Exhibit 10.11
BREATHE BIOMEDICAL INC.
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
Breathe Biomedical Inc. (the “Company”) hereby adopts this Equity Incentive Plan (“Plan”) for certain Employees, Directors, and Consultants of the Company and/or its Affiliates.
Article 1
PURPOSE
1.1 | Purpose |
The purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain Employees, Directors, and Consultants of the Company and/or its Affiliates, and to ensure that interests of key Persons are aligned with the success of the Company and its Affiliates.
Article 2
INTERPRETATION
2.1 | Definitions |
In this Plan, the following terms have the following meanings:
“$” means the lawful currency of Canada except where explicitly set forth to the contrary;
“Act” means the Income Tax Act R.S.C., 1985, c. 1 (5th Supp.), as amended from time to time;
“Active Employment” or “Actively Employed” means a person is employed and actively performing employment duties for his or her Employer or performing other similar duties as may be determined by the Board in its discretion, or is on a leave of absence approved by his or her Employer or authorized under applicable law. For purposes of this Plan, except as may be required to comply with the minimum requirements of applicable employment standards legislation, Actively Employed and Active Employment does not include any period during, or in respect of, which a Participant is receiving or is entitled to receive payments in lieu of notice (whether by way of lump sum or salary continuance), benefits continuance, severance pay, damages for wrongful dismissal or other termination related payments or benefits, in each case, whether pursuant to statute, contract, common law, civil law or otherwise. For purposes of this Plan, a Participant is not Actively Employed if a Participant’s employment or engagement has been terminated by his or her voluntary resignation or by his or her Employer, regardless of whether a Participant’s employment or engagement has been terminated with or without Cause, lawfully or unlawfully or with or without notice;
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any entity that is an affiliate for the purposes of National Instrument 45-106 — Prospectus Exemptions, as amended from time to time;
“Applicable Withholding Taxes” means any and all taxes and other source deductions or other amounts which the Company or any of its Affiliates is required by law to withhold from any amounts to be paid or credited hereunder;
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“Award” means an Option, RSU, PSU, DSU, or Dividend Share Unit granted under this Plan, as the context requires;
“Award Agreement” means an Option Agreement, RSU Agreement, PSU Agreement, or DSU Agreement, as the context requires;
“Blackout Period” means a period of time during which: (i) the trading guidelines of the Company, as amended or replaced from time to time, restrict one or more Participants from trading in securities of the Company; or (ii) the Company has determined that one or more Participants may not trade any securities of the Company, in each case, excluding any period during which a regulator has halted trading in the Company’s securities;
“Blackout Period Expiry Date” means the date on which a Blackout Period expires;
“Board” means the board of directors of the Company;
“Business Day” means any day of the year, other than a Saturday, Sunday or any day on which Canadian chartered banks are authorized or obligated by law to close for business in Toronto, Ontario;
“Cause” means with respect to any Participant, (a) in the case where there is an employment or service agreement in effect between the Company or one of its Affiliates and the Participant that defines cause (or words of like import) as applicable to the Participant, cause as defined under such agreement; or (b) in the case where there is no such agreement in effect:
(i) | theft, fraud, dishonesty or misconduct by the Participant involving the property, business or affairs of the Company or any of its Affiliates or the carrying out of the Participant’s duties to the Company or any of its Affiliates; |
(ii) | any material breach or non-observance by the Participant of any term of any employment or service agreement between the Participant and the Company or any of its Affiliates, this Plan or any non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, or intellectual property covenants between the Participant and the Company or any of its Affiliates; |
(iii) | the material failure by the Participant to perform his or her duties with or for the Company or any of its Affiliates provided that the Participant has been given notice in writing thereof and a reasonable period in which to rectify such failure; |
(iv) | the failure of the Participant to comply with his or her fiduciary duties to the Company or any of its Affiliates (if any); or |
(v) | the Participant’s conviction of, or plea of guilty or no contest to, a criminal offence, felony, or a crime or offence involving moral turpitude; |
“Change in Control” means: (i) a direct or indirect sale or disposition, in any single transaction or series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its subsidiaries to a Third Party Purchaser; (ii) a sale resulting in no less than a majority of the Common Shares (or other voting securities of the Company) on a fully diluted basis being held by a Third Party Purchaser, its Affiliates and any other Person acting jointly or in concert with the Third Party Purchaser; provided that, prior to such sale, such Persons did not hold, in the aggregate, a majority of the Common Shares (or other voting securities of the Company) on a fully diluted basis; (iii) a merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization of the Company with or into a Third Party Purchaser that results in the inability of the holders of Common Shares immediately prior to the merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization to designate or elect a majority of the board of directors (or its equivalent) of the resulting entity or its parent company; or (iv) any additional event that the Board reasonably determines is a Change in Control; provided, that, notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A with respect to the payment of deferred compensation to any U.S. Taxpayer, Change in Control shall be limited to a change in control event as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) prescribed pursuant to Code Section 409A;
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“Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time;
“Common Shares” means the common shares in the capital of the Company;
“Consultant” means an individual consultant or a consultant entity, other than an Employee or Director, that:
(i) | is engaged to provide services on a bona fide basis to the Company or any of its Affiliates, other than services provided in relation to a distribution of securities of the Company or any of its Affiliates; |
(ii) | provides the services under a written contract with the Company or any of its Affiliates; and |
(iii) | spends or will spend a significant amount of time and attention on the affairs and business of the Company or any of its Affiliates, |
and includes, (i) for an individual consultant, (A) a company of which the individual consultant is an employee or shareholder, or (B) a partnership of which the individual consultant is an employee or partner, and (ii) for a consultant that is not an individual, an employee or director of the consultant, provided that the individual employee or director spends or will spend a significant amount of time and attention on the affairs and business of the Company or any of its Affiliates;
“Deferred Annual Amount” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(b);
“Director” means a member of the Board from time to time who is not an Employee;
“Disability” in respect of a Participant, has the meaning given to such term in any written employment or consulting or retainer agreement between such Participant and the Company (or an Affiliate), and absent any such agreement containing such definition, means a mental or physical disability whereby such Participant:
(i) | is unable, due to illness, disease, mental or physical incapacity, disability or similar cause, to fulfill such Participant’s obligations as an Employee, Director or Consultant for a continuous period of six months or for a cumulative period of 180 days in any 12 month period, or |
(ii) | is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be mentally incompetent or incapable of managing such Participant’s affairs; |
“Dividend Share Unit” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2;
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“DSU” means a right, on the terms and conditions set out in the Plan or applicable DSU Agreement, to receive a Common Share issued from treasury (or an equivalent cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of one Common Share on settlement of the DSU at the discretion of the Company);
“DSU Agreement” means an agreement between the Company and an Employee, Director or officer evidencing the grant of a DSU and the terms and conditions of such DSU in the form of Schedule “D” hereto or such other form(s) as may be approved by the Board from time to time;
“DSU Payment Date” means, with respect to a DSU granted to a Participant, no later than December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the DSU Termination Date occurred;
“DSU Redemption Notice” means a notice by a Participant to the Company electing the redemption of DSUs;
“DSU Termination Date” means the date that the Participant ceases to be a Director or Employee, as applicable, for any reason including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, as a result of retirement, death, voluntary or involuntary termination, or Disability and, if applicable, means the effective date on which a Participant ceases, for any reason, to be an Director or Employee, as applicable, in a manner that qualifies as “Separation From Service” as defined in Schedule “E” hereto;
“Election Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(c);
“Employee” means (subject to any applicable securities laws) a full-time or part-time employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates;
“Employer” means, with respect to a Participant, the Company or the applicable Affiliate thereof that employs or engages the Participant or employed or engaged the Participant immediately prior to the relevant time;
“Exchange” means the Toronto Stock Exchange or, if the Common Shares are not then listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, such other principal market on which the Common Shares are then listed and posted for trading;
“Fair Market Value” means with respect to a Common Share, as of any date, the closing price of the Common Shares on the Exchange on the last trading day immediately preceding the applicable date or, if the Common Shares are not then readily tradable on an established securities market, the fair market value of such Common Shares as determined by the Board (by the reasonable application of a reasonable valuation method) and consistent with the principles of Code Sections 409A, 422 and 424 in the case of an Award granted to or held by a U.S. Taxpayer;
“Grant Date” means, for any Award, the date the Board grants the Award;
“Grant Resolution” means the applicable resolution of the Board authorizing and approving any Option, RSU, PSU, or DSU grant;
“Incentive Stock Option” means an option that meets the requirements of Code Section 422 or any successor provision and is designated as such by the Board in the applicable Grant Resolution;
“Insider” has the meaning given to such term in the policies of the Exchange;
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“Intrinsic Value” means, with respect to an Option (or relevant portion thereof), an amount equal to the product of (i) the number of Common Shares subject to such Option (or relevant portion thereof) and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of a Common Share as of the applicable date of determination over the Option Price (and, for avoidance of doubt, if there is no such excess, then the Intrinsic Value shall be zero);
“Non-Qualified Stock Option” means an option that is not intended to be or does not meet the requirements of an Incentive Stock Option. Any Option granted by the Board that is not designated as an Incentive Stock Option in the applicable Grant Resolution will be a Non-Qualified Stock Option;
“Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2;
“Notice Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.2;
“Option” means the right to purchase Common Shares granted under the Plan pursuant to the terms and conditions determined in the Grant Resolution and set forth in an Option Agreement;
“Option Agreement” means an agreement between the Company and an Employee, Director or Consultant evidencing the grant of an Option and the terms and conditions of such Option in the form of Schedule “A” hereto or such other form(s) as may be approved by the Board from time to time;
“Option Price” means the purchase price per Optioned Share determined in accordance with Section 4.4;
“Optioned Shares” means the Common Shares which may be or actually are purchased by a Participant pursuant to an Option;
“Parent Corporation” has the meaning set forth in Code Section 424(e) or any successor provision;
“Participant” means an Employee, Director, or Consultant who holds Awards granted under the Plan pursuant to an Award Agreement;
“Performance Period” means, with respect to PSUs, the period of time specified in a PSU Agreement during which the applicable Performance Vesting Conditions may be achieved;
“Performance Vesting Conditions” means such performance-related conditions in respect of the vesting of Share Units determined by the Board at the Grant Date, which may include but are not limited to, financial or operational performance of the Company, total shareholder return or individual performance criteria, measured over the Performance Period;
“Person” means any individual, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, syndicate, sole proprietorship, company or corporation with or without share capital, unincorporated association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other legal personal representative, regulatory body or agency, government or governmental agency, authority or entity however designated or constituted;
“Plan” means this Equity Incentive Plan, as may be amended or restated from time to time;
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“PSU” means a right, on the terms and conditions set out in the Plan or applicable PSU Agreement, to receive a Common Share issued from treasury (or an equivalent cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of one Common Share on settlement of the PSU at the discretion of the Company), that generally becomes vested, if at all, subject to the attainment of Performance Vesting Conditions and the satisfaction of such other conditions to vesting, if any, as may be determined by the Board;
“PSU Agreement” means an agreement between the Company and an Employee or Consultant evidencing the grant of a PSU and the terms and conditions of such PSU in the form of Schedule “B” hereto or such other form(s) as may be approved by the Board from time to time;
“RSU” means a right, on the terms and conditions set out in the Plan or applicable RSU Agreement, to receive a Common Share issued from treasury (or an equivalent cash payment equal to the Fair Market Value of one Common Share on settlement of the RSU at the discretion of the Company), that generally becomes vested, if at all, following a period of continuous employment or engagement;
“RSU Agreement” means an agreement between the Company and an Employee, Director or Consultant evidencing the grant of an RSU and the terms and conditions of such RSU in the form of Schedule “C” hereto or such other form(s) as may be approved by the Board from time to time;
“Security-Based Compensation Arrangement” has the meaning given to such term in the policies of the Exchange;
“Share Unit” means an RSU, PSU, DSU, or Dividend Share Unit as the context requires;
“Share Unit Account” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.4;
“Shareholder” means a holder of Common Shares;
“Subsidiary Corporation” has the meaning set forth in Code Section 424(f) or any successor provision;
“Termination Date” means: (i) in respect of a Participant who is a Director or Consultant, the date the Participant ceases to be a Director or Consultant for any reason, as applicable; and (ii) in respect of a Participant who is an Employee, the Participant’s last day of Active Employment with his or her Employer (other than in connection with the Participant’s transfer of employment to an Affiliate of his or her Employer); in each case, regardless of whether the Participant’s employment or engagement with the Company or any of its Affiliates is terminated with or without Cause, with or without notice, lawfully or unlawfully, and does not include any period of statutory, contractual, common law, civil law or other notice of termination of employment or engagement or any period of salary continuance, severance or deemed employment or other periods of time in respect of which damages are paid or payable to the Participant in respect of the termination of employment or engagement, whether pursuant to an employment agreement, service agreement or other agreement or at law. Any applicable severance period or notice period shall not be considered a period of employment or engagement for purposes of the Participant’s rights under the Plan;
“Third Party Purchaser” means any Person who is not an Affiliate of the Company and is the acquirer in connection with a Change in Control; and
“U.S. Taxpayer” means any Participant who is a United States citizen or United States resident alien as defined for purposes of Section 7701(b)(1)(A) of the Code or for whom an Award is otherwise subject to taxation under the Code; provided, that a Participant shall be a U.S. Taxpayer solely with respect to those affected Awards.
