UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT
TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of March 2015.
Commission File Number 001-31722
New Gold Inc.
Suite 1800 – 555 Burrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V7XC 1M9
Canada
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ¨ Form
40-F x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ¨
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in
paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ¨
Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in
paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish
and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the
registrant’s “home country”), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant’s
securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed
to the registrant’s security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission
or other Commission filing on EDGAR.
DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THIS FORM 6-K
Exhibit |
|
1 |
Notice of Access |
2 |
Management Information Circular March 17, 2015 |
3 |
Form of Proxy |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
NEW GOLD INC. |
|
By: |
/s/ Lisa Damiani |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lisa Damiani |
Date: March 26, 2015 |
|
Vice President, General Counsel |
|
|
and Corporate Secretary |
Exhibit 99.1
NOTICE AND ACCESS NOTIFICATION
TO SHAREHOLDERS
Dear Shareholder:
You are receiving this notification as New Gold Inc. (“New
Gold” or the “Company”) is using the notice and access model (“Notice and Access”)
for the delivery of meeting materials to shareholders for its Annual and Special Meeting of shareholders (“Meeting”)
to be held on April 29, 2015.
Under Notice and Access, instead of receiving printed copies of the
Company’s management information circular (“Circular”), the audited consolidated financial statements
of New Gold for the year ended December 31, 2014 and management’s discussion and analysis (collectively, the “Meeting
Materials”), shareholders are receiving this notification containing information on how to access the Meeting Materials
electronically. Shareholders with existing instructions on their account to receive printed materials will receive a printed copy
of the Meeting Materials.
Meeting Date, Location
and Purposes
The Meeting will be held at St. Andrew’s Club & Conference
Centre, 150 King Street West, 27th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 4:00 pm (Eastern time) for the following
purposes:
| 1. | receiving the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the auditor’s
report on those statements; |
| 2. | electing the directors of the Company for the following year; |
| 3. | appointing Deloitte LLP as auditor of the Company for the ensuing year and authorizing the directors to fix their remuneration; |
| 4. | considering and, if deemed appropriate, passing, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution to ratify, confirm and approve
the Company’s advance notice policy, as more particularly described in the Circular; |
| 5. | considering and, if deemed appropriate, passing, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution to ratify, confirm and approve
the amended and restated shareholder rights plan of the Company, as more particularly described in the Circular; |
| 6. | considering and, if deemed appropriate, passing, with or without variation, a non-binding advisory resolution on executive
compensation; and |
| 7. | conducting such other business properly bought before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement. |
For detailed information regarding each of the above matters, please
refer to the appropriate section of the Circular. New Gold urges shareholders to review the Circular before voting.
The record date for the Meeting is March 16, 2015. The record date is
the date for the determination of the registered holders of common shares entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting
and any adjournment or postponement.
Accessing Meeting Materials
Online
The Meeting Materials (and the financial statement request card, which
is included in the proxy and voting instruction form) can be viewed online under New Gold’s profile at www.sedar.com (Canada)
or at www.sec.gov (United States), or at www.newgold.com/annualmeeting2015.
Requesting Printed Meeting
Materials
Shareholders can request that printed copies of the Meeting Materials
be sent to them by postal delivery at no cost to them up to one year from the date the Circular was filed on SEDAR.
Registered shareholders may make their request on New
Gold’s website, www.newgold.com, or by calling 1-888-315-9715.
Non-registered
shareholders may make their request online at www.ProxyVote.com or by telephone at 1-877-907-7643 by entering the 16-digit
control number located on their voting instruction form and following the instructions provided.
To receive the Meeting Materials in advance of the proxy deposit date
and Meeting Date, New Gold must receive requests for printed copies of the Meeting Materials at least seven business days in advance
of the proxy deposit date and time.
Voting Process
This notice is accompanied by either a form of proxy for registered
shareholders or a voting instruction form for non-registered shareholders. If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477
or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
Registered shareholders at the close of business on March
16, 2015 may vote in person at the Meeting, or by proxy as follows:
By telephone: Call toll free in North America 1-866-732-8683
or outside Canada and the United States 1-312-588-4290. If you return your proxy by telephone, you cannot appoint any person other
than the officers and/or directors named on the form of proxy as your proxy holder.
On the internet: Go to www.investorvote.com and follow the instructions
on the screen. You will need to enter your 15-digit control number. If you submit your proxy via the internet, you can appoint
another person, who need not be a shareholder, to represent you at the Meeting by inserting such person’s name in the blank
space provided on the internet form. Complete your voting instructions and date and submit the internet form. Make sure the person
you appoint is aware that he or she has been appointed, and attends the Meeting. If you appoint a person (other than the persons
named in the form of proxy) to represent you at the Meeting, that person must attend the Meeting for your shares to be voted.
By mail: Complete the form of proxy and return it to Computershare
Trust Company of Canada, Attention: Proxy Department, 8th floor, 100 University Avenue, Toronto ON, M5J 2Y1 in the envelope
provided. If you return your proxy by mail, you can appoint another person, who need not be a shareholder, to represent you at
the Meeting by inserting such person’s name in the blank space provided in the form of proxy and striking out the name of
the persons listed in the form of proxy. Complete your voting instructions and date and sign the form. Make sure the person you
appoint is aware that he or she has been appointed, and attends the Meeting. If you appoint a person (other than the persons named
in the form of proxy) to represent you at the Meeting, that person must attend the Meeting for your shares to be voted.
The deadline for receiving duly completed and executed forms of proxy
or submitting your proxy by telephone or over the internet is by 4:00 pm (Eastern time) on April 27, 2015, or no later than 48
hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before the time of any adjourned or postponed Meeting. The time limit for deposit
of proxies may be waived or extended by the Chair of the Meeting at his or her discretion, without notice.
Non-Registered Shareholders may vote or appoint a proxy
using their voting instruction form. You should carefully follow the instructions of your intermediary, including those regarding
when and where the completed proxy or voting instruction from is to be delivered.
For Any Questions
Shareholders with questions about Notice and Access can contact New
Gold at 1-888-315-9715.
Dated at Vancouver, British Columbia this 17th day of March 2015.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Robert Gallagher
President and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 99.2
Notice of Annual and Special
Meeting of Shareholders
Notice is hereby given that the Annual and Special Meeting of shareholders
(“Meeting”) of New Gold Inc. (“New Gold” or the “Company”) will be held
at St. Andrew’s Club & Conference Centre, 150 King Street West, 27th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, on Wednesday, April 29,
2015 at 4:00 pm (Eastern time) for the following purposes:
| 1. | receiving the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the auditor’s
report on those statements; |
| 2. | electing the directors of the Company for the following year; |
| 3. | appointing Deloitte LLP as auditor of the Company for the ensuing year and authorizing the directors to fix their remuneration; |
| 4. | considering and, if deemed appropriate, passing, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution to ratify, confirm and approve
the Company’s advance notice policy, as more particularly described in the accompanying management information circular; |
| 5. | considering and, if deemed appropriate, passing, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution to ratify, confirm and approve
the amended and restated shareholder rights plan of the Company, as more particularly described in the accompanying management
information circular; |
| 6. | considering and, if deemed appropriate, passing, with or without variation, a non-binding advisory resolution on executive
compensation; and |
| 7. | conducting such other business properly bought before the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement. |
The record date for the Meeting is March 16, 2015. The record date is
the date for the determination of the registered holders of common shares entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting
and any adjournment or postponement.
This notice is accompanied by a management information circular (“Circular”)
and either a form of proxy for registered shareholders or a voting instruction form for beneficial shareholders. If previously
requested, a copy of the audited consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”)
of New Gold for the year ended December 31, 2014 will also accompany this notice. Copies of New Gold’s annual and/or interim
financial statements and MD&A are also available under New Gold’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov,
on New Gold’s website at www.newgold.com, or by request made to New Gold.
As described in the notice and access notification mailed to shareholders,
New Gold is using the notice and access method for delivering this notice and the Circular to shareholders, which substantially
reduces the paper used in printing this notice and the Circular as well as printing and mailing costs. This notice and the Circular
will be available on New Gold’s website at www.newgold.com/annualmeeting2015 and under New Gold’s profile on SEDAR
at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
1 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
We value your opinion and participation in the Meeting as a shareholder
of New Gold. Please review the accompanying Circular before voting as it contains important information about the Meeting. It is
important that you exercise your vote, either in person at the Meeting, by telephone, on the internet or by completing and returning
the enclosed form of proxy or voting instruction form. Any questions regarding voting your shares should be directed to our proxy
solicitation agent Kingsdale Shareholder Services who can be reached by toll-free telephone in North America at 1-866-581-1477,
by collect call outside North America at 416-867-2272, or by e-mail at contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com. Any proxies to be used
or acted on at the Meeting must be deposited with New Gold’s transfer agent by 4:00 pm (Eastern time) on April 27, 2015,
or no later than 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before the time of any adjourned or postponed Meeting.
DATED at Vancouver, British Columbia this 17th day of March, 2015.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Robert Gallagher
President and Chief Executive Officer
2 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR
Solicitation of Proxies
This management information circular (“Circular”)
has been prepared for the holders of common shares (“shareholders”) of New Gold Inc. (“New Gold”
or the “Company”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the management of New Gold for use at New
Gold’s Annual and Special Meeting of shareholders (“Meeting”) to be held at 4:00 pm (Eastern time) on
April 29, 2015 at St. Andrew’s Club & Conference Centre, 150 King Street West, 27th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, for the
purposes set out in the accompanying notice of meeting (“Notice of Meeting”). References in this Circular to
the Meeting include any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof.
The record date for the Meeting is March 16, 2015. The record date is
the date for determining the shareholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting. The deadline for receiving
duly completed and executed forms of proxy or submitting your proxy by telephone or over the internet is by 4:00 pm (Eastern time)
on April 27, 2015, or no later than 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before the time of any adjourned or postponed
Meeting.
While it is expected that the solicitation will be made by mail, proxies
may be solicited personally or by telephone by directors, officers and employees of New Gold. The Company will also be using the
services of Kingsdale Shareholder Services (“Kingsdale”) to solicit proxies. Fees for Kingsdale’s solicitation
services are anticipated to be C$45,000 plus disbursements, and a fee per telephone call. All costs of this solicitation will be
borne by New Gold. Shareholders with questions about voting their shares can contact Kingsdale Shareholder Services by toll-free
telephone in North America at 1-866-581-1477, by collect call outside North America at 416-867-2272, or by e-mail at contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
New Gold urges shareholders to review this Circular before voting.
Notice and Access Process
New Gold is using the notice and access model (“Notice and
Access”) provided under National Instrument 54-101 for the delivery of the Notice of Meeting, Circular, financial statements
and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the year ended December 31, 2014 (collectively,
the “Meeting Materials”) to shareholders for the Meeting. New Gold has adopted the Notice and Access delivery
model in order to further its commitment to environmental sustainability and to reduce its printing and mailing costs.
Under Notice and Access, instead of receiving printed copies of the
Meeting Materials, shareholders receive a Notice and Access notification containing details of the Meeting date, location and purpose,
as well as information on how they can access the Meeting Materials electronically. Shareholders with existing instructions on
their account to receive printed materials will receive a printed copy of the Meeting Materials.
Requesting Printed Meeting
Materials
Shareholders can request that printed copies of the Meeting Materials
be sent to them by postal delivery at no cost to them up to one year from the date of the filing of this Circular on SEDAR.
If you have any questions or need assistance
completing your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email
contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
3 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Registered shareholders may make their request on New
Gold’s website, www.newgold.com, or by calling
1-888-315-9715.
Non-registered shareholders may make their request online
at www.ProxyVote.com or by telephone at 1-877-907-7643 by entering the 16-digit control number located on their voting instruction
form and following the instructions provided.
To receive the Meeting Materials in advance of the proxy deposit date
and Meeting Date, New Gold must receive requests for printed copies of the Meeting Materials at least seven business days in advance
of the proxy deposit date and time.
Effective Date
Unless otherwise stated, the information contained in this Circular
is as at March 16, 2015.
Currency
Unless otherwise stated, all dollar amounts in this Circular refer to
United States dollars. Canadian dollars are referred to as “C$”. Unless otherwise stated, any United States
dollar amounts which have been converted from Canadian dollars have been converted at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045 for
2014, US$1.00 = C$1.0299 for 2013 and US$1.00 = C$0.9996 for 2012, being the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for
each respective year.
Voting Process –
Registered Shareholders
Appointment of Proxies
A form of proxy will accompany the Notice of Meeting or the Notice and
Access notification sent to registered shareholders. The persons named in the form of proxy are officers and/or directors of New
Gold. A shareholder can appoint another person, who need not be a shareholder, to represent such shareholder at the Meeting
by inserting that person’s name in the blank space provided in the form of proxy and striking out the names of the persons
listed in the form of proxy, or by completing another proper form of proxy.
A shareholder appointing a proxy holder may indicate the manner in which
the appointed proxy holder is to vote regarding any specific item by checking the space opposite the item on the proxy. If the
shareholder giving the proxy wishes to confer discretionary authority regarding any item of business, the space opposite the item
should be left blank. The common shares represented by the proxy submitted by a shareholder will be voted or withheld from voting
in accordance with the directions, if any, given in the proxy.
