result of the vote by
show of hands, is directed by the chair or demanded by any shareholder entitled
to vote who is present in person or by proxy.
Declaration of Result
11.14 The chair of a meeting of
shareholders must declare to the meeting the decision on every question in
accordance with the result of the show of hands or the poll, as the case may be,
and that decision must be entered in the minutes of the meeting. A declaration
of the chair that a resolution is carried by the necessary majority or is
defeated is, unless a poll is directed by the chair or demanded under §11.13,
conclusive evidence without proof of the number or proportion of the votes
recorded in favour of or against the resolution.
Motion Need Not be Seconded
11.15 No motion proposed at a
meeting of shareholders need be seconded unless the chair of the meeting rules
otherwise, and the chair of any meeting of shareholders is entitled to propose
or second a motion.
Casting Vote
11.16 In case of an equality of
votes, the chair of a meeting of shareholders does not, either on a show of
hands or on a poll, have a second or casting vote in addition to the vote or
votes to which the chair may be entitled as a shareholder.
Manner of Taking Poll
11.17 Subject to §11.18, if a
poll is duly demanded at a meeting of shareholders:
(a) the
poll must be taken:
(i) at
the meeting, or within seven days after the date of the meeting, as the chair of
the meeting directs; and
(ii) in
the manner, at the time and at the place that the chair of the meeting directs;
(b) the
result of the poll is deemed to be the decision of the meeting at which the poll
is demanded; and
(c) the
demand for the poll may be withdrawn by the person who demanded it.
Demand for Poll on Adjournment
11.18 A poll demanded at a
meeting of shareholders on a question of adjournment must be taken immediately
at the meeting.
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Chair Must Resolve Dispute
11.19 In the case of any dispute
as to the admission or rejection of a vote given on a poll, the chair of the
meeting must determine the dispute, and the determination of the chair made in
good faith is final and conclusive.
Casting of Votes
11.20 On a poll, a shareholder
entitled to more than one vote need not cast all the votes in the same way.
No Demand for Poll on Election of Chair
11.21 No poll may be demanded in
respect of the vote by which a chair of a meeting of shareholders is elected.
Demand for Poll Not to Prevent Continuance of Meeting
11.22 The demand for a poll at a
meeting of shareholders does not, unless the chair of the meeting so rules,
prevent the continuation of a meeting for the transaction of any business other
than the question on which a poll has been demanded.
Retention of Ballots and Proxies
11.23 The Company must, for at least three months after a
meeting of shareholders, keep each ballot cast on a poll and each proxy voted at
the meeting, and, during that period, make them available for inspection during
normal business hours by any shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the
meeting. At the end of such three month period, the Company may destroy such
ballots and proxies.
PART 12
VOTES OF SHAREHOLDERS
Number of Votes by Shareholder or by Shares
12.1 Subject to any special
rights or restrictions attached to any shares and to the restrictions imposed on
joint shareholders under §12.3:
(a) on a
vote by show of hands, every person present who is a shareholder or proxy holder
and entitled to vote on the matter has one vote; and
(b) on a
poll, every shareholder entitled to vote on the matter has one vote in respect
of each share entitled to be voted on the matter and held by that shareholder
and may exercise that vote either in person or by proxy.
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Votes of Persons in Representative Capacity
12.2 A person who is not a
shareholder may vote at a meeting of shareholders, whether on a show of hands or
on a poll, and may appoint a proxy holder to act at the meeting, if, before
doing so, the person satisfies the chair of the meeting, or the directors, that
the person is a legal personal representative or a trustee in bankruptcy for a
shareholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting.
Votes by Joint Holders
12.3 If there are joint
shareholders registered in respect of any share:
(a) any
one of the joint shareholders may vote at any meeting of shareholders,
personally or by proxy, in respect of the share as if that joint shareholder
were solely entitled to it; or
(b) if
more than one of the joint shareholders is present at any meeting of
shareholders, personally or by proxy, and more than one of them votes in respect
of that share, then only the vote of the joint shareholder present whose name
stands first on the central securities register in respect of the share will be
counted.
Legal Personal Representatives as Joint Shareholders
12.4 Two or more legal personal
representatives of a shareholder in whose sole name any share is registered are,
for the purposes of §12.3, deemed to be joint shareholders registered in respect
of that share.
Representative of a Corporate Shareholder
12.5 If a corporation, that is
not a subsidiary of the Company, is a shareholder, that corporation may appoint
a person to act as its representative at any meeting of shareholders of the
Company, and:
(a) for
that purpose, the instrument appointing a representative must be received:
(i) at
the registered office of the Company or at any other place specified, in the
notice calling the meeting, for the receipt of proxies, at least the number of
business days specified in the notice for the receipt of proxies, or if no
number of days is specified, two business days before the day set for the
holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting; or
(ii) at
the meeting or any adjourned meeting, by the chair of the meeting or adjourned
meeting or by a person designated by the chair of the meeting or adjourned
meeting;
(b) if a
representative is appointed under this §12.5:
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(i) the
representative is entitled to exercise in respect of and at that meeting the
same rights on behalf of the corporation that the representative represents as
that corporation could exercise if it were a shareholder who is an individual,
including, without limitation, the right to appoint a proxy holder; and
(ii) the
representative, if present at the meeting, is to be counted for the purpose of
forming a quorum and is deemed to be a shareholder present in person at the
meeting.
Evidence of the appointment of any such representative may be
sent to the Company by written instrument, fax or any other method of
transmitting legibly recorded messages.
Proxy Provisions Do Not Apply to All Companies
12.6 If and for so long as the
Company is a public company or a pre-existing reporting company which has the
Statutory Reporting Company Provisions as part of its Articles or to which the
Statutory Reporting Company Provisions apply, then §12.7 to §12.15 are not
mandatory, however the directors of the Company are authorized to apply all or
part of such sections or to adopt alternative procedures for proxy form, deposit
and revocation procedures to the extent that the directors deem necessary in
order to comply with securities laws applicable to the Company.
Appointment of Proxy Holders
12.7 Every shareholder of the
Company entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders may, by proxy, appoint one
or more (but not more than two) proxy holders to attend and act at the meeting
in the manner, to the extent and with the powers conferred by the proxy.
Alternate Proxy Holders
12.8 A shareholder may appoint
one or more alternate proxy holders to act in the place of an absent proxy
holder.
Proxy Holder Need Not Be Shareholder
12.9 A proxy holder need
not be a shareholder of the Company.
Deposit of Proxy
12.10 A proxy for a meeting of
shareholders must:
(a) be
received at the registered office of the Company or at any other place
specified, in the notice calling the meeting, for the receipt of proxies, at
least the number of business days specified in the notice, or if no number of
days is specified, two business days before the day set for the holding of the
meeting or any adjourned meeting; or
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(b)
unless the notice provides otherwise, be received, at the meeting or any
adjourned meeting, by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting or by a
person designated by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting.
A proxy may be sent to the Company by written instrument, fax
or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages, including through
Internet or telephone voting or by email, if permitted by the notice calling the
meeting or the information circular for the meeting.
Validity of Proxy Vote
12.11 A vote given in accordance
with the terms of a proxy is valid notwithstanding the death or incapacity of
the shareholder giving the proxy and despite the revocation of the proxy or the
revocation of the authority under which the proxy is given, unless notice in
writing of that death, incapacity or revocation is received:
(a) at
the registered office of the Company, at any time up to and including the last
business day before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned
meeting at which the proxy is to be used; or
(b) at
the meeting or any adjourned meeting by the chair of the meeting or adjourned
meeting, before any vote in respect of which the proxy has been given has been
taken.
Form of Proxy
12.12 A proxy, whether for a
specified meeting or otherwise, must be either in the following form or in any
other form approved by the directors or the chair of the meeting:
[name of company]
(the Company)
The undersigned, being a shareholder of
the Company, hereby appoints [name] or, failing that person, [name], as proxy
holder for the undersigned to attend, act and vote for and on behalf of the
undersigned at the meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held on [month,
day, year] and at any adjournment of that meeting.
Number of shares in respect of which
this proxy is given (if no number is specified, then this proxy is given in
respect of all shares registered in the name of the undersigned):
_____________________
Signed [month, day, year]
_____________________
[Signature of
shareholder]
_____________________
[Name of
shareholderprinted]
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Revocation of Proxy
12.13 Subject to §12.14, every
proxy may be revoked by an instrument in writing that is received:
(a) at
the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last
business day before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned
meeting at which the proxy is to be used; or
(b) at
the meeting or any adjourned meeting, by the chair of the meeting or adjourned
meeting, before any vote in respect of which the proxy has been given has been
taken.
Revocation of Proxy Must Be Signed
12.14 An instrument referred to in §12.13 must be signed as
follows:
(a) if
the shareholder for whom the proxy holder is appointed is an individual, the
instrument must be signed by the shareholder or the shareholders legal personal
representative or trustee in bankruptcy;
(b) if
the shareholder for whom the proxy holder is appointed is a corporation, the
instrument must be signed by the corporation or by a representative appointed
for the corporation under §12.5.
Production of Evidence of Authority to Vote
12.15 The chair of any meeting of
shareholders may, but need not, inquire into the authority of any person to vote
at the meeting and may, but need not, demand from that person production of
evidence as to the existence of the authority to vote.
PART 13
DIRECTORS
First Directors; Number of Directors
13.1 The first directors are the
persons designated as directors of the Company in the Notice of Articles that
applies to the Company when it is recognized under the Act. The number of
directors, excluding additional directors appointed under §14.8, is set at:
(a)
subject to §(b) and §(c), the number of directors that is equal to the number of
the Companys first directors;
(b) if
the Company is a public company, the greater of three and the most recently set
of:
(i) the
number of directors set by a resolution of the directors (whether or not
previous notice of the resolution was given); and
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(ii) the
number of directors in office pursuant to §14.4;
(c) if
the Company is not a public company, the most recently set of:
(i) the
number of directors set by a resolution of the directors (whether or not
previous notice of the resolution was given); and
(ii) the
number of directors in office pursuant to §14.4.
Change in Number of Directors
13.2 If the number of directors
is set under §13.1(b)(i) or §13.1(c)(i):
(a) the
shareholders may elect or appoint the directors needed to fill any vacancies in
the board of directors up to that number; or
(b) if
the shareholders do not elect or appoint the directors needed to fill any
vacancies in the board of directors up to that number then the directors,
subject to §14.8, may appoint directors to fill those vacancies.
Directors Acts Valid Despite Vacancy
13.3 An act or proceeding of the
directors is not invalid merely because fewer than the number of directors set
or otherwise required under these Articles is in office.
Qualifications of Directors
13.4 A director is not required
to hold a share as qualification for his or her office but must be qualified as
required by the Act to become, act or continue to act as a director.
Remuneration of Directors
13.5 The directors are entitled
to the remuneration for acting as directors, if any, as the directors may from
time to time determine. If the directors so decide, the remuneration of the
directors, if any, will be determined by the shareholders.
Reimbursement of Expenses of Directors
13.6 The Company must reimburse
each director for the reasonable expenses that he or she may incur in and about
the business of the Company.
Special Remuneration for Directors
13.7 If any director performs any
professional or other services for the Company that in the opinion of the
directors are outside the ordinary duties of a director, he or she may be paid
remuneration fixed by the directors, or at the option of the directors, fixed by
ordinary resolution, and such remuneration will be in addition to any other
remuneration that he or she may be entitled to receive.
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Gratuity, Pension or Allowance on Retirement of Director
13.8 Unless otherwise determined
by ordinary resolution, the directors on behalf of the Company may pay a
gratuity or pension or allowance on retirement to any director who has held any
salaried office or place of profit with the Company or to his or her spouse or
dependants and may make contributions to any fund and pay premiums for the
purchase or provision of any such gratuity, pension or allowance.
PART 14
ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
Election at Annual General Meeting
14.1 At every annual general
meeting and in every unanimous resolution contemplated by §10.2: (a) the
shareholders entitled to vote at the annual general meeting for the election of
directors must elect, or in the unanimous resolution appoint, a board of
directors consisting of the number of directors for the time being set under
these Articles; and (b) all the directors cease to hold office immediately
before the election or appointment of directors under §(a), but are eligible for
re-election or re-appointment.
Consent to be a Director
14.2 No election, appointment or
designation of an individual as a director is valid unless:
(a) that
individual consents to be a director in the manner provided for in the Act;
(b) that
individual is elected or appointed at a meeting at which the individual is
present and the individual does not refuse, at the meeting, to be a director; or
(c) with respect to first directors, the designation is otherwise valid under
the Act.
Failure to Elect or Appoint Directors
14.3 If:
(a) the
Company fails to hold an annual general meeting, and all the shareholders who
are entitled to vote at an annual general meeting fail to pass the unanimous
resolution contemplated by §10.2, on or before the date by which the annual
general meeting is required to be held under the Act; or
(b) the
shareholders fail, at the annual general meeting or in the unanimous resolution
contemplated by §10.2, to elect or appoint any directors;
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then each director then in office continues to hold office
until the earlier of:
(c) when
his or her successor is elected or appointed; and
(d) when
he or she otherwise ceases to hold office under the Act or these Articles.
Places of Retiring Directors Not Filled
14.4 If, at any meeting of
shareholders at which there should be an election of directors, the places of
any of the retiring directors are not filled by that election, those retiring
directors who are not re-elected and who are asked by the newly elected
directors to continue in office will, if willing to do so, continue in office to
complete the number of directors for the time being set pursuant to these
Articles but their term of office shall expire when new directors are elected at
a meeting of shareholders convened for that purpose. If any such election or
continuance of directors does not result in the election or continuance of the
number of directors for the time being set pursuant to these Articles, the
number of directors of the Company is deemed to be set at the number of
directors actually elected or continued in office.
Directors May Fill Casual Vacancies
14.5 Any casual vacancy occurring
in the board of directors may be filled by the directors.
Remaining Directors Power to Act
14.6 The directors may act
notwithstanding any vacancy in the board of directors, but if the Company has
fewer directors in office than the number set pursuant to these Articles as the
quorum of directors, the directors may only act for the purpose of appointing
directors up to that number or of calling a meeting of shareholders for the
purpose of filling any vacancies on the board of directors or, subject to the
Act, for any other purpose.
Shareholders May Fill Vacancies
14.7 If the Company has no
directors or fewer directors in office than the number set pursuant to these
Articles as the quorum of directors, the shareholders may elect or appoint
directors to fill any vacancies on the board of directors.
Additional Directors
14.8 Notwithstanding §13.1 and
§13.2, between annual general meetings or by unanimous resolutions contemplated
by §10.2, the directors may appoint one or more additional directors, but the
number of additional directors appointed under this §14.8 must not at any time
exceed:
(a)
one-third of the number of first directors, if, at the time of the appointments,
one or more of the first directors have not yet completed their first term of
office; or
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(b) in
any other case, one-third of the number of the current directors who were
elected or appointed as directors other than under this §14.8.