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2.2 | Interpretation |
Any reference in this Plan to gender shall include all genders, and words importing the singular number only shall include the plural and vice versa. The division of the Plan into Articles and Sections and the insertion of headings are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the interpretation of the Plan. Whenever the Board is entitled to exercise discretion in the administration of the Plan, the term “discretion” means the sole and absolute discretion of the Board. Unless otherwise indicated, any reference in the Plan to an Article or Section refers to the specified Article or Section of the Plan.
2.3 | Administration |
This Plan shall be administered by the Board, which shall have full authority to administer this Plan, subject to the rules of any stock exchange on which the Common Shares are listed, including the authority to: (i) grant Awards to Employees, Directors and Consultants; (ii) determine the Option Price, Performance Period, Performance Vesting Conditions, vesting schedule, term, limitations, intended tax treatment, restrictions and conditions applicable to Awards; (iii) interpret, administer and construe the Plan; (iv) subject to the rules of the Exchange, waive or amend any vesting conditions (including Performance Vesting Conditions) or vesting schedule; (v) establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the Plan; and (vi) make any other determinations that the Board deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan; subject in all cases to compliance with regulatory requirements. The Board may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, in the manner and to the extent the Board deems, in its discretion, necessary or desirable. All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Board in good faith shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding on the Participants and the Company. No member of the Board shall be personally liable for any action taken or determination or interpretation made in good faith in connection with this Plan and all members of the Board shall, in addition to their rights as directors of the Company, be fully protected, indemnified and held harmless by the Company with respect to any such action taken or determination or interpretation made. The appropriate officers of the Company are hereby authorized and empowered to do all things and execute and deliver all instruments, undertakings and applications and writings as they, in their absolute discretion, consider necessary or desirable for the implementation of this Plan and of the rules and regulations established for administering this Plan. All costs incurred in connection with this Plan shall be for the account of the Company. This Plan shall be administered in accordance with the rules and policies of the Exchange by the Board so long as the Common Shares are listed on the Exchange.
2.4 | Delegation to Committee |
All of the powers exercisable hereunder by the Board may, to the extent permitted by applicable law and as determined by resolution of the Board, be exercised by a committee of the Board comprised of not fewer than three directors of the Company, who shall satisfy such additional securities law and exchange-rule requirements as may be determined by the Board from time to time.
Article 3
SHARES RESERVED FOR ISSUANCE
3.1 | Shares Reserved for Issuance |
Subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 14.1, the maximum number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan (together with all other Security-Based Compensation Arrangements) shall not exceed 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares from time to time, on a non-diluted basis; of which the maximum number of Common Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan (together with all other Security-Based Compensation Arrangements) pursuant to (i) Incentive Stock Options is subject to a sublimit of 2,221,562, and (ii) Share Units is subject to a sublimit of 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares from time to time, on a non-diluted basis. Common Shares in respect of Options that have been cancelled, surrendered or terminated or that expire without being exercised and Common Shares underlying Share Units which expire, terminate or are settled or cancelled shall again be available for issuance under the Plan.
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If the Board authorizes the assumption or substitution under this Plan, in connection with any merger, consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, or reorganization, of awards granted under another plan, such assumption or substitution shall not reduce the maximum number of Common Shares available for issuance under this Plan, and, as deemed necessary by the Board, such assumed or substituted awards shall be subject to terms and conditions that may vary from those otherwise imposed under this Plan, all subject to applicable law and exchange rules.
3.2 | Participation Limits |
The Plan, when combined with all of the Company’s other Security-Based Compensation Arrangements, will not result at any time in:
(a) | a number of Common Shares issued to Insiders within a one-year period exceeding 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares; and |
(b) | a number of Common Shares issuable to Insiders at any time exceeding 10% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. |
Any entitlement to acquire Common Shares granted pursuant to the Plan or other Securities-Based Compensation Arrangement prior to the Participant becoming an Insider will be excluded for the purposes of the limits set out in this Section 3.2.
3.3 | Non-Employee Directors |
The aggregate value of all Awards granted to any one Director who is neither a Consultant nor an Employee in any one year period under the Plan and all other Security-Based Compensation Arrangements may not exceed $150,000 (with no more than $100,000 attributable to Options granted under the Plan or any other Security-Based Compensation Arrangements) based on the grant date fair value of the Awards, other than (i) Awards granted in lieu of cash fees payable for serving as a Director, or (ii) one-time initial grants of Awards made to a new non-employee Director upon joining the Board.
3.4 | No Fractional Shares |
No fractional Common Shares shall be issued under the Plan (including as a result of any adjustment made pursuant to Article 14), and a Participant shall have no right to payment or other consideration in respect of a fractional Common Share the right to which is forfeited as a result of this provision.
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Article 4
GRANT OF OPTIONS AND RIGHTS OF PARTICIPANTS
4.1 | Grant of Options |
The Board may, at any time and from time to time, grant Options to such Employees, Directors, and Consultants as it may select for the number of Optioned Shares that it shall designate, subject to the provisions of this Plan, and provided that the total number of Common Shares subject to and acquired upon exercise of Options shall not at any time exceed the maximum set forth in Section 3.1. The grant of an Option to a Participant at any time shall neither entitle such Participant to receive, nor preclude such Participant from receiving, a subsequent grant of an Option.
The Board shall make all necessary or desirable determinations regarding the granting of Options and may take into consideration the present and potential contributions of a particular Employee, Director, or Consultant to the success of the Company and its Affiliates and any other factors which it may deem proper and relevant.
4.2 | Incentive Stock Options |
The following provisions will apply only to Incentive Stock Options granted to U.S. Taxpayers under the Plan:
(a) | No Incentive Stock Option may be granted to any Employee, Director or Consultant who, at the time such Option is granted: (i) is not an employee of the Company or any Parent Corporation or Subsidiary Corporation of the Company; or (ii) owns securities possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of securities of the Company or any Parent Corporation or Subsidiary Corporation of the Company, except that with respect to provision (ii) hereof, such an Option may be granted to an employee if, at the time the Option is granted, the Option Price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Optioned Shares, and the Option by its terms is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from the applicable Grant Date. |
(b) | To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Common Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options (without regard to this Section 4.2(b)) are exercisable for the first time by any individual during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Parent Corporation or Subsidiary Corporation of the Company) exceeds US$100,000 (such Fair Market Value to be determined as of the Grant Date of the respective Incentive Stock Options), such Options will be treated as Non-Qualified Stock Options. This Section 4.2(b) will be applied by taking Options into account in the order in which they were granted. If some but not all Options granted on any one day are subject to this Section 4.2(b), then such Options will be apportioned between Incentive Stock Option and Non-Qualified Stock Option treatment in such manner as the Board will determine. |
(c) | No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted more than 10 years from the date the Plan is adopted or the date the Plan is approved by shareholders, whichever is earlier. Notwithstanding that the Plan shall be effective when adopted by the Board, no Incentive Stock Option granted under the Plan may be exercised until the Plan is approved by the Company’s shareholders, and if such approval is not obtained within 12 months after the date of the Board’s adoption of the Plan, then all Incentive Stock Options previously granted shall terminate for no consideration and shall cease to be outstanding, and, further, the Board shall obtain shareholder approval within 12 months before or after any material amendment to the Plan (including any increase in the total number of Common Shares that may be issued as Incentive Stock Options under the Plan or any change in the class of employees eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options under the Plan). |
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(d) | Disability of a holder of an Incentive Stock Option shall mean “permanent and total disability” as defined under Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. If the holder of an Incentive Stock Option ceases to be employed by the Company and all applicable Parent Corporations and Subsidiary Corporations, his or her Incentive Stock Options shall be eligible for treatment as such only if exercised (i) no later than 12 months following such termination if due to Disability or death or (ii) no later than three months following such termination if due to any other reason. By accepting an Option granted as an Incentive Stock Option under this Plan, a U.S. Taxpayer agrees to notify the Company in writing promptly after the U.S. Taxpayer disposes of any Common Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Option if the disposition occurs on or before the later of (A) the second anniversary of the grant date and (B) the first anniversary of the date of transfer of the Optioned Share to the U.S. Taxpayer, such notification to include the date and terms of the disposition and such other information as the Company may reasonably require. The following shall be prohibited with respect to an Incentive Stock Option absent disclosure of potential United States federal income tax consequences to the Participant affected thereby: (i) net exercise (pursuant to Section 6.2 hereof); (ii) exercise while unvested; and (iii) modification of an outstanding Incentive Stock Option in such a manner as would provide an additional benefit to the holder, including a reduction of the Option Price or extension of the Option expiration date. |
4.3 | Option Agreement |
Each Option granted by the Board shall be evidenced by an Option Agreement between the Participant and the Company in the form attached as Schedule “A” or such other form(s) as may be approved by the Board from time to time. Each Option Agreement shall specify the number of Optioned Shares, the Option Price, and the terms and conditions of the Option as specified in the Grant Resolution.
