Notice & Proxy Materials for AGM of Sept 22, 2005
FORM 6-K
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Month of August, 2005
Commission File Number 000-21756
CHC Helicopter Corporation
(Translation of registrants name into English)
4740 Agar Drive
Richmond, British Columbia
Canada
V7B 1A3
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form
20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F þ Form 40-F o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T
Rule 101(b)(1):
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted
solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by
Regulation S-T
Rule 101(b)(7):
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted
to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and
make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled
or legally organized (the registrants home country), or under the rules of the home country
exchange on which the registrants securities are traded, as long as the report or other document
is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrants
security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K
submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.
Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant
is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes o No þ
If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with
Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT
Information Circular and
Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on
September 22, 2005.
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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CHC Helicopter Corporation
(Registrant)
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Date: September 1, 2005 |
By: |
/s/ Jo Mark Zurel
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Jo Mark Zurel - Senior Vice-President and |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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CHC HELICOPTER CORPORATION
INFORMATION CIRCULAR
AND
NOTICE OF
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
to be held on
September 22, 2005
Vancouver, British Columbia
Table Of Contents
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Notice Of Annual Meeting Of Shareholders |
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2 |
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Management Information Circular |
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3 |
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Appointment And Solicitation Of Proxies |
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3 |
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Revocation Of Proxies |
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3 |
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Voting Instructions |
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3 |
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Registered Shareholders |
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3 |
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Non-Registered Shareholders |
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4 |
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Electronic Access To Proxy-Related Materials And Annual And Quarterly Reports |
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The Corporation |
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Voting Shares And Principal Holders |
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Take-Over Bid Protection |
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Constrained Share Provisions |
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Share Ownership |
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Matters To Be Acted Upon By The Shareholders At The Meeting |
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10 |
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Board Of Directors Nominees |
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11 |
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Directors Meetings |
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14 |
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Report Of The Corporate Governance And Nominating Committee |
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15 |
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Report Of The Audit Committee |
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16 |
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Report On Executive Compensation |
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16 |
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Composition Of The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee |
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The Corporations Compensation Policy |
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Annual Incentives |
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Stock Option Plan |
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Pension Plans |
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19 |
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Compensation Of Directors |
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Minimum Share Ownership |
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20 |
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Performance Graph |
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21 |
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Compensation Table |
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22 |
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Employee Share Option Plan |
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24 |
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Executive Retiring Plan And Retiring Allowance |
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Indebtedness Of Directors And Officers |
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Executive Share Purchase Loan Program |
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28 |
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The Ordinary Share Loan |
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Indebtedness Of Directors, Executive Officers And Senior Officers Other
Than Under Securities
Purchase Programs |
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29 |
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Fees Paid To Ernst & Young LLP |
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29 |
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Directors And Officers Insurance |
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30 |
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Interest Of Management And Others In Material Transactions |
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30 |
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Communications And Disclosure Policies |
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Receipt Of Shareholder Proposals For Next Annual Meeting |
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31 |
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Directors Approval |
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31 |
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A Statement of Corporate Governance Practices |
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1
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
September 22, 2005
The annual meeting (the Meeting) of shareholders of CHC HELICOPTER CORPORATION (the Corporation
or CHC) will be held on Thursday, the 22nd day of September, 2005 at the Fairmont
Waterfront, 900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver, British Columbia at 3:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) for the
following purposes:
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Item 1: |
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To receive the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation for the year
ended April 30, 2005 and the auditors report thereon; |
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Item 2: |
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To elect directors of the Corporation; |
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Item 3: |
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To reappoint Ernst & Young, LLP as auditors of the Corporation and to authorize
the Board of Directors to fix their remuneration; |
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Item 4: |
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To transact such further and other business as may properly come before the
Meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
DATED at Richmond, British Columbia, August 2, 2005.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
Martin Lockyer
Vice-President, Legal Services & Corporate Secretary
Reference should be made to the accompanying Management Information Circular for details of the
above matters. If you are unable to be present personally at the Meeting you are requested to
complete and sign the enclosed form(s) of proxy and deliver it or return it by mail in the enclosed
envelope, or by following the instructions for voting over the internet in the accompanying
Management Information Circular. See Voting Instructions. A vote by proxy will be counted if it
is completed properly and received by CHCs transfer agent not later than 6:00 p.m. (Toronto time)
on September 20, 2005, or, if the Meeting is adjourned, not later than 48 hours (excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays) preceding the time of such adjourned Meeting.
The transfer agents address is: Proxy Department, CIBC Mellon Trust Company, P.O. Box 12005, STN
BRM B, Toronto, Ontario, M7Y 2K5.
Enclosed are the form of proxy and a certification with respect to ownership. Please complete the
form of proxy and the attached certification.
In the event of a disruption in postal service, proxies may be sent by fax to CIBC Mellon Trust
Company (fax: 416-368-2502; telephone: 800-387-0825).
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MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR
This management information circular (the Circular) is furnished in connection with the
solicitation by management of CHC Helicopter Corporation (the Corporation or CHC) of proxies to
be used at the annual meeting of shareholders of the Corporation (the Meeting) to be held at the
time and place and for the purposes set out in the notice of annual meeting of shareholders
accompanying this Circular (the Notice of Meeting). Unless otherwise stated, all information
contained in this Circular is presented as at August 2, 2005. It is expected that the solicitation
will be primarily by mail, but proxies may be solicited by telephone, email, facsimile or in person
by officers and employees of the Corporation. Officers and employees will not receive any
additional compensation for such activity. The Corporation may also retain, and pay a fee to, one
or more professional proxy solicitation firms to solicit proxies from shareholders of the
Corporation. The cost of the solicitation will be borne directly by the Corporation.
APPOINTMENT AND SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The forms of proxy accompanying this Circular are solicited on behalf of the management of the
Corporation. Any shareholder has the right to appoint a person (who need not be a shareholder)
other than the persons designated in the enclosed form of proxy to attend and to vote and act for
and on behalf of such shareholder at the Meeting and in order to do so the shareholder may insert
the name of such person in the blank space provided in the proxy, or may use another appropriate
form of proxy.
REVOCATION OF PROXIES
A shareholder executing a proxy has the power to revoke it:
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by depositing an instrument in writing executed by such shareholder or such shareholders
attorney authorized in writing: |
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(i) |
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at the executive office of the Corporation, CHC Helicopter Corporation, 4740 Agar
Drive, Richmond, British Columbia, V7B 1A3, Attention: The Corporate Secretary, at any
time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the Meeting or any
adjournments thereof, or |
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(ii) |
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with the Chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting or any adjournments
thereof, or |
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in any other manner permitted by law. |
VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
Registered Shareholders
If you are a registered shareholder, there are two methods by which you can vote your shares at the
Meeting: in person at the Meeting, or by proxy. If you wish to vote in person at the Meeting, do
not complete or return the form of proxy included with the Circular; rather, attend the Meeting
where your vote will be taken and counted. If you do not wish to attend the Meeting or do not wish
to vote in person, you may vote by proxy through one of the methods described below and the shares
represented by the proxy will be voted or withheld from voting, in accordance with your
instructions as indicated in the form of proxy, on any ballot that may be called for, and if you
specify a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the shares will be voted accordingly.
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As a registered shareholder, you may vote by proxy by one of the following three methods: (i) use
of paper form of proxy to be returned by mail or delivery; (ii) use of the internet voting
procedure; or (iii) facsimile (in the event of a postal disruption). The methods for using each of
these procedures are described below:
The paper form of proxy is the only voting option by which a shareholder may appoint a person as
proxy other than management nominees named on the form of proxy.
Voting by Mail. You may vote by mail or delivery by completing, dating and signing the enclosed
form of proxy and returning it using the envelope provided. The form of proxy must be received by
CIBC Mellon Trust Company, the Corporations transfer agent, no later than 6:00 p.m. (Toronto time)
on September 20, 2005, or, if the Meeting is adjourned, not later than 48 hours (excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays) preceding the time of such adjourned Meeting. The
transfer agents address is: Proxy Department, CIBC Mellon Trust Company, P.O. Box 12005, STN BRM
B, Toronto, Ontario, M7Y 2K5.
Internet Voting. You may vote over the internet by accessing the following websites:
Class A Subordinate Voting Shares www.eproxyvoting.com/chcclassa
Class B Multiple Voting Shares www.eproxyvoting.com/chcclassb
In order to submit a proxy via the internet, you will be asked to enter the 13 digit control number
which is provided on the enclosed form of proxy or Voting Information Form (VIF). Please see
your form of proxy for additional information on internet voting. Your voting instructions will
then be conveyed electronically over the internet. Registered shareholders and NOBOs (as defined
below) may vote (and revoke a previous vote) over the internet at any time before 6:00 p.m.
(Toronto time) on September 20, 2005, or, if the Meeting is adjourned, not later than 48 hours
(excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays) preceding the time of such adjourned Meeting.
Voting by Facsimile. In the case of postal disruptions, you may vote by facsimile by completing,
dating and signing the enclosed form of proxy and returning it by facsimile to CIBC Mellon Trust
Company at 416-368-2502. The form of proxy must be received no later than 6:00 p.m. (Toronto time)
on September 20, 2005, or, if the Meeting is adjourned, not later than 48 hours (excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays) preceding the time of such adjourned Meeting.
A proxy must be in writing and must be executed by you as registered shareholder or by your
attorney authorized in writing or, if the registered shareholder is a corporation or other legal
entity, by an authorized officer or attorney.
The enclosed proxy confers discretionary authority with respect to any amendments or variations to
matters referred to in the Notice of Meeting and any other matters which may properly come before
the Meeting or any adjournments thereof. As of the date of the Circular, management is not aware
of any amendments or variations to any matters referred to in the Notice of Meeting or any other
matters which may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
Non-registered Shareholders
Your shares may not be registered in your name but in the name of an intermediary (which is usually
a bank, trust company, securities dealer or broker, or a clearing agency in which an intermediary
participates). If your shares are registered in the name of an intermediary, you are a
non-registered shareholder.
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If you are a non-registered shareholder who has not objected to your intermediary disclosing
certain ownership information about yourself to the Corporation, you are referred to herein as a
NOBO. If you are a non-registered shareholder who has objected to your intermediary disclosing
the ownership information about yourself to the Corporation, you are referred to herein as an
OBO.
In accordance with the requirements of National Instrument 54-101, the Corporation is sending the
Notice of Meeting, the Circular, either the VIF or the form of proxy, as applicable, and the
Corporations 2005 Annual Report, which includes the audited financial statements and managements
discussion and analysis (collectively, the Meeting Materials) directly to the NOBOs and,
indirectly, through intermediaries to the OBOs.
Meeting Materials Received by OBOs from Intermediaries
The Corporation has distributed copies of the Meeting Materials to intermediaries for distribution
to OBOs. Intermediaries are required to deliver these materials to all OBOs of the Corporation who
have not waived their rights to receive these materials, and to seek instructions as to how to vote
the shares. Often, intermediaries will use a service company (such as ADP Investor Communications)
to forward these meeting materials to OBOs.
OBOs who receive Meeting Materials will typically be given the ability to provide voting
instructions in one of two ways.
Usually, an OBO will be given a voting instruction form which must be completed and signed by the
OBO in accordance with the instructions provided by the intermediary. In this case, the mechanisms
described above for registered shareholders cannot be used and the instructions provided by the
intermediary must be followed (which in some cases may allow the completion of the voting
instruction form through the Internet).
Occasionally, however, an OBO may be given a proxy that has already been signed by the
intermediary. This form of proxy is restricted to the number of shares owned by the OBOs but is
otherwise not completed. This form of proxy does not need to be signed by the OBO. In this case,
the proxy needs to be completed by the OBO and voted by mail or facsimile only, as described above
with respect to registered holders.
The purpose of these procedures is to allow on OBO to direct the voting of the shares that they own
but that are not registered in their name. Should an OBO who receives either a form of proxy or a
voting instruction form wish to attend and vote at the Meeting in person (or have another person
attend and vote on their behalf), the OBO should strike out the persons named in the form of proxy
as the proxy holder and insert the OBOs (or such other persons) name in the blank space provided
or, in the case of a voting instruction form, follow the corresponding instructions provided by the
intermediary. In either case, OBOs who received Meeting Materials from their intermediary should
carefully follow the instructions provided by their intermediary.
Meeting Materials Received by NOBOs from the Corporation
As permitted under National Instrument 54-101, the Corporation has used a NOBO list to send the
Meeting Materials directly to the NOBOs whose names appear on that list. If you are a NOBO and the
Corporations transfer agent, CIBC Mellon Trust Company, has sent the Meeting Materials directly to
you, your name and address and information about your holdings of shares of the Corporation, have
been obtained in accordance with applicable securities regulatory requirements from the
intermediary holding on your behalf.
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By choosing to send these materials to you directly, the Corporation (and not the intermediary
holding on your behalf) has assumed responsibility for (i) delivering these materials to you, and
(ii) in the event you choose to use the VIF, executing your proper voting instructions. As a NOBO,
you may vote by proxy by one of the following two methods: (i) use of the VIF or (ii) use of the
internet voting procedure. The method for using the VIF is described below and the method for
using the internet voting is described on page 4 of the Circular.
VIF. Please return your voting instructions as specified in the VIF of the Request for Voting
Instructions, which is included with the Circular mailed to NOBOs.
The VIF is provided instead of a proxy. By returning the VIF in accordance with the instructions
noted on it, you are able to instruct the registered shareholder how to vote on your behalf. The
VIF should be completed and returned in accordance with the specific instructions noted on the VIF.
The purpose of this procedure is to permit NOBOs to direct voting of the shares of the Corporation
which they beneficially own. If a NOBO who receives a VIF wishes to attend the Meeting or have
someone else attend the Meeting on his behalf, then the NOBO may request a legal proxy as set forth
in the VIF, which will grant the NOBO or his nominee the right to attend and vote at the Meeting.
ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO PROXY-RELATED MATERIALS AND ANNUAL AND QUARTERLY REPORTS
We are offering our shareholders the opportunity to receive future proxy circulars, annual reports
and quarterly reports electronically through the internet rather than receiving paper copies in the
mail. If you are a registered shareholder you can choose this option by following the instructions
in your form of proxy. Please see your form of proxy for more information on electronic access to
these materials. If you are an OBO refer to the information provided by the intermediary (such as
a bank, trust company or broker) on how to receive these documents electronically. If you are a
NOBO, please refer to the VIF on how to receive these documents electronically.