Any director so appointed ceases to hold office immediately
before the next election or appointment of directors under §14.1(a), but is
eligible for re-election or re-appointment.
Ceasing to be a Director
14.9 A director ceases to be a
director when:
(a) the
term of office of the director expires;
(b) the
director dies;
(c) the
director resigns as a director by notice in writing provided to the Company or a
lawyer for the Company; or (d) the director is removed from office pursuant to
§14.10 or §14.11.
Removal of Director by Shareholders
14.10 The Company may remove any
director before the expiration of his or her term of office by special
resolution. In that event, the shareholders may elect, or appoint by ordinary
resolution, a director to fill the resulting vacancy. If the shareholders do not
elect or appoint a director to fill the resulting vacancy contemporaneously with
the removal, then the directors may appoint or the shareholders may elect, or
appoint by ordinary resolution, a director to fill that vacancy.
Removal of Director by Directors
14.11 The directors may remove
any director before the expiration of his or her term of office if the director
is convicted of an indictable offence, or if the director ceases to be qualified
to act as a director of a company and does not promptly resign, and the
directors may appoint a director to fill the resulting vacancy.
Nomination of Directors
14.12
(a) |
Subject only to the Act, only persons who are nominated
in accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for election
as directors of the Company. Nominations of persons for election to the
board may be made at any annual meeting of shareholders, or at any special
meeting of shareholders (but only if the election of directors is a matter
specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the
person calling such special meeting): |
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(i) |
by or at the direction of the board or an authorized
officer of the Company, including pursuant to a notice of
meeting; |
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(ii) |
by or at the direction or request of one or more
shareholders pursuant to a proposal made in accordance with the provisions
of the Act or a requisition of the shareholders made in accordance with
the provisions of the Act; or |
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(iii) |
by any person (a Nominating Shareholder) (A) who, at
the close of business on the date of the giving of the notice provided for
below in this §14.12 and on the record date for notice of such meeting, is
entered in the securities register as a holder of one or more shares
carrying the right to vote at such meeting or who beneficially owns shares
that are entitled to be voted at such meeting and (B) who complies with
the notice procedures set forth below in this §14.12. |
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(b) |
In addition to any other applicable requirements, for a
nomination to be made by a Nominating Shareholder, such person must have
given (i) timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Corporate
Secretary of the Company at the principal executive offices of the Company
in accordance with this §14.12 and (ii) the representation and agreement
with respect to each candidate for nomination as required by, and within
the time period specified in §14.12 (e). |
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(c) |
To be timely under §14.12 (b) (i), a Nominating
Shareholders notice to the Corporate Secretary of the Company must be
made: |
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(i) |
in the case of an annual meeting of shareholders, not
less than 30 nor more than 65 days prior to the date of the annual meeting
of shareholders; provided, however, that in the event that the annual
meeting of shareholders is called for a date that is less than 40 days
after the date (the Notice Date) on which the first public announcement
of the date of the annual meeting was made, notice by the Nominating
Shareholder may be made not later than the tenth (10th) day following the
Notice Date; and |
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(ii) |
in the case of a special meeting (which is not also an
annual meeting) of shareholders called for the purpose of electing
directors (whether or not called for other purposes), not later than the
fifteenth (15th) day following the day on which the first public
announcement of the date of the special meeting of shareholders was
made. |
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(iii) |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the board may, in its sole
discretion, waive any requirement in this §14.12 (c). |
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(d) |
To be in proper written form, a Nominating Shareholders
notice to the Corporate Secretary of the Company, under §14.12 (b)(i) must
set forth: |
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(i) |
as to each person whom the Nominating Shareholder
proposes to nominate for election as a director (A) the name, age,
business address and residence address of the person, (B) the principal
occupation or employment of the person, (C) the class or series and number
of shares in the capital of the Company which are controlled or which are
owned beneficially or of record by the person as of the record date for
the Meeting of Shareholders (if such date shall then have been made
publicly available and shall have occurred) and as of the date of such
notice, (D) a statement as to whether such person would be
independent of the Company (within the meaning of sections 1.4 and 1.5
of National Instrument 52- 110 Audit Committees of the Canadian
Securities Administrators, as such provisions may be amended from time to
time) if elected as a director at such meeting and the reasons and basis
for such determination and (E) any other information relating to the
person that would be required to be disclosed in a dissidents proxy
circular in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of
directors pursuant to the Act and Applicable Securities Laws;
and |
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(ii) |
as to the Nominating Shareholder giving the notice, (A)
any information relating to such Nominating Shareholder that would be
required to be made in a dissidents proxy circular in connection with
solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Act and
Applicable Securities Laws, and (B) the class or series and number of
shares in the capital of the Company which are controlled or which are
owned beneficially or of record by the Nominating Shareholder as of the
record date for the Meeting of Shareholders (if such date shall then have
been made publicly available and shall have occurred) and as of the date
of such notice. |
(e) |
To be eligible to be a candidate for election as a
director of the Company and to be duly nominated, a candidate must be
nominated in the manner prescribed in this §14.12 and the candidate for
nomination, whether nominated by the board or otherwise, must have
previously delivered to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at the
principal executive offices of the Company, not less than 5 days prior to
the date of the Meeting of Shareholders, a written representation and
agreement (in a standard form to be provided by the Company at any time on
request) that such candidate for nomination, if elected as a director of
the Company, will comply with all publicly disclosed code (s) of conduct,
corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality, share
ownership, majority voting and insider trading policies and other policies
and guidelines of the Company applicable to directors and in effect during
such persons term in office as a director or alternatively, such
candidate shall notify the Company in writing with reasonable details as
to which of such codes, policies, etc that the candidate does not intend
to observe and the reasons why. The Company may publicly disclose such
candidates notification. |
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(f) |
No person shall be eligible for election as a director of
the Company unless nominated in accordance with the provisions of this
§14.12; provided, however, that nothing in this §14.12 shall be deemed to
preclude discussion by a shareholder (as distinct from nominating
directors) at a meeting of shareholders of any matter in respect of which
it would have been entitled to submit a proposal pursuant to the
provisions of the Act. The chair of the meeting shall have the power and
duty to determine whether a nomination was made in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the foregoing provisions and, if any proposed
nomination is not in compliance with such foregoing provisions, to declare
that such defective nomination shall be
disregarded. |
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(g) |
For purposes of this §14.12: |
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(i) |
Affiliate, when used to indicate a relationship with a
person, shall mean a person that directly, or indirectly through one or
more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such specified person; |
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(ii) |
Applicable Securities Laws means the Securities Act
(British Columbia) and the equivalent legislation in the other provinces
and in the territories of Canada, as amended from time to time, the rules,
regulations and forms made or promulgated under any such statute and the
published national instruments, multilateral instruments, policies,
bulletins and notices of the securities commissions and similar regulatory
authorities of each of the applicable provinces and territories of
Canada; |
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(iii) |
Associate, when used to indicate a relationship with a
specified person, shall mean (A) any corporation or trust of which such
person owns beneficially, directly or indirectly, voting securities
carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all voting
securities of such corporation or trust for the time being outstanding,
(B) any partner of that person, (C) any trust or estate in which such
person has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which such person
serves as trustee or in a similar capacity, (D) a spouse of such specified
person, (E) any person of either sex with whom such specified person is
living in conjugal relationship outside marriage or (F) any relative of
such specified person or of a person mentioned in clauses (D) or (E) of
this definition if that relative has the same residence as the specified
person; |
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(iv) |
Derivatives Contract shall mean a contract between two
parties (the Receiving Party and the Counterparty) that is designed to
expose the Receiving Party to economic benefits and risks that correspond
substantially to the ownership by the Receiving Party of a number of
shares in the capital of the Company or securities convertible into such
shares specified or referenced in such contract (the number corresponding
to such economic benefits and risks, the Notional Securities),
regardless of whether obligations under such contract are required or
permitted to be settled through the delivery of cash, shares in the
capital of the Company or securities convertible into such shares or other
property, without regard to any short position under the same or any other
Derivatives Contract. For the avoidance of doubt, interests in broad-based
index options, broad-based index futures and broad-based publicly traded
market baskets of stocks approved for trading by the appropriate
governmental authority shall not be deemed to be Derivatives
Contracts; |
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(v) |
Meeting of Shareholders shall mean such annual
shareholders meeting or special shareholders meeting, whether general or
not, at which one or more persons are nominated for election to the board
by a Nominating Shareholder; |
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(vi) |
owned beneficially or owns beneficially means, in
connection with the ownership of shares in the capital of the Company by a
person, (A) any such |
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(vi) |
owned beneficially or owns beneficially means, in
connection with the ownership of shares in the capital of the Company by a
person, (A) any such shares as to which such person or any of such persons
Affiliates or Associates owns at law or in equity, or has the right to
acquire or become the owner at law or in equity, where such right is
exercisable immediately or after the passage of time and whether or not on
condition or the happening of any contingency or the making of any
payment, upon the exercise of any conversion right, exchange right or
purchase right attaching to any securities, or pursuant to any agreement,
arrangement, pledge or understanding whether or not in writing; (B) any
such shares as to which such person or any of such persons Affiliates or
Associates has the right to vote, or the right to direct the voting, where
such right is exercisable immediately or after the passage of time and
whether or not on condition or the happening of any contingency or the
making of any payment, pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, pledge or
understanding whether or not in writing; (C) any such shares which are
beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by a Counterparty (or any of
such Counterpartys Affiliates or Associates) under any Derivatives
Contract (without regard to any short or similar position under the same
or any other Derivatives Contract) to which such person or any of such
persons Affiliates or Associates is a Receiving Party; provided, however
that the number of shares that a person owns beneficially pursuant to this
clause (C) in connection with a particular Derivatives Contract shall not
exceed the number of Notional Securities with respect to such Derivatives
Contract; provided, further, that the number of securities owned
beneficially by each Counterparty (including their respective Affiliates
and Associates) under a Derivatives Contract shall for purposes of this
clause be deemed to include all securities that are owned beneficially,
directly or indirectly, by any other Counterparty (or any of such other
Counterpartys Affiliates or Associates) under any Derivatives Contract to
which such first Counterparty (or any of such first Counterpartys
Affiliates or Associates) is a Receiving Party and this proviso shall be
applied to successive Counterparties as appropriate; and (D) any such
shares which are owned beneficially within the meaning of this definition
by any other person with whom such person is acting jointly or in concert
with respect to the Company or any of its securities; and |
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(vii) |
public announcement shall mean disclosure in a press
release reported by a national news service in Canada, or in a document
publicly filed by the Company or its agents under its profile on the
System of Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval at
www.sedar.com. |
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(h) |
Notwithstanding any other provision to this §14.12,
notice or any delivery given to the Corporate Secretary of the Company
pursuant to this §14.12 may only be given by personal delivery, facsimile
transmission or by email (provided that the Corporate Secretary of the
Company has stipulated an email address for purposes of this notice, at
such email address as stipulated from time to time), and shall be deemed
to have been given and made only at the time it is served by personal
delivery, email (at the address as aforesaid) or sent by facsimile
transmission (provided that receipt of confirmation of such transmission
has been received) to the Corporate Secretary at the address of the
principal executive offices of the Company; provided that if such delivery
or electronic communication is made on a day which is a not a business day
or later than 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on a day which is a business day, then
such delivery or electronic communication shall be deemed to have been
made on the subsequent day that is a business day. |
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(i) |
In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of a
Meeting of Shareholders or the announcement thereof commence a new time
period for the giving of a Nominating Shareholders notice as described in
§14.12 (c) or the delivery of a representation and agreement as described
in §14.12 (e). |
PART 15
ALTERNATE DIRECTORS
Appointment of Alternate Director
15.1 Any director (an
appointor) may by notice in writing received by the Company appoint any person
(an appointee) who is qualified to act as a director to be his or her
alternate to act in his or her place at meetings of the directors or committees
of the directors at which the appointor is not present unless (in the case of an
appointee who is not a director) the directors have reasonably disapproved the
appointment of such person as an alternate director and have given notice to
that effect to his or her appointor within a reasonable time after the notice of
appointment is received by the Company.
Notice of Meetings
15.2 Every alternate director so
appointed is entitled to notice of meetings of the directors and of committees
of the directors of which his or her appointor is a member and to attend and
vote as a director at any such meetings at which his or her appointor is not
present.
Alternate for More than One Director Attending Meetings
15.3 A person may be appointed as
an alternate director by more than one director, and an alternate director:
(a) will
be counted in determining the quorum for a meeting of directors once for each of
his or her appointors and, in the case of an appointee who is also a director,
once more in that capacity;
(b) has a
separate vote at a meeting of directors for each of his or her appointors and,
in the case of an appointee who is also a director, an additional vote in that
capacity;
(c) will
be counted in determining the quorum for a meeting of a committee of directors
once for each of his or her appointors who is a member of that committee and, in
the case of an appointee who is also a member of that committee as a directors,
once more in that capacity; and
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(d) has a
separate vote at a meeting of a committee of directors for each of his or her
appointors who is a member of that committee and, in the case of an appointee
who is also a member of that committee as a director, an additional vote in that
capacity.
Consent Resolutions
15.4 Every alternate director, if
authorized by the notice appointing him or her, may sign in place of his or her
appointor any resolutions to be consented to in writing.
Alternate Director an Agent
15.5 Every alternate director is
deemed to be the agent of his or her appointor.
Revocation or Amendment of Appointment of Alternate Director
15.6 An appointor may at any
time, by notice in writing received by the Company, revoke or amend the terms of
the appointment of an alternate director appointed by him or her.
Ceasing to be an Alternate Director
15.7 The appointment of an
alternate director ceases when:
(a) his
or her appointor ceases to be a director and is not promptly re-elected or
reappointed;
(b) the
alternate director dies;
(c) the
alternate director resigns as an alternate director by notice in writing
provided to the Company or a lawyer for the Company;
(d) the
alternate director ceases to be qualified to act as a director; or
(e) the
term of his appointment expires, or his or her appointor revokes the appointment
of the alternate directors.
Remuneration and Expenses of Alternate Director
15.8 The Company may reimburse an
alternate director for the reasonable expenses that would be properly reimbursed
if he or she were a director, and the alternate director is entitled to receive
from the Company such proportion, if any, of the remuneration otherwise payable
to the appointor as the appointor may from time to time direct.
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PART 16
POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
Powers of Management
16.1 The directors must, subject
to the Act and these Articles, manage or supervise the management of the
business and affairs of the Company and have the authority to exercise all such
powers of the Company as are not, by the Act or by these Articles, required to
be exercised by the shareholders of the Company. Notwithstanding the generality
of the foregoing, the directors may set the remuneration of the auditor of the
Company.
Appointment of Attorney of Company
16.2 The directors may from time
to time, by power of attorney or other instrument, under seal if so required by
law, appoint any person to be the attorney of the Company for such purposes, and
with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or
exercisable by the directors under these Articles and excepting the power to
fill vacancies in the board of directors, to remove a director, to change the
membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the directors, to appoint
or remove officers appointed by the directors and to declare dividends) and for
such period, and with such remuneration and subject to such conditions as the
directors may think fit. Any such power of attorney may contain such provisions
for the protection or convenience of persons dealing with such attorney as the
directors think fit. Any such attorney may be authorized by the directors to
sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions for the time
being vested in him or her.