4.4 | Option Price |
The Option Price per Optioned Share at the time any Option is granted shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of the Common Shares on the Grant Date.
4.5 | Prohibition on Transfer, Assignment or Pledge of Options |
Options are personal to the Participant. No Participant may deal with any Option or any interest in it or transfer or assign any Option held by the Participant, except in the event of death or incapacity, where an Option may be transferred to the Participant’s heirs, executors, administrators, trustees, personal legal representatives or the like, subject to all the terms of the Plan and applicable Option Agreement, which shall be binding upon them; provided that an Incentive Stock Option shall not be transferable by a Participant otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and may be exercised during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant. A purported transfer or assignment of any Option in any other circumstances will not be valid, and the Company will not issue any Common Shares upon the attempted exercise of any such improperly transferred or assigned Option. A Participant may not mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or grant a security interest in any Option.
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Article 5
VESTING OF OPTIONS
5.1 | Vesting Specified in the Option Agreement |
The Option Agreement shall specify the date or dates upon which a Participant’s right to purchase the Optioned Shares shall vest (including subject to the attainment of certain financial results or other performance criteria). The Board shall have the discretion to provide for early vesting of any Option or Options.
Article 6
EXERCISE OF OPTIONS
6.1 | Exercise of Options |
Options shall be exercisable in the manner determined in the Grant Resolution and set forth in the Option Agreement (subject to acceleration by the Board) as to all or any lesser number of the Optioned Shares in respect of which the Participant’s right to purchase Optioned Shares has vested.
6.2 | Exercise Procedure |
Options shall be exercised by written notice to the Company specifying the number of Optioned Shares in respect of which such Option is then being exercised (“Notice”), and such Notice shall include payment in full of the applicable Option Price and any Applicable Withholding Taxes by way of cash or by certified cheque, bank draft, money order, or wire transfer of immediately available funds payable to the Company or by such other means as may be specified from time to time by the Company.
Subject to the approval of the Board, a Participant may exercise any Option on a cashless basis. In such event, a Participant may file a Notice in a form satisfactory to the Company and elect to surrender a number of vested Options in exchange for an amount equal to (i) the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Optioned Shares underlying the vested Options being surrendered determined as of the date such Notice is received by the Company (such date being referred to herein as the “Notice Date”), minus (ii) the aggregate Option Price of the Optioned Shares underlying the vested Options being surrendered and any Applicable Withholding Taxes. The Company shall satisfy the payment of such amount by issuing to the Participant such number of Common Shares (rounded down to the nearest whole number) based on the Fair Market Value of such Common Shares as determined on the Notice Date. Employees in the United States are hereby notified that utilizing the cashless exercise feature may result in negative tax consequences for both Incentive Stock Options and Non-Qualified Stock Options.
Subject to the approval of the Board in its sole discretion, a Participant may exercise any Option pursuant to a broker-assisted cashless exercise, whereby the Participant shall elect on the Notice to receive:
(a) | an amount in cash equal to the cash proceeds realized upon the sale in the capital markets of the Common Shares underlying the Options by a securities dealer designated by the Company, less the aggregate Option Price, any Applicable Withholding Taxes, and any transfer costs charged by the securities dealer to sell the Common Shares; |
(b) | an aggregate number of Common Shares that is equal to the number of Common Shares underlying the Options minus the number of Common Shares sold in the capital markets by a securities dealer designated by the Company as required to realize cash proceeds equal to the aggregate Option Price, any Applicable Withholding Taxes and any transfer costs charged by the securities dealer to sell the Common Shares; or |
(c) | a combination of (a) and (b). |
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6.3 | Issuance of Shares |
Following any exercise of Options, the Company shall take all actions necessary to issue fully paid and non-assessable Optioned Shares to the Participant, following which the Participant shall have no further rights, title or interest with respect to such Option. The obligation of the Company to issue and deliver any Common Shares in accordance with this Plan shall be subject to any necessary approval of any stock exchange or regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the securities of the Company. If any Common Shares cannot be issued to any Participant upon the exercise of an Option by reason of any stock exchange or regulatory authority, the obligation of the Company to issue such Common Shares shall terminate, and any Option Price paid to the Company in respect of the exercise of such Option shall be returned to the Participant.
Article 7
EXPIRATION AND TERMINATION OF OPTIONS
7.1 | Expiry of Options |
The Board will, at the time the Option is granted, determine the date(s) upon which an Option will expire, which date(s) cannot be greater than 10 years from the Grant Date, subject to Section 4.2(a) in respect of Incentive Stock Options. On the expiry of an Option, the Option will be null, void, and of no effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the expiration date of an Option falls within a Blackout Period or within nine Business Days after a Blackout Period Expiry Date, the expiration date of the Option (other than for an Incentive Stock Option or Non-Qualified Stock Option held by any U.S. Taxpayer) will be the date which is ten Business Days after the Blackout Period Expiry Date (“Blackout Extension Date”); provided that the Blackout Extension Date shall be available (a) only when the Blackout Period is self-imposed by the Company, and (b) to all Participants under the Plan other than U.S. Taxpayers, under the same terms and conditions. For greater certainty, the Board does not have discretion to extend the Blackout Extension Date beyond ten Business Days after the Blackout Period Expiry Date.
7.2 | Termination |
Options that are not vested as of the Participant’s Termination Date for any reason shall automatically terminate on the Termination Date, and, except as may be required to comply with the minimum requirements of applicable employment standards legislation, no amount shall be payable to the Participant in respect thereof as compensation, damages or otherwise, including on account of severance, payment in lieu of notice or damages for wrongful dismissal.
In the event a Participant ceases to be an Employee, Director, or Consultant other than as a result of a termination for Cause or the Participant’s death or Disability, then unless otherwise provided in the Grant Resolution, the Participant may, within 90 days after the Participant’s Termination Date, or such shorter period as is remaining in the term of the Options, exercise the Participant’s vested Options in accordance with Article 6. At the end of such 90-day period or such shorter period as is remaining in the term of the Options, the unexercised Options shall automatically terminate, be forfeited for no consideration and be of no further force or effect and, except as may be required to comply with the minimum requirements of applicable employment standards legislation, no amount shall be payable to the Participant in respect thereof as compensation, damages or otherwise, including on account of severance, payment in lieu of notice or damages for wrongful dismissal.
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In the event a Participant ceases to be an Employee, Director, or Consultant as a result of the Participant’s death or Disability, then unless otherwise provided in the Grant Resolution, the Participant or the legal representative of the Participant’s estate, as applicable, may, within one year after the Participant’s Termination Date, or such shorter period as is remaining in the term of the Options, exercise the Participant’s vested Options in accordance with Article 6. At the end of such one-year period or such shorter period as is remaining in the term of the Options, the unexercised Options shall automatically terminate, be forfeited for no consideration and be of no further force or effect and, except as may be required to comply with the minimum requirements of applicable employment standards legislation, no amount shall be payable to the Participant’s estate in respect thereof as compensation, damages or otherwise.
In the event a Participant ceases to be an Employee, Director, or Consultant as a result of being terminated for Cause, all Options that are held by such Participant, whether vested or unvested, shall automatically terminate on the Termination Date, and, except as may be required to comply with the minimum requirements of applicable employment standards legislation, no amount shall be payable to the Participant in respect thereof as compensation, damages or otherwise, including on account of severance, payment in lieu of notice or damages for wrongful dismissal.
The Plan may take away or limit a Participant’s common or civil law rights, as applicable, to Options, Common Shares and payments hereunder and any common or civil law rights, as applicable, to damages as compensation for the loss, or continued vesting, of Options, Common Shares or payments during any reasonable notice period. Any applicable severance period or reasonable notice period shall not be considered a period of employment or engagement for the purposes of a Participant’s rights under the Plan.
Article 8
GRANT OF SHARE UNITS and rights of participant
8.1 | Grant of RSUs or PSUs |
The Board may, at any time and from time to time, grant RSUs or PSUs to such Employees and Consultants, and RSUs to such Directors, in each case as it may select, subject to the provisions of this Plan, and provided that the total number of Common Shares acquired upon settlement of RSUs and PSUs shall not at any time exceed the maximum set forth in Section 3.1. The grant of an RSU or PSU to a Participant at any time shall neither entitle such Participant to receive, nor preclude such Participant from receiving, a subsequent grant of an RSU or PSU.
The Board shall make all necessary or desirable determinations regarding the granting of RSUs and PSUs and may take into consideration the present and potential contributions of a particular Employee, Director (in the case of RSUs only), or Consultant to the success of the Company and its Affiliates and any other factors which it may deem proper and relevant.
Each RSU and PSU granted by the Board shall be evidenced by an RSU Agreement or PSU Agreement, as applicable. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, RSUs and PSUs granted to a Participant shall be awarded solely in respect of services provided by such Participant in the calendar year in which the Grant Date occurs. In all cases, the RSUs and PSUs shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for or in lieu of, ordinary salary and wages payable to a Participant in respect of his or her services to his or her Employer.
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8.2 | Grant of DSUs |
(a) | Discretionary DSUs. The Board may, at any time and from time to time, grant DSUs to such Employees subject to the provisions of this Plan, and provided that the total number of Common Shares acquired upon settlement of DSUs shall not at any time exceed the maximum set forth in Section 3.1. The grant of a DSU to a Participant at any time shall neither entitle such Participant to receive, nor preclude such Participant from receiving, a subsequent grant of a DSU. |
(b) | Mandatory or Elective DSUs. In addition to Section 8.2(a), and provided that the total number of Common Shares acquired upon settlement of DSUs shall not at any time exceed the maximum set forth in Section 3.1, on fixed dates established by the Board and subject to such terms and conditions and other procedures as the Board will determine, the Board may require a Participant to, or may permit a Participant to irrevocably elect to, receive DSUs in satisfaction of all or a portion of the following amounts payable by the Company or any of its Affiliate: |
(i) | Director’s Retainer - in the case of a Director who is not also an Employee, an amount equal to all or a portion of his or her annual directors’ retainer payable on account of his or her services as a Director (which amount will not include committee chairperson retainers, committee members retainers, Board or committee meeting fees, or special remuneration for ad hoc services rendered to the Board); or |
(ii) | Employees’ Annual Incentive - in the case of an Employee, an amount equal to all or a portion of his or her annual incentive bonus for a calendar year, |
(in each case, the “Deferred Annual Amount”). In such cases, the Participant will receive an Award of DSUs equal to the greatest whole number which may be obtained by dividing (i) the amount of the Deferred Annual Amount, by (ii) the Fair Market Value of one Common Share determined on the date of payment of such Deferred Annual Amount.