THE CORPORATION
CHC is the worlds largest global commercial helicopter operator. CHC through its subsidiaries,
has been providing helicopter services for more than 50 years and currently operates in over 30
countries, on all seven continents and in most of the major offshore oil and gas producing regions
of the world. CHCs major operating units are based in the United Kingdom, Norway, the
Netherlands, South Africa, Australia and Canada. CHC principally provides helicopter
transportation services to the oil and gas industry for production and exploration activities. It
also provides helicopter transportation for emergency medical and search and rescue services, and
through its subsidiary, Heli-One, provides fleet leasing, management and logistics services and
helicopter repair and overhaul services.
CHC provides helicopter transportation services to a broad base of major energy companies and
independent and state-owned oil and gas companies to transport personnel and, to a lesser extent,
parts and equipment to, from and among offshore production platforms, drilling rigs and other
facilities. In general, CHC targets opportunities with long-term contracts and where customers
require sophisticated medium and heavy helicopters operated by highly trained pilots. CHC is a
market leader in most of the regions it serves, with an established reputation for quality and
reliable service. CHC is the largest operator in the North Sea, one of the worlds largest oil
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producing regions, and global operator servicing the oil and gas industry in South America, Africa,
Australia, Asia and North-Eastern North America.
VOTING SHARES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS
Holders of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, Class B Multiple Voting Shares and Ordinary Shares of
the Corporation, in each case of record at the close of business on August 1, 2005, are entitled to
one vote for each Class A Subordinate Voting Share held, ten votes for each Class B Multiple Voting
Share held, and one vote for every ten Ordinary Shares held. No other class or series of shares
currently carries voting rights in respect of the matters to be voted upon at the Meeting.
Take-Over Bid Protection
The holders of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares are provided with certain rights in the event that
a take-over bid is made for the Class B Multiple Voting Shares. Such rights are summarized as
follows:
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The articles of incorporation of the Corporation, as amended (the Articles), provide that
if an offer is made to purchase Class B Multiple Voting Shares such that, under the take-over
bid provisions of applicable securities legislation or the requirements of a stock exchange on
which the Class B Multiple Voting Shares are listed, the same offer must be made to all or
substantially all holders of Class B Multiple Voting Shares who are in a province or territory
of Canada to which the requirements apply, then the holders of Class A Subordinate Voting
Shares will have the right to convert all or any of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares held
by them into an equal number of Class B Multiple Voting Shares. The election by a holder of
Class A Subordinate Voting Shares to convert Class A Subordinate Voting Shares into Class B
Multiple Voting Shares in these circumstances also constitutes an irrevocable election under
the Articles to deposit such converted shares pursuant to the offer. Such converted shares
would automatically be converted back into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares if not taken up
under such offer or if withdrawn by the holder. The conversion right will not come into
effect, however, if: (i) a concurrent offer is made to all holders of Class A Subordinate
Voting Shares on identical terms in all material respects as the offer to the holders of Class
B Multiple Voting Shares, or (ii) shareholders representing more than 50% of the
then-outstanding Class B Multiple Voting Shares (exclusive of shares owned by the offeror
immediately prior to the offer) deliver a certificate or certificates to the Corporations
transfer agent and to the Secretary of the Corporation (A) prior to the time the offer is
made, confirming, among other things, that they do not intend to tender any shares in
acceptance of any such offer, and/or (B) within seven days after the offer for the Class B
Multiple Voting Shares is made, confirming, among other things, that they do not intend to
tender any shares in acceptance of the offer. |
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The Articles also incorporate the terms of an agreement dated as of August 9, 1991 (the
Coattail Agreement), as amended, entered into among the Corporation, CIBC Mellon Trust
Company (formerly National Trust Company) (the Trustee), Craig L. Dobbin and Discovery
Helicopters Inc. (Discovery), a holding company all of the shares of which are owned by Mr.
Dobbin. Under the terms of the Coattail Agreement, if the beneficial owner of the Class B
Multiple Voting Shares held by Discovery (the Discovery Shares) transfers any of the
Discovery Shares to a purchaser who has not made an identical offer in all material respects
for all of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and all other Class B Multiple Voting Shares
outstanding and such purchaser is not otherwise a permitted transferee under the Coattail
Agreement, then all of the then-outstanding Class A Subordinate Voting Shares shall, after
notice is sent by the Trustee to the holders of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and the |
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Class B Multiple Voting Shares, automatically be converted into Class B Multiple Voting Shares.
For the purposes of the Coattail Agreement, any transfer of the voting securities of Discovery
(the Dobbin Shares) is deemed to be a transfer of the Discovery Shares. The Coattail
Agreement does not restrict the ability of the beneficial holder of the Discovery Shares to
convert any of the Discovery Shares into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or, subject to
compliance with applicable securities laws, subsequently transfer such Class A Subordinate
Voting Shares to third parties. |
The provisions of the Articles and the Coattail Agreement expressly permit certain transfers (each
a Permitted Transfer) of the Discovery Shares and the Dobbin Shares that would not cause or
permit the conversion of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares into Class B Multiple Voting Shares.
A transfer of the Discovery Shares or the Dobbin Shares would be a Permitted Transfer if it were
to:
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a corporation that is wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, by Craig L. Dobbin; |
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any member of the immediate family of Craig L. Dobbin, a corporation that is wholly-owned by
any member of the immediate family of Craig L. Dobbin or a testamentary trust, the sole
beneficiaries of which are members of the immediate family of Craig L. Dobbin (immediate
family means, for the purposes of the Articles and the Coattail Agreement, a spouse, sibling,
child or grandchild, whether related through birth, marriage or adoption); |
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the estate of Craig L. Dobbin; |
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a purchaser that: |
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has offered to purchase all, but not less than all, of the outstanding Class
B Multiple Voting Shares; |
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has made an offer to purchase all, but not less than all, of the outstanding
Class A Subordinate Voting Shares that is identical in terms of price per share and in
all other material respects to the offer for the Discovery Shares and that has no
condition attached other than the right not to take up and pay for Class A Subordinate
Voting Shares tendered if no Class B Multiple Voting Shares are purchased pursuant to
the offer for the Discovery Shares; and |
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(iii) |
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has complied with the terms of the offer for both the Class A Subordinate
Voting Shares and the Class B Multiple Voting Shares; or |
(e) |
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a transferee pursuant to the granting of a security interest by way of a pledge,
hypothecation or otherwise, whether directly or indirectly, to any Canadian financial
institution with which Discovery deals at arms length in connection with a bona fide
borrowing. |
While the provisions of the Articles and the Coattail Agreement referred to above are designed to
provide the holders of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares with the right to participate in certain
offers (subject to the foregoing exceptions), there may be circumstances in which effective control
of the Corporation could be acquired by a third party without these provisions becoming operative
by their terms.
Constrained Share Provisions
In recognition of foreign ownership restrictions imposed by the Canada Transportation Act (the CT
Act), the Articles empower the directors of the Corporation to refuse to permit registration of
any transfer of voting shares of the Corporation (including Class A Subordinate Voting Shares,
Class B Multiple Voting Shares and Ordinary Shares) if such transfer would result in persons other
than
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Canadians (as defined in the CT Act) owning or controlling more than 25% of (a) the votes attached
to all outstanding voting shares of the Corporation or (b) the number of outstanding voting shares
of the Corporation.
In order to assist the Corporation in monitoring Canadian ownership for the purposes of the CT Act,
all holders of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or Class B Multiple Voting Shares are requested to
complete the certification contained in the form of proxy and VIF accompanying this Circular. For
the purposes of the proxy and VIF,
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(a) |
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Canadian means a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada within the
meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (the Immigration Act), a
government in Canada or an agent thereof or a corporation or other entity, that is
incorporated or formed under the laws of Canada or a province that is controlled in fact
by Canadians and of which at least seventy-five percent, or such lesser percentage as the
Governor in Council may by regulation specify, of the voting interests are owned and
controlled by Canadians; and |
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(b) |
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permanent resident, within the meaning of the Immigration Act, means a person who
has acquired permanent resident status and has not: |
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(i) |
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become a Canadian citizen; |
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(ii) |
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had a removal order made against him or her; or |
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(iii) |
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had a final determination made against him or her: |
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(1) |
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for failing to comply with the applicable residency
obligations; |
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(2) |
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canceling a decision allowing his or her claim for refugee
protection; or |
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(3) |
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canceling a decision allowing his or her application for
protection. |
Share Ownership
As at August 2, 2005, there were 36,836,976 Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, 5,866,476 Class B
Multiple Voting Shares and 22,000,000 Ordinary Shares issued and outstanding. The Class A
Subordinate Voting Shares represent 37.7% of the aggregate voting rights attached to the
Corporations voting shares.
The following table sets forth information as at August 2, 2005 with respect to the Class A
Subordinate Voting Shares, the Class B Multiple Voting Shares and the Ordinary Shares held by any
persons known to the Corporations directors or officers to be a beneficial owner of, directly or
indirectly, or to exercise control or direction over: (i) greater than 10% of any class of such
shares; or (ii) a number of shares of any class or classes which collectively carry with them more
than 10% of the votes attached to all of the outstanding shares of the Corporation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of all |
|
Percentage |
|
|
Number of voting |
|
outstanding |
|
of votes attached |
|
|
shares owned, |
|
shares of such |
|
to all outstanding |
Name of Shareholder |
|
controlled or directed |
|
class(1) |
|
shares (1) |
|
Discovery Helicopters Inc. (2) |
|
2,513,230 Class A |
|
|
6.8 |
% |
|
|
2.6 |
% |
|
|
5,555,432 Class B |
|
|
94.7 |
% |
|
|
56.9 |
% |
O.S. Holdings Inc. (3) |
|
22,000,000 |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
2.3 |
% |
|
|
Ordinary Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Excludes shares issuable on exercise of options granted under the Corporations Employee
Share Option Plan and shares issuable upon conversion of a $5,000,000 convertible loan made to
the Corporation by Discovery Helicopters Inc. in fiscal 2000, in connection with the
acquisition of Helicopter Services Group ASA. |
|
(2) |
|
Discovery Helicopters Inc. is a holding company all of the voting shares of which are owned
by Craig L. Dobbin, Executive Chairman of the Corporation. The shares owned by Discovery
Helicopters Inc. collectively carry 59.5% of the votes attached to all of the outstanding
shares of the Corporation. |
|
(3) |
|
O.S. Holdings Inc. is a holding company wholly owned indirectly by Craig L. Dobbin, Executive
Chairman of the Corporation. Mr. Dobbin owns directly or indirectly shares of the Corporation
that collectively carry 61.8% of the votes attached to all of the outstanding shares of the
Corporation. |
MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON BY THE SHAREHOLDERS AT THE MEETING
(AS ITEMIZED IN THE NOTICE OF MEETING)
ITEM 1:
Consolidated Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements of the Corporation for the year ended April 30, 2005 and the
report of the auditors on the consolidated financial statements will be submitted to the Meeting.
ITEM 2:
Election of Directors
The Board of Directors consists of a minimum of one member and a maximum of twelve members. The
number of directors within such range is to be determined by the Board of Directors from time to
time and is currently fixed at ten.
The persons named in the enclosed form of proxy intend to vote FOR the election of the ten nominees
whose names are set forth on pages 11-13. It is not anticipated that any of the nominees will be
unable to serve as directors, but if that should occur for any reason prior to the Meeting, the
persons named in the enclosed form of proxy shall be entitled to vote for any other nominee(s) in
their discretion.
Each director elected will hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until his
successor is duly elected or appointed.
If you complete and return the attached form of proxy, your representatives at the Meeting will
vote your shares FOR or IN FAVOUR OF the nominees listed on that form unless you specifically
direct that your vote for those nominees be withheld.
ITEM 3:
Appointment of Auditors
Upon a recommendation from the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the
resolution reappointing Ernst & Young, LLP as auditors and authorizing the Board of Directors to
fix their remuneration. Ernst & Young, LLP were first appointed as auditors of the Corporation on
September 14, 1995.
In order to be effective, the resolution reappointing Ernst & Young, LLP as auditors and
authorizing the Board of Directors to fix their remuneration must receive the affirmative vote of a
majority of votes cast by those shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at the
Meeting.
10
If you complete and return the attached form of proxy your representatives at the Meeting will vote
your shares FOR or IN FAVOUR OF the reappointment of Ernst & Young, LLP as auditors unless you
specifically direct that your vote be withheld.
ITEM 4:
Any Other Business
BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINEES
The table and notes below set out the name of each person proposed to be nominated for election as
a director, the age of the nominee, the period or periods during which the nominee has served as a
director of the Corporation, the province/state and country of residence, the nominees principal
occupation, business or employment and all other positions with the Corporation and any affiliates
thereof now held by the nominee, if any, and the number of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, Class
B Multiple Voting Shares, Ordinary Shares, Class A Stock Options, and Share Appreciation Rights
(SARs) beneficially owned by each nominee or over which the nominee exercises control or
direction. All of the nominees currently serve as directors of the Corporation.
|
|
|
Sylvain Allard, 47
|
|
Director since November, 2004. Resident of British Columbia, Canada. Mr.
Allard is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. He has been President
for six years and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in November 2004. Mr. Allard started
with the Corporation as a helicopter pilot in Eastern Canada in 1982. He earned a Masters of
Business Administration degree (Gold Medalist) from Concordia University, Montreal, and has
held several key positions in the Corporation, including President of Viking Helicopters Ltd.,
Canadian Helicopters (Eastern) and CHC Helicopters International. |
|
|
|
Donald Carty,O.C., 59
|
|
Director since November, 2004. Resident of
Texas, United States of America. Mr. Carty
served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of AMR Corporation from 1998 to 2003. He served
as President and CEO of CP Air in Canada from
1985-1987 and spent several years in various
management positions with Celanese Canada, Ltd.,
Air Canada, and the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Mr. Carty is a graduate of Queens University in
Kingston, Ontario, and of the Harvard Graduate
School of Business Administration. Mr. Carty
was appointed as an officer of the Order of
Canada in 2002. He is a director of Dell Inc.,
Sears Holdings Corporation, Placer Dome Inc.,
Hawaiian Holdings Inc. and Solutions Inc. |
|
|
|
Craig L. Dobbin, O.C., 69
|
|
Director since 1987. Resident of British
Columbia, Canada. Mr. Dobbin has served as
Chairman of the Board since June 1987 and was
Chief Executive Officer from June 1987 until
December 1, 1994 and from April 30, 1998 to
November 2004. He is currently Executive
Chairman of the Corporation. Mr. Dobbin is the
founder of the privately-held helicopter
companies that formed the basis for the creation
of CHC in 1987. Mr. Dobbin was appointed as an
officer of the Order of Canada in 1992 and |
11
|
|
|
|
|
has been awarded Honorary Doctorate degrees from Saint Marys University,
Memorial University of Newfoundland and the National University of Ireland.