PART 17
INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Obligation to Account for Profits
17.1 A director or senior officer
who holds a disclosable interest (as that term is used in the Act) in a contract
or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter is liable
to account to the Company for any profit that accrues to the director or senior
officer under or as a result of the contract or transaction only if and to the
extent provided in the Act.
Restrictions on Voting by Reason of Interest
17.2 A director who holds a
disclosable interest in a contract or transaction into which the Company has
entered or proposes to enter is not entitled to vote on any directors
resolution to approve that contract or transaction, unless all the directors
have a disclosable interest in that contract or transaction, in which case any
or all of those directors may vote on such resolution.
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Interested Director Counted in Quorum
17.3 A director who holds a
disclosable interest in a contract or transaction into which the Company has
entered or proposes to enter and who is present at the meeting of directors at
which the contract or transaction is considered for approval may be counted in
the quorum at the meeting whether or not the director votes on any or all of the
resolutions considered at the meeting.
Disclosure of Conflict of Interest or Property
17.4 A director or senior officer
who holds any office or possesses any property, right or interest that could
result, directly or indirectly, in the creation of a duty or interest that
materially conflicts with that individuals duty or interest as a director or
senior officer, must disclose the nature and extent of the conflict as required
by the Act.
Director Holding Other Office in the Company
17.5 A director may hold any
office or place of profit with the Company, other than the office of auditor of
the Company, in addition to his or her office of director for the period and on
the terms (as to remuneration or otherwise) that the directors may determine.
No Disqualification
17.6 No director or intended
director is disqualified by his or her office from contracting with the Company
either with regard to the holding of any office or place of profit the director
holds with the Company or as vendor, purchaser or otherwise, and no contract or
transaction entered into by or on behalf of the Company in which a director is
in any way interested is liable to be voided for that reason.
Professional Services by Director or Officer
17.7 Subject to the Act, a
director or officer, or any person in which a director or officer has an
interest, may act in a professional capacity for the Company, except as auditor
of the Company, and the director or officer or such person is entitled to
remuneration for professional services as if that director or officer were not a
director or officer.
Director or Officer in Other Corporations
17.8 A director or officer may be
or become a director, officer or employee of, or otherwise interested in, any
person in which the Company may be interested as a shareholder or otherwise,
and, subject to the Act, the director or officer is not accountable to the
Company for any remuneration or other benefits received by him or her as
director, officer or employee of, or from his or her interest in, such other
person.
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PART 18
PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS
Meetings of Directors
18.1 The directors may meet
together for the conduct of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate their
meetings as they think fit, and meetings of the directors held at regular
intervals may be held at the place, at the time and on the notice, if any, as
the directors may from time to time determine.
Voting at Meetings
18.2 Questions arising at any
meeting of directors are to be decided by a majority of votes and, in the case
of an equality of votes, the chair of the meeting has a second or casting vote.
Chair of Meetings
18.3 The following individual is
entitled to preside as chair at a meeting of directors:
(a) the
chair of the board, if any;
(b) in
the absence of the chair of the board, the president, if any, if the president
is a director; or
(c) any
other director chosen by the directors if:
(i)
neither the chair of the board nor the president, if a director, is present at
the meeting within 15 minutes after the time set for holding the meeting;
(ii)
neither the chair of the board nor the president, if a director, is willing to
chair the meeting; or
(iii)
the chair of the board and the president, if a director, have advised the
secretary, if any, or any other director, that they will not be present at the
meeting.
Meetings by Telephone or Other Communications Medium
18.4 A director may participate
in a meeting of the directors or of any committee of the directors:
(a) in
person; or
(b) by
telephone or by other communications medium if all directors participating in
the meeting, whether in person or by telephone or other communications medium,
are able to communicate with each other.
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A director who participates in a meeting in a manner
contemplated by this §18.4 is deemed for all purposes of the Act and these
Articles to be present at the meeting and to have agreed to participate in that
manner.
Calling of Meetings
18.5 A director may, and the
secretary or an assistant secretary of the Company, if any, on the request of a
director must, call a meeting of the directors at any time.
Notice of Meetings
18.6 Other than for meetings held
at regular intervals as determined by the directors pursuant to §18.1, 48 hours
notice or such lesser notice as the Chairman in his discretion determines,
acting reasonably, is appropriate in any unusual circumstances of each meeting
of the directors, specifying the place, day and time of that meeting must be
given to each of the directors by any method set out in §24.1 or orally or by
telephone.
When Notice Not Required
18.7 It is not necessary to give
notice of a meeting of the directors to a director if:
(a) the
meeting is to be held immediately following a meeting of shareholders at which
that director was elected or appointed, or is the meeting of the directors at
which that director is appointed; or
(b) the
director has waived notice of the meeting.
Meeting Valid Despite Failure to Give Notice
18.8 The accidental omission to
give notice of any meeting of directors to, or the non-receipt of any notice by,
any director, does not invalidate any proceedings at that meeting.
Waiver of Notice of Meetings
18.9 Any director may send to the
Company a document signed by him or her waiving notice of any past, present or
future meeting or meetings of the directors and may at any time withdraw that
waiver with respect to meetings held after that withdrawal. After sending a
waiver with respect to all future meetings and until that waiver is withdrawn,
no notice of any meeting of the directors need be given to that director and all
meetings of the directors so held are deemed not to be improperly called or
constituted by reason of notice not having been given to such director.
Attendance of a director or alternate director at a meeting of the directors is
a waiver of notice of the meeting unless that director or alternate director
attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of
any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called.
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Quorum
18.10 The quorum necessary for
the transaction of the business of the directors may be set by the directors
and, if not so set, is deemed to be a majority of the directors or, if the
number of directors is set at one, is deemed to be set at one director, and that
director may constitute a meeting.
Validity of Acts Where Appointment Defective
18.11 Subject to the Act, an act
of a director or officer is not invalid merely because of an irregularity in the
election or appointment or a defect in the qualification of that director or
officer.
Consent Resolutions in Writing
18.12 A resolution of the
directors or of any committee of the directors may be passed without a
meeting:
(a)
in all cases, if each of the directors entitled to vote on the resolution
consents to it in writing; or
(b)
in the case of a resolution to approve a contract or transaction in respect of
which a director has disclosed that he or she has or may have a disclosable
interest, if each of the other directors who have not made such a disclosure
consents in writing to the resolution.
A consent in writing under this §18.12 may be by signed
document, fax, email or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded
messages. A consent in writing may be in two or more counterparts which together
are deemed to constitute one consent in writing. A resolution of the directors
or of any committee of the directors passed in accordance with this §18.12 is
effective on the date stated in the consent in writing or on the latest date
stated on any counterpart and is deemed to be a proceeding at a meeting of
directors or of the committee of the directors and to be as valid and effective
as if it had been passed at a meeting of the directors or of the committee of
the directors that satisfies all the requirements of the Act and all the
requirements of these Articles relating to meetings of the directors or of a
committee of the directors.
PART 19
EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES
Appointment and Powers of Executive Committee
19.1 The directors may, by
resolution, appoint an executive committee consisting of the director or
directors that they consider appropriate, and this committee has, during the
intervals between meetings of the board of directors, all of the directors
powers, except: (a) the power to fill vacancies in the board of directors;
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(b) the
power to remove a director;
(c) the
power to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the
directors; and
(d) such
other powers, if any, as may be set out in the resolution or any subsequent
directors resolution.
Appointment and Powers of Other Committees
19.2 The directors may, by
resolution:
(a)
appoint one or more committees (other than the executive committee) consisting
of the director or directors that they consider appropriate;
(b)
delegate to a committee appointed under §(a) any of the directors powers,
except:
(i) the
power to fill vacancies in the board of directors;
(ii) the
power to remove a director;
(iii)
the power to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of
the directors; and
(iv) the
power to appoint or remove officers appointed by the directors; and
(c) make
any delegation referred to in §(b) subject to the conditions set out in the
resolution or any subsequent directors resolution.
Obligations of Committees
19.3 Any committee appointed
under §19.1 or §19.2, in the exercise of the powers delegated to it, must:
(a) conform to any rules that may from time to
time be imposed on it by the directors; and
(b)
report every act or thing done in exercise of those powers at such times as the
directors may require.
Powers of Board
19.4 The directors may, at any
time, with respect to a committee appointed under §19.1 or §19.2:
(a)
revoke or alter the authority given to the committee, or override a decision
made by the committee, except as to acts done before such revocation, alteration
or overriding;
(b)
terminate the appointment of, or change the membership of, the committee; and
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(c) fill
vacancies in the committee.
Committee Meetings
19.5 Subject to §19.3(a) and
unless the directors otherwise provide in the resolution appointing the
committee or in any subsequent resolution, with respect to a committee appointed
under §19.1 or §19.2:
(a) the
committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper;
(b) the
committee may elect a chair of its meetings but, if no chair of a meeting is
elected, or if at a meeting the chair of the meeting is not present within 15
minutes after the time set for holding the meeting, the directors present who
are members of the committee may choose one of their number to chair the
meeting;
(c) a
majority of the members of the committee constitutes a quorum of the committee;
and
(d)
questions arising at any meeting of the committee are determined by a majority
of votes of the members present, and in case of an equality of votes, the chair
of the meeting does not have a second or casting vote.
PART 20
OFFICERS
Directors May Appoint Officers
20.1 The directors may, from time
to time, appoint such officers, if any, as the directors determine and the
directors may, at any time, terminate any such appointment.
Functions, Duties and Powers of Officers
20.2 The directors may, for each
officer:
(a)
determine the functions and duties of the officer;
(b)
entrust to and confer on the officer any of the powers exercisable by the
directors on such terms and conditions and with such restrictions as the
directors think fit; and
(c)
revoke, withdraw, alter or vary all or any of the functions, duties and powers
of the officer.
Qualifications
20.3 No person may be appointed
as an officer unless that person is qualified in accordance with the Act. One
person may hold more than one position as an officer of the Company. Any person appointed as the chair of the board or as a
managing director must be a director. Any other officer need not be a
director.
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Remuneration and Terms of Appointment
20.4 All appointments of officers
are to be made on the terms and conditions and at the remuneration (whether by
way of salary, fee, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) that the
directors thinks fit and are subject to termination at the pleasure of the
directors, and an officer may in addition to such remuneration be entitled to
receive, after he or she ceases to hold such office or leaves the employment of
the Company, a pension or gratuity.
PART 21
INDEMNIFICATION
Definitions
21.1 In this Part 21:
(a)
eligible party, in relation to a company, means an individual who:
(i) is
or was a director, alternate director or officer of the Company;
(ii) is
or was a director, alternate director or officer of another corporation
(A) at a
time when the corporation is or was an affiliate of the Company, or
(B) at
the request of the Company; or
(iii) at
the request of the Company, is or was, or holds or held a position equivalent to
that of, a director, alternate director or officer of a partnership, trust,
joint venture or other unincorporated entity;
and includes, except in the definition
of eligible proceeding, and §163(1)(c) and (d) and §165 of the Act, the heirs
and personal or other legal representatives of that individual;
(b)
eligible penalty means a judgment, penalty or fine awarded or imposed
in, or an amount paid in settlement of, an eligible proceeding;
(c)
eligible proceeding means a proceeding in which an eligible party or
any of the heirs and personal or other legal representatives of the eligible
party, by reason of the eligible party being or having been a director,
alternate director or officer of, or holding or having held a position
equivalent to that of a director, alternate director or officer of, the Company
or an associated corporation
(i) is
or may be joined as a party; or
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(ii) is
or may be liable for or in respect of a judgment, penalty or fine in, or
expenses related to, the proceeding;
(d)
expenses has the meaning set out in the Act and includes costs, charges
and expenses, including legal and other fees, but does not include judgments,
penalties, fines or amounts paid in settlement of a proceeding; and
(e)
proceeding includes any legal proceeding or investigative action,
whether current, threatened, pending or completed.
Mandatory Indemnification of Eligible Parties
21.2 Subject to the Act, the
Company must indemnify each eligible party and the heirs and legal personal
representatives of each eligible party against all eligible penalties to which
such person is or may be liable, and the Company must, after the final
disposition of an eligible proceeding, pay the expenses actually and reasonably
incurred by such person in respect of that proceeding. Each eligible party is
deemed to have contracted with the Company on the terms of the indemnity
contained in this §21.2.
Indemnification of Other Persons
21.3 Subject to any restrictions
in the Act, the Company may agree to indemnify and may indemnify any person
(including an eligible party) against eligible penalties and pay expenses
incurred in connection with the performance of services by that person for the
Company.
Authority to Advance Expenses
21.4 The Company may advance
expenses to an eligible party to the extent permitted by and in accordance with
the Act.
Non-Compliance with Act
21.5 Subject to the Act, the
failure of an eligible party of the Company to comply with the Act or these
Articles or, if applicable, any former Companies Act or former Articles
does not, of itself, invalidate any indemnity to which he or she is entitled
under this Part 21.
Company May Purchase Insurance
21.6 The Company may purchase and
maintain insurance for the benefit of any eligible party (or the heirs or legal
personal representatives of any eligible party) against any liability incurred
by any eligible party.
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PART 22
DIVIDENDS
Payment of Dividends Subject to Special Rights
22.1 The provisions of this Part
22 are subject to the rights, if any, of shareholders holding shares with
special rights as to dividends.
Declaration of Dividends
22.2 Subject to the Act, the
directors may from time to time declare and authorize payment of such dividends
as they may deem advisable.
No Notice Required
22.3 The directors need not give
notice to any shareholder of any declaration under §22.2.
Record Date
22.4 The directors must set a
date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to
receive payment of a dividend. The record date must not precede the date on
which the dividend is to be paid by more than two months.
Manner of Paying Dividend
22.5 A resolution declaring a
dividend may direct payment of the dividend wholly or partly in money or by the
distribution of specific assets or of fully paid shares or of bonds, debentures
or other securities of the Company or any other corporation, or in any one or
more of those ways.
Settlement of Difficulties
22.6 If any difficulty arises in
regard to a distribution under §22.5, the directors may settle the difficulty as
they deem advisable, and, in particular, may:
(a) set
the value for distribution of specific assets;
(b)
determine that money in substitution for all or any part of the specific assets
to which any shareholders are entitled may be paid to any shareholders on the
basis of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of all parties; and
(c) vest
any such specific assets in trustees for the persons entitled to the dividend.
When Dividend Payable
22.7 Any dividend may be made
payable on such date as is fixed by the directors.
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Dividends to be Paid in Accordance with Number of Shares
22.8 All dividends on shares of
any class or series of shares must be declared and paid according to the number
of such shares held.