(c) | Subject to Board approval, a Participant may in accordance with Section 8.2(b) elect by filing an irrevocable election notice (the “Election Notice”), once each calendar year, to be paid up to 100% of such Participant’s Deferred Annual Amount in the form of DSUs with the balance, if any, being paid in cash in accordance with the Company’s regular practices of paying such cash compensation, provided that for a U.S. Taxpayer the election is made in accordance with the provisions of Schedule “E” hereto. In the case of an existing Participant, the election must be completed, signed and delivered to the Company by the end of the calendar year preceding the calendar year to which such election is to apply. In the case of a new electing Participant, the election must be completed, signed and delivered to the Company as soon as possible, and, in any event, no later than 30 days after becoming an eligible Participant, with such election to be effective on the first day of the fiscal quarter of the Company next following the date of the Company’s receipt of the election until the final day of such calendar year. |
(d) | The Election Notice shall, subject to any minimum amount that may be required by the Board, from time to time, designate the percentage of the Deferred Annual Amount that would otherwise be paid in cash for the applicable calendar year that is to be deferred into DSUs, with the remaining percentage to be paid in cash in accordance with the Company’s regular practices of paying such cash compensation. |
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(e) | If a Blackout Period is in effect, or if the Participant has knowledge of a material fact or material change that has not been generally disclosed at the time the Participant would otherwise be required to deliver his or her Election Notice, such election shall be made on the second Business Day after the Blackout Period Expiry Date or the material fact or material change is generally disclosed. This Section 8.2(e) shall only apply to Participants who are not U.S. Taxpayers. |
8.3 | Dividend Share Units |
When regular dividends (other than stock dividends) are paid on Common Shares, the Board may, in its sole discretion, award additional Share Units (“Dividend Share Units”) which shall be credited to a Participant’s Share Unit Account as of the dividend payment date. The number of Dividend Share Units to be credited to the Participant’s Share Unit Account shall be determined by multiplying the aggregate number of Share Units held by the Participant on the relevant record date by the amount of the dividend paid by the Company on each Common Share, and dividing the result by the Fair Market Value of the Common Shares determined on the dividend payment date, which Dividend Share Units shall be in the form of RSUs, PSUs or DSUs, as applicable. Dividend Share Units credited to a Participant’s Share Unit Account in accordance with this Section 8.3 shall be subject to the same vesting and settlement conditions applicable to the related RSUs, PSUs or DSUs. For greater certainty, in the event that the Participant’s applicable Share Units do not vest, all Dividend Share Units, if any, associated with such Share Units will be forfeited by the Participant.
8.4 | Share Unit Accounts |
An account, called a “Share Unit Account”, shall be maintained by the Company or a third party administrator for each Participant and will be credited with such grants of RSUs, PSUs, DSUs or Dividend Share Units as are received by the Participant from time to time. Share Units that fail to vest or that are settled in accordance with Section 10.1 shall be cancelled and shall cease to be recorded in the Participant’s Share Unit Account as of the date on which such Share Units are forfeited or cancelled under the Plan or are settled, as the case may be. Where a Participant has been granted one or more RSUs, PSUs or DSUs, such RSUs, PSUs and DSUs (and related Dividend Share Units) shall be recorded separately in the Participant’s Share Unit Account.
Article 9
VESTING AND OTHER TERMS OF SHARE UNITS
9.1 | Vesting and Other Terms Specified in the RSU Agreement |
Each RSU Agreement shall set forth: (i) the Grant Date of the RSUs; (ii) the number of RSUs subject to such Award; and (iii) the applicable vesting schedule, and may specify such other terms and conditions consistent with the terms of the Plan as the Board shall determine or as shall be required under any other provision of the Plan or the rules of any stock exchange on which the Common Shares are listed. The Board shall have the discretion to provide for early vesting of any RSU.
9.2 | Vesting and Other Terms Specified in the PSU Agreement |
Each PSU Agreement shall set forth: (i) the Grant Date of the PSUs; (ii) the number of PSUs subject to such Award; (iii) the applicable vesting schedule; and (iv) any applicable Performance Vesting Conditions and Performance Period, and may specify such other terms and conditions consistent with the terms of the Plan as the Board shall determine or as shall be required under any other provision of the Plan or the rules of any stock exchange on which the Common Shares are listed. The Board shall have the discretion to provide for early vesting of any PSU.
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9.3 | Vesting and Other Terms Specified in the DSU Agreement |
(a) | Each DSU Agreement shall set forth: (i) the Grant Date of the DSUs; (ii) the number of DSUs subject to such Award; (iii) for DSU awarded under Section 8.2(a), the applicable vesting schedule, and may specify such other terms and conditions consistent with the terms of the Plan as the Board shall determine or as shall be required under any other provision of the Plan or the rules of any stock exchange on which the Common Shares are listed. |
(b) | Except as otherwise determined by the Board or as set forth in the particular DSU Agreement, DSUs shall vest immediately upon grant. Participants will not have any right to receive any benefit under the Plan in respect of a DSU until the DSU Termination Date. |
Article 10
SETTLEMENT OF SHARE UNITS
10.1 | Settlement of RSUs and PSUs |
On or as soon as practicable following the vesting date of an RSU or PSU, subject to Section 15.11, the Company shall redeem such RSU or PSU for the following, at the election of the Company in its sole discretion: (i) the number of Common Shares that is equal to the number of vested Share Units held by the Participant as at the vesting date (rounded down to the nearest whole number), as fully paid and non-assessable Common Shares (net of Common Shares withheld to satisfy any Applicable Withholding Taxes), (ii) a lump sum cash payment, through its regular payroll practices equal to the number of Share Units to be redeemed multiplied by the Fair Market Value per Common Share determined as at such applicable settlement date (net of any Applicable Withholding Taxes) administrator, or (iii) a combination of Common Shares and cash as contemplated in (i) and (ii) above. Upon settlement of such Share Units, the corresponding number of Share Units credited to the Participant’s Share Unit Account shall be cancelled and the Participant shall have no further rights, title or interest with respect thereto.
10.2 | Settlement of DSUs |
(a) | Following the DSU Termination Date and no later than the DSU Payment Date, the Participant may redeem the DSUs credited to the Participant’s Share Unit Account by filing with the Company, one or more DSU Redemption Notices on or before December 1 of the first calendar year commencing after the DSU Termination Date. If the Participant fails to file a DSU Redemption Notice on or before such December 1 deadline, the Participant shall be deemed to have filed with the Company a DSU Redemption Notice on such December 1 deadline to redeem all vested DSUs credited to such Participant’s Share Unit Account. Each date on which a notice of redemption is filed or deemed to be filed with the Company is the “Filing Date”. Each DSU Redemption Notice filed by the Participant shall specify the number of vested DSUs to be redeemed and if such number is not so specified, it shall be deemed to be all of the vested DSUs credited to the Participant’s Share Unit Account. |
(b) | On or as soon as practicable following the Filing Date, subject to Section 15.11, the Company shall redeem such vested DSUs for the following, at the election of the Company in its sole discretion: (i) the number of Common Shares that is equal to the number of vested DSUs held by the Participant as at the Filing Date (rounded down to the nearest whole number), as fully paid and non-assessable Common Shares (net of Common Shares withheld to satisfy any Applicable Withholding Taxes), (ii) a lump sum cash payment, through its regular payroll practices equal to the number of DSUs to be redeemed multiplied by the Fair Market Value per Common Share determined as at such applicable Filing Date (net of any Applicable Withholding Taxes), or (iii) a combination of Common Shares and cash as contemplated in (i) and (ii) above. Upon settlement of such DSUs, the corresponding number of DSUs credited to the Participant’s Share Unit Account shall be cancelled and the Participant shall have no further rights, title or interest with respect thereto. |
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(c) | In respect of Participants who are U.S. Taxpayers, redemption and settlement of DSUs shall be governed by Schedule “E”. |
10.3 | Blackout Periods |
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, if the expiry date or vesting date of an Share Unit is (i) during a Blackout Period, or (ii) within nine Business Days following the Blackout Period Expiry Date, the expiry date, vesting date or redemption date, as applicable, will be automatically extended for a period of ten Business Days following the Blackout Period Expiry Date. Any settlement of a Share Unit that is effected during such Blackout Period in order to comply with Sections 10.1 and 10.2 will (subject to the requirements of applicable law) be settled in cash, notwithstanding any other provision hereof. This Section 10.3 shall only apply to Participants who are not U.S. Taxpayers.
Article 11
TERMINATION
11.1 | Termination |
In the event a Participant ceases to be an Employee, Director, or Consultant other than as a result of death or Disability, Share Units that are not vested as of the Participant’s Termination Date for any reason shall automatically terminate on the Termination Date, and, except as may be required to comply with the minimum requirements of applicable employment standards legislation, no amount shall be payable to the Participant in respect thereof as compensation, damages or otherwise, including on account of severance, payment in lieu of notice or damages for wrongful dismissal.
In the event a Participant ceases to be an Employee, Director, or Consultant as a result of death or Disability, Share Units that are not vested as of the Participant’s Termination Date shall be deemed to vest on the Termination Date: (i) in the case of RSUs, in the proportion that the time a Participant was an Employee, Director, or Consultant during the particular vesting period, as provided in the applicable RSU Agreement, is of the entire time of the particular vesting period, as provided in the applicable RSU Agreement; (ii) in the case of PSUs, in the same proportion that Performance Vesting Conditions in respect of a particular Performance Period have been achieved by the Employee or Consultant, as the case may be, is of all of the Performance Vesting Conditions in respect of a particular Performance Period, as provided in the applicable PSU Agreement; and (iii) in the case of DSUs, in the proportion that the time a Participant was an Employee during the particular vesting period, as provided in the applicable DSU Agreement, is of the entire time of the particular vesting period, as provided in the applicable DSU Agreement.
In the event a Participant ceases to be an Employee, Director, or Consultant other than as a result of a termination for Cause, then any vested Share Units in the Participant’s Share Unit Account on the Participant’s Termination Date shall be settled as soon as practicable following the Termination Date in accordance with Section 10.1 or Section 10.2, as applicable for Participants who are not U.S. Taxpayers, and will be settled at such time as provided in the applicable Award Agreement for Participants who are U.S. Taxpayers.