Mr. Dobbin is also a member of the Board of Directors of Newfoundland Capital
Corporation Limited. |
|
|
|
Craig C. Dobbin, 40
|
|
Director since 1998. Resident of Newfoundland
and Labrador, Canada. From 1999 to January
2002, he was Director of Marketing with CHC
Composites Ltd. From 1995 to 1999, he was the
President of Seaforest Plantation Co. Ltd., a
cod aquaculture company. Since 1996, he has
been General Manager of Canadian Northern
Outfitters, an executive wilderness retreat.
From 1991 to 1993, he was employed as the
marketing director for GPA Helicopters Limited
(a division of CHC) and from 1993 to 1995 he was
Manager of Corporate Planning for Air Atlantic
and subsequently served on the Board of
Directors of Air Atlantic (1995) Limited. From
January 2002 until March 2003, he was a
Vice-President of CHC Helicopter Corporation. |
|
|
|
George N. Gillett Jr., 67
|
|
Director since October, 2004. He is a resident
of Colorado, United States of America. Since
1996 Mr. Gillett has been Chairman of Booth
Creek Management Corporation, based in Vail,
Colorado, a diversified company with interests
in the recreational, fresh and processed protein
products, automotive and transportation, and
landscape and garden industries. Mr. Gillett is
Chairman of Swift & Company, the Montreal
Canadiens hockey club, Booth Creek Ski Holdings,
and BC Natural Foods. He is also a director of
Vail Banks Inc. and is a member of the Board of
Governors of the National Hockey League. |
|
|
|
John J. Kelly,
B.E., Ph.D., 70
|
|
Director since 1999. Resident of Ireland. He holds both a
Bachelor of Engineering and a Ph.D. degree from University College, Dublin. On graduation, he
worked for a number of years in the petroleum industry in the U.K. and in Ireland, after which
he was appointed to the staff of the School of Engineering in University College, Dublin,
where he served as Dean of Engineering, from 1979 to 1986, from 1986 to 1994 as
Registrar/Senior Vice-President of the University and since 1994 as Professor of Chemical
Engineering at the University. He was a Fulbright Scholar to the University of Maryland,
where he was visiting Professor in its School of Engineering. He was the director of the
Fulbright Scholarship Program between Ireland and the United States from 1996 to 2000, and
acts as Executive Director of the Ireland Canada University Foundation. |
|
|
|
Jack M. Mintz,
B.A., M.A., Ph.D, 54
|
|
Director since 2004. Resident of Ontario, Canada.
Since 1999 he has been the President and Chief
Executive Officer of the C.D. Howe Institute, an
independent policy think-tank. He is also Deloitte &
Touche Professor of Taxation at the Joseph L. Rotman
School of Management and co-director of the
International Tax Program, Institute of International
Business, both at the University |
12
|
|
|
|
|
of Toronto. He has published more than 180 books and articles in the fields of
public economics and fiscal federalism. He has consulted widely with the World
Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Organization for Economic
Co-operation and Development and various governments, businesses and nonprofit
organizations. He serves as a director of Brascan Corporation, Imperial Oil
Limited, Ontario Financing Authority, the Royal Ontario Museum Foundation and
the National Statistics Council. |
|
|
|
Sir Bob Reid, 71
|
|
Director since 2004. Resident of the United
Kingdom. He joined Shell International Petroleum
Company in 1956 and spent much of his career
overseas, including posts in Brunei, Nigeria,
Thailand and Australia. He served as Chairman and
Chief Executive of Shell UK from 1985 to 1990. He
has served as Chairman of the British Railways
Board, London Electricity, British-Borneo Oil and
Gas plc, The Council of the Industrial Society and
Sears plc. From 1997 to 2004 he served as Deputy
Governor of the Bank of Scotland. He has been
Chairman of the Petroleum Exchange of London since
1999. He served as Chairman of Avis Europe from
2002 to 2004 and as a non-executive director for
Sun Life Financial Services of Canada until 2004.
He also serves as a non-executive director for
Intercontinental Exchange Service Inc., The
Merchants Trust and Siemens, plc. |
|
|
|
Guylaine Saucier,
C.M., F.C.A., 59
|
|
Director since 2005. Resident of Quebec, Canada.
Ms. Saucier is a Fellow of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants. She was Chair of the Joint
Committee on Corporate Governance established in
2000 by the Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants, the Canadian Venture Exchange and the
Toronto Stock Exchange. She was Chair of the
Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants from
June 1999 to June 2000 and was Chairman of the
Board of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation from
April 1995 to December 2000. In 1989 she was
appointed as a member of the Order of Canada. Ms.
Saucier is currently a member of the board of
directors of several Canadian corporations
including Petro-Canada Inc. and the Bank of
Montreal. |
|
|
|
William W. Stinson, 71
|
|
Director since 2003. Resident of Ontario, Canada.
He is President and Chairman of the Board of
Trustees of Westshore Terminals Income Fund which
operates a bulk terminal facility. He is also a
director of Grant Forest Products and Fording Inc.
From 2003 to 2005 he was Chairman of the Board of
Sun Life Financial, a worldwide insurer and wealth
management company. He was a director of Sun Life
Financial since 1985. Mr. Stinson spent most of
his career with Canadian Pacific Ltd., a
diversified transportation and industrial company,
where he was Chief Executive Officer for eleven
years and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for
six years before retiring in 1996. |
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
Class A |
|
|
Class B |
|
|
Ordinary |
|
|
Under |
|
|
Share Appreciation Rights |
|
|
Continuing Director |
|
|
Since |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Option |
|
|
Vested |
|
|
Unvested |
|
|
Sylvain Allard |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
278,468 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
443,932 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Donald Carty |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
Craig L. Dobbin, O.C. |
|
|
|
1987 |
|
|
|
|
2,513,230 |
(1) |
|
|
|
5,555,432 |
(1) |
|
|
|
22,000,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
2,053,912 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Craig C. Dobbin |
|
|
|
1998 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
George N. Gillett Jr. |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,666 |
|
|
|
|
73,334 |
|
|
|
Professor John J.
Kelly, B.E., Ph.D. |
|
|
|
1999 |
|
|
|
|
6,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jack M. Mintz, B.A.,
M.A., Ph.D |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,666 |
|
|
|
|
73,334 |
|
|
|
Sir Bob Reid |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,666 |
|
|
|
|
73,334 |
|
|
|
Guylaine Saucier, C.M.
F.C.A |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
110,000 |
|
|
|
William W. Stinson |
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,666 |
|
|
|
|
73,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
These shares are held by Discovery Helicopters Inc., a holding company, all of the
voting shares of which are owned by Craig L. Dobbin. See Share Ownership. |
|
(2) |
|
These shares are held by O.S. Holdings, a holding company wholly owned indirectly by
Craig L. Dobbin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. See Share
Ownership. |
DIRECTORS MEETINGS
The Board and its committees met as follows during the year ended April 30, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regular |
|
|
Telephone |
|
|
Total |
|
|
Board |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
Audit |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
Corporate Governance, Compensation and
Nominating |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
Pension |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
The following is the record of attendance for each director at Board and committee meetings for the
year ending April 30, 2005. The overall attendance record at Board and committee meetings was 93%.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Director |
|
|
Board |
|
|
Committee |
|
|
Sylvain Allard
|
|
|
3 of 3
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
Donald Carty
|
|
|
2 of 2
|
|
|
1 of 1
|
|
|
Craig L. Dobbin, O.C.
|
|
|
5 of 5
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
Craig C. Dobbin
|
|
|
4 of 5
|
|
|
1 of 1
|
|
|
George N. Gillett Jr.
|
|
|
2 of 2
|
|
|
1 of 1
|
|
|
Professor John J. Kelly, B.E., Ph.D.
|
|
|
5 of 5
|
|
|
9 of 9
|
|
|
Jack M. Mintz, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.
|
|
|
4 of 5
|
|
|
7 of 8
|
|
|
Sir Bob Reid
|
|
|
4 of 5
|
|
|
8 of 9
|
|
|
Guylaine Saucier, C.M. F.C.A.(1)
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
William W. Stinson
|
|
|
5 of 5
|
|
|
10 of 10
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
34 of 37
|
|
|
37 of 39
|
|
|
Overall Attendance
|
|
|
|
92 |
% |
|
|
|
95 |
% |
|
|
14
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mme Saucier was elected as a director on March 28, 2005. No board or committee
meetings were held between that date and April 30, 2005. |
Additional Disclosure Relating to Directors
To the knowledge of the Corporation, no director of the Corporation is, or has been in the last ten
years, a director or executive officer of an issuer that, while that person was acting in that
capacity, (a) was the subject of a cease trade order or similar order or an order that denied the
issuer access to any exemptions under Canadian securities legislation, for a period of more than 30
consecutive days, (b) was subject to an event that resulted, after that person ceased to be a
director or executive officer, in the issuer being the subject of a cease trade or similar order or
an order that denied the issuer access to any exemption under Canadian securities legislation, for
a period of more than 30 consecutive days, or (c) or within a year of that person ceasing to act in
that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or
insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with
creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets except for
Guylaine Saucier, a director of the Corporation, was a director of Nortel Networks Corporation,
which was subject to a cease trade order dated May 31, 2004 issued by the Ontario Securities
Commission (the OSC) as a result of Nortel Networks Corporations failure to file financial
statements. The cease trade order was revoked by the OSC on June 21, 2005.
STANDING BOARD COMMITTEES
The Board has three standing committees, the Audit Committee, the Corporate Governance,
Compensation and Nominating Committee and the Pension Committee. Each committee has a written
mandate and reviews its mandate annually. Both the Audit Committee and the Corporate Governance,
Compensation and Nominating Committee are entirely composed of independent and unrelated directors.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, COMPENSATION AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Corporation recognizes the importance of adhering to superior corporate governance standards.
The Corporation has developed sound corporate governance policies and procedures, which are
monitored and reviewed on a continuous basis, and adopts a best practices approach in all of
its corporate governance initiatives. The Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nominating
Committee is responsible for monitoring the development of, and compliance with, corporate
governance policies and procedures.
For the purposes of the Corporations NYSE listing, it is considered a foreign private issuer
which means that the Corporation is not required to comply with most of the NYSEs corporate
governance listing standards. Under NYSE rules, the Corporation is required to disclose any
significant ways in which its corporate governance practices differ from those followed by U.S.
domestic companies under the NYSEs listing standards. The Corporation believes that there are no
significant differences between its corporate governance practices and those required to be
followed by U.S. domestic issuers under the NYSE listing standards except that the Corporation
complies with the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) rules to obtain shareholder approval of share
compensation arrangements that involve a new issue of shares. Unlike the NYSE rules, the TSX rules
do not require shareholder approval for compensation arrangements involving share purchases in the
open market at fair value. This disclosure can be accessed at www.chc.ca.
The Corporations statement of corporate governance practices is set out in Appendix A.
15
The current members of the Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee are Sir Bob
Reid (Chair), Mr. Stinson and Mr. Gillett.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee oversees the financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors.
In order to carry out this responsibility, the Audit Committee, which consists entirely of
unrelated and independent directors, meets quarterly to review the Corporations financial
statements. The Audit Committee also reviews, on a continuing basis, any reports prepared by the
Corporations external auditors relating to the Corporations accounting policies and procedures,
as well as its internal controls. Financial information prepared for securities commissions and
similar regulatory bodies is also examined by the Audit Committee before filing. The Audit
Committee meets independently with management and the external and internal auditors to review the
involvement of each in the financial reporting process. These meetings are designed to facilitate
any private communication with the Audit Committee which may be desired by any party. The Audit
Committee recommends the appointment and remuneration of the Corporations external auditors, who
are elected annually by the Corporations shareholders. During the year ended April 30, 2005, the
Audit Committee met eight times.
The current members of the Audit Committee are Dr. Mintz (Chair), Mr. Stinson, Mr. Carty and Mme.
Saucier.
Additional details of the Audit Committee and its charter can be found in section 10.0 of the
Corporations 2005 Annual Information Form dated July 27, 2005 which can be viewed at either
www.chc.ca or www.sedar.com.
PENSION COMMITTEE
The Pension Committee has the responsibility to monitor and inform the Board concerning, the issues
relating to the Corporations pension plans.
The current members of the Pension Committee are Prof. Kelly (Chair), Craig C. Dobbin and Mme.
Saucier.
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee has, as a part of its mandate,
responsibility for determining the remuneration of the Corporations executive officers, which,
throughout this report, includes the Named Executive Officers (as defined on page 21 of the
Circular), including establishing compensation terms and conditions, and the extent and level of
participation in incentive programs. Prior to 2004 these functions were performed by the
Compensation Committee. The Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee also
targets and evaluates the performance of executive officers, monitors succession planning and
reviews the design and competitiveness of incentive compensation programs with the assistance of
external professional advisors, who are responsible for gathering information on the policies in
effect at companies that are comparable to the Corporation.
Composition of the Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee
None of the members of the Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee is or has
been, an officer or an employee of the Corporation or any of our subsidiaries. The Corporate
Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee generally meet twice annually
16
to discuss compensation matters, and more often if necessary. The current members of the Committee
are listed above on this page.
The Corporations Compensation Policy
The Corporations compensation philosophy for executives continues to follow three underlying
principles:
(1) |
|
to provide a compensation program that motivates executive officers to achieve their
strategic goals; |
(2) |
|
to be competitive with other leading North American and global companies so as to attract and
retain talented executives; and, |
(3) |
|
to align the interests of its executive officers with the long-term interests of the
Corporations shareholders through stock-related programs. |
The remuneration of the executive officers of the Corporation consists of three components: base
salary, an annual incentive bonus program, and long-term incentive programs which are stock-based.
In 2005 total base salary for the Named Executive Officers was $2,101,000 and compensation under
the annual incentive bonus programs was $6,485,166, representing 309% of base salary (318% for the
CEO). The relative proportion of compensation from base salary and annual incentive bonus programs
may vary from year-to-year as compensation from the annual incentive bonus program can vary
depending on performance of the Corporation.