Voting Common Shares
Registered shareholders at the close of business on March 16, 2015 may
vote in person at the Meeting, or by proxy as follows:
By
telephone: |
Call toll free in North America 1-866-732-8683 or outside Canada and the United States 1-312-588-4290. If you return your proxy by telephone, you cannot appoint any person other than the officers and/or directors named on the form of proxy as your proxy holder. |
If you have any questions or need assistance
completing your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email
contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
4 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
On the internet: |
Go to www.investorvote.com and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to enter your 15-digit control number. If you submit your proxy via the internet, you can appoint another person, who need not be a shareholder, to represent you at the Meeting by inserting such person’s name in the blank space provided on the internet form. Complete your voting instructions and date and submit the internet form. Make sure the person you appoint is aware that he or she has been appointed, and attends the Meeting. If you appoint a person (other than the persons named in the form of proxy) to represent you at the Meeting, that person must attend the Meeting for your shares to be voted. |
|
|
By mail OR FACSIMILE: |
Complete the form of proxy and return it to Computershare Trust Company of Canada, Attention: Proxy Department, 8th Floor, 100 University Avenue, Toronto ON, M5J 2Y1 in the envelope provided or fax a copy of the completed form to Computershare at 1-866-249-7775. If you return your proxy by mail or facsimile, you can appoint another person, who need not be a shareholder, to represent you at the Meeting by inserting such person’s name in the blank space provided in the form of proxy and striking out the names of the persons listed in the form of proxy. Complete your voting instructions and date and sign the form. Make sure the person you appoint is aware that he or she has been appointed, and attends the Meeting. If you appoint a person (other than the persons named in the form of proxy) to represent you at the Meeting, that person must attend the Meeting for your shares to be voted. |
Deadline for Receipt of Proxies
The deadline for receiving duly completed and executed forms of proxy
or submitting your proxy by telephone or over the internet is by 4:00 pm (Eastern time) on April 27, 2015, or no later than 48
hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) before the time of any adjourned or postponed Meeting. The time limit for deposit
of proxies may be waived or extended by the Chair of the Meeting at his or her discretion, without notice.
Revocation of Proxies
A proxy submitted under this solicitation may be revoked by written
notice, signed by the shareholder or by the shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing (or, if the shareholder is a corporation,
by a duly authorized officer or attorney), and deposited either:
| (i) | at the Company’s registered office (New Gold Inc., Suite 1800, Two Bentall Centre, 555 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British
Columbia, V7X 1M9, Attention: Corporate Secretary) at any time up to and including the last business day before the day of the
Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof; or |
| (ii) | with the Chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting or, if adjourned or postponed, any reconvening of the Meeting or
in any other manner permitted by law. |
The revocation of a proxy does not affect any matter on which a vote
has been taken before the revocation.
If you have any questions or need assistance
completing your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email
contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
5 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Exercise of Discretion by Proxies
The persons named in the form of proxy will vote the common shares in
respect of which they are appointed in accordance with the direction of the shareholders appointing them. In the absence of
such direction, the relevant common shares will be voted in favour of all the resolutions described below.
The form of proxy confers discretionary authority on the persons
named in the proxy with respect to amendments or variations to matters identified in the Notice of Meeting and with respect to
other matters which may properly come before the Meeting. At the time of printing of this Circular, management knows of no
such amendments, variations or other matters to come before the Meeting. However, if any such amendments, variations or other matters
which are not now known to management should properly come before the Meeting, the proxy will be voted on such matters in accordance
with the best judgment of the named proxy holders.
Voting Process –
Non-Registered Shareholders
Only registered shareholders of New Gold, or the persons they appoint
as their proxy holders, are permitted to vote at the Meeting. Most shareholders of New Gold are “non-registered” shareholders
(“Non-Registered Shareholders”) because the common shares they own are not registered in their names. Common
shares beneficially owned by a Non-Registered Shareholder are registered either:
| (i) | in the name of an intermediary (“Intermediary”) that the Non-Registered Shareholder deals with in respect
of the common shares of New Gold (Intermediaries include, among others, banks, trust companies, securities dealers or brokers,
and trustees or administrators of self-administered RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs and similar plans); or |
| (ii) | in the name of a clearing agency (such as CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. or The Depository Trust & Clearing
Corporation) of which the Intermediary is a participant. |
In accordance with applicable securities law requirements, New Gold
has distributed copies of the Notice and Access Notification, the Meeting Materials and the form of proxy (which includes a place
to request copies of this Circular and annual and/or interim financial statements and MD&A or to waive the receipt of such
documents) to the Intermediaries and clearing agencies for distribution to Non-Registered Shareholders.
Intermediaries are required to forward the Notice and Access notification
to Non-Registered Shareholders unless a Non-Registered Shareholder has requested paper copies (in which case the Intermediary will
forward the Meeting Materials to the Non-Registered Shareholder). Intermediaries often use service companies to forward the Notice
and Access notification and Meeting Materials to Non-Registered Shareholders. Generally, Non-Registered Shareholders who have not
waived the right to receive the Meeting Materials will either:
| (i) | be given a voting instruction form which is not signed by the Intermediary and which, when properly completed and signed by
the Non-Registered Shareholder and returned to the Intermediary or its service company, will constitute voting instructions (often
called a “voting instruction form”) which the Intermediary must follow. Typically, the voting instruction form will
consist of a one page pre-printed form; or |
If you have any questions or need assistance
completing your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email
contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
6 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| (ii) | be given a form of proxy which has already been signed by the Intermediary (typically by a facsimile, stamped signature),
which is restricted as to the number of common shares beneficially owned by the Non-Registered Shareholder but which is otherwise
not completed by the Intermediary. Because the Intermediary has already signed the form of proxy, this form of proxy is not required
to be signed by the Non-Registered Shareholder when submitting the proxy. In this case, the Non-Registered Shareholder who wishes
to submit a proxy should carefully follow the instructions of their Intermediary, including those regarding when and where the
completed proxy or voting instruction form is to be delivered. |
In either case, the purpose of these procedures is to enable Non-Registered
Shareholders to direct the voting of the common shares of New Gold that they beneficially own. If a Non-Registered Shareholder
who receives one of the forms described above wishes to vote at the Meeting (or have another person attend and vote on behalf of
the Non-Registered Shareholder), the Non-Registered Shareholder should strike out the names of the persons listed in the form of
proxy and insert the Non-Registered Shareholder or such other person’s name in the blank space provided. In either case,
Non-Registered Shareholders should carefully follow the instructions of their Intermediary, including those regarding when and
where the proxy or voting instruction form is to be delivered. If you have any questions or require more information with respect
to voting at the Meeting, please contact our proxy solicitation agent, Kingsdale, by email at contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com
or by telephone at 1-866-581-1477 (toll free within North America) or 416-867-2272 (outside of North America).
Voting Securities and
Principal Shareholders
As at the close of business on March 16, 2015, 508,701,114 common shares
of New Gold were issued and outstanding. Each common share entitles the holder to one vote on all matters to be acted on at the
Meeting. The record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting is March
16, 2015. Each registered shareholder on the record date will be entitled to vote at the Meeting or any adjourned or postponed
Meeting. All such registered shareholders are entitled to attend and vote in person at the Meeting the common shares held by them
or, provided a completed and executed proxy has been delivered to New Gold’s transfer agent within the time specified in
the Notice, to attend and vote by proxy at the Meeting the common shares held by them.
Except as noted below, to the knowledge of the directors and executive
officers of New Gold, as at the date of this Circular, no person or company beneficially owns, or controls or directs, directly
or indirectly, voting securities carrying 10% or more of the voting rights attached to any class of voting securities of New Gold.
According to public filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, as at December 31, 2014, Van Eck Associates Corporation
had control over 51,957,687 common shares of New Gold, which represents 10.30% of the common shares issued and outstanding.
If you have any questions or need assistance
completing your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email
contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
7 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
BUSINESS OF THE MEETING
| 1. | Receiving the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements |
New Gold’s consolidated financial statements, including the auditor’s
report thereon, for the year ended December 31, 2014 will be placed before the Meeting. The audited consolidated financial statements
are available on New Gold’s website at www.newgold.com, SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Printed copies will
be mailed to registered and beneficial shareholders who requested them. For information on how to request a printed copy of New
Gold’s audited consolidated financial statements, please see “Requesting Printed Meeting Materials” on page 3
of this Circular.
At the Meeting, the eight persons named in the table below will be proposed
for election as directors of New Gold (“Nominees”).
Unless authority to do so is withheld, the persons named in the form
of proxy intend to vote FOR the election of each of the Nominees.
Management does not contemplate that any of the Nominees will be unable
to serve as a director, but if that should occur for any reason before the Meeting, the persons named in the proxy or voting instruction
form reserve the right to nominate and vote for the election of another individual at their discretion. Each director elected will
hold office until the close of the first annual meeting of shareholders of New Gold following his election or until his successor
is duly elected or appointed, unless his office is earlier vacated in accordance with the Articles of New Gold.
As discussed below, on February 19, 2015 the board of directors of New
Gold (“Board”) approved an Advance Notice Policy for the nomination of directors in certain circumstances. As
of the date of this Circular, the Company has not received notice of any director nominations in connection with the Meeting.
The Board has adopted a policy (“Majority Voting Policy”)
stipulating that if a nominee receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from his election than votes “in
favour” of his election, the Nominee will submit his resignation promptly after such meeting (to take effect upon acceptance
by the Board) for consideration by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. After reviewing the matter, the Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee will make a recommendation to the Board, and the Board’s subsequent decision will be
publicly disclosed (with reasons for its decision in the event the Board declines to accept the resignation). The Nominee will
not participate in any Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee or Board deliberations regarding the resignation offer. The
Majority Voting Policy does not apply in circumstances involving contested director elections. A copy of the Majority Voting Policy
is available on New Gold’s website at www.newgold.com.
The following tables contain brief biographies for each of the Nominees.
The information provided includes the following for each Nominee: their principal occupation; description of their principal occupation,
business or employment within the past five years; details of residence; independence status; age; date they first became a director
of New Gold; areas of expertise; and number of common shares, other securities, share units and stock options beneficially owned
directly or indirectly, or over which control or direction is exercised by the Nominee as at March 16, 2015. The biographies have
each been reviewed by the respective Nominee.
If you have any questions or need assistance
completing your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email
contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
8 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
THE
HONOURABLE DAVID EMERSON
British Columbia, Canada
Age: 69
Director Since July 1, 2012
Independent |
David Emerson P.C., OBC is a Corporate Director, Public Policy Advisor and serves as a senior advisor to CAI Managers, a private equity fund. He has served as a minister in the Government of Canada including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of International Trade and Minister of Industry. He has also held a number of senior positions in the public service in British Columbia. In the private sector, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Canfor Corporation, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver International Airport Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Western Bank. Mr. Emerson serves on the board of Stantec Inc., and is Chair of Maple Leaf Foods Inc. and TimberWest Forest Corp., a private timber and land management company. Mr. Emerson is a recipient of the Order of British Columbia and the Peter Lougheed Award of Excellence in Public Policy. Mr. Emerson holds bachelors and masters degrees in economics from the University of Alberta and a doctorate in Economics from Queen’s University. Mr. Emerson’s principal occupation is as a Corporate Director and Public Policy Advisor. |
|
|
Securities Held(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
Common Shares |
Number
of
DSU |
Number
of
Options |
Total at risk value of
Securities Held ($)(2) |
March 16, 2015 |
5,000 |
31,265 |
96,899 |
126,139 |
March 17, 2014 |
5,000 |
17,114 |
50,603 |
131,057 |
Change |
- |
14,151 |
46,296 |
(4,918) |
Mr. Emerson joined the New Gold Board in 2012. As a result, he has until July 2015 to achieve compliance with the Company’s share ownership requirements. |
|
Areas of Expertise |
Director Election - Voting Results(3) |
Accounting & Finance; Corporate Governance; Health, Safety, Environment & Risk Management; Public Company Board; Management; Government Relations. |
Year |
For |
Withheld |
2014 |
98.58% |
1.42% |
2013 |
78.03% |
21.97% |
2012 |
N/A |
N/A |
Board and Committee
Membership and
Attendance 2014 |
Other Public Directorships |
Board |
6 of 6 |
Maple Leaf Foods Inc. |
Since 2012 |
Audit Committee |
4 of 4 |
Stantec Inc. |
Since 2009 |
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, Chair |
2 of 2 |
|
|
If you have any questions or need assistance
completing your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email
contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
9 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
JAMES
ESTEY
Alberta, Canada
Age: 62
Director Since July 8, 2008
Independent |
James Estey is the retired Chairman of UBS Securities Canada Inc. and has over 30 years of experience in the financial markets. Mr. Estey joined Alfred Bunting and Company as an institutional equity salesperson in 1980 after working at A.E. Ames & Co. for seven years. In 1994, Mr. Estey became the head of the Canadian Equities business, in 2002 he was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of UBS Securities Canada, and in January 2008, Mr. Estey assumed the role of Chairman. He serves on the board of Gibson Energy Inc. and is Chair of the Board of PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. Mr. Estey also serves on the Advisory Board of the Edwards School of Business. Mr. Estey’s principal occupation is as a Corporate Director. |
Securities Held(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
Common Shares |
Number
of
DSU |
Number
of
Options |
Total at risk value of