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In the event a Participant ceases to be an Employee, Director, or Consultant as a result of being terminated for Cause, all Share Units that are held by such Participant, whether vested or unvested, shall automatically terminate on the Termination Date, and, except as may be required to comply with the minimum requirements of applicable employment standards legislation, no amount shall be payable to the Participant in respect thereof as compensation, damages or otherwise, including on account of severance, payment in lieu of notice or damages for wrongful dismissal.
The Plan may take away or limit a Participant’s common or civil law rights, as applicable, to Share Units and Common Shares and any common or civil law rights, as applicable, to damages as compensation for the loss, or continued vesting, of Share Units and Common Shares during any reasonable notice period. Any applicable severance period or reasonable notice period shall not be considered a period of employment or engagement for the purposes of a Participant’s rights under the Plan.
Article 12
CHANGE IN CONTROL
12.1 | Change in Control |
In the event of a Change in Control, except as otherwise provided in the Grant Resolution, the Board shall provide for the treatment of each outstanding Award as it determines in its sole discretion, which treatment need not be uniform for all Participants and/or Awards and which may include, without limitation, one or more of the following:
(a) | (i) continuation of such Awards or (ii) conversion of such Awards into, or substitution or replacement of such Awards with, an award with respect to shares of the successor corporation (or a parent or subsidiary thereof) with substantially equivalent terms and value as such Awards (which value as of immediately following such Change in Control shall not exceed the Intrinsic Value of any such Option as of immediately prior to such Change in Control), effected in accordance with Code Sections 409A and 424 to the extent applicable; and/or |
(b) | acceleration of the vesting and the right to exercise such Option or settle such Share Unit as of immediately, or during a specified period, prior to such Change in Control, and the termination of such Option to the extent such Option is not timely exercised. If the Change in Control is not completed within the time specified therein (as the same may be extended), the Awards which vest pursuant to this Section 12.1(b) shall be returned by the Company to the Participant and, if exercised or settled, as applicable, the Common Shares issued on such exercise or settlement shall be reinstated as authorized but unissued Common Shares and the original terms applicable to such Awards shall be reinstated. |
For purposes of the application of this Section 12.1 to any outstanding Award, if such Award is subject to performance criteria (including any Performance Vesting Conditions), the level of attainment of such criteria shall be determined by the Board in its sole discretion, including, without limitation, by deeming such criteria attained at the applicable target or maximum level regardless of actual performance, or measuring the attainment of such criteria based on actual performance through such Change in Control or a specified date prior thereto.
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Article 13
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
13.1 | Shareholder Rights |
Except as specifically set out herein, a Participant shall have no rights whatsoever as a shareholder in respect of any of the Optioned Shares (including any right to vote or to receive dividends or other distributions therefrom), unless and only to the extent that the Participant has duly exercised an Option in accordance with the terms of the Plan and has become a Shareholder. Share Units shall not be considered Common Shares nor shall they entitle a Participant to any interest in or title to any Common Shares or to exercise voting rights or any other rights attaching to the Common Shares.
Article 14
CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS
14.1 | Adjustment in the Number of Shares |
In the event of any corporate event or transaction involving the Company or an Affiliate (including, but not limited to, a change in the Common Shares of the Company or the capitalization of the Company), such as a merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, separation, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, split- up, spin-off, combination of shares, exchange of shares, dividend in kind, extraordinary cash dividend, amalgamation or other like change in capital structure (other than normal cash dividends to shareholders of the Company), or any similar corporate event or transaction, the Board, to prevent dilution or enlargement of Participants’ rights under the Plan, shall substitute or adjust, in its sole discretion: (i) the number and kind of shares or other securities that may be granted pursuant to Awards; (ii) the number and kind of shares or other securities subject to outstanding Awards; (iii) the Option Price applicable to outstanding Options; (iv) the number of Share Units in the Participants’ Share Unit Accounts; (v) the vesting of PSUs; and/or (vi) other value determinations (including performance conditions) applicable to the Plan or outstanding Awards; provided, however, that no adjustment will obligate the Company to issue or sell fractional securities. All adjustments shall be made in good-faith compliance with paragraph 7(1.4)(c) of the Act, Code Section 409A and/or Code Section 424, as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt, the purchase of Common Shares or other equity securities of the Company by a shareholder of the Company or by any third party from the Company shall not constitute a corporate event or transaction giving rise to an adjustment pursuant to this Section 14.1.
Article 15
GENERAL
15.1 | Notice |
Any notice required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered by hand or telecopied and addressed to the recipient, and if to the Company, at its principal office, and if to the Participant, at the address indicated in the Award Agreement or at the Participant’s last known address shown in the records of the Company or any Affiliate. It is the responsibility of the Participant to advise the Company of any change in address, and neither the Company nor any Affiliate shall have any responsibility for any failure by the Participant to do so. Any Participant may change his or her address from time to time by notice in writing to the Company. The Company shall give written notice to each Participant of any change of the Company’s address. Any such notice shall be effective, if delivered, on the date of delivery and, if sent by facsimile, on the day following receipt of the facsimile.
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15.2 | No Special Rights |
No Participant shall be induced to acquire, settle, or exercise Awards by expectation of employment, engagement, or service or continued employment, engagement, or service. Nothing contained in the Plan or by the grant of any Awards shall confer upon any Participant any right with respect to employment, engagement, or service or in continuance of employment, engagement, or service with the Company or any of its Affiliates or interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any of its Affiliates to terminate a Participant’s employment, engagement or service at any time. Nothing in this Plan may be construed to provide any Participant with any rights whatsoever to compensation or damages in lieu of notice or continued participation in, or entitlements under, the Plan as a consequence of a Participant’s termination of employment or service (regardless of the reason for the termination and the party causing the termination, including a termination without Cause). The Plan does not give any Participant any right to claim any benefit or compensation except to the extent specifically provided in the Plan. Participation in the Plan by a Participant shall be voluntary.
15.3 | Other Employee Benefits |
The amount of any compensation received or deemed to be received by a Participant as a result of his or her participation in the Plan will not constitute compensation, earnings, or wages with respect to which any other employee benefits of that Participant are determined, including, without limitation, benefits under any bonus, pension, profit-sharing, insurance, termination, severance or salary continuation plan or any other employee benefit plans, nor under any applicable employment standards or other legislation, except as otherwise specifically determined by the Board.
15.4 | Amendment |
The Board may amend or suspend any provision of the Plan or any Award or Award Agreement, or terminate this Plan, at any time without approval of security holders, subject to those provisions of applicable law and the rules, regulations and policies of the Exchange, if any, that require the approval of security holders or any governmental or regulatory body regardless of whether any such amendment or suspension is material, fundamental or otherwise, and notwithstanding any rule of common law or equity to the contrary. However, except as expressly set forth herein, including in Section 15.7 and Section 15.11(b), or as required pursuant to applicable law, no action of the Board or security holders may materially adversely alter or impair the rights of a Participant under any Award previously granted to the Participant without the consent of the affected Participant.
(a) | Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Board may make the following types of amendments to this Plan or any Award without seeking security holder approval: |
(i) | amendments of a “housekeeping” or administrative nature, including any amendment for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, error or omission in this Plan or any Award or to correct or supplement any provision of this Plan or any Award that is inconsistent with any other provision of this Plan or any Award; |
(ii) | amendments necessary to comply with the provisions of applicable law or the rules, regulations and policies of any stock exchange on which the Common Shares are listed; |
(iii) | amendments necessary for Awards to qualify for favourable treatment under applicable tax laws; |
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(iv) | amendments to the vesting provisions of this Plan or any Award; |
(v) | amendments to include or modify a cashless exercise feature, payable in cash or Common Shares; |
(vi) | amendments to the termination or early termination provisions of this Plan or any Award, whether or not such Award is held by an Insider, provided such amendment does not entail an extension beyond the original expiry date of an Option; and |
(vii) | amendments necessary to suspend or terminate this Plan. |
(b) | Security holder approval will be required for the following types of amendments: |
(i) | any amendment to increase the maximum number of Common Shares issuable under this Plan, other than pursuant to Section 14.1; |
(ii) | any amendment which reduces the Option Price of an Option or that would be treated as a “repricing” under the then-applicable rules, regulations or listing requirements adopted by the exchange(s) on which the Common Shares are then listed, in each case, other than pursuant to Sections 14.1; |
(iii) | any amendment extending the term of an Option beyond the original expiry date, except as provided in Section 7.1; |
(iv) | any amendment which deletes or reduces the range of amendments which require approval by the security holders of the Company under this Section 15.4; |
(v) | any amendment to remove or exceed the Insider participation limit; |
(vi) | any amendment that would permit the introduction or reintroduction of non-employee directors as eligible Participants on a discretionary basis or any amendment that increases the limits previously imposed on non-employee director participation; |
(vii) | any amendment which would allow for the transfer or assignment of Awards under this Plan, other than for normal estate settlement purposes; and |
(viii) | amendments required to be approved by security holders under applicable law or the rules, regulations and policies of any stock exchange on which the Common Shares are listed. |
15.5 | No Undertaking or Representation; No Constraint on Corporate Action |
Each Participant, by participating in the Plan and upon executing an Award Agreement, shall be deemed to have accepted all risks associated with acquiring Common Shares (including Optioned Shares) pursuant to the Plan. The Company hereby informs each Participant that the Awards and the Common Shares (including Optioned Shares) are subject to, and may be required to be held indefinitely under, applicable securities laws. The Company, its Affiliates and the Board make no undertaking, representation, warranty, or guarantee as to the future value or price, or as to the listing on any stock exchange or other market, of any Common Shares issued in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, and shall not be liable to any Participant for any loss whatsoever resulting from that Participant’s participation in the Plan or as a result of the amendment, suspension, or termination of the Plan or any Award.
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Nothing herein shall be construed to (i) limit, impair, or otherwise affect the Company’s right or power to make adjustments, reclassifications, reorganizations, or changes of or to its capital or business structure or to merge or consolidate, or dissolve, liquidate, sell, or transfer all or any part of its business or assets; or (ii) limit the right or power of the Company to take any action that it deems to be necessary or appropriate.
15.6 | Applicable Law |
This Plan and the provisions hereof shall be governed by and interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
15.7 | Compliance with Applicable Law |
If any provision of the Plan or any Award contravenes any law or any order, policy, by-law, rule, or regulation of any regulatory body or stock exchange having jurisdiction or authority over the securities of the Company or its Affiliates or the Plan, then such provision may in the sole discretion of the Board be amended to the extent considered necessary or desirable to bring such provision into compliance therewith, and appropriate consideration shall be paid by the Company to the extent that a Participant is adversely affected by such amendment.