Receipt by Joint Shareholders
22.9 If several persons are joint
shareholders of any share, any one of them may give an effective receipt for any
dividend, bonus or other money payable in respect of the share.
Dividend Bears No Interest
22.10 No dividend bears interest
against the Company.
Fractional Dividends
22.11 If a dividend to which a
shareholder is entitled includes a fraction of the smallest monetary unit of the
currency of the dividend, that fraction may be disregarded in making payment of
the dividend and that payment represents full payment of the dividend.
Payment of Dividends
22.12 Any dividend or other
distribution payable in money in respect of shares may be paid by cheque, made
payable to the order of the person to whom it is sent, and mailed to the
registered address of the shareholder, or in the case of joint shareholders, to
the registered address of the joint shareholder who is first named on the
central securities register, or to the person and to the address the shareholder
or joint shareholders may direct in writing. The mailing of such cheque will, to
the extent of the sum represented by the cheque (plus the amount of the tax
required by law to be deducted), discharge all liability for the dividend unless
such cheque is not paid on presentation or the amount of tax so deducted is not
paid to the appropriate taxing authority.
Capitalization of Retained Earnings or Surplus
22.13 Notwithstanding anything
contained in these Articles, the directors may from time to time capitalize any
retained earnings or surplus of the Company and may from time to time issue, as
fully paid, shares or any bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company
as a dividend representing the retained earnings or surplus so capitalized or
any part thereof.
PART 23
ACCOUNTING RECORDS AND AUDITOR
Recording of Financial Affairs
23.1 The directors must cause
adequate accounting records to be kept to record properly the financial affairs
and condition of the Company and to comply with the Act.
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Inspection of Accounting Records
23.2 Unless the directors
determine otherwise, or unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution, no
shareholder of the Company is entitled to inspect or obtain a copy of any
accounting records of the Company.
PART 24
NOTICES
Method of Giving Notice
24.1 Unless the Act or these
Articles provide otherwise, a notice, statement, report or other record required
or permitted by the Act or these Articles to be sent by or to a person may be
sent by:
(a) mail
addressed to the person at the applicable address for that person as follows:
(i) for
a record mailed to a shareholder, the shareholders registered address;
(ii) for a
record mailed to a director or officer, the prescribed address for mailing shown
for the director or officer in the records kept by the Company or the mailing
address provided by the recipient for the sending of that record or records of
that class;
(iii) in
any other case, the mailing address of the intended recipient;
(b)
delivery at the applicable address for that person as follows, addressed to the
person:
(i) for
a record delivered to a shareholder, the shareholders registered address;
(ii) for
a record delivered to a director or officer, the prescribed address for delivery
shown for the director or officer in the records kept by the Company or the
delivery address provided by the recipient for the sending of that record or
records of that class;
(iii) in
any other case, the delivery address of the intended recipient;
(c)
sending the record by fax to the fax number provided by the intended recipient
for the sending of that record or records of that class;
(d)
sending the record by email to the email address provided by the intended
recipient for the sending of that record or records of that class;
(e)
physical delivery to the intended recipient.
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Deemed Receipt of Mailing
24.2 A notice, statement, report
or other record that is:
(a)
mailed to a person by ordinary mail to the applicable address for that person
referred to in §24.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was
mailed on the day (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays excepted) following the date
of mailing;
(b) faxed
to a person to the fax number provided by that person referred to in §24.1 is
deemed to be received by the person to whom it was faxed on the day it was
faxed; and
(c)
emailed to a person to the e-mail address provided by that person referred to in
§24.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was e-mailed on the day
that it was emailed.
Certificate of Sending
24.3 A certificate signed by the
secretary, if any, or other officer of the Company or of any other corporation
acting in that capacity on behalf of the Company stating that a notice,
statement, report or other record was sent in accordance with §24.1 is
conclusive evidence of that fact.
Notice to Joint Shareholders
24.4 A notice, statement, report
or other record may be provided by the Company to the joint shareholders of a
share by providing such record to the joint shareholder first named in the
central securities register in respect of the share.
Notice to Legal Personal Representatives and Trustees
24.5 A notice, statement, report
or other record may be provided by the Company to the persons entitled to a
share in consequence of the death, bankruptcy or incapacity of a shareholder by:
(a)
mailing the record, addressed to them:
(i) by
name, by the title of the legal personal representative of the deceased or
incapacitated shareholder, by the title of trustee of the bankrupt shareholder
or by any similar description; and
(ii) at
the address, if any, supplied to the Company for that purpose by the persons
claiming to be so entitled; or
(b) if an
address referred to in §(a)(ii) has not been supplied to the Company, by giving
the notice in a manner in which it might have been given if the death,
bankruptcy or incapacity had not occurred.
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Undelivered Notices
24.6 If on two consecutive
occasions, a notice, statement, report or other record is sent to a shareholder
pursuant to §24.1 and on each of those occasions any such record is returned
because the shareholder cannot be located, the Company shall not be required to
send any further records to the shareholder until the shareholder informs the
Company in writing of his or her new address.
PART 25
SEAL
Who May Attest Seal
25.1 Except as provided in §25.2
and §25.3, the Companys seal, if any, must not be impressed on any record
except when that impression is attested by the signatures of:
(a) any
two directors;
(b) any
officer, together with any director;
(c) if
the Company only has one director, that director; or
(d) any
one or more directors or officers or persons as may be determined by the
directors.
Sealing Copies
25.2 For the purpose of
certifying under seal a certificate of incumbency of the directors or officers
of the Company or a true copy of any resolution or other document, despite
§25.1, the impression of the seal may be attested by the signature of any
director or officer or the signature of any other person as may be determined by
the directors.
Mechanical Reproduction of Seal
25.3 The directors may authorize
the seal to be impressed by third parties on share certificates or bonds,
debentures or other securities of the Company as they may determine appropriate
from time to time. To enable the seal to be impressed on any share certificates
or bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company, whether in definitive
or interim form, on which facsimiles of any of the signatures of the directors
or officers of the Company are, in accordance with the Act or these Articles,
printed or otherwise mechanically reproduced, there may be delivered to the
person employed to engrave, lithograph or print such definitive or interim share
certificates or bonds, debentures or other securities one or more unmounted dies
reproducing the seal and such persons as are authorized under §25.1 to attest
the Companys seal may in writing authorize such person to cause the seal to be
impressed on such definitive or interim share certificates or bonds, debentures
or other securities by the use of such dies. Share certificates or bonds, debentures or other securities to which
the seal has been so impressed are for all purposes deemed to be under and to
bear the seal impressed on them.
- 45 -
PART 26
SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS ATTACHED TO PREFERRED SHARES
Special Rights and Restrictions
26.1 The Preferred shares without
par value shall have attached thereto the following special rights and
restrictions:
(a) the
holders of the Preferred shares shall be entitled to receive notices of and to
attend and vote at all Meetings of the shareholders of the Company in the same
manner and to the same extent as are the holders of the common shares;
(b) the
holders of the Preferred shares shall be entitled to receive, and the Company
shall pay thereon as and when declared by the board of directors out of the
monies of the Company properly applicable to the payment of dividends, dividends
which shall be in the amounts and upon the conditions that shall have been
agreed upon by the board of directors at the time of issuance and sale of each
such share. More specifically, the directors of the Company shall be entitled,
upon agreeing to sell a Preferred share, to contract as to the rate of dividend
which will be paid on the share, if any, how often the dividends are to be paid,
whether they are to be accumulative and whether the rate is fixed for the life
of the share or shall be subject to declaration by the board of directors each
year;
(c) the
holders of the Preferred shares shall be entitled to exchange them for Common
shares in the capital of the Company; provided that when the directors agree to
the issuance of any Preferred shares they shall be entitled to specify the
terms, conditions and rates during which and upon which the holders of these
Preferred shares subject to such specifications shall be entitled to exercise
these conversion privileges;
(d) the
Company may, upon giving notice as hereinafter provided, redeem the whole or any
part of the Preferred shares on payment for each share to be redeemed of the
amount paid up thereon, together with all dividends declared thereon and unpaid;
in case a part only of the then outstanding Preferred shares is at any time to
be redeemed, the shares so to be redeemed shall be selected by lot in such
manner as the directors in their discretion shall decide or, if the directors so
determine, may be redeemed pro rata, disregarding fractions, and the directors
may make such adjustments as may be necessary to avoid the redemption of
fractional parts of shares; not less than thirty (30) days' notice in writing of
such redemption shall be given by mailing such notice to the registered holders
of the shares to be redeemed, specifying the date and place or places of
redemption; if notice of any such redemption be given by the Company in the
manner aforesaid and an amount sufficient to redeem the shares be deposited with
any trust company or chartered bank in Canada as specified in the notice on or
before the date fixed for redemption, dividends on the Preferred shares to be
redeemed shall cease after the date so fixed for redemption and
the holders thereof shall thereafter have no rights against the Company in
respect thereof except, upon the surrender of certificates for such shares, to
receive payment therefor out of the money so deposited; after the redemption
price of such shares has been deposited with any trust company or chartered bank
in Canada, as aforesaid, notice shall be given to the holders of any Preferred
shares called for redemption who have failed to present the certificates
representing such shares within two (2) months of the date specified for
redemption that the money has been so deposited and may be obtained by the
holders of the said Preferred shares upon presentation of the certificates
representing such shares called for redemption at the said trust company or
chartered bank. The Company will redeem such Preferred shares at the price so
specified, provided the redemption will not be in breach of any of the
provisions of the Act;
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(e) the
Preferred shares shall rank, both as regards dividends and return of capital, in
priority to all other shares of the Company, but shall not be entitled to any
further right to participate in the profits or assets of the Company;
(f) in
the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether
voluntary or involuntary, the holders of the Preferred shares shall be entitled
to receive, before any distribution of any part of the property and assets of
the Company among the holders of any other shares, an amount equal to one
hundred percent (100%) of the amount paid thereon and any dividends declared
thereon and unpaid, and no more;
(g) the
directors of the Company may issue the Preferred shares in one or more series.
In addition, the directors may, by resolution, alter the Notice of Articles to
fix the number of shares in and to determine the designation of the shares of
each series; the directors may also, by resolution, alter the Notice of Articles
to create, define and attach special rights and restrictions to the shares of
each series, subject to the special rights and restrictions attached to the
Preferred shares.
EXHIBIT 12.1
SARBANES-OXLEY CEO CERTIFICATION
I, Ronald W. Thiessen, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd., certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 20-F of Quartz
Mountain Resources Ltd.; |
|
|
|
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under
which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
covered by this report; |
|
|
|
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and
other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report; |
|
|
|
4. |
The issuers other certifying officer and I are
responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and
internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the issuer and have: |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or
caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the issuer,
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others
within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report
is being prepared; |
|
|
|
|
(b) |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting,
or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed
under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles; |
|
|
|
|
(c) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the issuers disclosure
controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about
the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;
and |
|
|
|
|
(d) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the issuer's
internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period
covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's internal control over
financial reporting; and |
|
|
|
5. |
The issuers other certifying officer and I have
disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of the internal control
over financial reporting, to the issuers auditors and the audit committee
of issuers board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions): |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in
the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the issuers ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information; and |
|
|
|
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves
management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuers
internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: October 16, 2014
|
/s/
Ronald Thiessen |
|
By: |
Ronald W. Thiessen |
|
Title: |
President and Chief Executive
Officer |
|
EXHIBIT 12.2
SARBANES-OXLEY CEO CERTIFICATION
I, Michael Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Quartz Mountain
Resources Ltd., certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 20-F of Quartz
Mountain Resources Ltd.; |
|
|
|
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under
which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
covered by this report; |
|
|
|
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and
other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the issuer as of, and for, the periods presented in this
report; |
|
|
|
4. |
The issuers other certifying officer and I are
responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and
internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the issuer and have: |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or
caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our
supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the issuer,
including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others
within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report
is being prepared; |
|
|
|
|
(b) |
Designed such internal control over financial reporting,
or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed
under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles; |
|
|
|
|
(c) |
Evaluated the effectiveness of the issuers disclosure
controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about
the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;
and |
|
|
|
|
(d) |
Disclosed in this report any change in the issuer's
internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period
covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the issuer's internal control over
financial reporting; and |
|
|
|
5. |
The issuers other certifying officer and I have
disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of the internal control
over financial reporting, to the issuers auditors and the audit committee
of issuers board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions): |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in
the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which
are reasonably likely to adversely affect the issuers ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information; and |
|
|
|
|
(b) |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves
management or other employees who have a significant role in the issuers
internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: October 16, 2014
|
/s/ Michael Lee |
|
By: |
Michael Lee |
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer |
|
EXHIBIT 13.1
CERTIFICATION OF
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Ronald W. Thiessen, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. (the Company), hereby certify pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:
(i) the
Annual Report on Form 20-F of the Company for the fiscal year ended July 31,
2014 (the Annual Report) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a)
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(ii) the
information contained in the Annual Report fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: October 16, 2014
|
/s/ Ronald Thiessen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
Ronald W. Thiessen |
|
Title: |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
This written statement is being furnished to the Securities
and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Companys Annual Report on Form
20-F. A signed original of this statement has been provided to the Company and
will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission or its staff upon request.
This certification accompanies this Annual Report on Form
20-F pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not,
except to the extent required by such Act, be deemed filed by the Company for
purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"). Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by
reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the
Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it
by reference.
EXHIBIT 13.2
CERTIFICATION OF
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Michael Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Quartz Mountain
Resources Ltd. (the Company), hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section
1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
that, to the best of my knowledge:
(i) the
Annual Report on Form 20-F of the Company for the fiscal year ended July 31,
2014 (the Annual Report) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a)
or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(ii) the
information contained in the Annual Report fairly presents, in all material
respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: October 16, 2014
|
/s/ Michael Lee |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
Michael Lee |
|
Title: |
Chief Financial Officer |
|
This written statement is being furnished to the Securities
and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Companys Annual Report on Form
20-F. A signed original of this statement has been provided to the Company and
will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission or its staff upon request.
This certification accompanies this Annual Report on Form
20-F pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not,
except to the extent required by such Act, be deemed filed by the Company for
purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"). Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by
reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the
Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it
by reference.
QUARTZ MOUNTAIN RESOURCES LTD.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012
(Expressed in Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
To the Shareholders and Directors of
Quartz Mountain
Resources Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial
statements of Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd., which comprise the consolidated
statements of financial position as of July 31, 2014 and July 31, 2013, and the
related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, changes in
equity (deficiency), and cash flows for the years ended July 31, 2014, July 31,
2013, and July 31, 2012 and a summary of significant accounting policies and
other explanatory information.
Managements Responsibility for the Consolidated
Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair
presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board, and for such internal control as management
determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or
error.