Securities Held ($)(2) |
March 16, 2015 |
277,285 |
60,152 |
147,899 |
1,173,694 |
March 17, 2014 |
209,000 |
43,171 |
169,603 |
1,715,682 |
Change |
68,285 |
16,981 |
(21,704) |
(541,988) |
Meets share ownership requirement |
Mr. Estey also (indirectly) holds New Gold 7% Senior Notes due 2020 in the principal amount of $25,000. |
|
Areas of Expertise |
Director Election - Voting Results(3) |
Accounting & Finance; Corporate Governance; Public Company Board; Management. |
Year |
For |
Withheld |
2014 |
99.12% |
0.88% |
2013 |
99.52% |
0.48% |
2012 |
80.42% |
19.58% |
Board and Committee
Membership and
Attendance 2014 |
Other Public Directorships |
Board |
6 of 6 |
Gibson Energy Inc. |
Since 2011 |
Audit Committee, Chair |
4 of 4 |
PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. |
Since 2014 |
Compensation Committee |
4 of 4 |
|
|
If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
10 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
ROBERT
GALLAGHER
British Columbia, Canada
Age: 64
Director Since June 30, 2008
Non-Independent |
Robert Gallagher’s principal occupation is President and Chief Executive Officer of New Gold. Mr. Gallagher has worked in the mining industry for over 35 years and spent 15 years with Placer Dome Inc., and from August 2000 to December 2007 with Newmont Mining Corporation, most recently as Vice President, Operations, Asia Pacific. Before the June 2008 business combination of Peak Gold Ltd., Metallica Resources Inc. and New Gold, Mr. Gallagher was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Peak Gold Ltd. from February 2008. In addition Mr. Gallagher presently serves on the boards of Dynasty Gold Corp. and Southern Arc Minerals. |
Securities Held(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
Common Shares |
Number
of
PSU(4) |
Number
of
Options |
Total at risk value of
Securities Held ($)(2) |
March 16, 2015 |
255,060 |
313,000 |
2,754,000 |
3,300,264 |
March 17, 2014 |
255,060 |
173,000 |
2,369,000 |
6,437,465 |
Change |
- |
140,000 |
385,000 |
(3,137,201) |
Meets share ownership requirement |
|
Areas of Expertise |
Director Election - Voting Results(3) |
Mining Industry & Operations; Accounting & Finance; Health, Safety, Environment & Risk Management; Public Company Board; Management; Government Relations & Legal. |
Year |
For |
Withheld |
2014 |
99.30% |
0.70% |
2013 |
97.68% |
2.32% |
2012 |
92.54% |
7.46% |
Board and Committee
Membership and
Attendance 2014 |
Other Public Directorships |
Board |
6 of 6 |
Dynasty Gold Corp. |
Since 2009 |
|
|
Southern Arc Minerals |
Since 2010 |
|
|
|
|
If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
11 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
VAHAN
KOLOLIAN
Ontario, Canada
Age: 61
Director Since June 1, 2009
Independent |
Vahan Kololian is the founder and Managing Partner of TerraNova Partners LP, which invests in the industrial, services and resource sectors. Mr. Kololian started his career in investment banking in 1980 with Burns Fry Limited (now BMO Nesbitt Burns). From 1990 to 2000, he was co-founder and President of Polar Capital Corporation. Within his activities in TerraNova Partners, he serves as Chairman of one of TerraNova’s investees, Compact Power Equipment Centers LLC, a national U.S. company engaged in the rental of mobile equipment. Mr. Kololian also serves on the board of Lydian International Limited. Mr. Kololian holds BA and LL.B. degrees. Mr. Kololian is also co-founder and Chairman of the Mosaic Institute, whose purpose is to bring together and promote dialogue among Canadians of differing ethnicities whose homelands are in conflict with one another. Mr. Kololian’s principal occupation is Managing Partner of TerraNova Partners LP. |
Securities Held(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
Common Shares |
Number
of
DSU |
Number
of
Options |
Total at risk value of
Securities Held ($)(2) |
March 16, 2015 |
1,193,001 |
37,372 |
147,899 |
4,279,558 |
March 17, 2014 |
1,125,001 |
23,221 |
169,603 |
7,026,075 |
Change |
68,000 |
14,151 |
(21,704) |
(2,746,517) |
Meets share ownership requirement |
|
Areas of Expertise |
Director Election - Voting Results(3) |
Accounting & Finance; Corporate Governance; Health, Safety, Environment & Risk Management; Public Company Board; Management; Legal. |
Year |
For |
Withheld |
2014 |
96.06% |
0.94% |
2013 |
96.61% |
3.39% |
2012 |
97.97% |
2.03% |
Board and Committee
Membership and
Attendance 2014 |
Other Public Directorships |
Board |
6 of 6 |
Lydian International Limited (since 2014) |
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee |
2 of 2 |
|
|
HSE & CSR Committee |
2 of 2 |
|
|
If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
12 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
MARTYN
KONIG
Jersey, British Isles
Age: 57
Director Since June 1, 2009
Independent |
Martyn Konig has over 35 years of experience in investment
banking and the commodity markets as well as extensive experience in the natural resource sector. Mr. Konig’s principal
occupation is Chief Investment Officer for T Wealth Management SA, the private family office for partners and senior management
of the Trafigura Group. Mr. Konig also has been the Chairman of Euromax Resources Ltd since May 2012. Previously, Mr. Konig was
Executive Chairman and President of European Goldfields Limited until its acquisition by Eldorado Gold Corp. in February 2012
and was Chief Executive Officer of the Blackfish Capital Group from 2005 until August 2009. Mr. Konig was a main Board Director
of NM Rothschild and Sons Ltd. for 15 years and held senior positions at Goldman Sachs and UBS. Mr. Konig is a Barrister and Fellow
of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. |
Securities Held(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
Common Shares |
Number
of
DSU |
Number
of
Options |
Total at risk value of
Securities Held ($)(2) |
March 16, 2015 |
218,000 |
50,017 |
147,899 |
932,233 |
March 17, 2014 |
150,000 |
35,866 |
169,603 |
1,322,730 |
Change |
68,000 |
14,151 |
(21,704) |
(390,497) |
Meets share ownership requirement |
|
Areas of Expertise |
Director Election - Voting Results(3) |
Mining Industry & Operations, Accounting & Finance; Corporate Governance; Health, Safety, Environment & Risk Management; Public Company Board; Management; Legal. |
Year |
For |
Withheld |
2014 |
99.08% |
0.92% |
2013 |
99.70% |
0.30% |
2012 |
95.68% |
4.32% |
Board and Committee
Membership and
Attendance 2014 |
Other Public Directorships |
Board |
6 of 6 |
Euromax Resources Ltd. |
Since 2012 |
Audit Committee |
4 of 4 |
|
|
Compensation Committee, Chair |
4 of 4 |
|
|
HSE & CSR Committee |
2 of 2 |
|
|
If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
13 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
PIERRE
LASSONDE
Ontario, Canada
Age: 67
Director Since June 30, 2008
Independent |
Pierre Lassonde is the Chairman of Franco-Nevada Corporation. He formerly served as President of Newmont Mining Corporation from 2002 to 2006 and resigned as a director and Vice Chairman of Newmont effective November 30, 2007. Previously Mr. Lassonde served as a director and President (1982 to 2002) and Co-Chief Executive Officer (1999 to 2002) of Franco-Nevada Corporation. Mr. Lassonde also serves on the board of directors of Enghouse Systems Limited. Mr. Lassonde is a Member of the Order of Canada and was inducted into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame in 2013. Mr. Lassonde’s principal occupation is Chairman of Franco-Nevada Corporation. |
Securities Held(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
Common Shares |
Number
of
DSU |
Number
of
Options |
Total at risk value of
Securities Held ($)(2) |
March 16, 2015 |
7,428,700 |
30,643 |
147,899 |
25,945,541 |
March 17, 2014 |
6,500,000 |
16,492 |
169,603 |
38,840,805 |
Change |
928,700 |
14,151 |
(21,704) |
(12,895,264) |
Meets share ownership requirement |
|
Areas of Expertise |
Director Election - Voting Results(3) |
Mining Industry & Operations, Accounting & Finance; Corporate Governance; Risk Management; Public Company Board; Management. |
Year |
For |
Withheld |
2014 |
99.06% |
0.94% |
2013 |
96.60% |
3.40% |
2012 |
97.97% |
2.03% |
Board and Committee
Membership and
Attendance 2014 |
Other Public Directorships |
Board |
5 of 6 |
Enghouse Systems Limited |
Since 2000 |
Compensation Committee |
4 of 4 |
Franco-Nevada Corporation |
Since 2007 |
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee |
2 of 2 |
|
|
If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
14 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
RANDALL
OLIPHANT
Ontario, Canada
Age: 55
Director Since June 1, 2009
Non-Independent |
Randall Oliphant’s principal occupation is Executive Chairman of New Gold. From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Oliphant was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Barrick Gold Corporation, and since that time he has served on the boards of a number of public companies and not-for-profit organizations. In addition, Mr. Oliphant was the Chairman of Western Goldfields Inc. from 2006 until its business combination with New Gold in 2009, at which time he became the Executive Chairman of the combined company. Mr. Oliphant presently serves on the advisory board of Metalmark Capital LLC, and on the board of directors of Franco-Nevada Corporation, WesternZagros Resources Ltd. and Newmarket Gold Inc. In addition, in 2013 Mr. Oliphant was elected as Chairman of the World Gold Council. Mr. Oliphant is a Chartered Professional Accountant, CA. |
Securities Held(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
Common Shares |
Number
of
PSU(4) |
Number
of
Options |
Total at risk value of
Securities Held ($)(2) |
March 16, 2015 |
4,570,855 |
484,000 |
3,690,000 |
19,027,462 |
March 17, 2014 |
4,570,855 |
294,000 |
3,160,000 |
33,437,970 |
Change |
- |
190,000 |
530,000 |
(14,410,508) |
Meets share ownership requirement |
|
Areas of Expertise |
Director Election - Voting Results(3) |
Mining Industry & Operations, Accounting & Finance; Corporate Governance; Risk Management; Public Company Board; Management. |
Year |
For |
Withheld |
2014 |
96.89% |
3.11% |
2013 |
93.35% |
6.65% |
2012 |
92.40% |
7.60% |
Board and Committee
Membership and
Attendance 2014 |
Other Public Directorships |
Board |
6 of 6 |
Franco-Nevada Corporation |
Since 2007 |
|
|
Newmarket Gold Inc. |
Since 2013 |
|
|
WesternZagros Resources Ltd. |
Since 2007 |
If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
15 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
RAYMOND
THRELKELD
Virginia, United States
Age: 68
Director Since June 1, 2009
Non-Independent |
Raymond Threlkeld has over 30 years of mineral industry experience. From 2009 to 2013, Mr. Threlkeld was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Rainy River Resources Ltd. From 2005 to 2009, Mr. Threlkeld was the Chief Operating Officer of Silver Bear Resources Inc. From 2006 to 2009, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Western Goldfields Inc. From 1996 to 2005, Mr. Threlkeld held various senior management positions in precious metal mine development with Barrick Gold Corporation and Coeur d’Alene Mines Corporation including the development of the Pierina Mine in Peru, the Bulyanhulu Mine in Tanzania and the Veladero Mine in Argentina. Mr. Threlkeld has had exploration acquisition success in the Western United States in addition to his management and project development experience. In March 2014, Mr. Threlkeld was appointed Chair of the Board of Newmarket Gold Inc. Mr. Threlkeld’s principal occupation is a Corporate Director and consultant on natural resource development. |
Securities Held(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
Common Shares |
Number
of
DSU |
Number
of
Options |
Total at risk value of
Securities Held ($)(2) |
March 16, 2015 |
177,694 |
25,678 |
147,899 |
707,381 |
March 17, 2014 |
177,694 |
11,527 |
101,603 |
1,137,114 |
Change |
- |
14,151 |
46,296 |
(429,733) |
Meets share ownership requirement |
|
Areas of Expertise |
Director Election - Voting Results(3) |
Mining Industry & Operations; Health, Safety, Environment & Risk Management; Public Company Board; Management. |
Year |
For |
Withheld |
2014 |
94.33% |
5.67% |
2013 |
78.14% |
21.86% |
2012 |
79.80% |
20.20% |
Board and Committee
Membership and
Attendance 2014 |
Other Public Directorships |
Board |
6 of 6 |
Newmarket Gold Inc. |
Since 2014 |
HSE & CSR Committee, Chair |
2 of 2 |
|
|
If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
16 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| (1) | Information regarding the respective securities held by each Nominee, including the number of common shares beneficially owned directly
or indirectly or over which control or direction is exercised, has been provided by the relevant Nominee. |
| (2) | Represents the total at risk value of all common shares, DSU, PSU (each as defined below) and stock options (“Options”)
held by the respective Nominees as at March 16, 2015 and March 17, 2014. |
The at risk value as at March 16, 2015 was
calculated as follows: (a) the at-risk value of common shares was calculated using the closing price of the Company’s common
shares on the TSX (as defined below) on March 16, 2015 of C$4.44; (b) the at risk value of DSU and PSU was calculated by multiplying
the number of DSU or PSU held by the closing price of the Company’s common shares on the TSX on March 16, 2015 of C$4.44;
and (c) the at risk value of unexercised Options was calculated using the closing price on the TSX on March 16, 2015 of C$4.44
and subtracting the exercise price of the in-the-money Options. These amounts were then converted at an exchange rate of US$1.00
= C$1.2765, being the noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada on March 16, 2015.
The following table shows a breakdown of
the at risk value at March 16, 2015 for each type of security held by the Nominees:
Name |
At
risk value of
Common
Shares ($) |
At
risk value of
DSU
or PSU ($) |
At
risk value of
Options
($) |
David Emerson |
17,391 |
108,748 |
- |
James Estey |
964,470 |
209,224 |
- |
Robert Gallagher |
887,165 |
1,088,696 |
1,324,403 |
Vahan Kololian |
4,149,569 |
129,990 |
- |
Martyn Konig |
758,261 |
173,972 |
- |
Pierre Lassonde |
25,838,957 |
106,584 |
- |
Randall Oliphant |
15,898,626 |
1,683,478 |
1,445,358 |
Raymond Threlkeld |
618,066 |
89,315 |
- |
The at risk value as at March 17, 2014 was
calculated as follows: (a) the at-risk value of common shares was calculated using the closing price of the Company’s common
shares on the TSX on March 17, 2014 of C$6.55; (b) the at risk value of DSU and PSU was calculated by multiplying the number of
DSU or PSU held by the closing price of the Company’s common shares on the TSX on March 17, 2014 of C$6.55; and (c) the at
risk value of unexercised Options was calculated using the closing price on the TSX on March 17, 2014 of C$6.55 and subtracting
the exercise price of the in-the money Options. These amounts were then converted at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1052, being
the noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada on March 17, 2014.
| (3) | Annual voting results for the last three years in which the Nominee was nominated for election to the Board. |
| (4) | PSU are shown based on the number of Share Units (as defined below) granted. On the Entitlement Date (as defined below) of
the PSU, the cash payment or number of shares to be issued in satisfaction of the PSU will vary from 50% to 150% of the number
of Share Units granted, based on the Achieved Performance (as defined below). |
Cease Trade Orders or Bankruptcies
As at the date of this Circular, no Nominee has, or has been within
the past ten years, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any company (including New Gold) that:
| (i) | was subject to a cease trade order, an order similar to a cease trade order or an order that denied the relevant company access
to any exemption under securities legislation, that was in effect for a period of more than 30 consecutive days (collectively,
an “Order”), that was issued while the proposed director was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive
officer or chief financial officer; or |
| (ii) | was subject to an Order that was issued after the proposed director ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief
financial officer and which resulted from an event that occurred while that person was acting in the capacity as director, chief
executive officer or chief financial officer. |
If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
17 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
As at the date of this Circular, no Nominee:
| (i) | is, or has been within the past ten years, a director or executive officer of any company (including New Gold) that, while
that person was acting in that capacity, or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made
a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement
or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets, other than Mr. Kololian,
who was a board member (but had previously resigned from the board) of a business services company that filed for voluntary bankruptcy
on or about June 23, 2010; |
| (ii) | has, within the past ten years, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency,
or become subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager
or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the Nominee; or |
| (iii) | has been subject to: (a) any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to securities legislation or by a securities
regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with a securities regulatory authority, or (b) any other penalties
or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be considered important to a reasonable shareholder in deciding
whether to vote for a Nominee. |
Additional Information Regarding the Board
For additional information regarding New Gold’s Board, including
compensation and corporate governance practices, see “Statement of Executive Compensation – Director Compensation”
and “Corporate Governance Practices”.