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan, the Company will have no obligation to issue or deliver Common Shares under this Plan prior to: (a) obtaining any approvals from such governmental agencies that the Company determines are necessary or advisable (b) obtaining approval of the shareholders of the Company in respect of the adoption of the Plan and any Awards granted under the Plan prior to such shareholder approval, in accordance with the rules and policies of the Exchange that the Company determines to be necessary or advisable, and/or (b) completion of any registration or other qualification of such Common Shares under any U.S. or Canadian provincial, state, or federal law or any foreign law or ruling of any governmental body that the Company determines to be necessary or advisable. The Company will be under no obligation to register the Common Shares or to effect compliance with the registration, qualification, or listing requirements of any U.S. or Canadian provincial, state, or federal securities laws, foreign securities laws, or stock exchange or automated quotation system, and the Company will have no liability for any inability or failure to do so.
15.8 | Unfunded Plan |
This Plan is unfunded. To the extent any individual holds any rights under the Plan, such rights (unless otherwise determined by the Board) are no greater than the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company. The Plan is not subject to the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
15.9 | Priority of Agreements |
In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the provisions of the Plan and any Award Agreement, the provisions of the Plan shall prevail. Unless otherwise provided herein, in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the provisions of the Plan or any Award Agreement, on the one hand, and a Participant’s employment or service agreement with the Company or its Affiliate, on the other hand, the provisions of the employment or service agreement shall prevail.
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15.10 | Successors and Assigns |
The Plan shall be binding on all successors and assigns of the Company and each Participant, including without limitation, the legal representative of a Participant, or any receiver or trustee in bankruptcy or representative of the creditors of the Company or a Participant.
15.11 | Tax Consequences |
(a) | It is the responsibility of the Participant to complete and file any tax returns which may be required under any applicable tax laws within the periods specified in those laws as a result of the Participant’s participation in the Plan. The Company shall not be held responsible for any tax consequences to the Participant as a result of the Participant’s participation in the Plan. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, a Participant shall be solely responsible for all Applicable Withholding Taxes resulting from his or her receipt of Common Shares or other property pursuant to this Plan. The exercise of each Option and the settlement of each Share Unit granted under the Plan is subject to the condition that if at any time the Company determines, in its discretion, that the satisfaction of any Applicable Withholding Taxes is required under applicable law in respect of such exercise or settlement, such exercise or settlement is not effective unless such withholding has been affected to the satisfaction of the Company. In connection with the issuance of Common Shares or other property pursuant to the Plan or any other taxable event, the Company may require a Participant to: (i) pay to the Company sufficient cash as is reasonably determined by the Company to be the amount necessary to permit the required tax remittance to the relevant taxing authority; (ii) authorize a securities dealer designated by the Company to sell in the capital markets, on behalf of the Participant, a portion of the Common Shares issued hereunder to realize cash proceeds to be used to satisfy the Applicable Withholding Taxes; (iii) elect to surrender, subject to the prior consent of the Company, such number of vested Share Units to the Company for an amount which shall be used to satisfy the Applicable Withholding Taxes, provided, that the number of vested Share Units that may be surrendered shall be equal to the Applicable Withholding Taxes divided by the Fair Market Value of a Common Share on the applicable date (rounded up to the nearest whole Common Share); or (iv) make other arrangements acceptable to the Company to fund the Applicable Withholding Taxes. |
(b) | Each Award granted to or held while a U.S. Taxpayer is intended to be exempt from or compliant with Code Section 409A, and this Plan and all Award Agreements entered into with U.S. Taxpayers hereunder shall be construed and interpreted consistent with such intent If any provision of the Plan contravenes Code Section 409A or could cause the U.S. Taxpayer to incur any tax, interest or penalties under Code Section 409A, the Board may, in its sole discretion and without the U.S. Taxpayer’s consent, modify such provision to: (i) comply with, or avoid being subject to, Code Section 409A, or to avoid the incurrence of taxes, interest and penalties under Code Section 409A; and/or (ii) maintain, to the maximum extent practicable, the original intent and economic benefit to the U.S. Taxpayer of the applicable provision without materially increasing the cost to the Company or contravening Code Section 409A. However, the Company will have no obligation to modify the Plan or any Option and does not guarantee that Awards will not be subject to taxes, interest and penalties under Code Section 409A, and neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates shall be liable for any taxes, penalties or interest that may be imposed on a Participant under Section 409A or for any damages for failing to comply with or be exempt from Code Section 409A. A Non-Qualified Stock Option shall not be granted to a U.S. Taxpayer unless the Common Shares constitute “service recipient stock” with respect to such U.S. Taxpayer within the meaning of Code Section 409A. In the case of an Award subject to Code Section 409A, all payments to be made upon (or on a timeline determined by reference to) a U.S. Taxpayer’s termination date shall only be made upon a “separation from service” as defined under Code Section 409A, and “Termination Date”, “termination,” “termination of employment” and like terms will be construed accordingly. If on the date of the U.S. Taxpayer’s separation from service the Company’s Common Shares (or stock of any other company that is required to be aggregated with the Company in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A) are publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise and the U.S. Taxpayer is a “specified employee” for purposes of Code Section 409A, then to the extent compliance with the requirements of Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(i)(2) (or any successor provision) is necessary to avoid the application of an additional tax under Code Section 409A, any amounts payable under the Plan on account of such separation from service that would (but for this provision) be payable within six (6) months following the date of the separation from service shall instead be paid on the next business day following the expiration of such six (6) month period or, if earlier, upon the Participant’s death,. |
(c) | The Company and the Board make no guarantees regarding, and shall have no liability to any person in connection with, the tax treatment of any Awards or Common Shares or payments in respect thereof, including their taxation, qualification or exemption from Section 409A, 457A, 422, 424 and/or 4999 of the Code, and neither of them has any obligation to take action to prevent the assessment of tax thereunder or otherwise. |
15.12 | Severability |
If any provision of this Plan shall be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed from this Plan and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
15.13 | Effective Date |
This Plan was approved by the Board effective September 20, 2023 and the effective date of this Plan shall be September 20, 2023.
Schedule “A”
Form of Stock Option Agreement
OPTION AGREEMENT
PURSUANT TO THE BREATHE BIOMEDICAL INC. EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
This agreement (“Agreement”) is effective as of ●, 20● between Breathe Biomedical Inc. (the “Company”) and ● (the “Optionee”).
Preliminary Statement
The Board hereby grants this stock option (the “Option”) as of ● (the “Grant Date”), pursuant to the Breathe Biomedical Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (as in effect from time to time, the “Plan”), to purchase Optioned Shares, to the Optionee. Except as otherwise indicated, any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Plan. A copy of the Plan has been delivered to the Optionee. By signing and returning this Agreement, the Optionee acknowledges having received and read a copy of the Plan, including the early termination provisions set out in Article 7, and agrees to comply with it, this Agreement and all applicable laws and regulations.
[The Option is a Non-Qualified Stock Option and is not intended to qualify under Code Section 422.] OR [The Option is an Incentive Stock Option and is intended to qualify under Code Section 422.]
Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. | Contractual Arrangements. The grant of Options evidenced by this Agreement represents a portion of ● Options reserved for issuance to you upon the terms and conditions set forth in your [employment/services] agreement dated ●. |
2. | Common Shares Subject to Option. Subject in all respects to the Plan and the terms and conditions set forth herein and therein, and in consideration of services provided by the Optionee to the Company or any of its Affiliates, the Option entitles the Optionee to purchase from the Company, upon exercise, ● Optioned Shares at the Option Price of $● per Optioned Share at the times set forth in Section 3 below. |
3. | Vesting and Exercise. The Option shall vest and become exercisable over ● years, ● of which will vest after ●, and the remainder which will vest in ● equal monthly installments thereafter, provided, with respect to each vesting date, that the Optionee has not experienced a Termination Date prior to such date. There shall be no proportionate or partial vesting in the periods prior to each applicable vesting date. |
4. | Option Term. The term of the Option shall be until the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Grant Date, after which time it shall expire (the “Expiration Date”). Upon the Expiration Date, the Option shall be canceled for no consideration and no longer be exercisable. The Option is subject to termination prior to the Expiration Date to the extent provided in Article 7 of the Plan. |
5. | Provisions of the Plan Control. This Agreement is subject to all the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan, including the amendment provisions thereof, and to such rules, regulations and interpretations relating to the Plan as may be adopted by the Board and as may be in effect from time to time. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. If and to the extent that this Agreement conflicts or is inconsistent with the Plan, the Plan shall control. |
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6. | Severability of Provisions. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and the Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included. |
7. | Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. |
8. | Financial, Legal and Tax Advice. The Optionee acknowledges that he or she has had the opportunity to consult with his or her own financial, legal and tax advisors with respect to participation in the Plan and the receipt of Options hereunder. |
9. | Privacy. The Optionee agrees to provide the Company with all information (including personal information) required by the Company to administer the Plan. The Optionee acknowledges that such information may be disclosed to the Board or such officers, employees or other persons involved in the administration of the Plan and hereby consents to such disclosure. |
10. | Language Consent. The Company and the Optionee acknowledge that it is their express wish that this Agreement, as well as all documents, notices, and legal proceedings entered into, given or instituted pursuant hereto or relating directly or indirectly hereto, be drawn up in English only. Consentement relatif à la langue utilisée. Les parties reconnaissent avoir exigé que cette convention ainsi que tous les documents, avis et procédures judiciaires, éxécutés, donnés ou intentés en vertu de, ou liés directement ou indirectement à la présente soient rédigés en anglais uniquement. |
11. | Company Policies. The Optionee agrees, in consideration for the grant of this Award, to be subject to any compensation, clawback, recoupment or similar policies of the Company or its Affiliates covering the Optionee that may be in effect from time to time, whether adopted before or after the Grant Date, and (ii) to such other clawbacks as may be required by applicable law, regulation or exchange listing standard ((i) and (ii) together, the “Clawback Provisions”). The Optionee understands that the Clawback Provisions are not limited in their application to this Award, or to equity or cash received in connection with this Award. In addition, in consideration for the grant of this Award, the Optionee agrees to be subject to any policies of the Company and its Affiliates regarding securities trading, and hedging or pledging of securities that may be in effect from time to time, or as may otherwise be required by applicable law, regulation or exchange listing standard. |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.
BREATHE BIOMEDICAL INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
I agree to the terms and conditions set out herein and confirm and acknowledge that I have not been induced to enter into this Agreement or acquire any Option or Common Shares by expectation of employment or engagement or continued employment or engagement with the Company or any of its Affiliates. I confirm and acknowledge that I have received and reviewed a copy of the Plan and that I understand and accept its terms and provisions, including the early termination provisions set out in Article 7 of the Plan that provide that my Options may be forfeited for no consideration upon various events of termination, including a termination with or without Cause.
I agree to provide the Company with all information (including personal information) required by the Company to administer the Plan. I consent to the Company and any of its Affiliates sharing and exchanging my information held in order to administer and operate the Plan (including personal details, data relating to my participation, salary, taxation and employment and sensitive personal data, including data relating to physical or mental health, criminal conviction or the alleged commission of offences) (“my Information”) and providing the Board, the Company’s and/or any of its Affiliates’ agents, officers, employees and/or third parties with my information for the administration and operation of the Plan. I acknowledge that the collection, processing and transfer of my Information is important to the Plan administration and that failure to consent to same may prohibit participation in the Plan or my receipt of the Option.