The Corporations pay policy is to offer to its executive officers, subject to performance, total
compensation at or above the 75th percentile of compensation paid by companies within a
broad comparator group of publicly-traded Canadian and U.S. corporations of similar magnitude and
scope, including, but not limited to, other oil and gas services and aerospace companies and to
provide additional performance based compensation where expectations have been exceeded. The
comparator group is reviewed periodically by the Corporations independent compensation consultant
to ensure it remains relevant for use by the Corporation.
Base salaries of the CEO and the other Named Executive Officers of the Corporation are established
between the median or average of salary levels of executive positions of similar magnitude, scope
and complexity in comparable Canadian and U.S. companies, taking into account the individual
executives responsibilities, experience, contribution and performance and are established in
conjunction with independent compensation consultants.
The annual incentive bonus and long-term incentive programs of the Corporation are designed to
reward individual performance and overall corporate performance and to align the economic interests
of the officers and executives with those of the shareholders of the Corporation.
Annual Incentives
The annual bonus plan of the Corporation rewards the CEO and other Named Executive Officers for the
achievement by the Corporation of financial performance goals and, in some cases, individual
objectives. Performance goals are set at the beginning of each year based on pre-determined
financial targets approved by the Board of Directors.
Operations
During Fiscal 2005, upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance, Compensation and
Nominating Committee (following an independent review), the Board of Directors adopted a Short Term
Incentive Plan (STIP) for senior management including the Named Executive Officers. The
17
purpose of the STIP is to reward the plan participants based on the annual performance of the
Corporation. Participants receive a bonus based upon the Corporations return on capital employed
(ROCE) for the fiscal year as measured against a budgeted target, with target and maximum bonuses
based upon a percentage of base salary. For the Named Executive Officers and other plan
participants who are not part of divisional management, 90% of budgeted ROCE must be achieved for
any bonus to be paid, while maximum bonus is payable when actual ROCE is equal to or greater than
110% of budgeted ROCE.
During fiscal 2001, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee (following an independent
review) the Board adopted a Total Shareholder Return bonus plan (the TSR Plan) for the CEO, and
the other Named Executive Officers of the Corporation. This plan was designed to provide a
mechanism that closely aligns management incentives with shareholder interests, and to emphasize
the creation and enhancement of shareholder value. The TSR Plan sets a minimum threshold of 12.5%
of the opening shareholders equity for each fiscal year, which return is then notionally deducted
from net earnings for the fiscal year so that no TSR bonus is paid unless this minimum return has
been achieved for shareholders; the TSR Plan bonus is equal to 10% of net earnings for the
completed fiscal year in excess of the minimum 12.5% return on opening shareholders equity. In
respect of fiscal 2005, the total TSR Plan bonus was $3,324,000. The TSR Plan bonuses are
allocated to the Named Executive Officers on the basis of a percentage based on seniority. The
percentage of the total TSR Plan bonuses allocated to the Executive Chairman is 50%, the CEO is
30%and the CFO 20%.
The Corporation has discontinued its annual corporate economic value added bonus plan (the CEVA
Plan) and the CEVA plan was not applicable for Fiscal 2005. There were no bonuses paid or payable
to the Named Executive Officers under the CEVA Plan with respect to the 2005 fiscal year.
Long Term Incentive Plan
Upon recommendation of the Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee (following
an independent review), the Board of Directors has adopted a Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) for
senior management including the Named Executive Officers. The LTIP is designed to reward the plan
participants based upon longer term performance of the corporation. Each participant is given a
number of Performance Stock Units (PSUs) calculated by dividing the average closing price of the
Class A Subordinate Voting Shares on the TSX on the five trading days proceeding the grant date by
the target percentage of his/her annual salary. The PSUs vest and are redeemed on the third
anniversary of the grant date at a price equal to the average closing price of the Class A
Subordinate Voting Shares on the TSX on the five trading days proceeding the date of vesting. The
factor may range from 0 to 2 depending upon whether the target return
on equity is exceeded or not met.
Corporate Development
The Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee may deem certain extraordinary
circumstances worthy of special recognition where significant benefits have accrued to the
Corporation. In fiscal 2005 Corporate Development bonuses of $750,000 were payable to the Named
Executive Officers in connection with certain targets being met in respect of the Schreiner
Aviation Group. In fiscal 2004 Corporate Development bonuses of $250,000 were payable to the Named
Executive Officers in connection with the completion of the acquisition of the Schreiner Aviation
Group.
18
Stock Option Plan
The Employee Share Option Plan is intended to serve as a long-term incentive plan that will align
the interests of management with the interests of shareholders. Options do not generally vest
fully on the date of grant, with the vesting period determined by the Board of Directors. When
granting options, the Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee takes into
account the number of options already held by a participating executive.
The Corporation has guidelines for allocating stock options, which address the vesting period,
concentration of options, and the maximum number of options to be granted per year. The
Corporations policy is to expense stock options in its financial statements, using the fair value
method.
Pension Plans
The Corporation maintains a defined contribution retirement plan (the RPP) for senior executives,
excluding our Executive Chairman. The Corporation contributes 6% of gross earnings up to
regulatory maximums on behalf of senior executives.
Under supplementary retirement plan agreements, the President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr.
Sylvain Allard, the Senior Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Jo Mark Zurel, and the
former Senior Vice-President & Corporate Secretary, Mr. O. Noel Clarke may receive supplementary
retirement benefits in addition to the retirement benefits provided under the RPP. A special
retiring allowance has been provided for the Executive Chairman. These benefits are described
under Executive Retirement Plan and Retiring Allowance.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
During fiscal 2005, the directors of the Corporation, other than those employed by the Corporation,
were paid fees (as described below) for each Board and committee meeting attended and were
reimbursed for their expenses arising in connection with such meetings. Effective May 1, 2002,
after consideration of a report of an external independent compensation consultant and on the
recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nominating committee, the annual directors fees were
set at $40,000 per annum, the fee payable to Committee Chairs was set at $10,000 per annum and fees
for attendance were set at $2,000 per meeting. During 2004 the Board of Directors, with input from
an independent compensation consultant, approved revised directors fees as follows: (i) an annual
fee of $150,000 was approved for the Lead Director, effective October 28, 2003. This fee is in
lieu of any other board retainer or board and committee attendance fees; (ii) effective March 1,
2004 all directors fees (other than the Lead Director fees) payable to Board members were changed
from Canadian to U.S. currency, unless the Board member resides in a jurisdiction where the
currency trades at a premium to the U.S. dollar. In these cases the director would be compensated
in the local currency, and (iii) the annual fee payable to the Audit Committee Chair was increased
from U.S. $10,000 to U.S. $25,000 to reflect the increased workload of the Audit Committee Chair.
Effective October 5, 2004, the annual fee of the chair of the Corporate Governance, Compensation
and Nominating Committee increased to US$25,000 to reflect the increased work load of the chair of
the committee. No options were granted to directors during fiscal year 2005.
During fiscal 2001, the Board approved the establishment of a Stock Appreciation Rights Plan for
non-management directors under which the Corporation could originally issue up to a maximum of
400,000 Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs). The SARs provide a potential payment to the recipient,
which may be realized only after vesting of the SAR, equal to the increase, if any, in the
19
market value of the Corporations Class A Subordinate Voting Shares (determined as the weighted
average of trading prices for the five trading days immediately preceding the exercise date) over
the share price or SAR grant value on the date of the original SAR grant. SARs have a maximum
exercise period of ten years following the date of issuance. The SARs vest in equal amounts on the
first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date.
As a result of the subdivision of the Corporations Class A Subordinate Voting Shares during fiscal
2005, the Board has adjusted the grant of SARs to each director by doubling the number of SARs
granted and halving the SAR grant value. This has the effect of keeping the directors whole in
light of the stock split. The number of SARs (vested and unvested) held by each director is set
out on page 14 of this circular.
MINIMUM SHARE OWNERSHIP
To ensure the interests of directors and senior management are aligned with those of the
shareholders, the Corporation has a Minimum Share Ownership Guideline. Directors and senior
management will be given three years to comply with the following ownership guidelines:
|
a. |
|
directors are encouraged to maintain minimum share ownership in the
Corporation equal in value to the annual board fees; and |
|
|
b. |
|
the Named Executive Officers are encouraged to maintain minimum share
ownership in the Corporation equal in value to their base salary. |
20
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Below is a line graph which compares (a) the yearly cumulative total shareholder return on the
Corporations Class A Subordinate Voting Shares and Class B Multiple Voting Shares (being the
only publicly traded equity securities of the Corporation) with (b) the cumulative total return
of the S&P/TSX Composite Index (TSX 300 Index prior to May 1, 2002) and the S&P/TSX Oil and Gas
Equipment and Services Index, for the 60 month period to April 30, 2005.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN *
AMONG CHC HELICOPTER CORPORATION-CLASS A & B,
THE S & P/TSX COMPOSITE INDEX
AND THE S & P/TSX OIL & GAS EQUIPMENT & SERVICES INDEX
*$100 Invested on 4/30/00 in stock or index including reinvestment of dividends.
Fiscal Year Ending April 30.
For the 60-month period ended April 30, 2005 (assuming reinvestment of dividends), the cumulative
total shareholder return on an investment of $100 in the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares of CHC
would be $1,317, and for the Class B Multiple Voting Shares of CHC would be $1,265. The return
for the same period based on an investment of $100 in the S&P/TSX Composite Index (TSX 300 Index
prior to May 1, 2002) would be $109 and, based on the same investment in the S&P/TSX Oil and Gas
Index Equipment & Services, would be $213.
21
COMPENSATION TABLE
The remuneration paid to the Executive Chairman, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the
other most highly compensated executive officer (the Named Executive Officers) for each of the
last three years ended April 30 is as follows:
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Long-term |
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compensation |
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awards |
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securities under |
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options/SARs |
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Annual compensation |
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granted |
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Bonus (1) |
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Corporate |
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Other annual |
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Class A voting |
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All other |
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Salary |
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Operations |
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Development |
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compensation |
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shares |
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|
compensation |
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|
Name and principal position |
|
|
Year |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$(5) |
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$(4) |
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$(2) |
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# |
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$(3) |
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Craig L. Dobbin, O.C. |
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2005 |
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|
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1,016,000 |
(6) |
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2,856,166 |
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|
375,000 |
|
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136,734 |
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Executive Chairman |
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2004 |
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|
|
966,408 |
(6) |
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500,043 |
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125,000 |
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66,140 |
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2003 |
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1,040,388 |
(6) |
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1,961,000 |
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60,016 |
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259,995 |
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Sylvain A. Allard |
|
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|
2005 |
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650,000 |
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1,807,000 |
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|
225,000 |
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|
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16,500 |
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President & Chief |
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2004 |
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583,333 |
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300,026 |
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75,000 |
|
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|
|
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|
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|
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|
15,500 |
|
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|
Executive Officer |
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2003 |
|
|
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550,000 |
|
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|
877,000 |
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|
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|
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|
118,750 |
|
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14,500 |
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Jo Mark Zurel |
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2005 |
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435,000 |
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1,072,000 |
|
|
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|
150,000 |
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
|
Senior Vice-President |
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2004 |
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365,000 |
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200,017 |
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50,000 |
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|
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|
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15,500 |
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& Chief Financial Officer |
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2003 |
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330,000 |
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|
533,000 |
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47,500 |
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14,500 |
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Notes:
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|
1. |
|
Bonuses are shown in the fiscal year to which payments relate. |
2. |
|
Other compensation and personal benefits amount to less than the lower of $50,000 and
10% of salary and bonus for all Named Executive Officers except the Executive Chairman in
each of the three fiscal years. The amounts are the imputed interest benefits on loans and
vehicle benefits. For the Executive Chairman in fiscal 2005, the amounts for the imputed
interest on loans is equal to $30,464 and the vehicle benefit is equal to $106,270. |
3. |
|
This consists of Corporation contributions to the RPP made on behalf of certain of the
Named Executive Officers. Entitlements for Craig L. Dobbin are described under Executive
Retirement Plan and Retiring Allowance. |
22
|
|
|
4. |
|
These special transaction bonuses (Corporate Development) are related to the
acquisition of Schreiner Aviation Group. The fiscal 2004 bonuses were paid in July 2004 in
connection with the successful closing of the acquisition of Schreiner on February 16, 2004
and the fiscal 2005 bonuses were paid in August 2005 upon the attainment of certain financial
targets by Schreiner. |
|
5. |
|
These amounts include: |
|
a) |
|
regular performance bonus payments under the STIP, which is also used as an incentive for
other senior managers; and, |
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|
b) |
|
the TSR Plan. |
The breakdown for fiscal 2005 is:
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STIP |
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TSR |
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C.L. Dobbin |
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1,194,166 |
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$ |
1,662,000 |
|
S. A. Allard |
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|
810,000 |
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|
$ |
997,000 |
|
J.M. Zurel |
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|
407,000 |
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$ |
665,000 |
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|
6. |
|
These salary amounts are denominated in U.S. dollars, but paid in Canadian dollars.
The amounts included in the table are the Canadian dollar equivalents paid. |
23
EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION PLAN
The following table provides information as of April 30, 2005 regarding the number of securities to
be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options and the weighted-average exercise price of the
outstanding options in connection with the equity compensation plan approved by shareholders (the
Employee Share Option Plan). The Corporation does not have any equity compensation plans that have
not been approved by shareholders. The options below relate to the Corporations Class A
Subordinate Voting Shares.
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Number of |
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Number of securities |
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|
securities |
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Weighted-average |
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remaining available |
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to be issued upon |
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exercise price per |
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for future issuance |
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|
|
exercise of |
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|
share of outstanding |
|
|
under equity |
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Plan Category |
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outstanding options |
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options |
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|
compensation plans |
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Employee Share Option Plan |
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2,815,344 |
|
|
|
$ |
7.13 |
|
|
|
|
1,044,462 |
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans
not approved by security
holders |
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Total |
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|
2,815,344 |
|
|
|
$ |
7.13 |
|
|
|
|
1,044,462 |
|
|
|
Option Grants During the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year
No options were granted under the Employee Share Option Plan (the Plan) during the fiscal year
ended April 30, 2005.
Aggregated Option Exercises During the Most Recently Completed Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year End
Stock Option Values
The following table sets out the aggregate number of outstanding options held by each of the Named
Executive Officers who held options at any time during the most recently completed fiscal year,
together with the value of such options at the end of the fiscal year. Amounts reported under
Value of unexercised in-the-money options represent the difference between (i) the market value
as at April 30, 2005 of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares for which such options were granted
having an exercise price less than such market value, and (ii) the exercise price of such options.