Shareholders will be asked to consider and, if deemed appropriate, pass
an ordinary resolution to appoint Deloitte LLP as auditor of New Gold to hold office until the close of the next annual meeting
of shareholders of New Gold. It is also proposed that shareholders authorize the directors to fix the remuneration to be paid to
the auditor. Deloitte LLP was first appointed as auditor of New Gold on July 8, 2008. Additional information with respect to the
Company’s auditor can be found in New Gold’s latest Annual Information Form available at www.sedar.com.
Unless authority to do so is withheld, the persons named in the accompanying
proxy intend to vote FOR the appointment of Deloitte LLP as auditor of New Gold until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders
of New Gold and to authorize the directors to fix their remuneration.
| 4. | ADOPTION OF ADVANCE NOTICE POLICY |
On February 19, 2015, the Board adopted an advance notice policy (the
“Advance Notice Policy”) which sets out advance notice requirements for the nomination of directors. At the
Meeting, shareholders will be asked to ratify, confirm and approve the Advance Notice Policy by passing an ordinary resolution
(the “Advance Notice Policy Resolution”), as set out below. The Advance Notice Policy Resolution must be approved
by a simple majority of the votes cast on the resolution at the Meeting.
If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
18 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
The purpose of the Advance Notice Policy is to provide shareholders,
the Board and management of the Company with a clear framework for nominating directors. The Advance Notice Policy fixes a deadline
by which holders of Common Shares must submit director nominations to the Company prior to any annual or special general meeting
of shareholders and sets out the information that a shareholder must include in the notice to the Company for the notice to be
in proper written form in order for any director nominee to be eligible for election at any annual or special general meeting of
shareholders.
Terms of the Advance Notice Policy
The Advance Notice Policy requires advance notice to the Company by
any shareholder who intends to nominate any person for election as director of the Company other than pursuant to: (i) a requisition
of a meeting made pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (“BCBCA”);
or (ii) a shareholder proposal made pursuant to the provisions of the BCBCA.
Among other things, under the Advance Notice Policy, a shareholder wishing
to nominate a director would be required to provide notice to the Company in the prescribed form within the following time periods:
| · | In the case of an annual meeting of shareholders, not less than 30 days prior to the date of the annual meeting of shareholders;
provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting of shareholders is to be held on a date that is less than 50 days
after the date on which the first public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was made, not later than the close of business
on the tenth day following the day on which the first public announcement of the date of the meeting was made by the Company; and |
| · | In the case of a special meeting (which is not also an annual meeting) of shareholders called for the purpose of electing directors
(whether or not called for other purposes as well), not later than the close of business on the fifteenth day following the day
on which the first public announcement of the date of the special meeting of shareholders was made by the Company. |
The Board may, in its sole discretion, waive any requirement of the
Advance Notice Policy. Failure to comply with the Advance Notice Policy may result in a shareholder’s desired nominee(s)
not being eligible to be nominated for election as a director(s) of the Company.
If confirmed, the Advance Notice Policy will provide a mechanism for
the Company to, prior to a shareholders’ meeting, obtain certain information about the proposed nominee and the nominating
shareholder that could be material to a reasonable shareholder’s understanding of the nominating shareholder and of the proposed
nominee’s background and experience.
The adoption of advance notice requirements has become a common and
important tool for public companies in Canada and the United States. The Board believes that the Advance Notice Policy will benefit
shareholders by:
| · | facilitating orderly nomination and meeting processes; |
| · | providing timely and adequate notice of director nominations; and |
| · | allowing all shareholders to fully participate in the director election process and to cast an informed vote. |
If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
19 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
The above summary is qualified by the full text of the Advance Notice
Policy. A copy of the Advance Notice Policy is available for review: (a) under the Company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com;
(b) at the Company’s head office located at Suite 1800, Two Bentall Centre, 555 Burrard Street, Vancouver upon request to
the Corporate Counsel at 604-696-4100; or (c) on the Company’s website at www.newgold.com.
If the Advance Notice Policy Resolution is passed at the Meeting, the
Advance Notice Policy will remain in effect. If the Advance Notice Policy Resolution does not pass at the Meeting, the Advance
Notice Policy will terminate and be of no further force and effect following the termination of the Meeting. Management of the
Company recommends that shareholders vote in favour of the Advance Notice Policy Resolution.
Shareholders will be asked at the Meeting to pass the
following ordinary resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
| a. | the Advance Notice Policy submitted to shareholders for approval, the full text of which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com,
be ratified, confirmed and approved as the Advance Notice Policy of the Company; and |
| b. | any officer or director of the Company is authorized and directed to execute and deliver under corporate seal or otherwise,
all such documents and instruments and to do all such acts as such officer or director determines to be necessary or desirable
to give effect to this resolution.” |
Unless authority to do so is withheld, the persons named in the accompanying
proxy intend to vote FOR the approval of the Advance Notice Policy Resolution at the Meeting.
| 5. | Renewal of Shareholder Rights Plan |
On March 23, 2012, the Company adopted a shareholder rights plan (the
“Original Plan”) designed to ensure that, in the event of an unsolicited take-over bid, the Board has additional
time to explore and investigate alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including competing transactions that might emerge.
The Original Plan was approved by the shareholders of the Company at the annual general and special meeting of shareholders held
on May 2, 2012. The Original Plan by its terms will expire at the close of business on the day of the Meeting unless extended by
the shareholders of the Company.
On February 19, 2015, the Board approved a proposal to continue the
Original Plan with certain amendments and therefore approved an amended and restated shareholder rights plan agreement (the “Shareholder
Rights Plan”), which will, upon receipt of shareholder approval, become effective for a three-year period, unless further
extended. In compliance with the rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”), the Shareholder Rights Plan is
being presented to shareholders at the Meeting for approval, ratification and confirmation. The resolution approving the Shareholder
Rights Plan (the “Shareholder Rights Plan Resolution”) is set out below. The Shareholder Rights Plan Resolution
must be approved by a simple majority of the votes cast on the resolution at the Meeting.
If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
20 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
If the Shareholder Rights Plan Resolution is passed at the Meeting,
the amended and restated Shareholder Rights Plan will come into effect. If the Shareholder Rights Plan Resolution does not pass
at the Meeting, the Original Plan and the rights issued pursuant to the Original Plan will terminate and become null and void and
of no further force and effect (and the amended and restated Shareholder Rights Plan will not come into effect). Management of
the Company recommends that shareholders vote in favour of the Shareholder Rights Plan Resolution.
Proposed Amendments and Terms of the Shareholder
Rights Plan
In September 2014, the Canadian Securities Administrators (“CSA”)
announced that they intend to propose certain amendments to the Canadian take-over bid rules, including revising the minimum bid
period. Specifically, the proposed amendments will provide for a minimum 120-day bid period, subject to the ability of the target
board to waive, in a non-discriminatory manner when there are multiple bids, the minimum period to no less than 35 days. In the
Shareholder Rights Plan, the phrase “(or such other minimum period of days as may be prescribed by applicable Canadian provincial
securities laws)” has been added after the reference to 35 days in the definition of “Competing Permitted Bid”
to accommodate the possibility that the statutory minimum bid period may be longer than 35 days.
In addition, amendments have been made to clarify that the Shareholder
Rights Plan (as amended and restated) will become effective upon receipt of shareholder approval at the Meeting (in which case
the termination of the plan will be extended for another three years), and if not so approved the Original Plan will terminate
and be of no further force and effect at the conclusion of the Meeting.
Additional changes have been made to the Shareholder Rights Plan to
clarify the issuance of rights (“Right”) attached to non-certificated common shares issued in book-based systems,
to accommodate new requirements of the rights agent with respect to limitations on its liability, and to make certain other non-substantive
amendments incidental to the foregoing updates.
A short summary of the terms of the Shareholder Rights Plan is set out
in Schedule B attached to this Circular. The summary of the Shareholder Rights Plan is qualified in its entirety by the full text
of the Shareholder Rights Plan. A copy of the Shareholder Rights Plan as proposed to be amended and restated is available for review
at the Company’s head office located at Suite 1800, Two Bentall Centre, 555 Burrard Street, Vancouver upon request to the
Corporate Counsel at 604-696-4100 or by accessing the Company’s website at www.newgold.com/annualmeeting2015.
Shareholders will be asked at the Meeting to pass the following ordinary
resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
| a. | the Shareholder Rights Plan as originally adopted by the Board on March 23, 2012, as amended subsequently and as amended and
restated as described in the Management Information Circular of the Company dated March 17, 2015, be ratified, confirmed and approved
as the Shareholder Rights Plan of the Company; and |
| b. | any officer or director of the Company is authorized and directed to execute and deliver under corporate seal or otherwise,
all such documents and instruments and to do all such acts as such officer or director determines to be necessary or desirable
to give effect to this resolution.” |
Unless authority to do so is withheld, the persons named in the accompanying
proxy intend to vote FOR the approval of the Shareholder Rights Plan Resolution at the Meeting.
If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
21 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| 6. | Say on Pay Advisory Vote |
The Board has adopted a policy that provides for an annual advisory
shareholder vote on executive compensation, known as “Say on Pay”. The Say on Pay policy is designed to enhance accountability
for the compensation decisions made by the Board by giving shareholders a formal opportunity to provide their views on the Board’s
approach to executive compensation through an annual non-binding advisory vote. The Company will disclose the results of the vote
as part of its report on voting results for each annual meeting. The results will not be binding; the Board will remain fully responsible
for its compensation decisions and will not be relieved of these responsibilities by the advisory vote. However, the Board will
take the results into account, as appropriate, when considering future compensation policies, procedures and decisions and in determining
whether there is a need to modify the level and nature of their engagement with shareholders.
If the advisory resolution is not approved by a majority of the votes
cast at an annual meeting, the Board will consult with shareholders (particularly those who are known to have voted against the
resolution) in order to understand their concerns, and will review New Gold’s approach to compensation in the context of
those concerns. Results from the Board’s review will be discussed in New Gold’s management information circular for
the following year.
Shareholders are encouraged to review and consider the detailed information
regarding New Gold’s approach to compensation under the heading “Statement of Executive Compensation” on page
23.
At the Meeting, the shareholders of the Company will be asked to consider
the following non-binding advisory resolution on the acceptance of New Gold’s approach to executive compensation, known as
“Say on Pay”. The resolution conforms to the form of resolution recommended by the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance.
Shareholders may vote for or against the following resolution:
“BE IT RESOLVED THAT on an advisory basis, and not to diminish
the role and responsibilities of the Board, the shareholders accept the Board’s approach to executive compensation disclosed
under the section entitled “Statement of Executive Compensation” in the Management Information Circular of the Company
dated March 17, 2015 delivered in advance of the Meeting.”
The Board and management recommend the adoption of the Say on Pay advisory
resolution. Shareholders who vote against the resolution are encouraged to contact the Board using the contact information provided
under the heading “Contacting the Board of Directors” on page 72.
Unless authority to do so is withheld, the persons named in the accompanying
proxy intend to vote FOR the Say on Pay advisory resolution.
If you have any questions or need assistance completing
your form of proxy or voting instruction form, please call Kingsdale Shareholder Services at 1-866-581-1477 or email contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com.
22 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In this section, the individuals in the “Summary Compensation
Table” are referred to as the named executive officers (“NEOs”).
Compensation Discussion
and Analysis
New Gold is an intermediate gold producer with a portfolio of assets
in Canada, the United States, Australia, Mexico and Chile. As part of its business strategy, New Gold is focused on:
| • | executing on operational targets (safety, cost, production, environment and social responsibility); |
| • | maintaining a strong financial position; |
| • | enhancing value through project development and continuous improvement of its existing operations; and |
| • | disciplined growth through additional, value-enhancing merger and acquisition opportunities. |
New Gold’s executive compensation program is intended to support
these goals by attracting and retaining talented employees through competitive compensation, paying for performance, aligning compensation
with shareholders’ interests and providing the flexibility necessary to accommodate the needs of New Gold in the different
business conditions in which it operates.