Optionee Signature |
Optionee Name (please print) |
CHECK THE BOX BELOW, IF APPLICABLE:
☐ | I am a U.S. Taxpayer, and I understand that the provisions of the Plan specific to U.S. Taxpayers and to the application of the Code shall apply to the Option granted to me hereunder. [Without limitation, I understand that the Option is a Non-Qualified Stock Option, no portion of which is intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Code Section 422.] OR [Without limitation, I understand that the Option is intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option under Code Section 422, but, if and to the extent disqualified, will be treated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option.] |
Schedule “B”
PSU AGREEMENT
PURSUANT TO THE Breathe Biomedical Inc. EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
This agreement (“Agreement”) is effective as of ●, 20 ● between Breathe Biomedical Inc. (the “Company”) and ● (the “Participant”).
Preliminary Statement
The Board hereby grants this PSU (the “PSU”) as of ● (the “Grant Date”), pursuant to the [Breathe Biomedical Inc.] Equity Incentive Plan (as in effect from time to time, the “Plan”), to the Participant. Except as otherwise indicated, any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Plan. A copy of the Plan has been delivered to the Participant. By signing and returning this Agreement, the Participant acknowledges having received and read a copy of the Plan, including the early termination provisions set out in Article 11, and agrees to comply with it, this Agreement and all applicable laws and regulations.
Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. | Contractual Arrangements. The grant of PSUs evidenced by this Agreement represents a portion of ● PSUs reserved for issuance to you upon the terms and conditions set forth in your [employment/services] agreement dated ●. |
2. | Common Shares Subject to PSU. Subject in all respects to the Plan and the terms and conditions set forth herein and therein, and in consideration of services provided by the Participant to the Company or any of its Affiliates, the PSU entitles the Participant to receive, at the discretion of the Company, at the times set forth in Section 3 below: (i) ● Common Shares; (ii) a cash payment equal to the number of PSUs multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a Common Share at the applicable time; or (iii) a combination of Common Shares and cash. |
3. | Vesting. The PSU shall vest and become exercisable provided the following Performance Vesting Conditions are met over the period of ● (the “Performance Period”): |
●
●
●
The PSU shall vest and become exercisable as provided above, provided, with respect to each vesting date, that the Participant has not experienced a Termination Date prior to such date, other than due to death or Disability. There shall be no proportionate or partial vesting in the periods prior to each applicable vesting date, other than in the case of termination prior to such applicable vesting date due to death or Disability.
4. | Settlement Terms for U.S. Taxpayers. The PSUs shall be settled as follows for U.S. Taxpayers: |
● |
● |
● |
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5. | Provisions of the Plan Control. This Agreement is subject to all the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan, including the amendment provisions thereof, and to such rules, regulations and interpretations relating to the Plan as may be adopted by the Board and as may be in effect from time to time. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. If and to the extent that this Agreement conflicts or is inconsistent with the Plan, the Plan shall control. |
6. | Severability of Provisions. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and the Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included. |
7. | Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. |
8. | Financial, Legal and Tax Advice. The Participant acknowledges that he or she has had the opportunity to consult with his or her own financial, legal and tax advisors with respect to participation in the Plan and the receipt of PSUs hereunder. |
9. | Privacy. The Participant agrees to provide the Company with all information (including personal information) required by the Company to administer the Plan. The Participant acknowledges that such information may be disclosed to the Board or such officers, employees or other persons involved in the administration of the Plan and hereby consents to such disclosure. |
10. | Language Consent. The Company and the Participant acknowledge that it is their express wish that this Agreement, as well as all documents, notices, and legal proceedings entered into, given or instituted pursuant hereto or relating directly or indirectly hereto, be drawn up in English only. Consentement relatif à la langue utilisée. Les parties reconnaissent avoir exigé que cette convention ainsi que tous les documents, avis et procédures judiciaires, éxécutés, donnés ou intentés en vertu de, ou liés directement ou indirectement à la présente soient rédigés en anglais uniquement. |
11. | Company Policies. The Participant agrees, in consideration for the grant of this Award, to be subject to any compensation, clawback, recoupment or similar policies of the Company or its Affiliates covering the Participant that may be in effect from time to time, whether adopted before or after the Grant Date, and (ii) to such other clawbacks as may be required by applicable law, regulation or exchange listing standard ((i) and (ii) together, the “Clawback Provisions”). The Participant understands that the Clawback Provisions are not limited in their application to this Award, or to equity or cash received in connection with this Award. In addition, in consideration for the grant of this Award, the Participant agrees to be subject to any policies of the Company and its Affiliates regarding securities trading, and hedging or pledging of securities that may be in effect from time to time, or as may otherwise be required by applicable law, regulation or exchange listing standard. |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.
BREATHE BIOMEDICAL INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
I agree to the terms and conditions set out herein and confirm and acknowledge that I have not been induced to enter into this Agreement or acquire any PSU or Common Shares by expectation of employment or engagement or continued employment or engagement with the Company or any of its Affiliates. I confirm and acknowledge that I have received and reviewed a copy of the Plan and that I understand and accept its terms and provisions, including the early termination provisions set out in Article 11 of the Plan that provide that my PSUs may be forfeited for no consideration upon various events of termination, including a termination with Cause.
I agree to provide the Company with all information (including personal information) required by the Company to administer the Plan. I consent to the Company and any of its Affiliates sharing and exchanging my information held in order to administer and operate the Plan (including personal details, data relating to my participation, salary, taxation and employment and sensitive personal data, including data relating to physical or mental health, criminal conviction or the alleged commission of offences) (“my Information”) and providing the Board, the Company’s and/or any of its Affiliates’ agents, officers, employees and/or third parties with my Information for the administration and operation of the Plan. I acknowledge that the collection, processing and transfer of my Information is important to the Plan administration and that failure to consent to same may prohibit participation in the Plan or my receipt of the PSU.
Participant Signature |
Participant Name (please print) |
CHECK THE BOX BELOW, IF APPLICABLE:
☐ | I am a U.S. Taxpayer |
Schedule “C”
RSU AGREEMENT
PURSUANT TO THE Breathe Biomedical Inc.
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
This agreement (“Agreement”) is effective as of ●, 20● between Breathe Biomedical Inc. (the “Company”) and ● (the “Participant”).
Preliminary Statement
The Board hereby grants this RSU (the “RSU”) as of ● (the “Grant Date”), pursuant to the [Breathe Biomedical Inc.] Equity Incentive Plan (as in effect from time to time, the “Plan”), to the Participant. Except as otherwise indicated, any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Plan. A copy of the Plan has been delivered to the Participant. By signing and returning this Agreement, the Participant acknowledges having received and read a copy of the Plan, including the early termination provisions set out in Article 11, and agrees to comply with it, this Agreement and all applicable laws and regulations.
Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. | Contractual Arrangements. The grant of RSUs evidenced by this Agreement represents a portion of RSUs reserved for issuance to you upon the terms and conditions set forth in your [employment/services] agreement dated ●. |
2. | Common Shares Subject to RSU. Subject in all respects to the Plan and the terms and conditions set forth herein and therein, and in consideration of services provided by the Participant to the Company or any of its Affiliates, the RSU entitles the Participant to receive, at the discretion of the Company, at the times set forth in Section 3 below: (i) ● Common Shares; (ii) a cash payment equal to the number of RSUs multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a Common Share at the applicable time; or (iii) a combination of Common Shares and cash. |
3. | Vesting. The RSU shall vest and become exercisable over ● years, ● of which will vest after ●, and the remainder which will vest in ● equal monthly installments thereafter, provided, with respect to each vesting date, that the Participant has not experienced a Termination Date prior to such date, other than due to death or Disability. There shall be no proportionate or partial vesting in the periods prior to each applicable vesting date, other than in the case of termination prior to such applicable vesting date due to death or Disability. |
4. | Settlement Terms for U.S. Taxpayers. The RSUs shall be settled as follows for U.S. Taxpayers: |
● |
● |
● |
5. | Provisions of the Plan Control. This Agreement is subject to all the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan, including the amendment provisions thereof, and to such rules, regulations and interpretations relating to the Plan as may be adopted by the Board and as may be in effect from time to time. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. If and to the extent that this Agreement conflicts or is inconsistent with the Plan, the Plan shall control. |
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6. | Severability of Provisions. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and the Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included. |
7. | Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. |
8. | Financial, Legal and Tax Advice. The Participant acknowledges that he or she has had the opportunity to consult with his or her own financial, legal and tax advisors with respect to participation in the Plan and the receipt of RSUs hereunder. |
9. | Privacy. The Participant agrees to provide the Company with all information (including personal information) required by the Company to administer the Plan. The Participant acknowledges that such information may be disclosed to the Board or such officers, employees or other persons involved in the administration of the Plan and hereby consents to such disclosure. |
10. | Language Consent. The Company and the Participant acknowledge that it is their express wish that this Agreement, as well as all documents, notices, and legal proceedings entered into, given or instituted pursuant hereto or relating directly or indirectly hereto, be drawn up in English only. Consentement relatif à la langue utilisée. Les parties reconnaissent avoir exigé que cette convention ainsi que tous les documents, avis et procédures judiciaires, éxécutés, donnés ou intentés en vertu de, ou liés directement ou indirectement à la présente soient rédigés en anglais uniquement. |
11. | Company Policies. The Participant agrees, in consideration for the grant of this Award, to be subject to any compensation, clawback, recoupment or similar policies of the Company or its Affiliates covering the Participant that may be in effect from time to time, whether adopted before or after the Grant Date, and (ii) to such other clawbacks as may be required by applicable law, regulation or exchange listing standard ((i) and (ii) together, the “Clawback Provisions”). The Participant understands that the Clawback Provisions are not limited in their application to this Award, or to equity or cash received in connection with this Award. In addition, in consideration for the grant of this Award, the Participant agrees to be subject to any policies of the Company and its Affiliates regarding securities trading, and hedging or pledging of securities that may be in effect from time to time, or as may otherwise be required by applicable law, regulation or exchange listing standard. |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.
BREATHE BIOMEDICAL INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
I agree to the terms and conditions set out herein and confirm and acknowledge that I have not been induced to enter into this Agreement or acquire any RSU or Common Shares by expectation of employment or engagement or continued employment or engagement with the Company or any of its Affiliates. I confirm and acknowledge that I have received and reviewed a copy of the Plan and that I understand and accept its terms and provisions, including the early termination provisions set out in Article 11 of the Plan that provide that my RSUs may be forfeited for no consideration upon various events of termination, including a termination with Cause.