The closing trading price of a Class A Subordinate Voting Share on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the
TSX) on April 30, 2005 was $26.01.
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Value of all |
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Value of all |
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vested |
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non-vested |
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Options |
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unexercised |
|
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unexercised |
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Options |
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not |
|
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in-the- |
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in-the- |
|
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Securities |
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exercisable |
|
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exercisable |
|
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money |
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money |
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acquired |
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Aggregate |
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(vested) at |
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(unvested) |
|
|
options |
|
|
options |
|
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on |
|
|
value |
|
|
April 30, |
|
|
at April 30, |
|
|
April 30, |
|
|
April 30, |
|
|
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|
|
Type of |
|
|
exercise |
|
|
realized |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
Name |
|
|
Security |
|
|
# |
|
|
$ |
|
|
# (1) |
|
|
# |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Craig L. Dobbin,
O.C. |
|
|
Class A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,023,956 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,963,513 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sylvain Allard |
|
|
Class A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
221,966 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,462,378 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jo Mark Zurel |
|
|
Class A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,123,352 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Each option entitles the holder to receive two Class A Shares. |
24
EXECUTIVE RETIRING PLAN AND RETIRING ALLOWANCE
Under supplementary retirement plan agreements (SRPs) with the Corporation, Mr. Sylvain Allard,
Mr. Jo Mark Zurel and former executive, Mr. O. Noel Clarke may be entitled to receive supplementary
retirement benefits in addition to the retirement benefits provided under the RPP. The aggregate
target benefit provided through the RPP, the SRPs and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits is 2% of
the individuals highest three years average earnings including operations bonuses (average
earnings), but excluding special transaction bonuses (corporate development) multiplied by years
of credited service. The SRP benefit formula is integrated with the formula under the CPP as well
as the estimated benefits under the RPP. The SRP provides benefits by multiplying the
participants credited service by the sum of the following:
|
|
|
0.5% of average earnings up to the CPP earnings limit at retirement; |
|
|
|
1% of average earnings above such CPP earnings limit up to the earnings for which the
Canada Revenue Agency (the CRA) maximum contribution could be made under the RPP in the year
of retirement; and |
|
|
|
2% of average earnings in excess of the above CRA earnings limits. |
In addition, the SRP provides indexing on the supplementary benefit equal to 75% of increases in
the Consumer Price Index (CPI) less 1% (subject to a 4% annual maximum). The SRP also provides a
60% spousal death benefit and if retirement occurs between ages 55 and 65 a bridge benefit equal to
CPP benefits. This SRP bridge benefit is also indexed and ceases at age 65 when CPP benefits
actually commence.
In normal circumstances, supplementary benefits under the SRP vest after completion of 20 years of
continuous service and are paid directly by the Corporation rather than being pre-funded. However,
upon a change in control of the Corporation, SRP participants are immediately vested and the
Corporation is required to establish a retirement compensation arrangement (as defined under the
Income Tax Act (Canada)) to secure full funding for all SRP benefits through the issuance of
letters of credit. In the case of Mr. O. Noel Clarke, his employment arrangements with the
Corporation provided that he be credited with 10 years of continuous service for the purpose of his
SRP in addition to his actual service.
The estimated credited years of service as of August 2, 2005 for Mr. Allard is 22.3 years, Mr.
Zurel is 11.3 years and Mr. Clarke is 14.5 years (inclusive of his 10 years of additional service
discussed above).
The approximate aggregate annual benefits payable to a participant under the RPP and SRP are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years of Credited Service |
|
|
Remuneration |
|
|
15 |
|
|
20 |
|
|
25 |
|
|
30 |
|
|
35 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
800,000 |
|
|
|
240,000 |
|
|
|
|
320,000 |
|
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
|
480,000 |
|
|
|
|
560,000 |
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
|
700,000 |
|
|
|
1,200,000 |
|
|
|
360,000 |
|
|
|
|
480,000 |
|
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
|
720,000 |
|
|
|
|
840,000 |
|
|
|
1,400,000 |
|
|
|
420,000 |
|
|
|
|
560,000 |
|
|
|
|
700,000 |
|
|
|
|
840,000 |
|
|
|
|
980,000 |
|
|
|
1,600,000 |
|
|
|
480,000 |
|
|
|
|
640,000 |
|
|
|
|
800,000 |
|
|
|
|
960,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,120,000 |
|
|
|
1,800,000 |
|
|
|
540,000 |
|
|
|
|
720,000 |
|
|
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,080,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,260,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years of Credited Service |
|
|
Remuneration |
|
|
15 |
|
|
20 |
|
|
25 |
|
|
30 |
|
|
35 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000,000 |
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
|
800,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,200,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,400,000 |
|
|
|
2,400,000 |
|
|
|
720,000 |
|
|
|
|
960,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,200,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,440,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,680,000 |
|
|
|
2,600,000 |
|
|
|
780,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,040,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,300,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,560,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,820,000 |
|
|
|
2,800,000 |
|
|
|
840,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,120,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,400,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,680,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,960,000 |
|
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,200,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
1,800,000 |
|
|
|
|
2,100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective June 4, 1991, as amended as of January 19, 1993, the Corporation agreed to provide a
retiring allowance (the Retiring Allowance) to Craig L. Dobbin, Executive Chairman of the
Corporation, whereby Mr. Dobbin would be entitled upon retirement to receive an annual retiring
allowance in an amount equal to 66 2/3% of the average of the three highest fiscal years of annual
remuneration, including operations bonuses, earned by him from the Corporation during his term as
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Performance measured bonuses, including bonuses under the
CEVA and TSR Plans, are included for calculating annual remuneration for purposes of the Retiring
Allowance, but special transaction bonuses (corporate development) generally are not.
The Retiring Allowance will continue during the lifetime of Mr. Dobbin and, in the event of his
death within 20 years of the commencement of payments pursuant to such allowance, the payments
shall continue to be made to a beneficiary or beneficiaries named by Mr. Dobbin for the remaining
balance of the 20-year period. The Retiring Allowance may increase based upon annual increases in
the CPI, however, any such increase shall be limited to a maximum of 75% of any annual increase in
the CPI less 1% and further limited to a maximum increase of 4% of the Retiring Allowance in any
one year. Payment of the Retiring Allowance is subject to compliance by Mr. Dobbin with certain
non-competition and non-disclosure obligations. If Mr. Dobbin were to retire at age 70, the
estimated annual benefits payable to Mr. Dobbin (based on his total annual remuneration to date)
would be $2,140,741.
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Effective July 30, 2002, in connection with section 402 of SOX, the Corporation introduced a new
policy with regard to loans to directors and officers. The policy prohibits the Corporation from,
directly or indirectly, extending or maintaining credit, arranging for the extension of credit, or
renewing an extension of credit, in the form of a personal loan to or for any director or officer.
Irrevocable extensions of credit made to directors and officers outstanding as of July 30, 2002 are
exempted under the policy, but the terms of this credit cannot be materially modified and credit
cannot be renewed after such date. In conjunction with this policy, the Corporations Board on
March 2, 2003 approved a revision to the Employee Stock Option Plan, to eliminate the granting of
loans to facilitate the exercising of options. The Corporations Executive Share Purchase and
Ordinary Share Loans existed at July 30, 2002 and are exempt under the policy. No new credit or
any modification of the terms of the credit granted at July 30, 2002 has been made.
The following table provides the aggregate indebtedness outstanding at August 16, 2005 to CHC of
the current and former directors, officers and employees of the Corporation (and its subsidiaries):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate Indebtedness ($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purpose |
|
|
To the Corporation or its subsidiaries |
|
|
To another entity |
|
|
Executive Share Purchase Loans
(A loan program) |
|
|
$ |
1,502,234 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary share loan |
|
|
|
33,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26
Effective July 30, 2002 the Corporation had two types of loans outstanding to officers of the
Corporation that are exempted under the policy and are described below.
The following table provides details of the indebtedness of individual current and proposed
directors and officers of the Corporation (and their respective associates) in connection with the
Executive Share Purchase Loan Program and the Ordinary Share Loan, both of which are described in
detail following the table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financially |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Largest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
assisted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
amount |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
securities |
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
Involvement |
|
|
outstanding |
|
|
outstanding as |
|
|
purchases |
|
|
|
|
|
forgiven |
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
|
during fiscal |
|
|
at August 16, |
|
|
during |
|
|
|
|
|
during |
|
|
Name and principal |
|
|
Corporation |
|
|
year 2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
fiscal 2005 |
|
|
Security for |
|
|
fiscal |
|
|
position |
|
|
or subsidiary |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
# |
|
|
indebtedness |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
EXECUTIVE SHARE PURCHASE LOANS (A loan program) |
|
|
Craig L. Dobbin, O.C.,
Executive Chairman,
Proposed Nominee
Director
|
|
|
Lender
|
|
|
|
1,067,600 |
|
|
|
|
1,004,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
An assignment of
the shares or
proceeds of vested
options to acquire
487,086 Class A
shares held by the
executive, having
an exercise price
of $6.50 per share.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sylvain Allard
President & Chief
Executive Officer,
Proposed Nominee
Director
|
|
|
Lender
|
|
|
|
358,823 |
|
|
|
|
317,945 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
An assignment of
the shares or
proceeds of vested
options to acquire
100,000 Class A
shares held by the
executive, having
an exercise price
of $2.125 per
share.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jo Mark Zurel
Senior Vice-President
& Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
Lender
|
|
|
|
158,012 |
|
|
|
|
137,550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
An assignment of
the shares or
proceeds of vested
options to acquire
26,500 Class A
shares held by the
executive, having
an exercise price
of $2.125 per
share.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeremy Labuschagne
Former Managing
Director, CHC Africa
|
|
|
Lender
|
|
|
|
55,130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A first lien on the
Class A shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christine Baird
President, CHC
Helicopters
International
|
|
|
Lender
|
|
|
|
48,898 |
|
|
|
|
41,939 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A first lien on the
Class A shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financially |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Largest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
assisted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
amount |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
securities |
|
|
|
|
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
Involvement |
|
|
outstanding |
|
|
outstanding as |
|
|
purchases |
|
|
|
|
|
forgiven |
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
|
during fiscal |
|
|
at August 16, |
|
|
during |
|
|
|
|
|
during |
|
|
Name and principal |
|
|
Corporation |
|
|
year 2005 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
fiscal 2005 |
|
|
Security for |
|
|
fiscal |
|
|
position |
|
|
or subsidiary |
|
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
# |
|
|
indebtedness |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
THE ORDINARY SHARE LOAN |
|
|
O.S. Holdings Inc.
(a corporation
indirectly-wholly owned
by Craig L. Dobbin)
|
|
|
Lender
|
|
|
|
33,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
33,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A lien in CHCs
favour on the
purchased Ordinary
Shares, together
with certain other
security (see
below)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Share Purchase Loan Program
On July 21, 2000, the Board, on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee and advice from
independent compensation consultants, approved a long term incentive program (the A loan program)
for certain members of senior management to permit them to participate in future appreciation of
the shares of the Corporation and to bear the same risks as other shareholders. The A loan program
enabled eligible senior management to receive interest free loans to finance purchases of Class A
Subordinate Voting Shares. The maximum amount of the loan available was based on a multiple of the
employees base salary and ranged from 0.5 times base salary to a maximum of 2.0 times base salary,
depending on position. The Chief Executive Officer was eligible for the maximum multiple of 2.0
times base salary. Although indebtedness is remaining outstanding under this program, no further
loans are being made under it. The outstanding loans are secured by the financed shares (except in
the case of certain executives of the Corporation where the Board, in April 2002, approved the
assignment of the shares or proceeds arising from certain vested options to constitute security in
the place of shares as security for outstanding A loans, as detailed above), require minimum annual
loan repayments of 5% of the loan principal amount and are fully payable on termination of
employment or sale of the financed shares or the exercise of share options taken as security and
sale of shares arising therefrom, as the case may be.
The Ordinary Share Loan
On December 9, 1997, the Corporation issued 11,000,000 (now 22,000,000 as a result of the stock
split) Ordinary Shares to O.S. Holdings Inc. for an aggregate consideration of $33,000,000 (the
Ordinary Share Loan). O.S. Holdings Inc. is a corporation wholly owned by 10644 Newfoundland
Inc. (Holdco), which is a corporation wholly owned by Craig L. Dobbin, the Executive Chairman.
On December 9, 1997, the Corporation made a loan to O.S. Holdings Inc. of $33,000,000 to enable it
to purchase these Ordinary Shares. The loan is repayable upon demand and does not bear interest
unless the principal amount thereof (or the lesser portion demanded) has not been repaid within two
business days following demand therefore, after which time the principal amount thereof (or the
portion demanded) would bear interest at a rate equal to the Canadian prime rate plus 5%. These
Ordinary Shares were issued to give effect to an undertaking provided by the Corporation to U.K.
regulatory authorities in connection with the foreign ownership requirements of European
legislation applicable to the Corporations then U.K. operating subsidiary, Brintel Helicopters
Limited (Brintel). The issuance of Ordinary Shares to O.S. Holdings Inc. was intended to
increase the amount of equity share capital of the Corporation
28
held by European nationals (Mr. Dobbin, the sole shareholder of Holdco, is a citizen of both Canada
and the Republic of Ireland) and to establish that Brintel was entitled to maintain its operating
license. The transaction involving the issuance of the Ordinary Shares (including the making of
the loan) was approved by shareholders of the Corporation at a meeting held on December 9, 1997.
The loan is secured by a lien in the Corporations favour over the Ordinary Shares. Further,
Holdco has guaranteed the obligations of O.S. Holdings Inc. to the Corporation and has pledged the
shares of O.S. Holdings Inc. owned by it in favour of the Corporation as security for such
guarantee. Craig L. Dobbin has guaranteed the obligations of each of O.S. Holdings Inc. and Holdco
to the Corporation and has pledged the shares of Holdco owned by him in favour of the Corporation
as security for such guarantee. The Corporations recourse against Mr. Dobbin in connection with
the repayment of the loan and such guarantee is limited to the realization of the shares of Holdco
held by him.
Indebtedness of Directors, Executive Officers and Senior Officers other than under Securities Purchase Programs
There was no indebtedness other than under securities purchase programs to the Corporation by any
current and former officers, directors and employees of the Corporation (and their respective
associates) as at August 2, 2005.