In particular, New Gold’s executive compensation program is designed
to support the Company’s growth by rewarding:
| • | individual skill and experience of executives; |
| • | individual and corporate performance; and |
| • | the long-term performance of New Gold’s share price. |
Role of the Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee is comprised of Martyn Konig (Chair), Pierre
Lassonde and James Estey, each of whom is an independent director. The Compensation Committee assists the Board in approving and
monitoring the Company’s guidelines and practices with respect to compensation and benefits, as well as administering the
Company’s equity-based compensation plans. The Compensation Committee’s responsibilities include, among other things:
| • | ensuring that the Company has programs to attract and develop executive officers of the highest calibre; |
| • | reviewing succession plans for the Company’s executive officers and reporting to the Board on succession planning; and |
| • | reviewing corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of executive officers and making recommendations to the
Board regarding such goals and objectives, and, based on performance against those goals and objectives, recommending to the Board
the annual salary, bonus and other compensation of executive officers. |
23 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
In addition, the Compensation Committee is responsible for establishing
a clear and concise compensation philosophy for the Company. New Gold’s executive compensation philosophy is as follows:
| • | salaries are benchmarked to the median of the market compensation data, which means that executive officers should not expect
automatic annual salary increases; |
| • | New Gold’s compensation is focused on performance-based bonuses and equity; and |
| • | compensation packages include salary, performance-based bonus, stock options and Share Units. |
As described in their respective biographies under “Business of
the Meeting – Election of Directors”, the members of the Compensation Committee each have extensive experience in managing
companies and businesses, including with respect to setting and implementing the objectives of compensation programs.
Elements of NEO Compensation
Compensation of NEOs for the year ended December 31, 2014 included base
salary, annual performance-based bonus, stock options, performance share units, also referred to as PSU, and other annual compensation
such as health and retirement benefits. The following table lists each element of the Company’s executive compensation program
and summarizes why New Gold chooses to pay each element.
Element of compensation |
Purpose of element |
Base Salary |
Base salaries are fixed and therefore provide a level of certainty for NEOs. Base salaries are also used as a measure to compare to, and remain competitive with, compensation offered by competitors and as the base to determine other elements of compensation and benefits. |
Annual Bonus |
Annual bonuses are tied to performance and are a variable component of compensation designed to reward NEOs for maximizing operating and financial performance of the Company. Annual bonuses are paid at the discretion of the Board and are determined based on a number of factors, including financial and operational performance as well as personal performance. |
Stock Options |
Stock options are variable elements of compensation intended to reward NEOs’ success in achieving sustained, long-term profitability and increases in stock value. |
Performance Share Units |
PSU are variable elements of compensation intended to reward NEOs’ success in achieving sustained, long-term profitability, increases in stock value and comparatively better performance than the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index. Unlike restricted share units, which are paid based on the value of the Company’s shares on a fixed date regardless of performance, PSU are linked to the performance of the Company relative to the wider industry for the applicable performance measurement period. |
Benefits Plans - including medical, dental, life insurance, disability insurance, and a group RRSP |
The Company’s benefits plans provide financial reassurance to NEOs in the event of illness, disability or death. The group RRSP is provided to assist individuals in saving for retirement. Benefits plans during 2014 were provided to NEOs on the same basis as other employees in the applicable jurisdiction, except for annual health assessments which have been available for executives since 2008. |
24 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Benchmarking
The Compensation Committee believes that it is appropriate to establish
compensation levels based largely on benchmarking against similar companies, both in terms of compensation practices as well as
levels of compensation. In this way, New Gold can assess if its compensation is competitive in the marketplace for its employees,
as well as measure its reasonableness.
For 2014, New Gold reviewed the actual compensation paid to executives
of the comparative companies listed below. The comparative companies were selected based on the following criteria: the companies
are gold producers with at least one asset in production; they have operations of similar size and scope to New Gold; and they
have comparable market capitalization. For 2014, New Gold reviewed the peer group previously used for its 2013 compensation review
and as a result of this analysis, Osisko Mining Corp and Alamos Mining Corp were removed, and B2Gold Corp, Detour Gold Corporation
and Kinross Gold Corporation were added, resulting in a peer group that is more compatible with the size and scope of New Gold.
Comparative company |
Corporate head office location |
Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited |
Toronto, Ontario |
Alamos Gold Inc. |
Toronto, Ontario |
AuRico Gold Inc. |
Toronto, Ontario |
B2 Gold Corp. |
Vancouver, British Columbia |
Centerra Gold Inc. |
Toronto, Ontario |
Detour Gold Corporation |
Toronto, Ontario |
Eldorado Gold Corporation |
Vancouver, British Columbia |
IAMGold Corporation |
Toronto, Ontario |
Kinross Gold Corporation |
Toronto, Ontario |
Yamana Gold Inc. |
Toronto, Ontario |
Outside Consultants
New Gold purchased compensation surveys related to the mining industry
as well as general industry from Mercer LLC (“Mercer”) and Towers Watson & Co. (“Towers Watson”)
in 2014. In addition, Towers Watson provided New Gold with market compensation data for executive level positions.
Logan Human Resources Management Inc. (“Logan HR”)
summarized the NEO compensation data for the peer group and provided compensation benchmark data for New Gold’s professional
and administrative employees in its Vancouver and Toronto corporate offices.
In 2012, New Gold engaged Hugessen Consulting Inc. (“Hugessen
Consulting”) to review New Gold’s executive compensation practices and Hugessen Consulting provided guidance to
the Compensation Committee on the subject of advisory shareholder votes on executive compensation in 2013 and provided an update
on trends in executive compensation in 2014.
Other than described above, Hugessen Consulting, Towers Watson, Mercer
and Logan HR did not provide any other services to New Gold during 2014.
25 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Consultant |
Year
ended
December
31 |
Executive compensation-
related fees ($) (1) |
All other fees ($) (1) |
Hugessen Consulting |
2014 |
19,668 |
Nil |
2013 |
7,779 |
Nil |
Logan HR |
2014 |
10,548 |
Nil |
2013 |
11,603 |
7,283 |
Mercer |
2014 |
Nil |
16,252 |
2013 |
4,807 |
8,939 |
Towers Watson |
2014 |
16,937 |
1,584 |
2013 |
19,986 |
2,039 |
| (1) | Consulting fees were charged in Canadian dollars and converted from Canadian dollars at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045
for 2014 and US$1.00 = C$1.0299 for 2013, being the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for each respective year. |
Timing
Historically, annual incentive compensation, namely cash bonuses, PSU,
RSU and Options, has been paid or granted, as the case may be, in the first quarter of the year following the year to which the
compensation relates. For example, incentive compensation in respect of 2013 performance was paid in February of 2014. The Company
has decided to modify this approach, and pay or grant (as the case may be) annual incentive compensation in December of the year
to which the compensation relates. In this way, compensation payments better align with the Company’s planning cycle. As
a result, cash bonuses, PSU, RSU and Options in respect of 2014 performance were paid or granted, as the case may be, in December
of 2014. In the information circular for New Gold’s previous shareholders’ meeting, as well as this Circular, with
the exception of tables that give information as of a particular date (in which case the information is as of the stated date),
compensation is reported based on the year to which it relates, regardless of whether the actual payment occurred in that year
or the following year. As a result, the change the Company has made to the timing for paying and granting incentive compensation
does not impact the manner in which information is presented in the Circular.
Compensation Elements
Below is a description of New Gold’s executive compensation and
how the Company determines the amount to be paid for each element.
Base Salary
To ensure New Gold will continue to attract and retain qualified and
experienced executives, base salaries are reviewed and, if appropriate, adjusted annually in order to ensure they generally remain
at the median for comparable companies. For 2014, no adjustments were made to the base salaries of the Executive Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
Annual Performance-Based Cash Incentives
Similar to the approach used to determine base salaries, in order to
attract and retain qualified and experienced executives, officers’ target bonuses are established at a level designed to
ensure that cash compensation is competitive with that offered by comparable companies. In addition, in the case of Messrs. Oliphant
and Gallagher, their respective employment contracts also prescribe a minimum bonus amount. However, it has not been necessary
to rely on the minimum bonus amount since the contracts were signed.
26 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
The actual bonus paid to an NEO is based on a combination of his or
her personal performance and overall corporate performance, with the relative weighting between the two reflecting the NEO’s
position and ability to directly impact corporate performance. The bonuses for the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief
Executive Officer are weighted as to 80% on Company performance and 20% on personal performance, with all other NEOs weighted as
to 60% on Company performance and 40% on personal performance. At the beginning of each year, the Board establishes factors to
be used to assess Company performance for the year, as well as the weighting for each factor. For 2014, the following performance
factors, and the relative weightings noted, were approved by the Board:
Performance goal |
Result |
WEIGHT |
Performance Factor: Disciplined Growth |
New Afton: Complete C-zone scoping study by January 31 and commence
pre-feasibility study work including: Geotech study (complete Q2), mine design and metallurgical testing (complete Q3), water use
license amendment (complete Q3), hydrology studies and design (complete Q4), drill program and resource update (complete Q4).
|
C-zone studies completed as per schedule. Scoping study result
released with year-end update on February 4, 2015. |
15%
|
New Afton: Initiate construction of mill expansion project to achieve
14,000 tonnes per day at optimum grind size with commissioning in April 2015. Work in 2014 includes: receipt of amended water use
license, completion of detailed engineering, commencement of earthworks in June, expanded flotation complete in December and verti-mill
delivery on track for installation and start up in April 2015.
|
The planned mill expansion work was completed on budget and on schedule, and the mill expansion remains on track for commissioning in mid-2015. |
|
Rainy River: Execute design engineering phase including committing to long lead equipment purchases and undertake activities to prepare for construction start in 2015. |
Detailed engineering 70% complete, in accordance with project schedule.
Other activities also completed in accordance with the project schedule.
|
20%
|
Rainy River: Develop and implement recruitment, training, housing and lands strategy and establish operations systems and procedures for start of mining operations. |
All activities completed in accordance with the project schedule, including hiring of general manager and construction manager. Long-term operations housing strategy deferred to 2015.
|
Rainy River: Submit Environmental Assessment and receive regulatory approvals. Negotiate required agreement/consultation with First Nations. |
The Federal and Provincial Environmental Assessment (“EA”) applications were submitted on-schedule. EAs were approved in early 2015. Agreements with three First Nations groups and Métis Nation of Ontario were signed.
|
27 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Performance goal |
Result |
WEIGHT |
Blackwater: Submit finalized EA Report. Execute support engineering
activities for all regulatory approvals for permitting and start of construction and initiate Mines Act permitting.
|
The finalized EA was submitted. Engineering activities to support permitting preparation completed in accordance with plan. Engineering for start of construction was deferred. Work commenced on preparing the Mines Act permit. |
5%
|
Blackwater: Negotiate Participation Agreement with designated First Nations groups. |
The First Nations groups declined to negotiate participation agreements in 2014 due to the decision New Gold made to sequence this project after Rainy River. New Gold instead negotiated capacity agreements to support First Nations in their review of the EA thereby continuing their engagement in the project.
|
Other: Follow up on targets identified to date and define drill targets to identify mineable grade material at Peak Mines, Blackwater and Rainy River. |
Exploration program completed on schedule and within budget, including replacement of 90% of mineral reserves at Peak Mines, discovery of high grade porphyry-style mineralization near Blackwater and prospective volcanic massive sulphide near Rainy River.
|
5%
|
Performance Factor: Operational Execution |
Achieve production guidance of 380-420 koz of gold. Achieve guidance cash expenditures including operational and capital costs. |
380 koz gold produced, which was at the low end of the Company’s guidance range. Operating costs and capital costs were below amounts in the guidance model.
|
40%
|
Maintain Total Reportable Injury(1) rate at 2.47. Achieve
100% completion of planned preventative activities under New Gold’s Occupational Health and Safety Standards.
|
The Total Reportable Injury(1) rate of 2.54 was 3% better than the target of 2.47%. Completed 203% of planned preventative activities.
|
5%
|
Implement remaining 50% of the components of the management standards for environment and corporate social responsibility. Implement self-assessment and peer verification to gauge conformance. |
100% of the components of the management standards for environment and corporate social responsibility were implemented. Self-assessments completed at all operations. Peer verification completed at New Afton.
|
5%
|
Performance Factor: Management Succession |
Develop a roadmap for management succession and development to ensure New Gold has qualified personnel to manage New Gold’s anticipated five-year operating and development portfolio. |
Roadmap for succession planning and development established. High potential individuals identified across the organization.
|
5%
|
| (1) | Total Reportable Injuries = fatalities, lost time, restricted duty and medical treatment injuries. |
28 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
At the end of the year, the Board reviews corporate performance against
the various factors established at the beginning of the year, and also considers other relevant events and circumstances, to establish
an overall corporate performance rating that is applied in determining bonuses to be paid. In general, a score of 100% of
the amount allocated to a particular objective is given if the objective was met. If the objective was not met or if the Company
exceeded the objective, the Board has the discretion to score that objective at less than or more than 100%.
In 2014, the Company experienced strong success in certain areas, including
strong progress on its development projects and improved operating performance, resulting in a corporate performance rating of
98% based on the pre-established factors. However, share price performance did not meet our expectations and as a result
management and the Board reduced the corporate performance rating to 75% for purposes of determining cash bonuses, while the rating
was rounded to 100% for purposes of determining equity-based incentive compensation.
In addition, the Board considered the aggregate compensation payable
to all executives in 2014 relative to 2013 (excluding the impact of new hires). 2013 executive compensation was significantly reduced
relative to 2012 as a result of a corporate performance rating of 50% and capped personal performance rating of 100% in 2013. In
light of New Gold’s share price performance in 2014, the Board decided that the aggregate amount of executive compensation
for 2014 should be limited to an amount that was consistent with 2013, based on the Company’s functional currency. In order
to achieve the Board’s objective with respect to the overall level of executive compensation, the 2014 compensation calculations
for executives were adjusted downwards from the levels implied by the corporate and personal performance ratings.
A summary of the bonus amounts prescribed in employment contracts (where
applicable), the target award percentages and the actual bonuses paid for the year ended December 31, 2014 for each NEO is set
out below.