I agree to provide the Company with all information (including personal information) required by the Company to administer the Plan. I consent to the Company and any of its Affiliates sharing and exchanging my information held in order to administer and operate the Plan (including personal details, data relating to my participation, salary, taxation and employment and sensitive personal data, including data relating to physical or mental health, criminal conviction or the alleged commission of offences) (“my Information”) and providing the Board, the Company’s and/or any of its Affiliates’ agents, officers, employees and/or third parties with my Information for the administration and operation of the Plan. I acknowledge that the collection, processing and transfer of my Information is important to the Plan administration and that failure to consent to same may prohibit participation in the Plan or my receipt of the RSU.
Participant Signature |
Participant Name (please print) |
CHECK THE BOX BELOW, IF APPLICABLE:
☐ | I am a U.S. Taxpayer |
Schedule “D”
DSU AGREEMENT
PURSUANT TO THE Breathe Biomedical Inc.
EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
This agreement (“Agreement”) is effective as of ●, 20● between Breathe Biomedical Inc. (the “Company”) and ● (the “ Participant”).
Preliminary Statement
The Board hereby grants this DSU (the “DSU”) as of ● (the “Grant Date”), pursuant to the [Breathe Biomedical Inc.] Equity Incentive Plan (as in effect from time to time, the “Plan”), to the Participant. Except as otherwise indicated, any capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Plan. A copy of the Plan has been delivered to the Participant. By signing and returning this Agreement, the Participant acknowledges having received and read a copy of the Plan, including the early termination provisions set out in Article 11, and agrees to comply with it, this Agreement and all applicable laws and regulations.
Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. | Common Shares Subject to DSU. Subject in all respects to the Plan and the terms and conditions set forth herein and therein, and in consideration of services provided by the Participant to the Company or any of its Affiliates, the DSU entitles the Participant to receive, at the discretion of the Company, at the DSU Termination Date: (i) ● Common Shares; (ii) a cash payment equal to the number of DSUs multiplied by the Fair Market Value of a Common Share at the applicable DSU Termination Date; or (iii) a combination of Common Shares and cash |
2. | Vesting. [The DSUs shall vest over ● years, ● of which will vest after ●, and the remainder which will vest in ● equal monthly installments thereafter and shall be redeemable on the DSU Termination Date. There shall be no proportionate or partial vesting in the periods prior to each applicable vesting date, other than in the case of termination prior to such applicable vesting date due to death or disability.] [or] [The DSU shall vest on the Grant Date and shall become redeemable on the DSU Termination Date.] |
3. | Provisions of the Plan Control. This Agreement is subject to all the terms, conditions and provisions of the Plan, including the amendment provisions thereof, and to such rules, regulations and interpretations relating to the Plan as may be adopted by the Board and as may be in effect from time to time. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. If and to the extent that this Agreement conflicts or is inconsistent with the Plan, the Plan shall control. |
4. | Severability of Provisions. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and the Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included. |
5. | Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. |
6. | Financial, Legal and Tax Advice. The Participant acknowledges that he or she has had the opportunity to consult with his or her own financial, legal and tax advisors with respect to participation in the Plan and the receipt of DSUs hereunder. |
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7. | Privacy. The Participant agrees to provide the Company with all information (including personal information) required by the Company to administer the Plan. The Participant acknowledges that such information may be disclosed to the Board or such officers, employees or other persons involved in the administration of the Plan and hereby consents to such disclosure. |
8. | Language Consent. The Company and the Participant acknowledge that it is their express wish that this Agreement, as well as all documents, notices, and legal proceedings entered into, given or instituted pursuant hereto or relating directly or indirectly hereto, be drawn up in English only. Consentement relatif à la langue utilisée. Les parties reconnaissent avoir exigé que cette convention ainsi que tous les documents, avis et procédures judiciaires, éxécutés, donnés ou intentés en vertu de, ou liés directement ou indirectement à la présente soient rédigés en anglais uniquement. |
9. | Company Policies. The Participant agrees, in consideration for the grant of this Award, to be subject to any compensation, clawback, recoupment or similar policies of the Company or its Affiliates covering the Participant that may be in effect from time to time, whether adopted before or after the Grant Date, and (ii) to such other clawbacks as may be required by applicable law, regulation or exchange listing standard ((i) and (ii) together, the “Clawback Provisions”). The Participant understands that the Clawback Provisions are not limited in their application to this Award, or to equity or cash received in connection with this Award. In addition, in consideration for the grant of this Award, the Participant agrees to be subject to any policies of the Company and its Affiliates regarding securities trading, and hedging or pledging of securities that may be in effect from time to time, or as may otherwise be required by applicable law, regulation or exchange listing standard. |
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year first above written.
BREATHE BIOMEDICAL INC. | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
I agree to the terms and conditions set out herein and confirm and acknowledge that I have not been induced to enter into this Agreement or acquire any DSU or Common Shares by expectation of employment or engagement or continued employment or engagement with the Company or any of its Affiliates. I confirm and acknowledge that I have received and reviewed a copy of the Plan and that I understand and accept its terms and provisions, including the early termination provisions set out in Article 11 of the Plan that provide that my DSUs may be forfeited for no consideration upon various events of termination, including a termination with Cause.
I agree to provide the Company with all information (including personal information) required by the Company to administer the Plan. I consent to the Company and any of its Affiliates sharing and exchanging my information held in order to administer and operate the Plan (including personal details, data relating to my participation, salary, taxation and employment and sensitive personal data, including data relating to physical or mental health, criminal conviction or the alleged commission of offences) (“my Information”) and providing the Board, the Company’s and/or any of its Affiliates’ agents, officers, employees and/or third parties with my Information for the administration and operation of the Plan. I acknowledge that the collection, processing and transfer of my Information is important to the Plan administration and that failure to consent to same may prohibit participation in the Plan or my receipt of the DSU.
Participant Signature |
Participant Name (please print) |
CHECK THE BOX BELOW, IF APPLICABLE:
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Schedule “E”
designated employees subject
to united states taxation
The purpose of this Schedule “E” is to establish certain rules and limitations applicable to an award of DSUs issued under the Plan to a Participant who is subject to taxation in the United States (“US Grantee”). Terms defined in the Plan and used herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan document, as amended from time to time.
1. | General |
(a) | In the event of any contradiction, whether explicit or implied, between the provisions of this Schedule “E” and the remainder of the Plan, the provisions of this Schedule “E” shall prevail with respect to a grant of DSUs to a US Grantee. |
(b) | All DSUs issued under the Plan to a US Grantee are intended to comply with or be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and comply with paragraph 6801(d) of the Act, and the regulations thereunder, and all provisions hereunder shall be read, interpreted and applied with that purpose in payments are made under the DSUs. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, all DSUs granted under the Plan shall have such terms and conditions as are necessary to ensure that the DSUs qualify, at all times, with the requirements of regulation 6801(d) and paragraph (l) of the exception to the definition of “salary deferral arrangement” in subsection 248(1) of the Act. Each recipient of DSUs hereunder who is or who becomes a US Grantee is advised to consult with his or her personal tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences under federal, state, local, and other tax laws of the receipt of an DSU hereunder. |
2. | Definitions |
As used in this Schedule “E” to the Plan and, unless otherwise specified, the following terms have the following meanings:
(a) | “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and regulations and other guidance thereunder. |
(b) | “Separation From Service” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term under Code Section 409A. |
(c) | “Specified Employee” means a US Grantee who meets the definition of “specified employee,” as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code. |
3. | Redemption and Settlement of DSUs |
(a) | Redemption of DSUs. No US Grantee shall be permitted to elect a DSU Payment Date except as provided by Section 3(b)below. |
(b) | Deferred DSU Payment Date. If permitted by the Company, any US Grantee who desires to elect a DSU Payment Date, then he or she must do so in writing pursuant to an election deferral form in such form and manner approved by the Board on or prior to December 31 of the calendar year prior to the calendar year of the grant of the DSU (or, solely in connection with such US Grantee initially becoming an eligible Participant, within 30 days of first becoming an eligible Participant for DSUs credited in respect of services performed after the date of such election (so long as such eligible Participant was not previously eligible to participate in any similar plan (in accordance with the rules of Section 1.409A-2(a)(7) of the U.S. Treasury Regulations))). Any such election shall be irrevocable as of the last date in which it is permitted to be made in accordance with the forgoing sentence. |
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(c) | Dividend Equivalents. Any additional DSUs issued to a US Grantee in respect of an existing DSU grant shall be settled at the same time as the underlying DSUs for which they were awarded. |
(d) | Change in Control. Any elected DSU Payment Date in accordance with Section 3(b) above may include the date that is within thirty (30) days following a Change in Control; provided that such Change in Control constitutes a “change in control” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. |
(e) | Payments to Specified Employees. To the extent compliance with the requirements of Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(i)(2) (or any successor provision) is necessary to avoid the application of an additional tax under Code Section 409A, any amounts payable hereunder on account of the Separation From Service of a U.S. Grantee that is a Specified Employee that would (but for this provision) be payable within six (6) months following the date of the Separation From Service shall instead be paid on the next business day following the expiration of such six (6) month period or, if earlier, upon the Participant’s death. |
4. | Administration |
Without derogating from the powers and authorities of the Board under the Plan, and unless specifically required under applicable law, the Board may amend or modify this Schedule “E” to the extent the Board in its sole discretion deems necessary or advisable to comply with any guidance issued under Section 409A or other tax regulation. In the case of US Grantees (and subject to the requirements of paragraph 6801(d) of the regulations under the Act for US Grantees who are also subject to tax under the Act in respect of the DSUs), the Board may accelerate the payment of benefits upon a Plan termination only if the termination occurs:
(a) | within 12 months of a corporate dissolution taxed under section 331 of the Code, or with the approval of a bankruptcy court pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §503(b)(1)(A), provided that the payments under the Plan are included in the US Grantee’s gross income in the latest of (i) the calendar year in which the Plan termination occurs, (ii) the calendar year in which such benefit becomes vested or (iii) the first calendar year in which the payments are administratively practicable; |
(b) | within 30 days preceding or within 12 months following a change in control event, as defined in U.S. Treasury Regulations §1.409A-3(i)(5); or |
(c) | upon any other termination event permitted under Section 409A of the Code. |
5. | Company Policies. The Participant agrees, in consideration for the grant of this Award, to be subject to any compensation, clawback, recoupment or similar policies of the Company or its Affiliates covering the Participant that may be in effect from time to time, whether adopted before or after the Grant Date, and (ii) to such other clawbacks as may be required by applicable law, regulation or exchange listing standard ((i) and (ii) together, the “Clawback Provisions”). The Participant understands that the Clawback Provisions are not limited in their application to this Award, or to equity or cash received in connection with this Award. In addition, in consideration for the grant of this Award, the Participant agrees to be subject to any policies of the Company and its Affiliates regarding securities trading, and hedging or pledging of securities that may be in effect from time to time, or as may otherwise be required by applicable law, regulation or exchange listing standard. |