FEES PAID TO ERNST & YOUNG LLP
For the years ended April 30, 2005 and 2004, amounts incurred by the Corporation in connection with
services provided by its auditors, Ernst & Young LLP (E&Y), were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
($ millions) |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
Audit Fees |
|
|
$ |
1.5 |
|
|
|
$ |
1.1 |
|
|
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
$ |
2.6 |
|
|
|
$ |
2.9 |
|
|
|
Audit Fees consists of fees charged for the work necessary for the external auditor to
render an opinion on the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation and the financial
statements of its subsidiaries. In both fiscal 2004 and 2005 audit services consisted of services
provided by E&Y in connection with expressing an opinion on the Corporations consolidated
financial statements and also on the financial statements of the Corporations subsidiaries in
jurisdictions where such audits are required by companies legislation or where such audits are
required under other agreements. In 2005 fees for Audit services also included amounts incurred in
connection with the review of the Companys interim financial statements, the provision of comfort
letters, consents and comment letters in connection with the Companys issue of U.S. $150 million
additional senior subordinated notes.
Audit-Related Fees consists primarily of fees for assurance and related services that are
reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the Corporations financial statements.
Tax Fees consists of fees incurred in connection with tax compliance, tax planning, tax
outsourcing, and tax advice provided to the Corporation and its subsidiaries. Tax services in both
years include fees incurred with E&Y in connection with ongoing tax planning and other initiatives
being considered by the Corporation.
29
All Other Fees includes fees for services that are not audit, audit-related, or tax services,
but which are not prohibited services. In 2005 this included fees in connection with ongoing
realignment of the Corporations subsidiaries and Sarbanes-Oxley
Act (SOX) compliance. In 2004
this included fees in connection with an information system implementation review.
The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of services other than audit services is
compatible with maintaining the auditors independence and concluded that the level of services
provided during 2005 would not impact the independence of the auditors. The Audit Committee has
adopted a policy that prohibits the Corporation from engaging the auditors for prohibited
categories of non-audit services and requires pre-approval of the Audit Committee for other
permissible categories of non-audit services, such categories as determined by SEC rules. To
facilitate the pre-approval of audit and non-audit services between meetings of the Committee, the
Audit Committee has detailed procedures that permit this responsibility to be delegated to the
Chair of the Committee, who will present any amounts pre-approved at the next meeting of the
Committee for ratification.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS INSURANCE
The Corporation has purchased and maintains a policy of insurance for the benefit of directors and
officers as permitted by the CBCA and the Corporations by-laws. The policy insures directors and
officers, in their capacities as directors and officers of the Corporation, or in their capacities
as directors and officers of other corporations where they have acted in that capacity at the
request of the Corporation, against certain liabilities incurred by them, except where the
liability relates to the failure by the director or officer to act honestly, in good faith and with
a view to the best interests of the Corporation or the other corporation, as the case may be.
The policy obtained provided for U.S. $45 million of coverage for directors and officers of the
Corporation on an aggregate basis. Such policy is subject to a deductible of U.S. $100,000 per
incident. The cost of coverage for the period ending June 30, 2005 on an aggregate basis was
$421,750.
INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
In the normal course of business, the Corporation enters into transactions with related parties.
During fiscal 2000, in connection with securing tender credit facilities, the Corporation received
an unsecured, subordinated, convertible 12% loan from an affiliate of Mr. Craig L. Dobbin, the
controlling shareholder in the amount of $5.0 million. This loan is subordinated to the
Corporations senior credit facilities and its senior subordinated notes. The loan is convertible
into Class A Subordinate Voting Shares at $3.63 per share. Interest expense of $705,000 was
recorded on the loan during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005.
COMMUNICATIONS AND DISCLOSURE POLICIES
The Board approves the Corporations annual consolidated financial statements and annual MD&A; news
releases involving the dissemination of quarterly financial information; quarterly reports to
shareholders; and the content of the Corporations other significant public disclosure documents.
These and other prescribed documents are available on the Canadian regulatory electronic database
known as SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Corporation has also established and maintains a
corporate web site (www.chc.ca) that includes, among other things, an investor relations
section containing past annual and quarterly reports, press releases, and investor presentations.
Financial information regarding the Corporation is provided in the Corporations
30
annual financial statements and annual MD&A for the period ending April 30, 2005. Shareholders may
contact the Corporation to request copies of the financial statements and MD&A as follows:
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(i)
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e-mail:
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investorinfo@chc.ca |
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(ii)
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telephone:
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604-276-7500 |
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(iii)
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mail:
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CHC Helicopter Corporation |
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4740 Agar Drive |
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Richmond, British Columbia |
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Senior management of the Corporation meet periodically with institutional investors and industry
analysts, and also make presentations at various industry conferences to facilitate a better
understanding of matters that have been publicly disclosed. Presentations made at such investor
conferences are available on the Corporations web site.
Following the dissemination of its financial results by way of news release, the Corporation holds
a quarterly conference call. This broadcast is accessible on a live and recorded basis via
telephone and the internet. Replay of the recorded calls is available for a period of time after
the call. These conference calls allow investors and analysts to simultaneously listen to senior
management presentations and ask questions via the telephone.
One-on-one meetings also take place occasionally with designated senior management and investors or
analysts, with discussions limited to publicly disclosed information.
The Corporation also has an Investor Relations and Public Disclosure Policy which summarizes its
policies and practices regarding disclosure of information to investors, analysts and the media.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Corporations communications with the investment
community are timely, consistent and in compliance with all applicable securities legislation.
RECEIPT OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
Shareholders entitled to vote at the next annual meeting of shareholders in 2006 and who wish to
submit a proposal in respect of any matter to be raised at such meeting must ensure that the
Corporation receives such proposal no later than June 1, 2006.
DIRECTORS APPROVAL
The undersigned Vice-President, Legal Services & Corporate Secretary of the Corporation certifies
that the contents and sending of this Circular have been approved by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation.
MARTIN LOCKYER
Vice-President, Legal Services
& Corporate Secretary
Dated: August 2, 2005
31
Appendix A
Statement of Corporate Governance Practices
The Corporations statement of corporate governance practices is set
out below. In addition to
describing the Corporations governance practices with reference to the existing TSX Corporate
Governance Guidelines (the TSX Guidelines), the statement indicates where noted the Corporations
compliance with the requirements and regulations under SOX (as defined in the Circular) and certain
requirements under the corporate governance listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange
(the NYSE Listing Standards). Additional information is also contained in the section titled
Corporate Governance, Compensation and Nominating Committee on pages 15 to 16 of the Circular.
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1. Mandate of the Board. The Board
of Directors should explicitly
assume responsibility for
stewardship of the corporation.
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YES
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The Board has a formal mandate
under which it explicitly
assumes responsibility for the
stewardship of the Corporation,
including responsibility for the
adoption of a strategic planning
process; identification of
principal risks; succession
planning, and the evaluation and
compensation of the
Corporations senior executives. |
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As part of the overall
stewardship responsibility,
the Board should assume
responsibility for the
following matters: |
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(i) adoption of a strategic
planning process;
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YES
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The Board has adopted a
strategic planning process and
the review and approval on an
annual basis of a strategic plan
that takes into account the
opportunities and risks of the
business and long-term corporate
objectives. Updates on the
strategic plans implementation
and performance by management
with respect to the execution of
the strategic plan are provided
at regularly scheduled meetings
of the Board. |
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(ii) identification of
principal risks and
implementation of risk-
managing systems;
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YES
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The Board has specifically
identified the Corporations
principal risks and regularly
monitors the performance of
management in implementing risk
management strategies. |
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(iii) succession planning,
including appointing,
training and monitoring
senior management,
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YES
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The Board has assumed
responsibility for succession
planning, including appointing,
training and monitoring for key
senior management positions,
including the CEO. |
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(iv) communications policy, and
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YES
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The Board has approved an
Investor Relations and Public
Disclosure Policy that address
interaction with analysts,
investors, and other key
stakeholders, continuous and
timely disclosure obligations
and avoidance of selective
disclosure. The Audit Committee
of the Board reviews this policy
annually and where necessary
makes recommendations for
changes to the Board. In
addition, the Board has approved
a set of Disclosure Controls and
Procedures designed to ensure
that information required to be
disclosed in reports filed with
securities regulators is
reported in accordance with
regulatory requirements. |
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The responsibilities of the
Chairman and the lead director
include responsibility for
communicating any shareholder
feedback or concerns to the
Board. |
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(v) the integrity of internal
control and management
information systems.
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YES
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The Board has assumed oversight
responsibility for the integrity
of the Corporations internal
controls and management
information systems, which the
Board and Audit Committee
monitor and assess regularly
with management and with the
external auditors. The internal
auditor updates the Committee on
internal controls matters at
each meeting of the Committee. |
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2. Composition of the Board
The Board should be
constituted with a majority
of individuals who qualify as
unrelated directors. If the
corporation has a significant
shareholder, in addition to a
majority of unrelated
directors, the Board should
include a number of directors
who do not have interests in
or relationships with either
the corporation or the
significant shareholder and
which fairly reflects the
investment in the corporation
by shareholders other than
the significant shareholder.
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YES
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Seven of the current ten members
of the Board are unrelated to
management and to the
significant shareholder as that
term is defined in the TSX
Guidelines. These seven
directors are also independent
for the purposes of the NYSE
Listing Standards. The Board
believes that, given that
seventy percent of the board is
comprised of directors who are
unrelated to the Corporation or
Mr. Dobbin, the board fairly
reflects the investment in the
Corporation by shareholders
other than Mr. Dobbin. |
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3. Determination of Status of Directors
Disclose for each director,
whether he or she is related
and how that conclusion was
reached.
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YES
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The Board of Directors has
considered the relationship of
each of its current and proposed
directors and has concluded
that: |
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(i) Mr. Craig L. Dobbin is
related (within the meaning of
the TSX Guidelines) and is not
independent (within the
meaning of the NYSE Listing
Standards) because he is
Executive Chairman of the
Corporation. |
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(ii) Mr. Sylvain Allard is
related (within the meaning of
the TSX Guidelines) and is not
independent (within the
meaning of the NYSE Listing
Standards) because he is
President and CEO of the
Corporation. |
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(iii) Mr. Craig C. Dobbin is
related and not independent
(within the meaning of NYSE
Listing Standards) because he is
the son of Craig L. Dobbin. |
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(iv) Each of Sir Bob Reid, Mme.
Saucier and Messrs. Stinson,
Gillett, Mintz and Carty and
Professor Kelly are unrelated
within the meaning of the TSX
Guidelines, and independent
within the meaning of the NYSE
Listing Standards as none of
them is: |
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a member of management, |
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(b) currently or has been within
the last three years an officer,
employee of or material service
provider to the Corporation or
any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates; |
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(c) a director, officer,
employee or significant
shareholder of a company that
has a material business
relationship with the
Corporation. |
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Further none of Sir Bob Reid,
Mme. Saucier, Messrs. Stinson,
Gillett,Mintz and Carty or
Professor Kelly has a business,
family or other material
interest in, or material
relationship with Mr. Dobbin,
the controlling shareholder.
Therefore, the Board of
Directors has concluded that
none of Sir Bob Reid, Mme.
Saucier, Messrs. Stinson, Mintz,
Carty and Gillett or Professor
Kelly has a material
relationship with the
Corporation. |
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4. Corporate Governance/Nominating
Committee
The board of directors of
every corporation should
appoint a committee of
directors composed
exclusively of non-management
directors, a majority of whom
are unrelated directors, with
the responsibility for
proposing to the full board
new nominees to the board and
for assessing directors on an
ongoing basis.
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YES
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The board of directors has a
committee of directors, the
Corporate Governance,
Compensation and Nominating
Committee, which is responsible
for proposing to the Board new
nominees to the Board and for
assessing directors on an
ongoing basis. The Corporate
Governance, Compensation and
Nominating Committee is
comprised of directors, all of
whom are unrelated within the
meaning of the TSX Guidelines
and independent within the
meaning of the NYSE Listing
Standards. The Corporate
Governance, Compensation and
Nominating Committee currently
consists of Sir Bob Reid, Mr.
Gillett and Mr. Stinson. |
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5. Board Assessment
Every board of directors
should implement a process to
be carried out by the
nominating committee or other
appropriate committee for
assessing the effectiveness
of the board as a whole, the
committees of the board and
the contribution of
individual directors.
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YES
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The Corporate Governance,
Compensation and Nominating
Committee is charged with the
responsibility for developing
and recommending to the Board a
process for assessing the
effectiveness of the Board as a
whole, the committees of the
Board and the contribution of
individual directors. It is
also responsible for overseeing
the execution of the assessment
process. Annually, the
directors complete a detailed
questionnaire, the results of
which are compiled by the
Committee and reviewed with the
Board. |
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6. Orientation and Education
Every corporation, as an
integral element of the
process for appointing new
directors, should provide an
orientation and education
program for new recruits to
the board.
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YES
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The Corporation currently
provides an orientation program
for new directors that include
meetings with senior management
and the review of key policies
and corporate documents. The
Corporation has a comprehensive
Directors Handbook that
includes roles and
responsibilities of the Board,
Board and Committee mandates,
key policies of the Corporation,
the Board evaluation process,
and compensation plans, policies
and guidelines. |
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Management and outside advisors
provide information and
education sessions to the Board
and its Committees as necessary
to keep the directors up-to-date
with the Corporation, its
business and the environment in
which it operates, in addition
to developments impacting the
responsibilities of directors. |
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7. Size and Composition
of the Board
Every board should examine
its size and, with a view to
determining the impact of the
number upon effectiveness,
undertake, where appropriate,
a program to reduce the
number of directors to a
number which facilitates
effective decision-making.
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YES
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The Board is currently comprised
of ten directors. The Board has
considered its size and
concluded that a ten-person
board is large enough to permit
a diversity of views and to
staff the various Committees,
without being so large as to
detract from the Boards
efficiency and effectiveness.
However, as permitted under the
Articles of the Corporation, the
Corporate Governance,
Compensation and Nominating
Committee will where appropriate
consider additional new
directors it would recommend to
the Board to be appointed to the
Board to further enhance the
skill set and effectiveness of
the Board. |
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8. Compensation
The board of directors should
review the adequacy and form
of the compensation of
directors and ensure the
compensation realistically
reflects the responsibilities
and risks involved in being
an effective director.