Name
and position |
2014
Annual
salary
($) |
Minimum
amount
specified in
employment
contract
(where
applicable) |
Target
award as %
of annual
salary |
Bonus
amount
paid
($) |
Bonus
amount
as % of annual
salary
(at
December
31, 2014) |
Randall Oliphant
Executive Chairman |
679,050 |
A minimum bonus of one-third of annual salary |
125% |
724,320 |
107% |
Robert Gallagher
President and
Chief Executive Officer |
588,510 |
A minimum bonus of one-third of annual salary |
125% |
497,970 |
85% |
Brian Penny
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer |
375,741 |
n/a |
100% |
271,620 |
72% |
David Schummer(1)
Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer |
110,824 |
n/a |
100% |
126,756 |
114% |
Hannes Portmann
Vice President,
Corporate Development |
271,620 |
n/a |
80% |
181,080 |
67% |
| (1) | Mr. Schummer was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on September 29, 2014. The salary and bonus
reflect the actual amounts paid to him during the year. Bonus amount paid does not include a signing bonus of $226,350. Refer to
Note 3 on the Summary Compensation Table for more information. |
29 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Other Compensation – Perquisites
No NEO received any perquisites which, in aggregate, were greater than
$50,000 or 10% of the respective NEO’s salary.
Stock Options
In March 2011, New Gold adopted a stock option plan (the “Stock
Option Plan”). The general purpose of the Stock Option Plan is to advance the interests of New Gold by providing Eligible
Persons (as defined below) with incentives to maximize shareholder value and to attract and reward long-term commitments to New
Gold by Eligible Persons. A description of the Stock Option Plan is set out in this Circular under “Stock Option Plan”
on page 53. Options granted under the Stock Option Plan expire not later than the fifth anniversary of the date the options were
granted and vesting provisions for issued options are determined at the discretion of the Board. New Gold has a practice of not
having options vest earlier than 12 months from the grant date.
The Compensation Committee recommends stock option awards to the Board
after considering input from management. The Compensation Committee considers external benchmarking data as well as individual
performance of the NEO, individual option holdings, whether they are in-the-money or not, and the total number of stock options
outstanding in making decisions or recommendations for option grants to the Board. The Board has delegated authority to the Compensation
Committee to grant individual stock option awards up to 50,000 options to Eligible Persons who are not officers. Option awards
in excess of 50,000 options or to executive officers require approval by the Board.
Expected value is calculated using a Black-Scholes option valuation
methodology consistent with the methodology for valuing stock options for New Gold’s stock-based compensation expense in
its financial statements. Expected value as a percentage of annual salary varies depending on an individual’s level within
the organization and is determined based on benchmarking against a comparator group of companies as listed under the heading “Benchmarking”.
In December 2014, the Board approved, on the recommendation of the Compensation
Committee, the grant of the following stock options to the NEOs in recognition of their performance in 2014 and as part of their
2014 compensation. This table does not include options granted in February 2014 in respect of 2013 compensation.
Name |
Position |
Number of
Options(1) |
Value of Option
award ($)(2) |
Randall Oliphant |
Executive Chairman |
530,000 |
777,113 |
Robert Gallagher |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
385,000 |
564,506 |
Brian Penny |
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
195,000 |
285,919 |
David Schummer(3) |
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
225,000 |
329,906 |
Hannes Portmann |
Vice President, Corporate Development |
180,000 |
263,925 |
| (1) | All of these stock options were granted on December 18, 2014 and vest in three equal instalments beginning on the first anniversary
of the date of grant. The exercise price for these stock options is C$4.78. The options expire on December 18, 2019. |
| (2) | The value of the option awards is calculated using the Black-Scholes option valuation methodology and converted at an exchange
rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1594, being the noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada on December 18, 2014, the date on which the options
were granted. |
| (3) | Mr. Schummer was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on September 29, 2014. The option grant shown
in this table does not include 250,000 Options granted as a part of Mr. Schummer’s signing bonus. Refer to the Summary Compensation
Table for more information. |
30 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Performance Share Units
In 2009, New Gold introduced the Long Term Incentive Plan (as defined
below), which provides for RSU (time-based share unit awards) and which was subsequently amended in February 2013 to provide for
PSU (performance-based share unit awards) as a bonus in consideration of past services to the Company or its affiliates. The Board
considers that PSU are a more appropriate form of compensation for NEOs (as compared to RSU) as their value is tied to the performance
of the Company relative to the wider industry over the applicable performance measurement periods. In this Circular, RSU and PSU
are collectively referred to as “Share Units”. A description of the Long Term Incentive Plan is set out in this Circular
under “Long Term Incentive Plan” on page 56.
The Compensation Committee recommends PSU awards to the Board after
considering input from management. The Compensation Committee considers external benchmarking data as well as individual performance
of the NEO, individual PSU holding, the value of PSU holding, and the total number of PSU outstanding in making recommendations
for PSU grants to the Board. The Board has delegated authority to the Compensation Committee to grant individual PSU awards up
to 25,000 PSU to Eligible Persons who are not officers. PSU awards in excess of 25,000 PSU or to executive officers require approval
by the Board.
In December 2014, the Board approved, on the recommendation of the Compensation
Committee, the grant of the following PSU to the NEOs in recognition of their performance in 2014 and as part of their 2014 compensation.
This table does not include PSU granted in February 2014 in respect of 2013 compensation.
Name
and principal position |
grant date |
Performance
YEar |
PSU
granted(#)(1) |
Total value of
PSU award ($)(2) |
Randall Oliphant
Executive Chairman |
December 2014 |
2014 |
190,000 |
783,323 |
Robert Gallagher
President and Chief Executive Officer |
December 2014 |
2014 |
140,000 |
577,185 |
Brian Penny
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
December 2014 |
2014 |
70,000 |
288,593 |
David Schummer(3)
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
December 2014 |
2014 |
80,000 |
329,820 |
Hannes Portmann
Vice President, Corporate Development |
December 2014 |
2014 |
65,000 |
267,979 |
| (1) | The PSU were granted on December 18, 2014 and have an Entitlement Date of December 31, 2017. PSU are shown based on the number
of PSU granted. On the Entitlement Date of the PSU, the number of shares or cash payment to be issued in satisfaction of the PSU
will vary from 50% to 150% of the number of PSU granted, based on the Achieved Performance. Refer to “Long Term Incentive
Plan” on page 56 for further details regarding PSU. |
| (2) | The PSU granted in December 2014 for performance in 2014 are valued by multiplying the number of PSU granted by C$4.78, being
the five-day volume weighted average share price of New Gold on the TSX immediately preceding the date of grant (December 18, 2014),
and then converting that amount at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1594, being the noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for
December 18, 2014. |
| (3) | Mr. Schummer was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on September 29, 2014. PSU grant shown in this
table does not include 75,000 PSU granted as a part of Mr. Schummer’s signing bonus. Refer to the Summary Compensation Table
for more information. |
Share Ownership Policy for Directors and
NEOs
Refer to page 47 of this Circular for information about the Company’s
share ownership requirements and compliance by the Company’s directors, the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief
Executive Officer in 2014. New Gold’s other NEOs are not required to comply with any minimum share ownership requirements.
31 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Retirement Benefits
New Gold sponsors a voluntary Group RRSP program for Canadian corporate
employees. Participating Canadian employees may contribute between 1% and 9% of their annual base salary to the RRSP program. New
Gold then matches the employee contributions up to a maximum amount based on the annual limitation set each year by the Canada
Revenue Agency. In 2014, the limitation on the Company’s matching contributions was C$12,135 per participating employee.
Other than matching contributions to the retirement programs described
above (which amounts are disclosed in the column entitled “All Other Compensation” in the Summary Compensation Table),
New Gold does not provide retirement benefits for NEOs.
Fit with Overall Compensation Objectives
New Gold believes that all of the elements of compensation discussed
above fit into New Gold’s overall compensation philosophy and objectives. Specifically, New Gold believes that the base salaries
and retirement benefits paid to NEOs in 2014 supported its compensation objective of providing competitive compensation that attracts
and retains talented employees while its annual performance-based cash incentives and equity-based compensation grants align compensation
with shareholders’ interests and pay for performance and results. These elements also support New Gold’s business strategy
and are sufficiently flexible to recognize the needs of New Gold in different business conditions.
2015 Compensation Directions
The components of executive compensation for 2015 performance will be
similar to those from 2014, comprised of base salaries, a performance-based cash bonus, Options, Share Units and other annual compensation
such as health and retirement benefits. While the Board reviews the base salaries of the Company’s executive officers every
year to ensure that they remain in line with the Company’s compensation objectives, in light of the share price performance
in 2014, no adjustments have been made to the base salaries of the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and
Chief Operating Officer for 2015. In addition, director compensation will be maintained at 2014 levels, which were reduced from
2013.
Risks Associated with Company’s Compensation
Policies and Practices
The Compensation Committee considers the implications and risks of the
Company’s compensation policies and practices as a factor in assisting the Board in approving and monitoring guidelines and
practices regarding the compensation and benefits of officers, as well as administering the Company’s equity-based compensation
plans. In particular, the committee considers the impact on NEOs and other senior executives to ensure that they do not take inappropriate
or excessive risks.
The Compensation Committee has not identified any risks in the Company’s
existing compensation policies and practices that it believes would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
Anti-Hedging Policy for Directors and Executive
Officers
The Company has adopted a formal policy which prohibits executive officers
and directors from purchasing financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset a decrease in the market value of common
shares or other securities of the Company held by the executive officer or director.
32 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Executive Compensation Clawback Policy
In 2015, the Board adopted an executive compensation clawback policy
which allows the Board to require reimbursement of excess compensation paid or granted to the Chief Executive Officer or Chief
Financial Officer after adoption of the policy in certain circumstances where the Company is required to restate its financial
statements, the executive engaged in fraud or willful misconduct which caused or significantly contributed to the reason for the
restatement, and the incentive compensation paid to the executive would have been lower had it been based on the restated financial
statements.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return
for C$100 invested in common shares of New Gold from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2014 against the cumulative total shareholder
return of the S&P/TSX Composite Index and the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index for the same period, assuming the reinvestment
of all dividends.
Cumulative Value of C$100 Investment from December 31, 2009 to December
31, 2014
(in C$) |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
New Gold Inc. |
100.0 |
254.7 |
270.5 |
289.7 |
146.3 |
131.3 |
% Change (year on year) |
|
154.7 |
6.2 |
7.1 |
-49.5 |
-10.3 |
S&P/TSX Composite Index |
100.0 |
117.2 |
107.2 |
114.7 |
129.3 |
142.9 |
% Change (year on year) |
|
17.2 |
-8.6 |
7.1 |
12.7 |
10.5 |
S&P/TSX Global Gold Index |
100.0 |
126.6 |
109.4 |
93.4 |
49.4 |
46.7 |
% Change (year on year) |
|
26.6 |
-13.5 |
-14.6 |
-47.2 |
-5.5 |
Many members of the current management team at New Gold were brought
together as a result of two business combinations in 2008 and 2009. Since that time New Gold has experienced a significant downturn
in the global stock markets, however its share price had rebounded significantly from the 2008 market lows up until 2012. During
2013 and 2014, weaker gold prices impacted New Gold’s stock price performance.
33 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Over the period from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014, the total
increase in value of New Gold’s share price was 31%, while the total value of compensation provided to the Executive Chairman,
the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and the other two most highly
compensated executive officers over the same period decreased by 12%.
Summary Compensation
Table
The following table provides information for the years ended December
31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 regarding compensation earned by each of the following officers of New Gold (being the NEOs): (a) the Executive
Chairman, (b) the President and Chief Executive Officer, (c) the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and (d)
the other two most highly compensated executive officers.
Compensation is paid to the NEOs in Canadian dollars. For purposes of
this disclosure, New Gold has elected to report the amounts paid to NEOs in United States dollars as this is the currency that
the Company uses for its financial statements. Unless stated otherwise, the amounts paid to NEOs have been converted to United
States dollars at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045 for 2014, US$1.00 = C$1.0299 for 2013, and US$1.00 = C$0.9996 for 2012,
being the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for each respective year.