Auditors Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits
in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the
standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated
financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit
evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors judgment, including
the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated
financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk
assessments, the auditors consider internal control relevant to the entitys
preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in
order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but
not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the
entitys internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness
of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our
audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Quartz Mountain
Resources Ltd. as at July 31, 2014 and July 31, 2013 and its financial
performance and its cash flows for the years ended July 31, 2014, July 31, 2013
and July 31, 2012 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Emphasis of Matter
Without qualifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 1 in
the consolidated financial statements which indicate that Quartz Mountain
Resources Ltd. has suffered recurring losses from operations and has a working
capital deficiency. These matters, along with the other matters set forth in
Note 1, indicate the existence of material uncertainties that raises substantial
doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in
regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of
this uncertainty.
|
DAVIDSON &
COMPANY LLP |
|
|
Vancouver, Canada |
Chartered Accountants |
|
|
October 9, 2014 |
|
QUARTZ MOUNTAIN RESOURCES LTD. |
Consolidated Balance Sheets |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars) |
|
|
July 31 |
|
|
July 31 |
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
(note 4(a)) |
$ |
1,025,320 |
|
$ |
706,393 |
|
Amounts receivable and other assets (note
5) |
|
11,504 |
|
|
143,487 |
|
|
|
1,036,824 |
|
|
849,880 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash (note 4(b)) |
|
38,563 |
|
|
158,387 |
|
Amounts receivable and other
assets (note 5) |
|
8,295 |
|
|
440,000 |
|
Mineral property interests (note 6) |
|
891,628 |
|
|
1,021,547 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
$ |
1,975,310 |
|
$ |
2,469,814 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(DEFICIENCY) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts
payable and other liabilities (note 8) |
$ |
6,844 |
|
$ |
136,137
|
|
Convertible debenture
(note 9) |
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
|
Flow-through share premium (note 10) |
|
|
|
|
35,639 |
|
Due to related parties (note 11) |
|
2,957,075 |
|
|
2,421,220 |
|
|
|
3,563,919 |
|
|
2,592,996 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible debenture (note 9) |
|
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
3,563,919 |
|
|
3,192,996 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders' equity (deficiency) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share
capital (note 6) |
|
26,050,118 |
|
|
26,050,118 |
|
Reserves |
|
592,011 |
|
|
592,011 |
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
(28,230,738 |
) |
|
(27,365,311 |
) |
Total shareholders' equity (deficiency) |
|
(1,588,609 |
) |
|
(723,182 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity (deficiency) |
$ |
1,975,310 |
|
$ |
2,469,814 |
|
Nature and continuance of operations (note 1)
Event after
the reporting period (note 16)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
/s/ James Kerr |
/s/ Ronald W. Thiessen |
|
|
James Kerr |
Ronald W. Thiessen |
Director |
Director |
2
QUARTZ MOUNTAIN RESOURCES LTD. |
Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive
Loss |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars) |
|
|
For the year ended July 31 |
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
Expenses (note 12): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exploration and evaluation |
$ |
261,971 |
|
$ |
3,880,441 |
|
$ |
2,246,650 |
|
Assays and analysis |
|
20,921 |
|
|
359,928 |
|
|
52,745 |
|
Drilling |
|
90,773 |
|
|
265,336 |
|
|
|
|
Engineering |
|
|
|
|
21,518 |
|
|
8,400 |
|
Environmental |
|
1,507 |
|
|
610 |
|
|
1,375 |
|
Geological |
|
67,687 |
|
|
1,560,270 |
|
|
870,517 |
|
Graphics |
|
3,417 |
|
|
47,464 |
|
|
13,006 |
|
Property payments |
|
1,409 |
|
|
83,962 |
|
|
910,819 |
|
Site activities
|
|
37,549 |
|
|
723,338 |
|
|
143,544 |
|
Socio-economic |
|
15,750 |
|
|
34,333 |
|
|
89,646 |
|
Transportation |
|
4,770 |
|
|
690,565 |
|
|
100,914 |
|
Travel and accommodation |
|
18,188 |
|
|
93,117 |
|
|
55,684 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and
administration |
|
603,998 |
|
|
1,359,671 |
|
|
1,166,252 |
|
Conferences and
travel |
|
8,147 |
|
|
40,197 |
|
|
31,357 |
|
Legal, accounting and audit |
|
50,321 |
|
|
61,634 |
|
|
301,641 |
|
Office and
administration |
|
505,061 |
|
|
1,161,928 |
|
|
756,498 |
|
Regulatory, trust and filing |
|
21,904 |
|
|
45,371 |
|
|
48,659 |
|
Shareholder
communications |
|
18,565 |
|
|
50,541 |
|
|
28,097 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity-settled share-based payments (note 7(c)) |
|
|
|
|
210,872 |
|
|
381,139 |
|
|
|
(865,969 |
) |
|
(5,450,984 |
) |
|
(3,794,041 |
) |
Other items |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flow-through
share premium (note 10) |
|
35,639 |
|
|
462,990 |
|
|
193,308 |
|
Interest income |
|
9,225 |
|
|
10,984 |
|
|
13,067 |
|
Interest expense
|
|
(44,087 |
) |
|
(40,326 |
) |
|
|
|
Foreign exchange loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(139 |
) |
Gain on
disposition of a mineral property interest (note 6(a)(ii)) |
|
|
|
|
1,578,969 |
|
|
|
|
Tax related to flow-through financing (note 10)
|
|
(235 |
) |
|
(20,460 |
) |
|
|
|
Loss before income tax |
|
(865,427 |
) |
|
(3,458,827 |
) |
|
(3,587,805 |
) |
Income tax (note 14) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss and comprehensive loss for the year |
|
(865,427 |
) |
|
(3,458,827 |
) |
|
(3,587,805 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted loss per common share |
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
$ |
(0.13 |
) |
$ |
(0.20 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding |
|
27,299,513 |
|
|
26,223,006 |
|
|
18,396,348 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
3
QUARTZ MOUNTAIN RESOURCES LTD. |
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Deficiency) |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars) |
|
|
Share Capital |
|
|
Reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation |
|
|
Equity-settled |
|
|
|
|
|
shareholders' |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
reserve |
|
|
share-based |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
equity |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
(note 2 |
) |
|
payments |
|
|
deficit |
|
|
(deficiency) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at July 31, 2011 |
|
13,399,422 |
|
$ |
29,407,744
|
|
$ |
(331,903 |
) |
$ |
|
|
$ |
(29,018,774 |
) |
$ |
57,067 |
|
Functional currency translation adjustment (note 2) |
|
|
|
|
(9,031,998 |
) |
|
331,903 |
|
|
|
|
|
8,700,095 |
|
|
|
|
Balance at August 1, 2011 |
|
13,399,422 |
|
|
20,375,746 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,318,679 |
) |
|
57,067 |
|
Loss for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,587,805 |
) |
|
(3,587,805 |
) |
Equity-settled share-based
payments (note 7(c)) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
381,139 |
|
|
|
|
|
381,139 |
|
Shares issued for cash, net of issuance costs
(note 7(b)) |
|
7,183,371 |
|
|
3,434,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,434,635 |
|
Shares issued for property option payments (note 6) |
|
1,450,000 |
|
|
704,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
704,000 |
|
Balance at July 31, 2012 |
|
22,032,793 |
|
$ |
24,514,381 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
381,139 |
|
$ |
(23,906,484 |
) |
$ |
989,036 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at August 1, 2012 |
|
22,032,793 |
|
$ |
24,514,381 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
381,139 |
|
$ |
(23,906,484 |
) |
$ |
989,036 |
|
Loss for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,458,827 |
) |
|
(3,458,827 |
) |
Equity-settled share-based payments (note
7(c)) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
210,872 |
|
|
|
|
|
210,872 |
|
Shares issued for cash, net
of issuance costs (note 7(b)) |
|
2,214,323 |
|
|
528,160 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
528,160 |
|
Shares issued for property option payments (note 6 (a)) |
|
3,052,397 |
|
|
1,007,577 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,007,577 |
|
Balance at July 31, 2013 |
|
27,299,513 |
|
$ |
26,050,118 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
592,011 |
|
$ |
(27,365,311 |
) |
$ |
(723,182 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at August 1, 2013 |
|
27,299,513 |
|
$ |
26,050,118
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
592,011 |
|
$ |
(27,365,311 |
) |
$ |
(723,182 |
) |
Loss
for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(865,427 |
) |
|
(865,427 |
) |
Balance at July 31, 2014 |
|
27,299,513 |
|
$ |
26,050,118 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
592,011 |
|
$ |
(28,230,738 |
) |
$ |
(1,588,609 |
) |
The accompanyin g notes are an
integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
4
QUARTZ MOUNTAIN RESOURCES LTD. |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars) |
|
|
For the year ended July 31 |
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
Cash flows from operating
activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for the year |
$ |
(865,427 |
) |
$ |
(3,458,827 |
) |
$ |
(3,587,805 |
) |
Adjusted for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity-settled
share-based payments (note 7(c)) |
|
|
|
|
210,872 |
|
|
381,139 |
|
Flow-through share premium (note 10) |
|
(35,639 |
) |
|
(462,990 |
) |
|
(193,308 |
) |
Gain on disposition of a
mineral property interest (note 6(a)(ii)) |
|
|
|
|
(1,578,969 |
) |
|
|
|
Interest
income |
|
(9,225 |
) |
|
(10,984 |
) |
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
44,087 |
|
|
40,326 |
|
|
|
|
Property
option payments paid through issuance of shares (note 6(a)(i)) |
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
704,000 |
|
Restricted cash (note
4(b)) |
|
119,824 |
|
|
(80,387 |
) |
|
(78,000 |
) |
Changes in non-cash working
capital items: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts receivable and
other assets - current |
|
131,990 |
|
|
149,350 |
|
|
(272,260 |
) |
Amounts
receivable and other assets - non-current |
|
191,705 |
|
|
(200,000 |
) |
|
|
|
Amounts payable and other
liabilities |
|
(122,334 |
) |
|
(474,310 |
) |
|
565,226 |
|
Due to related parties |
|
491,076 |
|
|
1,607,365 |
|
|
813,855 |
|
Net
cash used in operating activities |
|
(53,943 |
) |
|
(4,253,554 |
) |
|
(1,667,153 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition of the Galaxie Project (note 6(a)(i)) |
|
|
|
|
(50,000 |
) |
|
|
|
Disposition of mineral
property interest (note 6(a)(iii)) |
|
402,636 |
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
Interest received |
|
9,225 |
|
|
10,984 |
|
|
|
|
Net
cash provided by investing activities |
|
411,861 |
|
|
1,960,984 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
from issuance of share capital, net of issuance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
costs (note 7(b))
|
|
|
|
|
615,780 |
|
|
4,038,952 |
|
Principal
payment on convertible debenture (note 9) |
|
|
|
|
(30,000 |
) |
|
|
|
Interest paid on convertible debenture |
|
(38,991 |
) |
|
(37,268 |
) |
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
(38,991 |
) |
|
548,512 |
|
|
4,038,952 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in
cash and cash equivalents |
|
318,927 |
|
|
(1,744,058 |
) |
|
2,371,799 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year |
|
706,393 |
|
|
2,450,451 |
|
|
78,652 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year (note 4(a)) |
$ |
1,025,320 |
|
$ |
706,393 |
|
$ |
2,450,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplementary cash flow information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non cash investing and
financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property option payments
paid through issuance of shares (note 6(a)(i)) |
$ |
|
|
$ |
5,000 |
|
|
704,000 |
|
Property
acquisition costs paid through issuance of shares (note 6(a)(i)) |
|
|
|
|
1,002,577 |
|
|
|
|
Property acquisition
costs paid through issuance of convertible |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
debenture (note 6(a)(i)) |
|
|
|
|
650,000 |
|
|
|
|
Portion of debenture assumed by Amarc (note
6(a)(iv)) |
|
(240,000 |
) |
|
240,000 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
$ |
(240,000 |
) |
$ |
1,897,577 |
|
$ |
704,000 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
5
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
1. |
NATURE AND CONTINUANCE OF
OPERATIONS |
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. ("Quartz
Mountain" or the "Company") is a Canadian public company incorporated in British
Columbia on August 3, 1982. The Company's corporate office is located at 1040
West Georgia Street, 15th Floor, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The
Company is primarily engaged in the acquisition and exploration of mineral
properties.
These consolidated financial statements
(the "Financial Statements") of the Company as at and for the year ended July
31, 2014 include Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. and its subsidiary (together
referred to as the "Company"). Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. is the ultimate
parent entity of the group.
The Company is in the process of
acquiring and exploring mineral property interests. The Company's continuing
operations are entirely dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable
mineral reserves, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing
to complete the exploration and development of these projects, obtaining the
necessary permits to mine, on future profitable production of any mine and the
proceeds from the disposition of the mineral property interests.
These Financial Statements have been
prepared on a going concern basis which contemplates the realization of assets
and discharge of liabilities in the normal course of business for the
foreseeable future. As at July 31, 2014, the Company had cash and cash
equivalents of $1.0 million, a working capital deficit of $2.6 million, and
accumulated losses of $28.2 million since inception. These material
uncertainties cast significant doubt on the ability of the Company to continue
as a going concern.
Of the total current liabilities of
$3.6 million at July 31, 2014, approximately $3.0 million is payable to Hunter
Dickinson Services Inc. ("HDSI"), a related party (note 11(b)). The Company has
received a confirmation from HDSI that HDSI will continue to provide services to
the Company and will not demand repayment of amounts outstanding, prior to
November 1, 2015. However, there is no guarantee or amended agreement and as
such the amount is presented as a current obligation.
After the reporting period, the Company
entered into an agreement with the holder of its convertible debenture to
restructure the payment terms of the debenture (note 16).
Management believes that it is able to
maintain its mineral rights in good standing for the next 12 month period.
Additional debt or equity financing will be required to fund exploration or
development programs. The Company has a reasonable expectation that additional
funds will be available when necessary to meet ongoing exploration and
development costs. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will
continue to obtain additional financial resources and/or achieve profitability
or positive cash flows. If the Company is unable to obtain adequate additional
financing, the Company will be required to re-evaluate its planned expenditures
until additional funds can be raised through financing activities.
These Financial Statements do not
include any adjustments to the amounts and classification of assets and
liabilities that may be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a
going concern.
6
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
2. |
CHANGE OF PRESENTATION AND
FUNCTIONAL
CURRENCY |
Following the decision to acquire and
explore mineral property interests in Canada (note 6), the Company's cash flows
were anticipated to be principally denominated in Canadian dollars. Accordingly,
effective August 1, 2011, the Company changed both the functional currency of
the Company and the currency in which it presents its consolidated financial
statements, from United States dollars ("USD") to Canadian dollars ("CAD").
A change in presentation currency is
accounted for as a change in accounting policy and is applied retrospectively,
as if the new presentation currency had always been the presentation currency.
Consequently, comparative figures for years prior to the effective date of
August 1, 2011 have been restated to be presented in Canadian dollars using
average exchange rates for income and expenses and the closing rate at the
balance sheet date for assets, liabilities and items related to equity. Share
capital and accumulated deficit have been translated using historic rates.