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YES
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The Board and the Corporate
Governance, Compensation and
Nominating Committee, with input
from independent consultants,
have reviewed the remuneration
and have considered it to be
appropriate in light of the
Boards risks, responsibilities
and time commitments. |
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9. Composition of Committees
Committees of the board
should generally be composed
of non-management directors,
a majority of whom are
unrelated directors, although
some board committees, such
as the executive committee,
may include one or more
inside directors.
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YES
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The Board has an Audit
Committee, a Pension Committee
and a Corporate Governance,
Compensation and Nominating
Committee. With the exception of
the Pension Committee, these
Committees are comprised
entirely of unrelated
directors under the TSX
Guidelines. The Audit Committee
currently consists of Messrs.
Mintz, Stinson and Carty and
Mme. Saucier, all of whom are
unrelated and independent.
The Corporate Governance,
Compensation and Nominating
Committee currently consists of
Sir Bob Reid, Mr. Gillett and
Mr. Stinson all of whom are
unrelated and independent.
The Pension Committee consists
of Professor Kelly, Mme. Saucier
and Mr. Craig C. Dobbin, all of
whom are unrelated and
independent except Mr. Dobbin. |
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10. Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee
The board of directors should
expressly assume
responsibility for, or assign
to a committee of directors
the general responsibility
for, developing the
corporations approach to
governance issues. This
committee would, among other
things, be responsible for
the corporations response to
these governance guidelines.
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YES
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The Corporate Governance,
Compensation and Nominating
Committee has been charged by
the Board with developing and
reviewing the Corporations
corporate governance system and
recommending changes to the
Board.
This Committee is also
responsible for the
Corporations response to these
Governance Guidelines. |
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11.
Position Descriptions
The board of directors,
together with the CEO, should
develop position descriptions
for the board and for the
CEO, including the definition
of the limits to managements
responsibilities. In
addition, the board should
approve or develop the
corporate objectives that the
CEO is responsible for
meeting.
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YES
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The Board has position
descriptions for the CEO and
Board members. These position
descriptions, in conjunction
with the Board mandate, describe
the limits of managements
responsibilities and the Boards
expectations of management,
including the corporate
objectives that the CEO is
responsible for meeting.
Currently, the Board approves
certain transactions, the value
of which exceeds managements
authority limits. The types of
transactions requiring approval
include acquisitions or
divestitures of subsidiaries,
divisions or assets; assumption
of significant liabilities
otherwise than in the ordinary
course of business; and
transactions which would
materially change the
Corporations consolidated
revenues or net assets. |
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The Corporation has a Code of
Ethics and Business Conduct that
is applicable to all directors,
officers and employees,
including the Corporations
principal executive officer,
principal financial officer,
principal accounting officers
and other persons performing
similar functions, and has been
approved by the Corporations
Board. The Board must approve
any waivers of this Code.
During the past year no waivers
were requested and the Board
granted none. This Code
complies with the code of ethics
requirements under SOX and is
available on the Corporations website. |
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12. Procedures to Ensure
Independence
The board of directors should
implement structures and
procedures to ensure that the
board can function
independently of management.
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YES
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The Board includes only two
directors who are members of the
Corporations management. In
addition, the Boards mandate
and the practices of its
Committees provide the
structures and procedures to
ensure they can operate
independent of management. |
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An appropriate structure
would be to (i) appoint a
chair of the board who is not
a member of management with
responsibility to ensure that
the board discharges it
responsibilities or (ii)
adopt alternate means such as
assigning this responsibility
to a committee of the board
or to a director, sometimes
referred to as the lead
director.
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YES
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Mr. Craig L. Dobbin, who is the
Executive Chairman, serves as
Chairman of the Board. The
Board has a lead director
position which is elected by the
Board each year and has been
filled by Mr. William W. Stinson
since 2004. The lead director
is an independent director who
is responsible for enhancing
board effectiveness, assisting
in managing the Board, and
providing a liaison between the
Board and management. The
unrelated and independent
members of the Board meet
regularly without management
present. Board committees meet
various external consultants,
independently of management,
when they see fit. The Audit
Committee meets privately with
the external and internal
auditors at each meeting of the
Committee. |
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13. Composition of the Audit
Committee
The audit committee should be
composed only of outside
directors.
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YES
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The Audit Committee consists of
independent (within the
meaning of the NYSE Listing
Standards) and unrelated
(within the meaning of the TSX
Guidelines) directors. The
Audit Committee is also
independent as required under
SOX. The Audit Committee is
currently comprised of Messrs.
Mintz, Stinson and Carty and
Mme. Saucier all of whom are
independent directors. Dr. Jack
Mintz, who is currently Chair of
this Committee and is
anticipated to remain so after
the Meeting. |
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The financial literacy and
accounting or related financial
experience of all of the members
of this Committee were reviewed
in light of the final rules for
financial experts issued by
the SEC pursuant to the
requirements of SOX. All
Committee members have at least
an understanding of generally
accepted accounting principles
and financial statements and
would therefore considered to be
financially literate. Guylaine
Saucier has been designated by
the Board as the financial
expert (as such term is used in
SOX). |
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The roles and
responsibilities of the Audit
Committee should be
specifically defined so as to
provide appropriate guidance
to Audit Committee Members as
to their duties.
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YES
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The roles and responsibilities
of the Audit Committee are
specifically defined in the
Audit Committee mandate. The
current Audit Committee mandate
complies with NYSE Listing
Standards for audit committees.
The Audit Committee mandate is
posted on the Corporations
website. |
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37
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Does The |
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Corporation |
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Requirement |
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Comply? |
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Comments |
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The audit committee should
have direct communication
channels with the internal
and external auditors to
discuss and review specific
issues as appropriate.
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YES
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The Audit Committee, as provided
for in its mandate, has private
sessions (excluding management)
with the external and internal
auditors at each regularly
scheduled Committee meeting, as
deemed necessary by the
Committee. |
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The audit committee duties
should include oversight
responsibility for management
reporting on internal
control. While it is
managements responsibility
to design and implement an
effective system of internal
control, it is the
responsibility of the audit
committee to oversee this
responsibility.
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YES
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The Audit Committee has
oversight responsibility for
management reporting on internal
control. The Committee receives
regular updates on internal
control matters from management
and the internal auditor. Any
significant internal control
weaknesses are reported to the
Committee. The Committee reviews
the Corporations accounting
principles, policies and
practices, and significant
accounting judgments with the
external auditors. This
Committee also reviews the
audited consolidated financial
statements with the external
auditors prior to their
submission to the Board for
approval; and reviews with the
internal and external auditors,
the Corporations accounting and
financial reporting controls.
The Committee is responsible for
recommending the appointment and
retention of the external
auditors to the Board, and for
the compensation and oversight
of the work of the external
auditors. |
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14. External Advisors
The board of directors should
implement a system which
enables an individual
director to engage an
external advisor at the
expense of the company in
appropriate circumstances.
The engagement of the
external advisor should be
subject to the approval of
the appropriate committee of
the board.
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YES
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The mandate of the Board and of
each Committee of the Board,
enables individual directors to
engage external advisors. The
engagement of external advisors
is subject to the approval of
the chair of the appropriate
committee of the board or the
lead director. |
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38
CHC HELICOPTER CORPORATION
PROXY
Class A Subordinate Voting Shares
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
September 22, 2005
The undersigned shareholder of CHC Helicopter Corporation (the
Corporation) hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints Sylvain A. Allard,
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or, failing him, Jo
Mark Zurel, Senior Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer of the
Corporation or, failing him Martin J. Lockyer, Vice-President, Legal
Services and Corporate Secretary of the Corporation or instead of any of
them, ________________________as the nominee of the undersigned
to attend and vote and act for and on behalf of the undersigned at the
annual meeting of shareholders of the Corporation (the Meeting) to be held
on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at the Fairmont Waterfront, 900 Canada Place
Way, Vancouver British Columbia at 3:00 p.m. (Vancouver time), and at any
adjournments thereof, to the same extent and with the same powers as the
undersigned could do, vote and act if personally present thereat and the
undersigned hereby grants authorization to vote the shares registered in the
name of the undersigned as follows, namely:
1. |
|
The election of directors of the Corporation: |
|
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|
For o
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|
Withhold from Voting o |
2. |
|
The reappointment of Ernst & Young, LLP as auditors of the Corporation and
authorizing the Board of Directors to fix their remuneration: |
|
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For o
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|
Withhold from Voting o |
3. |
|
At the nominees discretion: |
|
a) |
|
on any variations or amendments to any of the above matters proposed at the
Meeting or any adjournments thereof; and |
|
|
b) |
|
on any other matters that may properly come before the Meeting or any
adjournments thereof. |
For further information, please see the accompanying Management Information Circular.
Dated this _______________ day of ________________, 2005.
Control Number:
Return this Proxy
By Internet
|
|
Go to www.eproxyvoting.com/chcclassa |
|
|
|
You will be prompted to enter the 13 digit Control Number located
on the left side of this proxy. |
|
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|
Follow the instructions. Additional information is available in
the accompanying Management Information Circular. See Voting Instructions. |
By Mail
|
|
Complete and sign the form of proxy and deliver it or return it by
mail in the envelope provided. |
Notes:
1. |
|
This proxy is solicited by and on behalf of the management of the
Corporation. |
|
2. |
|
Any shareholder has the right to appoint a person (who need not be a
shareholder) other than the persons designated in this proxy to attend and to vote
and act for and on behalf of such shareholder at the Meeting and in order to do so
the shareholder may insert the name of such person in the blank space provided in
the proxy or may use another appropriate form of proxy. |
|
3. |
|
Where a shareholder fails to specify a choice with respect to a matter referred
to in this proxy and a management nominee (being one of the persons specified in
this proxy) is appointed as proxy holder, the shares represented by such proxy will
be voted for or in favour of such matter. |
|
4. |
|
In the event this proxy is not dated, this proxy will be deemed to bear the date
on which it was mailed by management. |
|
5. |
|
Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy. If the shareholder is a
corporation, the proxy must be executed under its corporations name appearing
above the signature line. A person signing on behalf of a shareholder must provide
with the proxy satisfactory proof of such persons authority. |
|
6. |
|
A vote by proxy will be counted if it is completed properly and received by the
Corporations transfer agent by not later than 6:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on Tuesday,
September 20, 2005, or, if the Meeting is adjourned, not later than 48 hours
(excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays) preceding the time of such
adjourned meeting. The transfer agents address is: CIBC Mellon Trust Company,
Attention: Proxy Department P.O. Box 12005 STN BRM B, Toronto, Ontario, M7Y 2K5. |
|
7. |
|
In the event of a disruption in postal service, proxies may be sent by fax to
CIBC Mellon Trust Company (Fax: (416) 368-2502; telephone (800) 387-0825). |
TO RECEIVE SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONICALLY PLEASE VISIT
WWW.CIBCMELLON.COM/ELECTRONICDELIVERY TO ACCESS THE CONSENT FORM.
CHC HELICOPTER CORPORATION
PROXY
Class B Multiple Voting Shares
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
September 22, 2005
The undersigned shareholder of CHC Helicopter Corporation (the
Corporation) hereby nominates, constitutes and appoints Sylvain A. Allard,
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or, failing him, Jo
Mark Zurel, Senior Vice-President & Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation
or, failing him Martin J. Lockyer, Vice-President, Legal Services and Corporate
Secretary of the Corporation or instead of any of them,
________________________
as the nominee of the undersigned to attend
and vote and act for and on behalf of the undersigned at the annual meeting of
shareholders of the Corporation (the Meeting) to be held on Thursday,
September 22, 2005 at the Fairmont Waterfront, 900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver,
British Columbia at 3:00 p.m. (Vancouver time), and at any adjournments thereof,
to the same extent and with the same powers as the undersigned could do, vote
and act if personally present thereat and the undersigned hereby grants
authorization to vote the shares registered in the name of the undersigned as
follows, namely:
1. |
|
The election of directors of the Corporation: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For o
|
|
Withhold from Voting o |
2. |
|
The reappointment of Ernst & Young, LLP as auditors of the Corporation and authorizing
the Board of Directors to fix their remuneration: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For o
|
|
Withhold from Voting o |
3. |
|
At the nominees discretion: |
|
a) |
|
on any variations or amendments to any of the above matters proposed at the
Meeting or any adjournments thereof; and |
|
|
b) |
|
on any other matters that may properly come before the Meeting or any adjournments
thereof. |
For further information, please see the accompanying Management Information Circular .
Dated this _______________ day of ________________, 2005.
Control Number:
Return this Proxy
By Internet
|
|
Go to www.eproxyvoting.com/chcclassb |
|
|
|
You will be prompted to enter the 13 digit Control Number located on the left side of this proxy. |
|
|
|
Follow the instructions. Additional information is available in the accompanying Management Information Circular. See Voting Instructions. |
By Mail
|
|
Complete and sign the form of proxy and deliver it or return it by mail in the envelope provided. |
Notes:
1. |
|
This proxy is solicited by and on behalf of the management of the Corporation. |
|
2. |
|
Any shareholder has the right to appoint a person (who need not be a shareholder) other than
the persons designated in this proxy to attend and to vote and act for and on behalf of such
shareholder at the Meeting and in order to do so the shareholder may insert the name of such
person in the blank space provided in the proxy or may use another appropriate form of proxy. |
|
3. |
|
Where a shareholder fails to specify a choice with respect to a matter referred to in this
proxy and a management nominee (being one of the persons specified in this proxy) is appointed
as proxy holder, the shares represented by such proxy will be voted for or in favour of such
matter. |
|
4. |
|
In the event this proxy is not dated, this proxy will be deemed to bear the date on which it
was mailed by management. |
|
5. |
|
Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy. If the shareholder is a corporation,
the proxy must be executed under its corporations name appearing above the signature line. A
person signing on behalf of a shareholder must provide with the proxy satisfactory proof of
such persons authority. |
|
6. |
|
A vote by proxy will be counted if it is completed properly and received by the Corporations
transfer agent by not later than 6:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 or,
if the Meeting is adjourned, not later than 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and
statutory holidays) preceding the time of such adjourned meeting. The transfer agents
address is: CIBC Mellon Trust Company, Attention: Proxy Department P.O. Box 12005 STN BRM B,
Toronto, Ontario, M7Y 2K5. |
|
7. |
|
In the event of a disruption in postal service, proxies may be sent by fax to CIBC Mellon Trust
Company (Fax: (416) 368-2502; telephone (800) 387-0825). |
TO RECEIVE SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONICALLY PLEASE VISIT WWW.CIBCMELLON.COM/ELECTRONICDELIVERY TO ACCESS THE CONSENT FORM.