Name
and principal
position |
Year |
Salary
($) |
Share-
based
awards
($)
(4)(5) |
Option-
based
awards
($)
(5)(6) |
Non-equity
incentive
plan compensation($) |
All
other
compensation
($)
(8) |
Total
compensation
($) |
Annual
incentive
plans (7) |
Long
term
incentive
plans |
Randall
Oliphant(1)
Executive Chairman |
2014 |
679,050 |
783,323 |
777,113 |
724,320 |
- |
10,987 |
2,974,793 |
2013 |
728,250 |
864,997 |
852,506 |
776,800 |
- |
11,565 |
3,234,118 |
2012 |
650,260 |
1,438,557 |
1,325,544 |
1,500,600 |
- |
11,490 |
4,926,451 |
Robert
Gallagher(2)
President and
Chief Executive Officer |
2014 |
588,510 |
577,185 |
564,506 |
497,970 |
- |
10,987 |
2,239,158 |
2013 |
631,150 |
461,331 |
483,855 |
436,950 |
- |
11,565 |
2,024,851 |
2012 |
650,260 |
929,068 |
863,889 |
800,320 |
- |
11,490 |
3,255,027 |
Brian
Penny
Executive Vice President and
Chief
Financial Officer |
2014 |
375,741 |
288,593 |
285,919 |
271,620 |
- |
10,987 |
1,232,860 |
2013 |
402,965 |
288,332 |
299,529 |
291,300 |
- |
11,565 |
1,293,691 |
2012 |
400,160 |
559,439 |
511,934 |
500,200 |
- |
11,490 |
1,983,223 |
David
Schummer(3)
Executive Vice President and
Chief
Operating Officer |
2014 |
110,824 |
1,167,001 |
892,962 |
126,756 |
- |
442,329 |
2,719,872 |
2013 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2012 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Hannes
Portmann
Vice President,
Corporate Development |
2014 |
271,620 |
267,979 |
263,925 |
181,080 |
- |
10,987 |
995,591 |
2013 |
271,880 |
259,449 |
299,529 |
194,200 |
- |
11,565 |
1,036,623 |
2012 |
260,104 |
299,699 |
283,392 |
300,120 |
- |
10,579 |
1,153,894 |
| (1) | Mr. Oliphant is also a director of New Gold but does not receive compensation related to his role as a director. |
| (2) | Mr. Gallagher is also a director of New Gold but does not receive compensation related to his role as a director. |
| (3) | Mr. Schummer was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of New Gold effective September 29, 2014. Upon
appointment, Mr. Schummer received a signing bonus of $226,350 (which is shown in the column entitled “All Other Compensation”),
250,000 Options (which are shown in the column entitled “Option-Based Awards”) and 75,000 PSU and 75,000 RSU (which
are shown in the column entitled “Share-Based Awards”). Such Options, PSU and RSU were granted on September 29, 2014. |
| (4) | The Share Units are valued as follows: |
| (a) | 75,000 RSU and 75,000 PSU granted to Mr. Schummer upon his appointment on September 29, 2014 are valued by multiplying the
number of units granted by C$6.22, being the five-day volume weighted average share price of New Gold on the TSX immediately preceding
the date of grant and then converting that amount at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1145 being the noon rate quoted by the Bank
of Canada for September 29, 2014. |
| (b) | All other Share Units granted in 2014 in respect of 2014 performance were PSU granted on December 18, 2014. These PSU are valued
by multiplying the number of Share Units granted by C$4.78, being the five-day volume weighted average share price of New Gold
on the TSX immediately preceding the date of grant, and then converting that amount at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1594,
being the noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for December 18, 2014. |
34 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| (c) | The Share Units granted (all of which are PSU) in February 2014 for performance in 2013 are valued by multiplying the number
of Share Units granted by C$6.33, being the five-day volume weighted average share price of New Gold on the TSX immediately preceding
the date of grant (February 14, 2014), and then converting that amount at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.0981, being the noon
rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for February 14, 2014. |
| (d) | The Share Units granted (all of which are PSU) in February 2013 for performance in 2012 are valued by multiplying the number
of Share Units granted by C$10.01, being the five-day volume weighted average share price of New Gold on the TSX immediately preceding
the date of grant (February 13, 2013), and then converting that amount at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.0020, being the noon
rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for February 13, 2013. |
| (5) | Options and Share Units are disclosed as follows: |
| (a) | Options and Share Units are disclosed based on the performance year in respect of which the compensation was granted, regardless
of whether the grant was made in that year or the following year. Refer to “Timing” on page 26 for more information. |
| (b) | Options and Share Units granted on hire are disclosed in the year of grant. |
| (c) | PSU are shown based on the number of PSU granted. On the Entitlement Date of the PSU, the cash payment or number of shares
to be issued in satisfaction of the PSU will vary from 50% to 150% of the number of PSU granted, based on the Achieved Performance.
Refer to “Long Term Incentive Plan” on page 56 for further details regarding PSU. |
| (6) | Option-based awards are valued using the Black-Scholes option valuation methodology. This is consistent with the accounting
values used in the Company’s financial statements. The key assumptions made in valuing the awards are as follows: |
Grant
date |
Performance
Year |
Exercise
price |
Risk
free rate
of return |
Volatility
estimate |
Expected
life
(years) |
Per
Option
value |
Exchange
rate
(US$1.00
=) |
December
18, 2014 |
2014 |
C$4.78 |
1.29% |
46% |
3.67 |
C$1.70 |
C$1.1594 |
September
29, 2014 |
Signing
Bonus |
C$6.22 |
1.29% |
53% |
3.67 |
C$2.51 |
C$1.1145 |
February
14, 2014 |
2013 |
C$6.33 |
1.09% |
53% |
3.67 |
C$2.54 |
C$1.0981 |
February
13, 2013 |
2012 |
C$10.01 |
0.57% |
60% |
3.67 |
C$4.58 |
C$1.0020 |
| (7) | Payments under annual incentive plans were paid in December 2014 for performance in 2014, February 2014 for performance in
2013, and February 2013 for performance during 2012. Refer to “Timing” on page 26 for more information. |
| (8) | Included in this column are Company-paid matching contributions to a Group RRSP in the amounts of $11,490 in 2012, $11,565
in 2013 and $10,987 in 2014 to each of Messrs. Oliphant, Gallagher and Penny. The amounts shown for Mr. Portmann are Company-paid
contributions of $10,579 in 2012, $11,565 in 2013 and $10,987 in 2014. The amount shown for Mr. Schummer includes consulting fees
of $74,011 for consulting work prior to his appointment on September 29, 2014, a signing bonus of $226,350 and Company-paid relocation
and related expenses of $121,968. |
The following table shows the total compensation for the Company’s
NEOs for the relevant year, as well as the total compensation as a percentage of earnings from mine operations and as a percentage
of shareholder equity. Note that the composition of the NEOs changed from 2013 to 2014. The 2014 NEO group includes Mr. Schummer,
who was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and received total compensation of $2,719,872 in 2014.
The 2013 NEO group does not include a Chief Operating Officer, but instead includes the 2013 compensation paid to the Vice President,
Exploration of $872,949. The aggregate total compensation paid to the other four NEOs (Messrs. Oliphant, Gallagher, Penny and Portmann)
in 2014 was $146,931 lower than their aggregate total compensation in 2013.
|
Total compensation for
Named Executive Officers
($) |
Total compensation for
Named Executive Officers
as a percentage of
earnings from mine
operations |
Total compensation for
Named Executive Officers
as a percentage of
shareholder equity |
2014 |
10,162,274 |
10% |
0.4% |
2013 |
8,462,282 |
5% |
0.3% |
Change |
1,699,992 |
5% |
0.1% |
35 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
NEO Cash Compensation
The following table shows the cash compensation received by each NEO
during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the year-over-year change. Refer to the Summary Compensation Table above
for total compensation earned by NEOs during years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Name
and principal
position |
Year |
Salary ($)(1) |
Annual incentive
plans (bonus
amount paid) ($)(2) |
All
other cash
compensation
($)(3) |
Total
cash
compensation
($) |
Randall Oliphant
Executive Chairman |
2014 |
679,050 |
724,320 |
10,987 |
1,414,357 |
2013 |
728,250 |
776,800 |
11,565 |
1,516,615 |
Change |
(49,200) |
(52,480) |
(578) |
(102,258) |
Robert Gallagher
President and
Chief Executive Officer |
2014 |
588,510 |
497,970 |
10,987 |
1,097,467 |
2013 |
631,150 |
436,950 |
11,565 |
1,079,665 |
Change |
(42,640) |
61,020 |
(578) |
17,802 |
Brian Penny
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer |
2014 |
375,741 |
271,620 |
10,987 |
658,348 |
2013 |
402,965 |
291,300 |
11,565 |
705,830 |
Change |
(27,224) |
(19,680) |
(578) |
(47,482) |
David Schummer(4)
Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer |
2014 |
110,824 |
126,756 |
422,329 |
659,909 |
2013 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Change |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Hannes Portmann
Vice President,
Corporate Development |
2014 |
271,620 |
181,080 |
10,987 |
463,687 |
2013 |
271,880 |
194,200 |
11,565 |
477,645 |
Change |
(260) |
(13,120) |
(578) |
(13,958) |
| (1) | Negative change in salary for Messrs. Oliphant, Gallagher and Penny is due to currency exchange rate variations. There was
no change in the salary that is paid in Canadian dollars from 2013 to 2014. |
| (2) | Bonuses, Options and Share Units are disclosed based on the year in respect of which the compensation was paid or granted,
regardless of whether the grant was made in that year or the following year. Refer to “Timing” on page 26 for more
information. |
| (3) | Included in this column are Company-paid matching contributions to a Group RRSP in the amounts of $11,490 in 2012, $11,565
in 2013 and $10,987 in 2014 to each of Messrs. Oliphant, Gallagher and Penny. The amounts shown for Mr. Portmann are Company-paid
contributions of $10,579 in 2012, $11,565 in 2013 and $10,987 in 2014. The amounts shown for Mr. Schummer are consulting fees of
$74,011 for his consulting work prior to his appointment on September 29, 2014, a signing bonus of $226,350 and Company-paid relocation
and related expenses of $121,968. |
| (4) | Mr. Schummer was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on September 29, 2014. The salary and bonus
reflect the actual amounts paid to him during the year. Refer to Note 3 to the Summary Compensation Table for more information. |
NEO Equity Compensation
The following table shows the equity compensation received by each NEO
during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the year-over-year change. Refer to the Summary Compensation Table above
for total compensation earned by NEOs during years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Name
and principal position |
Year |
Share-based
awards ($)(1)(2) |
Option-based
awards ($)(2)(3) |
Total value of
equity-based
compensation ($) |
Randall Oliphant
Executive Chairman |
2014 |
783,323 |
777,113 |
1,560,436 |
2013 |
864,997 |
852,506 |
1,717,503 |
Change |
(81,674) |
(75,393) |
(157,067) |
Robert Gallagher
President and
Chief Executive Officer |
2014 |
577,185 |
564,506 |
1,141,691 |
2013 |
461,331 |
483,855 |
945,186 |
Change |
115,854 |
80,651 |
196,505 |
36 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Name
and principal position |
Year |
Share-based
awards ($)(1)(2) |
Option-based
awards ($)(2)(3) |
Total value of
equity-based
compensation ($) |
Brian Penny
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer |
2014 |
288,593 |
285,919 |
574,512 |
2013 |
288,332 |
299,529 |
587,861 |
Change |
261 |
(13,610) |
(13,349) |
David Schummer(4)
Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer |
2014 |
1,167,001 |
892,962 |
2,059,963 |
2013 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Change |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Hannes Portmann
Vice President,
Corporate Development |
2014 |
267,979 |
263,925 |
531,904 |
2013 |
259,499 |
299,529 |
559,028 |
Change |
8,480 |
(35,604) |
(27,124) |
| (1) | The Share Units granted are valued as follows: |
| (a) | 75,000 RSU and 75,000 PSU granted to Mr. Schummer upon his appointment on September 29, 2014 are valued by multiplying the
number of units granted by C$6.22, being the five-day volume weighted average share price of New Gold on the TSX immediately preceding
the date of grant and then converting that amount at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1145 being the noon rate quoted by the Bank
of Canada for September 29, 2014. |
| (b) | All other Share Units granted in 2014 in respect of 2014 performance were PSU granted on December 18, 2014. These PSU are valued
by multiplying the number of Share Units granted by C$4.78, being the five-day volume weighted average share price of New Gold
on the TSX immediately preceding the date of grant, and then converting that amount at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1594,
being the noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for December 18, 2014. |
| (c) | The Share Units granted (all of which are PSU) in February 2014 for performance in 2013 are valued by multiplying the number
of Share Units granted by C$6.33, being the five-day volume weighted average share price of New Gold on the TSX immediately preceding
the date of grant (February 14, 2014), and then converting that amount at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.0981, being the noon
rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for February 14, 2014. |
| (2) | Options and Share Units are disclosed as follows: |
| (a) | Options and Share Units are disclosed based on the performance year in respect of which the compensation was granted, regardless
of whether the grant was made in that year or the following year. Refer to “Timing” on page 26 for more information. |
| (b) | Options granted on hire are disclosed in the year of grant. |
| (c) | PSU are shown based on the number of PSU granted. On the Entitlement Date of the PSU, the cash payment or number of shares
to be issued in satisfaction of the PSU will vary from 50% to 150% of the number of PSU granted, based on the Achieved Performance.
Refer to “Long Term Incentive Plan” on page 56 for further details regarding PSU. |
| (3) | Option-based awards are valued using the Black-Scholes option valuation methodology. This is consistent with the accounting
values used in the Company’s financial statements. The key assumptions made in valuing the awards are set out in Note 5 to
the Summary Compensation Table. |
| (4) | Mr. Schummer was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on September 29, 2014. The table includes the
value of Options and Share Units granted as a part of Mr. Schummer’s signing bonus. Refer to Note 3 to the Summary Compensation
Table for more information. |
NEO Share Ownership as at December 31, 2014
The following table shows the number of common shares of New Gold and
Share Units held by each NEO, the value of those common shares and Share Units as at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the year-over-year
change.
Name
and principal
position |
Year |
Number of common
shares held |
Number of Share
Units held (1) |
Amount at risk (total
market value of
common shares and
Share Units) ($) (2) |
Randall Oliphant
Executive Chairman
|
2014 |
4,570,855 |
484,000 |
22,791,795 |
2013 |
4,570,855 |
144,000 |
25,454,371 |
Change |
0 |
340,000 |
(2,662,576) |
37 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Name
and principal
position |
Year |
Number of common
shares held |
Number of Share
Units held (1) |
Amount at risk (total
market value of
common shares and
Share Units) ($) (2) |
Robert Gallagher
President and
Chief Executive Officer |
2014 |
255,060 |
313,000 |
2,561,321 |
2013 |
255,060 |
93,000 |
1,879,092 |
Change |
0 |
220,000 |
682,229 |
Brian Penny (3)
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer |
2014 |
570,000 |
176,000 |
3,363,633 |
2013 |
570,000 |
56,000 |
3,379,624 |
Change |
0 |
120,000 |
(15,991) |
David Schummer (4)
Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer |
2014 |
800 |
230,000 |
1,040,652 |
2013 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Change |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Hannes Portmann
Vice President,
Corporate Development |
2014 |
25,473 |
140,000 |
746,100 |
2013 |
25,473 |
30,000 |
299,485 |
Change |
0 |
110,000 |
446,615 |
| (1) | All Share Units in this column are PSU other than 75,000 RSU granted to Mr. Schummer on September 29, 2014 upon his appointment.
PSU are shown based on the number of Share Units granted. On the Entitlement Date of the PSU, the cash payment or number of shares
to be issued in satisfaction of the PSU will vary from 50% to 150% of the number of Share Units granted, based on the Achieved
Performance. Refer to “Long Term Incentive Plan” on page 56 for further details regarding PSU. |
| (2) | Calculated by multiplying the number of Share Units (all of which are PSU except for 75,000 RSU granted to Mr. Schummer on
September 29, 2014) and common shares by the closing price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX on December 31, 2014 and
2013 of C$4.98 and C$5.56, respectively, and converted at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045 for 2014 and US$1.00 = C$1.0299
for 2013, being the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for each respective year. |
| (3) | Mr. Penny also holds New Gold 7% Senior Notes due 2020 in the principal amount of $300,000. |
| (4) | Mr. Schummer was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on September 29, 2014. Number of Share Units
Held includes value of PSU and RSU granted as a part of Mr. Schummer’s signing bonus. Refer to Note 3 to the Summary Compensation
Table for more information. |
Incentive Plan Awards
The following table provides information regarding the incentive plan
awards for each NEO outstanding as at December 31, 2014.