Resulting exchange differences were recognized within equity.
3. |
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES |
|
|
(a) |
Statement of compliance
|
These Financial Statements have been
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS")
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and the
International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) effective
for the Company's fiscal year ended July 31, 2014.
Issuance of these Financial Statements
was authorized by the Companys Board of Directors on October 9, 2014.
(b) |
Basis of presentation |
These Financial Statements have been
prepared on a historical cost basis, except for financial instruments measured
at fair value. In addition, these Financial Statements have been prepared using
the accrual basis of accounting, except for cash flow information.
(c) |
Significant accounting estimates and
judgments |
The preparation of financial statements
in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and
assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from
these estimates.
The impact of such estimates is
pervasive throughout the financial statements, and may require accounting
adjustments based on future occurrences. Revisions to accounting estimates are
recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised and future periods if
the revision affects both current and future periods. These
estimates are based on historical experience, current and future economic
conditions and other factors, including expectations of future events that
management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. Changes in the
subjective inputs and assumptions can materially affect fair value
estimates.
7
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Specific areas where significant
estimates or judgements exist are:
Sources of estimation uncertainty:
|
|
Management determines costs for share-based payments
using market-based valuation techniques. The fair value of the
market-based and performance-based share awards are determined at the date
of grant using generally accepted valuation techniques. Assumptions are
made and judgment used in applying valuation techniques. These assumptions
and judgments include estimating the future volatility of the stock price,
expected dividend yield, future employee turnover rates and future
employee stock option exercise behaviors and corporate performance. Such
judgments and assumptions are inherently uncertain. Changes in these
assumptions affect the fair value estimates; |
|
|
|
|
|
Estimate for the accrual of the Mineral Exploration Tax
Credit ("METC"). The METC initiative was introduced by the government of
British Columbia to stimulate mineral exploration activity in the province
and includes an enhanced credit for mineral exploration in areas affected
by the mountain pine beetle infestation. The Company is eligible to
receive refunds under this tax credit. However, the timing and amounts of
refunds pursuant to the METC program are uncertain as these amounts are
subject to government audit; |
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated fair values of mineral properties
acquired or disposed; |
|
|
|
|
|
Provisions for income taxes are made using the best
estimate of the amount expected to be paid based on a qualitative
assessment of all relevant factors. The Company reviews the adequacy of
these provisions at the end of the reporting period. However, it is
possible that at some future date an additional liability could result
from audits by taxation authorities. Where the final outcome of these
tax-related matters is different from the amounts that were originally
recorded, such differences will affect the tax provisions in the period in
which such determination is made; |
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation of shares issued in non-cash transactions are
measured at the fair value of the equity instruments granted based on
quoted market prices on the date of grant or per the terms of the
contract; and |
|
|
|
|
|
Estimate of the Companys borrowing rate at a rate
consistent with the rate charged on the convertible debenture. |
Critical accounting judgments:
|
|
Assessment of the Company's ability to continue as a
going concern; |
|
|
|
|
|
The recoverability of the carrying value of the
exploration and evaluation assets is dependent on successful development
and commercial exploitation, or alternatively, sale of the respective
areas of interest. The carrying value of these assets is reviewed by management when events or circumstances indicate that its
carrying value may not be recovered. If impairment is determined to exist,
an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount
exceeds the recoverable amount; |
8
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
Information about the judgements used in the
classification of the joint arrangement entered into during the year is
provided in note 6(a). Judgment is required in assessing whether the
arrangement is jointly controlled by all of its parties or by a group of
the parties, or controlled by one of its parties alone. |
(d) |
Basis of consolidation |
These consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of the Company and the subsidiaries that it controls.
Control is achieved when the Company is exposed to, or has rights to, variable
returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect
those returns through its power over the investee.
Intercompany balances and transactions,
including any unrealized income and expenses arising from intercompany
transactions, are eliminated upon consolidation.
At July 31, 2014 and July 31, 2013 the
Company held an ownership interest in the following subsidiary:
|
Name of Subsidiary |
Place of Incorporation |
Ownership Interest |
Principal Activity |
|
Wavecrest
Resources Inc. |
Delaware |
100%
|
Holding company |
The functional and presentation
currency of the Company and its subsidiary, as at July 31, 2014, is the Canadian
dollar.
Transactions in currencies other than
the functional currency are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the
dates of transactions. At the end of each reporting period, monetary assets and
liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the
rates prevailing at the period end date. Non-monetary items that are measured in
terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not re-translated. Gains and
losses arising on translation are included in profit or loss for the period.
(f) |
Financial instruments |
Financial assets and liabilities are
recognized when the Company becomes party to the contracts that give rise to
them. The Company determines the classification of its financial assets and
liabilities at initial recognition and, where allowed and appropriate,
re-evaluates such classification at each financial year end. The Company does
not have any derivative financial instruments.
9
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Non-derivative financial assets:
The Company classifies its
non-derivative financial assets into the following categories:
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are financial
assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active
market. Such assets are initially recognized at fair value plus any directly
attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition loans and
receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method,
less any impairment losses.
Loans and receivables comprise amounts
receivable, restricted cash and cash and cash equivalents, described as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in the
statement of financial position consist of cash and highly liquid investments,
having maturity dates of three months or less from the date of purchase or
redeemable fixed-term deposits which are readily convertible to known amounts of
cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. The Company's
cash and cash equivalents are invested in business and savings accounts which
are available on demand by the Company for its programs.
Non-derivative financial
liabilities:
The Company's non-derivative financial
liabilities comprise financial liabilities measured at amortized cost. Such
financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value net of any directly
attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition these
financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective
interest method. Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost comprise
amounts payable and other liabilities, balances payable to related parties and a
convertible debenture.
Impairment of financial assets:
Financial assets are assessed for
indicators of impairment at the end of each reporting period. Financial assets
are impaired when there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more
events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the
estimated future cash flows of the investment have been impacted.
Objective evidence of impairment could
include:
|
|
significant financial difficulty of the issuer
or counterparty; or |
|
|
|
|
|
default or delinquency in interest or principal
payments; or |
|
|
|
|
|
it becoming probable that the borrower will
enter bankruptcy or financial re-organization. |
For certain categories of financial
assets, such as amounts receivable, assets that are assessed not to be impaired
individually are subsequently assessed for impairment on a collective basis. The
carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss
directly for all financial assets with the exception of amounts receivable,
where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance account.
When an amount receivable is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account.
Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the
allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are
recognized in profit or loss.
10
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
If, in a subsequent period, the amount
of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to
an event occurring after the impairment was recognized, the previously
recognized impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss to the extent that
the carrying amount of the investment at the date the impairment is reversed
does not exceed what the amortized cost would have been had the impairment not
been recognized.
(g) |
Exploration and evaluation
expenditures |
Exploration and evaluation expenditures
are expenditures incurred by the Company in connection with the exploration for
and evaluation of mineral resources before the technical feasibility and
commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource are demonstrable.
Exploration and evaluation expenditures
are expensed as incurred, except for initial expenditures associated with the
acquisition of exploration and evaluation assets through a business combination
or an asset acquisition.
Exploration and evaluation expenditures
include the cash consideration and the estimated fair market value of common
shares on the date of issue or as otherwise provided under the relevant
agreements.
Costs for properties for which the
Company does not possess unrestricted ownership and exploration rights, such as
option agreements, are expensed in the period incurred or until a feasibility
study has determined that the property is capable of commercial production.
Administrative expenditures related to exploration activities are expensed in
the period incurred.
Mineral property interests
Expenditures incurred by the Company in
connection with a mineral property after the technical feasibility and
commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource are demonstrable are
capitalized. Such amounts are then amortized over the estimated life of the
property following the commencement of commercial production, or are written off
if the property is sold, allowed to lapse or abandoned, or when impairment has
been determined to have occurred.
Mineral property interests, if any, are
assessed for impairment if (i) sufficient data exists to determine technical
feasibility and commercial viability, and (ii) facts and circumstances suggest
that the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.
Once the technical feasibility and
commercial viability of the extraction of mineral resources in an area of
interest are demonstrable, mineral property interests attributable to that area
of interest are first tested for impairment and then reclassified to mineral
property and development assets within property, plant and equipment.
Recoverability of the carrying amount
of mineral property interests is dependent on successful development and
commercial exploitation, or alternatively, a sale of the respective areas of
interest.
11
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
(h) |
Impairment of non-financial
assets |
At the end of each reporting period the
carrying amounts of the Company's assets are reviewed to determine whether there
is any indication that those assets are impaired. If any such indication exists,
the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the
extent of the impairment, if any. The recoverable amount is the greater of (i)
fair value less costs to sell, and (ii) value in use. Fair value is estimated as
the amount that would be obtained from the sale of the asset in an arm's length
transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties. In assessing value in
use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using
a discount rate that reflects current assessments of the Company's cost of
capital and the risks specific to the asset. If the recoverable amount of an
asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of
the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount and an impairment loss is
recognized in the profit or loss for the period. For an asset that does not
generate largely independent cash inflows, the recoverable amount is determined
for the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs.
Where an impairment loss subsequently
reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is
increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but to an amount
that does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no
impairment loss been recognized for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior
years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately in profit or
loss.
Common shares are classified as equity.
Transaction costs directly attributable to the issuance of common shares and
share purchase options are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax
effects.
Flowthrough shares
Canadian tax legislation permits mining
entities to issue flowthrough shares to investors. Flowthrough shares are
securities issued to investors whereby the deductions for tax purposes related
to eligible Canadian exploration expenses ("CEE"), as defined in the Income Tax
Act (Canada), may be claimed by investors instead of the entity, pursuant to a
defined renunciation process.
Renunciation may occur:
|
|
prospectively (namely, the flowthrough shares
are issued, renunciation occurs and CEE are incurred subsequently); or
|
|
|
|
|
|
retrospectively (namely, the flowthrough
shares are issued, CEE are then incurred, and renunciation occurs
subsequently). |
Flowthrough shares are recorded in
share capital at the fair value of common shares on date of issuance. When
flowthrough shares are issued, the difference between the fair value of
non-flow-through common shares and the amount the investors pay for flowthrough
shares is recorded as a deferred liability called "flow-through share premium".
This deferred liability is credited to profit or loss when the eligible expenses
are incurred and renounced to investors.
12
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Upon eligible expenses being incurred,
the Company derecognizes the liability and recognizes a deferred tax liability,
if any, for the amount of tax reduction renounced to shareholders. The premium
is recognized as other income and the related deferred tax is recognized as a
tax provision.
The Company presents basic and diluted
loss per share data for its common shares, calculated by dividing the loss
attributable to common shareholders of the Company by the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share
does not adjust the loss attributable to common shareholders or the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding when the effect is
anti-dilutive.
Share-based payments to employees and
others providing similar services are measured at the fair value of the
instruments at the grant date. The fair value determined at the grant date is
charged to operations over the vesting period, based on the Company's estimate
of equity instruments that will eventually vest. The Company revises the
estimate on each reporting date and the effect of the change is recognized in
profit or loss.
Share-based payment transactions with
other parties are measured at the fair value of the goods or services received,
except where the fair value cannot be estimated reliably, in which case they are
measured at the fair value of the equity instruments granted, measured at the
date the entity obtains the goods or the counterparty renders the service.
(l) |
Rehabilitation provision |
An obligation to incur rehabilitation
and site restoration costs arises when environmental disturbance is caused by
the exploration, development or ongoing production of a mineral property
interest. Such costs arising from the decommissioning of plant and other site
preparation work, discounted to their net present value, are provided for and
capitalized at the start of each project, as soon as the obligation to incur
such costs arises. These costs are charged against earnings over the life of the
operation.
The Company has no material
rehabilitation and site restoration costs, as the disturbance to date has been
minimal.
Income tax on the profit or loss for
the periods presented comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is
recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items
recognized directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in equity.
13
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Current tax expense is the expected tax
payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or
substantively enacted at year end, adjusted for amendments to tax payable with
regards to previous years.
Deferred tax is provided using the
balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and
the amounts used for taxation purposes.
The following temporary differences are
not provided for:
|
|
goodwill not deductible for tax purposes; |
|
|
|
|
|
the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that
affect neither accounting nor taxable profit; and |
|
|
|
|
|
differences relating to investments in subsidiaries,
associates, and joint ventures to the extent that they will probably not
reverse in the foreseeable future. |
The amount of deferred tax provided is
based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount
of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at
the end of the reporting period applicable to the period of expected realization
or settlement.
A deferred tax asset is recognized only
to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available
against which the asset can be utilized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets
against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by
the same taxation authority and the Company intends to settle its current tax
assets and liabilities on a net basis.
(n) |
Government assistance |
When the Company is entitled to receive
mineral exploration tax credits and other government grants, these amounts are
recognized as a cost recovery within exploration and evaluation expenditures
when there is reasonable assurance of their recovery.
(o) |
Compound financial
instruments |
Compound financial instruments issued
by the Company comprise a convertible debenture that can be converted into a
fixed number of the Company's common shares at the option of the holder.
The liability component of a compound
financial instrument is recognized initially at the fair value of a similar
liability that does not have an equity conversion option. The equity component,
if any, is recognized initially as the difference between the estimated fair
value of the compound financial instrument as a whole and the estimated fair
value of the liability component. Directly attributable transaction costs, if
material, are allocated to the liability and equity components in proportion to
their initial carrying amounts.
14
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
(p) |
Joint venture activities and joint controlled
operations |
Joint control is defined as the
contractually agreed sharing of control over an economic activity, and exists
only when the strategic, financial and operating decisions essential to the
relevant activities require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing
control. When the Company enters into agreements that provide for specific
percentage interests in exploration properties, a portion of the Company's
exploration activities is conducted jointly with others, without establishment
of a corporation, partnership or other entity.
Under IFRS 11 "Joint Arrangements",
this type of joint control of mineral assets and joint exploration and/or
development activities is considered as a joint operation, which is defined as a
joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement
have rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the
arrangement.
In its financial statements, the
Company recognizes the following in relation to its interest in a joint
operation:
|
|
its assets, including its share of any assets
held jointly; |
|
|
|
|
|
its liabilities, including its share of any
liabilities incurred jointly; |
|
|
|
|
|
its revenue from the sale of its share of the
output of the joint operation; and |
|
|
|
|
|
its expenses, including its share of any
expenses incurred jointly |
(q) |
Accounting standards, interpretations and amendments
to existing standards |
Effective August 1, 2013, the Company
adopted new and revised IFRS that were issued by the IASB. The application of
these new and revised IFRS has not had any material impact on the amounts
reported for the current and prior years but may affect the accounting for
future transactions or arrangements.
Accounting policies adopted in the
current year:
|
|
Amendments to IAS 1, Presentation of Items of
Other Comprehensive Income |
|
|
|
|
|
IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement |
|
|
|
|
|
IAS 19, Employee Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
IFRIC 20, Stripping Costs in the Production
Phase of a Surface Mine |
There was no material impact of the new
and amended accounting standards adopted during the period.