CERTIFICATION
CLASS A SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES
In order to assist CHC Helicopter Corporation in monitoring Canadian ownership for the
purposes of the Canada Transportation Act all shareholders are requested to complete the following
section:
|
|
|
|
|
The shares represented by this proxy or voting information form:
|
|
are o
|
|
owned and controlled by Canadians. |
|
|
are not o |
|
|
For the purposes of the foregoing:
(a) |
|
Canadian means a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada within the meaning of
the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (the Immigration Act), a government in Canada or
an agent thereof or a corporation or other entity that is incorporated or formed under the
laws of Canada or a province, that is controlled in fact by Canadians and of which at least
seventy-five percent, or such lesser percentage as the Governor in Council may be regulation
specify, of the voting interests are owned and controlled by Canadians; and |
(b) |
|
permanent resident, within the meaning of the Immigration Act, means a person who has
acquired permanent resident status and has not: |
|
(i) |
|
become a Canadian citizen; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
had a removal order made against him or her; or |
|
|
(iii) |
|
had a final determination made against him or her: |
|
(1) |
|
for failing to comply with the applicable residency obligations; |
|
|
(2) |
|
cancelling a decision allowing his or her claim for refugee protection;
or |
|
|
(3) |
|
cancelling a decision allowing his or her application for protection. |
Dated this _________________________ day of __________________________, 2005.
CERTIFICATION
CLASS B MULTIPLE VOTING SHARES
In order to assist CHC Helicopter Corporation in monitoring Canadian ownership for the
purposes of the Canada Transportation Act all shareholders are requested to complete the following
section:
|
|
|
|
|
The shares represented by this proxy or voting information form:
|
|
are o
|
|
owned and controlled by Canadians. |
|
|
are not o |
|
|
For the purposes of the foregoing:
(a) |
|
Canadian means a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada within the meaning of
the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (the Immigration Act), a government in Canada or
an agent thereof or a corporation or other entity that is incorporated or formed under the
laws of Canada or a province, that is controlled in fact by Canadians and of which at least
seventy-five percent, or such lesser percentage as the Governor in Council may be regulation
specify, of the voting interests are owned and controlled by Canadians; and |
(b) |
|
permanent resident, within the meaning of the Immigration Act, means a person who has
acquired permanent resident status and has not: |
|
(i) |
|
become a Canadian citizen; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
had a removal order made against him or her; or |
|
|
(iii) |
|
had a final determination made against him or her: |
|
(1) |
|
for failing to comply with the applicable residency obligations; |
|
|
(2) |
|
cancelling a decision allowing his or her claim for refugee protection;
or |
|
|
(3) |
|
cancelling a decision allowing his or her application for protection. |
Dated this _______________________ day of __________, 2005.
Request For Voting Instructions
CHC Helicopter Corporation
To Our Class A Subordinate Voting Shareholders:
We are sending to you the enclosed proxy-related materials that relate to our 2005 Annual Meeting
(the Meeting) of the holders of Class A Subordinate Voting Shares that are held on your behalf by
the intermediary identified below. Unless you attend the Meeting and vote in person, your Class A
Subordinate Voting Shares can be voted only by management, as proxyholder of the registered holder,
in accordance with your instructions. Your name and address and information about your holdings of
Class A Subordinate Voting Shares have been obtained in accordance with applicable securities
regulatory requirements from the intermediary holding on your behalf (which is identified by name,
code or identifier in the information on the right).
The Voting Instructions Form (VIF) (on the reverse) is to enable your vote to be submitted on the
matters which are set out on the VIF. Please complete, sign, date and return the form as instructed
below or alternatively vote by internet at
www.eproxyvoting.com/chcclassa. You will be prompted to
enter the 13 digit control number located in Box A.
We are prohibited from voting your Class A Subordinate Voting Shares on any of the matters to be
acted upon at the Meeting without your specific voting instructions. In order for these Class A
Subordinate Voting Shares to be voted at the Meeting, it will be necessary for us to have your
specific voting instructions. If you cannot attend the Meeting and you do not wish to appoint a
person to attend on your behalf but you do wish to vote your Class A Subordinate Voting Shares,
please complete and return the information requested in Box A of the VIF (on the reverse) to
provide your voting instructions to us promptly.
Should you wish to attend the Meeting and vote in person, or appoint another person to attend and
vote on your behalf, please complete Box B of the VIF (on the reverse) by inserting your name or
the name of the person you wish to appoint in the space provided for that purpose in Box B, and we
will send to you a form of legal proxy which will grant you or the person specified by you the
right to attend the Meeting and to vote. If you require assistance in that regard, please contact
our transfer agent, CIBC Mellon Trust Company, who can be contacted as indicated on the VIF.
The completed VIF must be delivered to our transfer agent, CIBC Mellon Trust Company, Attn: Proxy
Department, PO Box 12005, Stn BRM B, Toronto, ON M7Y 2K5, by mail in the envelope provided, or by
fax to (416) 368-2502 or toll free fax (within Canada and the United States) to 1-866-781-3111, by
6:00p.m. (Toronto time) on Tuesday, September 20, 2005. (See recommendation in Note 2 below with
regard to earlier delivery.)
By providing voting instructions as requested, you are acknowledging that you are the beneficial
owner of, and are entitled to instruct us with respect to the voting of, these Class A Subordinate
Voting Shares.
NOTE:
|
|
|
1.
|
|
If Box A of the VIF is signed and the VIF is not
marked otherwise, the Class A Subordinate Voting
Shares will be voted in favour of each matter
identified in the Management Information Circular
dated August 2, 2005 (the Circular) of CHC
Helicopter Corporation (the Corporation). The VIF
confers discretionary authority to vote on such
other business as may properly come before the
Meeting or any adjournment thereof. The VIF should
be read in conjunction with the Circular. |
|
|
|
2.
|
|
As your vote is very important, we recommend that
your VIF be received at least one business day prior
to the deadline for deposit of proxies stated in the
Circular. Greater time should be allowed if you wish
a legal proxy to be delivered to you. |
|
|
|
3.
|
|
If the voting instructions contained in Box A of
the VIF are given on behalf of a body corporate, set
out the full legal name of the body corporate, the
name and position of the person giving voting
instructions on behalf of the body corporate and the
address for service of the body corporate. |
|
|
|
Please do not present this form at the Meeting. We urge
you to read the above instructions, and complete, sign
and return the VIF so that your Class A Subordinate
Voting Shares can be voted. |
CHC HELICOPTER CORPORATION
REQUEST FOR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
|
|
|
|
|
BOX A Voting by Mail, Fax or Internet |
|
|
|
|
|
The matters to be voted on at the Meeting are as follows. Unless you wish to attend (or appoint another person to attend) the Meeting and vote in person by
completing Box B, please provide your voting instructions with a check mark (ü) in the appropriate box. |
|
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|
CONTROL NUMBER |
|
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__________________________ |
|
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|
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|
1. |
|
To elect the directors of the Corporation: |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
VOTE FOR o WITHHOLD VOTE o |
|
|
|
|
|
2. |
|
To re-appoint Ernst and Young, LLP as auditors of the Corporation and to authorize the Board of Directors to fix their remuneration: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VOTE FOR o WITHHOLD VOTE o |
|
|
|
|
|
SHAREHOLDER SIGN HERE: ______________________________________________ |
|
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If body corporate, please insert below full legal name, name and position of person giving voting instructions, and address for service of the body corporate. |
|
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DATE SIGNED: _____________________________________________ |
|
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BOX B Attending and Voting at the Meeting |
|
|
|
You may appoint a person (including yourself) to attend, vote and act on your
behalf at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. To exercise this right, please
place a check mark (ü) in the box below and insert the name of the person in
the space provided. |
|
|
|
o APPOINTEE
|
|
__________________________________________ |
|
|
Please print appointee name |
|
|
|
If you have completed the space above, we will send to you a form of legal proxy
which will grant you or the person specified by you the right to attend the
Meeting and to vote. If you wish your appointee to attend the Meeting, do not
otherwise complete this form regarding your voting instructions. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
For assistance, please contact our transfer agent, CIBC Mellon Trust Company, who can be contacted as follows: |
Telephone:
|
|
1-800-387-0825 (toll free in Canada and the United States) |
Facsimile:
|
|
1-866-781-3111 (toll free in Canada and the United States) |
THIS VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ACCOMPANYING MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION CIRCULAR. THE FORM MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 48 HOURS (EXCLUDING SATURDAYS,
SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS) PRIOR TO THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF, HOWEVER GREATER TIME SHOULD
BE ALLOWED IF YOU WISH A LEGAL PROXY TO BE DELIVERED BY COMPLETING BOX B ABOVE.
Request For Voting Instructions
CHC Helicopter Corporation
To Our Class B Multiple Voting Shareholders:
We are sending to you the enclosed proxy-related materials that relate to our 2005 Annual Meeting
(the Meeting) of the holders of Class B Multiple Voting Shares that are held on your behalf by
the intermediary identified below. Unless you attend the Meeting and vote in person, your Class B
Multiple Voting Shares can be voted only by management, as proxyholder of the registered holder, in
accordance with your instructions. Your name and address and information about your holdings of
Class B Multiple Voting Shares have been obtained in accordance with applicable securities
regulatory requirements from the intermediary holding on your behalf (which is identified by name,
code or identifier in the information on the right).
The Voting Instructions Form (VIF) (on the reverse) is to enable your vote to be submitted on the
matters which are set out on the VIF. Please complete, sign, date and return the form as instructed
below or alternatively vote by internet at www.eproxyvoting.com/chcclassb. You will be prompted to
enter the 13 digit control number located in Box A.
We are prohibited from voting your Class B Multiple Voting Shares on any of the matters to be acted
upon at the Meeting without your specific voting instructions. In order for these Class B Multiple
Voting Shares to be voted at the Meeting, it will be necessary for us to have your specific voting
instructions. If you cannot attend the Meeting and you do not wish to appoint a person to attend on
your behalf but you do wish to vote your Class B Multiple Voting Shares, please complete and return
the information requested in Box A of the VIF (on the reverse) to provide your voting instructions
to us promptly.
Should you wish to attend the Meeting and vote in person, or appoint another person to attend and
vote on your behalf, please complete Box B of the VIF (on the reverse) by inserting your name or
the name of the person you wish to appoint in the space provided for that purpose in Box B, and we
will send to you a form of legal proxy which will grant you or the person specified by you the
right to attend the Meeting and to vote. If you require assistance in that regard, please contact
our transfer agent, CIBC Mellon Trust Company, who can be contacted as indicated on the VIF.
The completed VIF must be delivered to our transfer agent, CIBC Mellon Trust Company, Attn: Proxy
Department, PO Box 12005, Stn BRM B, Toronto, ON M7Y 2K5, by mail in the envelope provided, or by
fax to (416) 368-2502 or toll free fax (within Canada and the United States) to 1-866-781-3111, by
6:00p.m. (Toronto time) on Tuesday, September 20, 2005. (See recommendation in Note 2 below with
regard to earlier delivery.)
By providing voting instructions as requested, you are acknowledging that you are the beneficial
owner of, and are entitled to instruct us with respect to the voting of, these Class B Multiple
Voting Shares.
NOTE:
|
|
|
1.
|
|
If Box A of the VIF is signed and the VIF is not
marked otherwise, the Class B Multiple Voting Shares
will be voted in favour of each matter identified in
the Management Information Circular dated August 2,
2005 (the Circular) of CHC Helicopter Corporation
(the Corporation). The VIF confers discretionary
authority to vote on such other business as may
properly come before the Meeting or any adjournment
thereof. The VIF should be read in conjunction with
the Circular. |
|
|
|
2.
|
|
As your vote is very important, we recommend that
your VIF be received at least one business day prior
to the deadline for deposit of proxies stated in the
Circular. Greater time should be allowed if you wish
a legal proxy to be delivered to you. |
|
|
|
3.
|
|
If the voting instructions contained in Box A of
the VIF are given on behalf of a body corporate, set
out the full legal name of the body corporate, the
name and position of the person giving voting
instructions on behalf of the body corporate and the
address for service of the body corporate. |
|
|
|
Please do not present this form at the Meeting. We urge
you to read the above instructions, and complete, sign
and return the VIF so that your Class B Multiple Voting
Shares can be voted. |
CHC HELICOPTER CORPORATION
REQUEST FOR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
|
|
|
|
|
BOX A Voting by Mail, Fax or Internet |
|
|
|
|
|
The matters to be voted on at the Meeting are as follows. Unless you wish to attend (or appoint another person to attend) the Meeting and vote in person by
completing Box B, please provide your voting instructions with a check mark (ü) in the appropriate box. |
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CONTROL NUMBER |
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__________________________ |
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1. |
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To elect the directors of the Corporation: |
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VOTE FOR o WITHHOLD VOTE o |
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2. |
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To re-appoint Ernst and Young, LLP as auditors of the Corporation and to authorize the Board of Directors to fix their remuneration: |
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VOTE FOR o WITHHOLD VOTE o |
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SHAREHOLDER SIGN HERE: ______________________________________________ |
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If body corporate, please insert below full legal name, name and position of person giving voting instructions, and address for service of the body corporate. |
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DATE SIGNED: _____________________________________________ |
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BOX B Attending and Voting at the Meeting |
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You may appoint a person (including yourself) to attend, vote and act on your
behalf at the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. To exercise this right, please
place a check mark (ü) in the box below and insert the name of the person in
the space provided. |
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o APPOINTEE
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__________________________________________ |
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Please print appointee name |
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If you have completed the space above, we will send to you a form of legal proxy
which will grant you or the person specified by you the right to attend the
Meeting and to vote. If you wish your appointee to attend the Meeting, do not
otherwise complete this form regarding your voting instructions. |
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For assistance, please contact our transfer agent, CIBC Mellon Trust Company, who can be contacted as follows: |
Telephone:
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1-800-387-0825 (toll free in Canada and the United States) |
Facsimile:
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1-866-781-3111 (toll free in Canada and the United States) |
THIS VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ACCOMPANYING MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION CIRCULAR. THE FORM MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 48 HOURS (EXCLUDING SATURDAYS,
SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS) PRIOR TO THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF, HOWEVER GREATER TIME SHOULD
BE ALLOWED IF YOU WISH A LEGAL PROXY TO BE DELIVERED BY COMPLETING BOX B ABOVE.