Accounting standards issued but not
yet effective:
Effective for annual periods beginning
on or after January 1, 2014
|
|
Amendments to IAS 32, Financial Instruments
Presentation |
|
|
|
|
|
Amendments to IAS 36, Impairment of Assets
|
15
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
Amendments to IAS 39, Financial Instrument
Recognition and Measurement |
|
|
|
|
|
IFRIC 21 Levies |
Effective for annual periods beginning
on or after July 1, 2014
|
|
Amendments to IAS 19, Employee Benefits
|
Effective for annual periods beginning
on or after January 1, 2016
|
|
IFRS 14, Regulatory Deferral Accruals |
|
|
|
|
|
Amendments to IFRS 11, Joint Operations |
|
|
|
|
|
Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38, Depreciation
and Amortization |
Effective for annual periods beginning
on or after January 1, 2017
|
|
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
|
Effective for annual periods beginning
on or after January 1, 2018
|
|
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments Classification
and Measurement |
The Company has not early adopted these
new standards, interpretations, or amendments to existing standards, and is
currently assessing the impact that these standards will have on the Company's
Financial Statements.
4. |
CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED
CASH |
|
|
(a) |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2014 |
|
|
July 31, 2013 |
|
|
Business and savings accounts
|
$ |
523,507
|
|
$ |
706,393
|
|
|
Cash
held in guaranteed investment certificates |
|
501,813 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
$ |
1,025,320 |
|
$ |
706,393 |
|
Restricted cash in the amount of
$38,563 (July 31, 2013 $158,387) consists of guaranteed investment
certificates held in support of explorations permits.
16
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
5. |
AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND
OTHER ASSETS |
|
|
|
July 31, 2014 |
|
|
July 31, 2013 |
|
|
Current: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales tax receivable |
$ |
4,834 |
|
$ |
17,679 |
|
|
Prepaid insurance |
|
6,670 |
|
|
5,808 |
|
|
Other receivables |
|
|
|
|
120,000 |
|
|
Total |
$ |
11,504 |
|
$ |
143,487 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other receivable (note 6(a)(iv)) |
$ |
|
|
$ |
240,000 |
|
|
Estimated British Columbia Mineral Exploration Tax Credit
recoverable |
|
8,295 |
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
Total |
$ |
8,295 |
|
$ |
440,000 |
|
6. |
MINERAL PROPERTY
INTERESTS |
|
|
|
July 31, 2014 |
|
|
July 31, 2013 |
|
|
Galaxie Project (note 6(a))
|
$ |
891,627
|
|
$ |
1,021,546
|
|
|
Angel's Camp royalty (note 6(b)) |
|
1 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
Total |
$ |
891,628 |
|
$ |
1,021,547 |
|
17
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
At July 31, 2014, the Company held a
100% interest in the Galaxie Project located approximately 24 kilometres south
of Dease Lake, BC.
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Estimated fair value of the
Company's shares issued upon initial acquisition |
$ |
1,002,577
|
|
|
Cash payment upon initial acquisition |
|
50,000 |
|
|
Convertible debenture issued to vendor (note 9) |
|
650,000 |
|
|
Amount initially recognized as mineral
property interest (note 6(a)(i)) |
|
1,702,577 |
|
|
Disposition of 40% to Galaxie joint arrangement (note 6(a)(ii))
|
|
(681,031 |
) |
|
Galaxie Project balance as of July 31, 2013
|
|
1,021,546 |
|
|
Contributions received from
Amarc (note 6(a)(iii)) |
|
(402,636 |
) |
|
Relinquishment of the underlying mineral property interest upon
termination of the
Galaxie joint arrangement (note 6(a)(iv)) |
|
272,717 |
|
|
Galaxie Project balance as of July 31, 2014 |
$ |
891,627 |
|
In August 2012, Quartz Mountain
acquired the Galaxie Project from Finsbury Exploration Ltd. ("Finsbury") by:
|
|
issuing 2,038,111 shares with a fair value of
$672,577 to Finsbury, |
|
|
|
|
|
issuing 1,000,000 shares with a fair value of
$330,000 to Bearclaw Capital Corp. ("Bearclaw"). |
|
|
|
|
|
making a cash payment of $50,000 to Bearclaw,
and |
|
|
|
|
|
issuing a $650,000 convertible debenture (the
"Debenture") (note 9) to Bearclaw. |
Bearclaw retains a 1% net smelter
returns royalty on a portion of the Galaxie Project known as the Gnat Pass
Property, capped at aggregate payments of $7,500,000 (the "Gnat Pass Royalty
Agreement").
Hotai Claims
In July 2012, the Company acquired the
mineral property interest in the Hotailuh Slope mineral claims (the "Hotai
Claims") located in central British Columbia adjacent to, and forming part of,
the Galaxie Project. During the year ended July 2013, the Company made a cash
payment of $5,000 and issued 14,286 of its common shares with a fair value of
$5,000 under an earn-in agreement for the Hotai Claims. In September 2013, the
earn-in agreement for the Hotai Claims was terminated.
18
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
(ii) |
November 2012 agreement with Amarc Resources Ltd.
(Amarc) |
In November 2012, the Company and
Amarc, a publicly traded company with certain directors in common with the
Company, entered into an agreement (the Letter Agreement), pursuant to which
Amarc earned an initial 40% ownership interest (the Initial Interest) in the
Galaxie and ZNT Projects (the Galaxie ZNT Project "), by making a cash payment
of $1,000,000 to the Company (completed) and funding $1,000,000 in exploration
expenditures to be incurred by Quartz Mountain relating to the Galaxie ZNT
Project on or before December 31, 2012 (completed). The Company also granted to
Amarc an option to acquire an additional 10% (for a total of 50%) ownership
interest in the Galaxie ZNT Project, in consideration for Amarc funding an
additional $1,000,000 in exploration expenditures in relation to the Galaxie ZNT
Project, on or before September 30, 2013.
In December 2012, pursuant to the
Letter Agreement and upon satisfaction of the earn-in requirements by Amarc for
its Initial Interest, the Company and Amarc formed an unincorporated entity
subject to the joint control of the Company and Amarc (the Joint Arrangement)
to conduct exploration activities at the Galaxie ZNT Project. The Company
transferred into the Joint Arrangement its interest in the properties and the
Gnat Pass Royalty Agreement. Pursuant to the Joint Arrangement agreement, Amarc
agreed to pay its proportionate share (then 40%) of the principal amount due
under the Debenture, together with interest thereon, on their respective due
dates.
The Company recognized a gain of
$1,578,969 in relation to the 40% disposition of the Galaxie ZNT Project to the
Joint Arrangement.
|
(iii) |
June 2013 agreement with
Amarc |
Effective June 26, 2013, the Company
and Amarc entered into an amendment agreement (the "Amendment") whereby the
Galaxie ZNT Project was split into two separate joint arrangements, named the
"Galaxie Joint Venture" and the "ZNT Joint Venture". Each joint arrangement
continued to be governed by the terms of the November 2012 letter agreement.
Under the Amendment, Amarc had an
option until October 31, 2013 to increase its interest in the Galaxie Joint
Venture from its then-40% interest to a 60% interest by paying to the Company a
cash amount of $235,000 which the Company agreed to use to conduct a surface
exploration program at the Galaxie Project. Amarc also had an option until
October 31, 2013 to increase its interest in the ZNT Joint Venture from its
then-40% interest to a 60% interest by paying to the Company a cash amount of
$210,000 which the Company agreed to use to conduct a trenching and pitting
program at the ZNT Project. Amounts received from Amarc totalling $402,636
pursuant to these funding requirements were recorded as reductions to the
carrying amount of mineral property interest.
|
(iv) |
Termination of the joint arrangements with
Amarc |
On March 31, 2014 the Company and Amarc
agreed to terminate both the Galaxie Joint Venture and the ZNT Joint Venture.
Pursuant to the terms of the termination of the joint arrangements, Amarc was
released from all obligations of the unincorporated entities and relinquished
its interests in the underlying mineral assets to the Company.
19
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Consequently, the Company recorded an
increase of $272,717 in mineral property interest in the Galaxie Project,
representing Amarcs share (40%) of the liabilities of the Galaxie Joint Venture
assumed by the Company, net of Amarcs share of certain financial assets of the
Galaxie Joint Venture, as summarized below:
|
Debenture obligation |
$ |
240,000
|
|
|
Balances due to a related party |
|
44,779 |
|
|
Other financial assets |
|
(12,062 |
) |
|
Increase in the carrying amount of the Galaxie Project |
$ |
272,717 |
|
(b) |
Angel's Camp Property |
The Company retains a 1% net smelter
return royalty payable to the Company on any production from the Angel's Camp
property located in Lake County, Oregon. The Angel's Camp property is currently
held by Alamos Gold Inc.
The royalty has been recorded at a
nominal amount of $1.
7. |
CAPITAL AND
RESERVES |
|
|
(a) |
Authorized share capital
|
At July 31, 2014, the authorized share
capital of the Company comprised an unlimited number of common shares without
par value and an unlimited number of preferred shares without par value. No
preferred shares have been issued to date. All issued common shares are fully
paid.
20
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Reconciliation of changes in share
capital:
|
Issued share capital |
|
Number of |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
common |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at August 1, 2010 |
|
13,399,422 |
|
$ |
29,407,744 |
|
|
Balance, July 31, 2011 |
|
13,399,422 |
|
|
29,407,744 |
|
|
Functional currency translation adjustment (note 2) |
|
|
|
|
(9,031,998 |
) |
|
Balance at August 1, 2011 |
|
13,399,422 |
|
|
20,375,746 |
|
|
Common shares issued for
cash, December 2011 |
|
1,140,200 |
|
|
570,100 |
|
|
Flowthrough common shares issued for cash,
December 2011 |
|
6,043,171 |
|
|
3,625,902 |
|
|
Recorded as flowthrough
share premium liability |
|
|
|
|
(604,317 |
) |
|
Share issuance costs, December 2011 |
|
|
|
|
(157,050 |
) |
|
Shares issued for property option payment |
|
1,450,000 |
|
|
704,000 |
|
|
Balance, July 31, 2012 |
|
22,032,793 |
|
$ |
24,514,381 |
|
|
Common shares issued for
cash, December 2012 (note 7(b)) |
|
461,914 |
|
|
115,479 |
|
|
Flowthrough shares issued for cash, December
2012 (note 7(b)) |
|
1,752,409 |
|
|
525,723 |
|
|
Recorded as flowthrough
share premium liability (note 10) |
|
|
|
|
(87,620 |
) |
|
Share issuance costs, December 2012 (note
7(b)) |
|
|
|
|
(25,422 |
) |
|
Shares issued for property acquisition (note 7(a)(i)) |
|
3,052,397 |
|
|
1,007,577 |
|
|
Balance at July 31, 2013 |
|
27,299,513 |
|
$ |
26,050,118 |
|
|
Balance at July 31, 2014 |
|
27,299,513 |
|
$ |
26,050,118 |
|
(b) |
Private Placement and Flow-Through
Financing |
In December 2012, the Company completed
a non-brokered private placement (the " 2012 Private Placement") of 2,214,323
common shares for aggregate gross proceeds of $641,202. The 2012 Private
Placement was comprised of:
|
|
461,914 non-flow-through common shares issued
at a price of $0.25 per share for gross proceeds of $115,479; and |
|
|
|
|
|
1,752,409 flow-through common shares issued at $0.30 per
share, including a premium of $0.05 per share over the offering price for
the non-flow through common shares, for gross proceeds of $525,723 (the
"Flow-through Funds"). |
After issuance costs of $25,422, net
cash proceeds from the 2012 Private Placement were $615,780, of which $87,620
was recorded as a flow-through share premium liability (note 10) and the balance
of $528,160 was allocated to the common shares issued.
21
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
In December 2011, the Company completed a non-brokered private
placement (the "2011 Private Placement") of 7,183,371 common shares for
aggregate gross proceeds of $4,196,002. The 2011 Private Placement was comprised
of:
|
|
1,140,200 non-flow-through common shares issued at a
price of $0.50 per share for gross proceeds of $570,100; and |
|
|
|
|
|
6,043,171 flow-through common shares issued at $0.60 per
share, including a premium of $0.10 per share over the offering price for
the non-flow through common shares, for gross proceeds of $3,625,902 (the
"Flow-through Funds"). |
After issuance costs of $157,050, net
cash proceeds from the 2011 Private Placement were $4,038,952, of which $604,317
was recorded as a flow-through share premium liability (note 10) and the balance
of $3,434,635 was allocated to the common shares issued.
(c) |
Equity-Settled Share-Based
Payments |
The Company has a share purchase option
plan (the Plan) approved by the Company's shareholders that allows the Board
of Directors to grant share purchase options, subject to regulatory terms and
approval, to its officers, directors, employees, and service providers. The Plan
is based on the maximum number of eligible shares equaling 10% of the Company's
outstanding common shares, calculated from time to time.
The exercise price of each share
purchase option is set by the Board of Directors at the time of grant but cannot
be less than the five day volume weighted average trading price of the Company's
shares calculated on the day prior to the grant. Share purchase options may have
a maximum term of ten years (although share purchase options have generally been
granted with a term of up to five years) and typically terminate 90 days
following the termination of the optionee's employment or engagement, except in
the case of retirement or death. The vesting period for share purchase options
is at the discretion of the Board of Directors at the time the options are
granted.
The following summarizes the changes in
the Company's share purchase options for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and
2012:
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
options |
|
|
average exercise |
|
|
Continuity of share options for the year ended July 31,
2014 |
|
outstanding |
|
|
price |
|
|
Share purchase options outstanding at July
31, 2013 |
|
1,705,800 |
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
Forfeited during the year |
|
(118,800 |
) |
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
Share purchase options outstanding and exercisable at July 31,
2014 |
|
1,587,000 |
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
22
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
options |
|
|
average exercise |
|
|
Continuity of share options for the year ended July 31,
2013 |
|
outstanding |
|
|
price |
|
|
Share purchase options outstanding at July
31, 2012 |
|
1,767,600 |
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
Forfeited during the year |
|
(61,800 |
) |
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
Share purchase options outstanding and exercisable at July 31,
2013 |
|
1,705,800 |
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
options |
|
|
average |
|
|
Continuity of share options for the year ended July 31,
2012 |
|
outstanding |
|
|
exercise price |
|
|
Share purchase options outstanding at July
31, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted during the year |
|
1,776,600 |
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
Forfeited during the year |
|
(9,000 |
) |
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
Share purchase options outstanding at July 31, 2012 |
|
1,767,600 |
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
|
Share purchase options exercisable at July 31, 2012 |
|
589,200 |
|
$ |
0.45 |
|
The weighted average contractual
remaining life of the share purchase options outstanding at July 31, 2014 was
1.5 years (2013 2.5 years).
The share-based payments expense
recorded in the year ended July 31, 2013 represented the amortization of the
fair value of options granted in fiscal 2012 over their remaining vesting term;
those options were fair valued at $0.34 per option based on the Black-Scholes
option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions: grant
date share price of $0.45; risk-free interest rate of 1.2%; expected volatility
of 119%; expected life of 4.0 years; expected dividend yield of nil; and
expected forfeiture rate of nil.
8. |
AMOUNTS PAYABLE AND
OTHER
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended July 31 |
|
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
Amounts payable |
$ |
6,438 |
|
$ |
125,268
|
|
|
Accrued liabilities |
|
406 |
|
|
10,869 |
|
|
Total |
$ |
6,844 |
|
$ |
136,137 |
|
23
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
|
Convertible debenture issued,
August 2013 |
$ |
650,000
|
|
|
Portion of payment made pursuant to amendment
by Amarc (note 6(a)) |
|
(20,000 |
) |
|
Payment made pursuant to amendment by the Company |
|
(30,000 |
) |
|
Balance, July 31, 2013 and July 31, 2014 |
$ |
600,000 |
|
Pursuant to the purchase of the Galaxie
Project (note 6(a)(i)), the Company issued an unsecured $650,000 convertible
debenture (the Debenture) to Bearclaw as part of the purchase price.
In July 2013, Quartz Mountain and the
holder of the Debenture entered into an agreement to amend the Debenture,
whereby among other things, the Joint Arrangement made a $50,000 payment toward
the Debenture reducing the outstanding balance to $600,000, the interest rate
was increased to 10% per annum from 8% per annum, and the maturity date was
extended to October 31, 2014 from October 31, 2013.
Interest on the Debenture is payable
quarterly in arrears and the principal sum of Debenture, along with any unpaid
interest, is convertible at the option of the debenture holder into the
Company's common shares at $0.15 per share (previously $0.40 per share) on or
before maturity of the Debenture on October 31, 2014. Upon initial recognition
of the Debenture, management estimated that the residual value attributable to
the conversion option was nominal.
After the reporting period, the Company
entered into an agreement with Bearclaw to restructure the terms of the
debenture (note 16).
10. |
FLOW-THROUGH SHARE
PREMIUM
LIABILITY |
|
Balance, July 31, 2011 |
$ |
|
|
|
Recognized as liability upon issuance of
flow-through shares |
|
604,317 |
|
|
Derecognized upon eligible expenditures incurred |
|
(193,308 |
) |
|
Balance, July 31, 2012 |
|
411,009 |
|
|
Recognized as liability upon
issuance of flow-through shares |
|
87,620 |
|
|
Derecognized upon eligible expenditures incurred |
|
(462,990 |
) |
|
Balance July 31, 2013 |
|
35,639 |
|
|
Derecognized upon eligible expenditures incurred |
|
(35,639 |
) |
|
Balance, July 31, 2014 |
$ |
|
|
Pursuant to the Private Placement of
the flow-through shares (note 7(b)) and in accordance with the Income Tax Act
(Canada), the Company was obligated to spend the Flow-through Funds on 24
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
eligible Canadian Exploration Expenses
("CEE") prior to December 31, 2013 (completed) and renounce them to the
investors (completed).
11. |
RELATED PARTY
BALANCES AND TRANSACTIONS |
|
|
(a) |
Transactions with Key Management
Personnel |
Key management personnel are those
persons that have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and
controlling the activities of the Company, directly and indirectly, and by
definition include the directors of the Company.
During the years ended July 31, 2014,
2013 and 2012, the Company compensated key management personnel as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended July 31 |
|
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
Short-term employee benefits,
including salaries and directors fees |
$ |
169,096
|
|
$ |
420,943
|
|
$ |
237,563
|
|
|
Equity-settled share-based payments |
|
|
|
|
84,589 |
|
|
150,914 |
|
|
Total |
$ |
169,096 |
|
$ |
505,532 |
|
$ |
388,477 |
|
Short-term employee benefits include
salaries, directors fees and amounts paid to HDSI (note 11(b)) for services
provided to the Company by certain HDSI personnel who serve as directors or
officers of the Company.
(b) |
Entities with Significant Influence over the
Company |
|
|
|
The Company's management believes that Hunter Dickinson
Services Inc. ("HDSI"), a private entity, has the power to participate in
the financial or operating policies of the Company. Scott Cousens, Robert
Dickinson, and Ronald Thiessen, are directors of both the Company and
HDSI. Pursuant to a management agreement between the Company and HDSI
dated July 2, 2010, the Company receives geological, engineering,
corporate development, administrative, management and shareholder
communication services from HDSI. These services are provided based on
annually set rates. HDSI also incurs third party costs on behalf of the
Company on full-cost recovery basis. |
|
|
|
Transactions with these related parties were as
follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended July 31 |
|
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
HDSI: Services received based
on management services agreement |
$ |
511,241 |
|
$ |
2,462,779 |
|
$ |
1,135,345 |
|
|
HDSI: Reimbursement of third party expenses paid |
|
24,151 |
|
|
122,318 |
|
|
120,444 |
|
25
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Outstanding balances were as
follows:
|
|
|
July 31, 2014 |
|
|
July 31, 2013 |
|
|
Balance payable to HDSI |
$ |
2,957,075 |
|
$ |
2,421,220 |
|
The Company has received a confirmation
from HDSI that HDSI will continue to provide services to the Company and will
not demand repayment of amounts outstanding, prior to November 1, 2015.
12. |
EMPLOYEES BENEFIT
EXPENSES |
The amount of employees' salaries and
benefits included in various expenses are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended July 31 |
|
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
Exploration and evaluation
expenses |
$ |
120,495
|
|
$ |
1,332,985
|
|
$ |
544,802
|
|
|
General and administration expenses |
|
408,306 |
|
|
1,071,064 |
|
|
697,025 |
|
|
Equity-settled share-based payment |
|
|
|
|
210,872 |
|
|
381,139 |
|
|
Total |
$ |
528,801 |
|
$ |
2,614,921 |
|
$ |
1,622,966 |
|
The Company operates in a single
reportable operating segment the acquisition, exploration and evaluation of
mineral property interests. The Company is currently focused on the acquisition
and exploration of mineral property interests in Canada.
(a) |
Provision for current tax |
No provision has been made for current
income taxes, as the Company has no taxable income.
(b) |
Provision for deferred tax |
As future taxable profits of the
Company are uncertain, no deferred tax asset has been recognized. As at July 31,
2014, the Company had unused non-capital loss carry forwards of approximately
$4,459,000 (2013 $4,489,000, 2012 $2,901,000) in Canada and $40,000 (2013
$21,000, 2012 $37,000) in the United States.
26
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
The Company had approximately
$4,343,000 (2013 $4,519,000, 2012 $4,550,000) of resource tax pools
available, which may be used to shelter certain resource income. Reconciliation
of effective tax rate:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended July 31 |
|
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
2013 |
|
|
2012 |
|
|
Loss for the period |
$ |
(865,427 |
) |
$ |
(3,458,827 |
) |
$ |
(3,587,805 |
) |
|
Income tax expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss excluding income tax |
$ |
(865,427 |
) |
$ |
(3,458,827 |
) |
$ |
(3,587,805 |
) |
|
Income tax recovery using the
Company's domestic tax rate |
$ |
(225,000 |
) |
$ |
(874,000 |
) |
$ |
(919,000 |
) |
|
Non-deductible expenses and other |
|
147,000 |
|
|
693,000 |
|
|
310,000 |
|
|
Change in deferred tax rates
|
|
|
|
|
(77,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Differences in statutory tax rates |
|
(2,000 |
) |
|
(9,000 |
) |
|
16,000 |
|
|
Changes in unrecognized
temporary differences |
|
80,000 |
|
|
267,000 |
|
|
594,000 |
|
|
Differences due to foreign exchange |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1 000 |
) |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
The Company's domestic tax rate during
the year ended July 31, 2014 was 26.0% (2013 25.33%, 2012 25.6%) and the
effective tax rate was nil (2013 nil, 2012 nil).
As at July 31, 2014, the Company had
the following balances in respect of which no deferred tax assets had been
recognized:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resource |
|
|
Equipment |
|
|
Expiry: |
|
Tax losses |
|
|
pools |
|
|
and other |
|
|
Within one year |
$ |
131,000
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
One to five years |
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
78,000 |
|
|
After five years |
|
4,760,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
82,000 |
|
|
No
expiry date |
|
|
|
|
3,439,000 |
|
|
114,000 |
|
|
|
$ |
4,899,000 |
|
$ |
3,439,000 |
|
$ |
274,000 |
|
15. |
FINANCIAL RISK
MANAGEMENT |
|
|
|
The Company is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of
financial instrument related risks. The Board approves and monitors the
risk management processes, inclusive of documented
investment policies, counterparty limits, and
controlling and reporting structures. The type of risk exposure and the way in
which such exposure is managed is provided as follows: |
27
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Credit risk is the risk of potential
loss to the Company if the counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet
its contractual obligations. The Company's credit risk is primarily attributable
to its liquid financial assets including cash and cash equivalents and amounts
receivable. The Company limits its exposure to credit risk on liquid financial
assets by only investing its cash and cash equivalents with high-credit quality
financial institutions in business and savings accounts.
The carrying value of the Company's
cash and cash equivalents and amounts receivable represent the maximum exposure
to credit risk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying Amount |
|
|
Financial Assets |
|
July 31, 2014 |
|
|
July 31, 2013 |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
(note 4(a)) |
$ |
1,025,320
|
|
$ |
706,393
|
|
|
Amounts receivable (current and non-current)
(note 5) |
|
4,834 |
|
|
577,679 |
|
|
Restricted cash (note 4(b)) |
|
38,563 |
|
|
158,387 |
|
|
Total |
$ |
1,068,717 |
|
$ |
1,442,459 |
|
Liquidity risk is the risk that the
Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations when they become due.
The Company ensures that there is sufficient capital in order to meet short term
business requirements, after taking into account cash flows from operations and
the Company's holdings of cash and cash equivalents.
The following obligations existed at
July 31, 2014:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments due by period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
year |
|
|
1-5 years |
|
|
After 5 years |
|
|
Amounts payable and other
liabilities (note 8) |
$ |
6,844 |
|
$ |
6,844 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Convertible debenture (note 9) |
|
600,000 |
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Due to related parties (note 11) |
|
2,957,075 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,957,075 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
$ |
3,563,919 |
|
$ |
606,844 |
|
$ |
2,957,075 |
|
$ |
|
|
The Company has received a confirmation
from HDSI (note 11(b)) that HDSI will continue to provide services to the
Company and will not demand repayment of amounts outstanding, prior to November
1, 2015.
28
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
After the reporting period, the Company
entered into an agreement with the holder of its convertible debenture to
restructure the payment terms of the debenture (note 16).
The following obligations existed at
July 31, 2013:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments due by period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less than |
|
|
|
|
|
After |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1 year |
|
|
1-5 years |
|
|
5 years |
|
|
Amounts payable and other
liabilities (note 8) |
$ |
136,137
|
|
$ |
136,137
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Convertible debenture (note 9) |
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Due to related parties (note 11) |
|
2,421,220 |
|
|
2,421,220 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
$ |
3,157,357 |
|
$ |
2,557,357 |
|
$ |
600,000 |
|
$ |
|
|
Market risk is the risk that changes in
market prices, such as foreign exchange rates, interest rates and equity prices
will affect the Company's income or the value of its holdings of financial
instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control
market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimizing the return.
Interest rate risk
The Company is subject to interest rate
risk with respect to its investments in cash and cash equivalents. The Company's
policy is to invest cash at fixed rates of interest and cash reserves are to be
maintained in cash and cash equivalents in order to maintain liquidity, while
achieving a satisfactory return for shareholders. Fluctuations in interest rates
when cash and cash equivalents mature impact interest income earned.
Assuming that all variables remain
constant, a 10 basis points change representing a 0.1% increase or decrease in
interest rates would have resulted in a decrease or increase in the loss for the
year ended July 31, 2014 of approximately $900 (2013 $1,100, 2012 $1,300).
Foreign exchange risk
The Company incurs substantially all of
its expenditures in Canada and substantially all of its cash and cash
equivalents held are denominated in Canadian dollars. Consequently the Company
is not subject to material foreign exchange risk.
Price risk
The Company is not subject to any price
risk.
29
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
(d) |
Capital management
objectives |
The Company's primary objectives when
managing capital are to safeguard the Company's ability to continue as a going
concern, so that it can continue to provide returns for shareholders, and to
have sufficient liquidity available to fund ongoing expenditures and suitable
business opportunities as they arise.
The Company considers the components of
shareholders' equity as capital. The Company manages its capital structure and
makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk
characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the
capital structure, the Company may issue equity, sell assets, or return capital
to shareholders as well as issue or repay debt.
The Company's investment policy is to
invest its cash in highly liquid shortterm interestbearing investments having
maturity dates of three months or less from the date of acquisition and that are
readily convertible to known amounts of cash.
There were no changes to the Company's
approach to capital management during the year ended July 31, 2014.
The Company is not subject to any
externally imposed equity requirements.
The fair value of the Company's
financial assets and liabilities approximate their carrying amount.
16. |
EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING
PERIOD |
After the end of the reporting period,
effective October 1, 2014, the Company and Bearclaw amended the terms of the
Debenture (note 9) (hereafter referred to as the Amended Debenture) pursuant
to which, on October 8, 2014, the Company made a payment of $50,000 to Bearclaw
against the principal sum of the Debenture and the remaining balance of $550,000
(the Principal Sum) was rendered payable in equal annual installments of
$50,000, commencing on January 31, 2015 and thereafter on or before January 31
of each subsequent year until the Principal Sum is fully repaid. Effective
October 1, 2014, the Principal Sum outstanding will bear interest at 7.5% per
annum, payable quarterly in arrears.
30
Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
|
For the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
(Expressed in
Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated) |
Upon a completion by the Company of an
equity financing (the New Financing) for a minimum amount of $1,000,000, at
least 50% of any outstanding balance of the Principal Sum along with any
interest accrued thereon will be automatically converted (the Automatic
Conversion) into the Companys common shares. Bearclaw may elect to convert,
concurrent to the Automatic Conversion, any portion of the remaining 50% of
outstanding balance of the Principal Sum and accrued interest thereon (the
Optional Conversion). For the purposes of Automatic Conversion and Optional
Conversion of any principal sum, subject to the rules and policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange the conversion price will be determined as greater of (i) the
volume-weighted average trading price (VWAP) of Common Shares
of the Company on the Exchange for the 20 consecutive trading days ending on the
fifth trading day preceding the date of such conversion and (ii) the price at
which the Company issues common shares pursuant to the New Financing. For the
purposes of Automatic Conversion and Optional Conversion of any accrued
interest, the conversion price will be the market price of the Companys common
shares on the date of conversion. Except pursuant to the Automatic Conversion
and Optional Conversion provisions, Bearclaw does not have an option to convert
the New Debenture into the Companys common shares.
31
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