Outstanding
Option and Share-Based Awards as at December 31, 2014
Name |
Grant
date |
Number
of
securities
underlying
unexercised
Options (#) |
Option
exercise
price
(C$) |
Option
expiration date |
Value
of
unexercised
in-the-money
Options ($)(1) |
Number
of
unvested
Share Units
(#)(2) |
Market
value
of unvested
share-based
awards($) |
Randall
Oliphant
|
June
2, 2009 |
1,500,000 |
3.21 |
June
2, 2016 |
2,403,837 |
- |
- |
January
26, 2011(4) |
500,000 |
7.67 |
January
26, 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
February
10, 2012(3)(5) |
500,000 |
11.87 |
February
10, 2017 |
- |
- |
- |
February
13, 2013(3)(6) |
290,000 |
10.01 |
February
13, 2018 |
- |
144,000 |
649,280 |
February
14, 2014(3)(7) |
370,000 |
6.33 |
February
14, 2019 |
- |
150,000 |
676,334 |
December
18, 2014(3)(8) |
530,000 |
4.78 |
December
18, 2019 |
95,972 |
190,000 |
856,689 |
Robert
Gallagher
|
February
17, 2009 |
380,000 |
2.71 |
February
17, 2016 |
780,998 |
- |
- |
June
2, 2009 |
840,000 |
3.21 |
June
2, 2016 |
1,346,149 |
- |
- |
January
26, 2011(4) |
400,000 |
7.67 |
January
26, 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
February
10, 2012(3)(5) |
350,000 |
11.87 |
February
10, 2017 |
- |
- |
- |
February
13, 2013(3)(6) |
189,000 |
10.01 |
February
13, 2018 |
- |
93,000 |
419,327 |
February
14, 2014(3)(7) |
210,000 |
6.33 |
February
14, 2019 |
- |
80,000 |
360,711 |
December
18, 2014(3)(8) |
385,000 |
4.78 |
December
18, 2019 |
69,716 |
140,000 |
631,245 |
38 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Name |
Grant
date |
Number
of
securities
underlying
unexercised
Options (#) |
Option
exercise
price
(C$) |
Option
expiration date |
Value
of
unexercised
in-the-money
Options ($)(1) |
Number
of
unvested
Share Units
(#)(2) |
Market
value
of unvested
share-based
awards($) |
Brian
Penny |
June
2, 2009 |
100,000 |
3.21 |
June
2, 2016 |
160,256 |
- |
- |
January
27, 2010 |
400,000 |
4.39 |
January
27, 2017 |
213,674 |
- |
- |
January
26, 2011(7) |
100,000 |
7.67 |
January
26, 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
February
10, 2012(3)(5) |
200,000 |
11.87 |
February
10, 2017 |
- |
- |
- |
February
13, 2013(3)(6) |
112,000 |
10.01 |
February
13, 2018 |
- |
56,000 |
252,498 |
February
14, 2014(3)(7) |
130,000 |
6.33 |
February
14, 2019 |
- |
50,000 |
225,445 |
December
18, 2014(3)(8) |
195,000 |
4.78 |
December
18, 2019 |
35,311 |
70,000 |
315,622 |
David
Schummer |
September
29, 2014(3)(9) |
250,000 |
6.22 |
September
29, 2019 |
- |
150,000 |
676,334 |
December
18, 2014(3)(8) |
225,000 |
4.78 |
December
18, 2019 |
40,743 |
80,000 |
360,711 |
Hannes
Portmann |
August
8, 2008 |
60,000 |
2.00 |
August
8, 2015 |
161,886 |
- |
- |
January
27, 2010 |
150,000 |
4.39 |
January
27, 2017 |
80,128 |
- |
- |
January
26, 2011(4) |
50,000 |
7.67 |
January
26, 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
February
10, 2012(3)(5) |
100,000 |
11.87 |
February
10, 2017 |
- |
- |
- |
February
13, 2013(3)(6) |
62,000 |
10.01 |
February
13, 2018 |
- |
30,000 |
135,267 |
February
14, 2014(3)(7) |
130,000 |
6.33 |
February
14, 2019 |
- |
45,000 |
202,900 |
December
18, 2014(3)(8) |
180,000 |
4.78 |
December
18, 2019 |
32,594 |
65,000 |
293,078 |
| (1) | Calculated using the closing price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX on December 31, 2014 of C$4.98 and subtracting
the exercise price of in-the-money stock options. The amount is then converted at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045, being
the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for 2014. The value shown in this column does not represent the actual value
the individual NEO could receive. The actual gain, if any, on exercise will depend on the price of the common shares on the date
of exercise. |
| (2) | Calculated by multiplying the number of Share Units (all of which are PSU except for 75,000 RSU granted to Mr. Schummer on
September 29, 2014) by the closing price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX on December 31, 2014 of C$4.98. The amount
is then converted at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045, being the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for 2014.
The actual value realized will depend on the price of the common shares on the date of vesting and, in the case of PSU, the Achieved
Performance. On the Entitlement Date of the PSU, the cash payment or number of shares to be issued in satisfaction of the PSU will
vary from 50% to 150% of the number of Share Units granted, based on the Achieved Performance. Refer to “Long Term Incentive
Plan” on page 56 for further details regarding PSU. |
| (3) | Option awards vest in three equal instalments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. |
| (4) | Options granted in January 2011 for performance in 2010. |
| (5) | Options granted in February 2012 for performance in 2011. |
| (6) | Options and PSU granted in February 2013 for performance in 2012. These PSU have an Entitlement Date of
December 31, 2015. |
| (7) | Options and PSU granted in February 2014 for performance in 2013. These PSU have an Entitlement Date of
December 31, 2016. |
| (8) | Options and PSU granted in December 2014 for performance in 2014. These PSU have an Entitlement Date of
December 31, 2017. |
| (9) | Mr. Schummer was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on September 29, 2014. Options, PSU and RSU
were granted in September 2014 upon Mr. Schummer being hired. Such PSU have an Entitlement Date of December 31, 2017 and such RSU
vest as to one-third on each of December 1, 2015, 2016 and 2017. |
39 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
The following table provides information regarding the value of incentive
plan awards vested or earned during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Value
Vested or Earned During the Year Ended December 31, 2014
Name |
Option-based awards –
value vested during the
year ($)(1) |
Share-based awards –
value vested during the
year ($) |
Non-equity incentive
plan compensation –
Value earned during the
year ($)(2) |
Randall Oliphant |
Nil |
Nil |
724,320 |
Robert Gallagher |
Nil |
Nil |
497,970 |
Brian Penny |
Nil |
Nil |
271,620 |
David Schummer(3) |
Nil |
Nil |
126,756 |
Hannes Portmann |
Nil |
Nil |
181,080 |
| (1) | Calculated using the closing price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX on the relevant vesting date and subtracting
the exercise price of in-the-money stock options. |
| (2) | Amounts shown represent non-equity incentive plan compensation for 2014 performance which was paid in 2014. Refer to “Timing”
on page 26 for more information. |
| (3) | Mr. Schummer was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on September 29, 2014. The non-equity incentive
plan compensation excludes a signing bonus of $226,350 paid to Mr. Schummer. Refer to Note 3 to the Summary Compensation Table
for more information. |
Options Exercised during the Year Ended December
31, 2014
The following table provides details regarding stock options exercised
and sold by the NEOs during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Name |
Number of
Options
exercised and
sold |
Option Expiry
Date |
Option
exercise price |
Date of
Exercise |
Value realized
($)(1) |
Randall Oliphant |
Nil |
N/A |
Nil |
N/A |
Nil |
Robert Gallagher |
Nil |
N/A |
Nil |
N/A |
Nil |
Brian Penny |
100,000 |
June 2, 2016 |
C$3.21 |
August 29, 2014 |
$333,961 |
David Schummer |
Nil |
N/A |
Nil |
N/A |
Nil |
Hannes Portmann |
Nil |
N/A |
Nil |
N/A |
Nil |
| (1) | Calculated using the difference between the price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX at the time of exercise and
the exercise price of the respective options. The amount is then converted at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045, being the
average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for 2014. |
Termination and Change
of Control Benefits
New Gold has entered into employment agreements with each NEO that contain
termination and change of control provisions.
Randall Oliphant (Executive Chairman)
Mr. Oliphant entered into an employment agreement with New Gold effective
December 14, 2009, in connection with his appointment as Executive Chairman of New Gold on June 1, 2009.
40 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Termination without Cause
If Mr. Oliphant’s employment is terminated without cause, New
Gold will pay any salary earned to the date of the termination of employment plus the greater of the pro-rated bonus at target
or the pro-rated bonus received in the previous year. In addition, Mr. Oliphant’s employment agreement provides for a severance
payment of 36 months’ salary, plus the greater of two times his annual bonus at target or two times the bonus received by
him in the previous bonus year. Any stock options granted before the date of the employment agreement will remain exercisable until
the earlier of (i) the expiry of such option, or (ii) the date which is 12 months from the date of such termination. Any stock
options granted after the date of the employment agreement which are not vested at the time of termination will be cancelled and
any stock options that are vested will remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the expiry of such option, or (ii) such shorter
period prescribed by the Board or the policies of the TSX. In addition, he will continue to be entitled to participate, at the
expense of New Gold, in New Gold’s health and medical plans (or receive a payment in lieu of continued benefits equal to
15% of salary) until the earlier of obtaining alternate coverage under the terms of any new employment or the second anniversary
of the termination date.
Termination Following a Change of Control
If there is a Change of Control of New Gold (as defined below) and within
12 months of such Change of Control (i) New Gold gives notice of its intention to terminate his employment for any reason other
than just cause, or (ii) a Triggering Event (as defined below) occurs and Mr. Oliphant elects to terminate his employment, New
Gold will pay any salary earned to the date of the termination of employment plus the greater of the pro-rated bonus at target
or the pro-rated bonus received in the previous year. In addition, Mr. Oliphant will receive a severance payment of 36 months’
salary, plus the greater of two times his annual bonus at target or two times the bonus received by him in the previous bonus year.
Any stock options granted which have not vested at the time of termination will vest immediately and will remain exercisable until
the earlier of (i) the expiry of such option, or (ii) such shorter period prescribed by the Board or the policies of the TSX. In
addition, he will continue to be entitled to participate, at the expense of New Gold, in New Gold’s health and medical plans
(or receive a payment in lieu of continued benefits equal to 15% of salary) until the earlier of obtaining alternate coverage under
the terms of any new employment or the second anniversary of the termination date.
Robert Gallagher (President and Chief Executive Officer)
Mr. Gallagher entered into a new employment agreement with New Gold
effective December 15, 2009.
Termination without Cause
If Mr. Gallagher’s employment is terminated without cause, New
Gold will pay any salary earned to the date of the termination of employment plus the greater of the pro-rated bonus at target
or the pro-rated bonus received in the previous year. In addition, Mr. Gallagher’s employment agreement provides for a severance
payment of 36 months’ salary, plus the greater of two times his annual bonus at target or two times the bonus received by
him in the previous bonus year. Any stock options granted before the date of the employment agreement will remain exercisable until
the earlier of (i) the expiry of such option, or (ii) the date which is 12 months from the date of such termination. Any stock
options granted after the date of the employment agreement which are not vested at the date of termination will be cancelled and
any stock options that are vested will remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the expiry of such option, or (ii) such shorter
period prescribed by the Board or the policies of the TSX. In addition, he will continue to be entitled to participate, at the
expense of New Gold, in New Gold’s health and medical plans (or receive a payment in lieu of continued benefits equal to
15% of salary) until the earlier of obtaining alternate coverage under the terms of any new employment or the second anniversary
of the termination date.
41 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Termination Following a Change of Control
If there is a Change of Control of New Gold and within 12 months of
such Change of Control (i) New Gold gives notice of its intention to terminate his employment for any reason other than just cause,
or (ii) a Triggering Event occurs and Mr. Gallagher elects to terminate his employment, New Gold will pay any salary earned to
the date of the termination of employment plus the greater of the pro-rated bonus at target or the pro-rated bonus received in
the previous year. In addition, Mr. Gallagher will receive a severance payment of 36 months’ salary, plus the greater of
two times his annual bonus at target or two times the bonus received by him in the previous bonus year. Any stock options granted
which have not vested at the time of termination will vest immediately and will remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the
expiry of such option, or (ii) such shorter period prescribed by the Board or the policies of the TSX. In addition, he will continue
to be entitled to participate, at the expense of New Gold, in New Gold’s health and medical plans (or receive a payment in
lieu of continued benefits equal to 15% of salary) until the earlier of obtaining alternate coverage under the terms of any new
employment or the second anniversary of the termination date.
Brian Penny (Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer)
Mr. Penny entered into an employment agreement with New Gold effective
December 4, 2009, in connection with his appointment as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of New Gold on June
1, 2009.
Termination without Cause
If Mr. Penny’s employment is terminated without cause, New Gold
will pay any salary earned to the date of the termination of employment plus the greater of the pro-rated bonus at target or the
pro-rated bonus received in the previous year. In addition, Mr. Penny’s employment agreement provides for a severance payment
of 12 months’ salary and incentive bonus plus one month’s salary and incentive bonus per year of service to a maximum
of 18 months’ salary and incentive bonus. For this purpose, incentive bonus is calculated as the greater of annual bonus
at target or the bonus received by him in the previous bonus year. Any stock options granted before the date of the employment
agreement will remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the expiry of such option, or (ii) the date which is 12 months from
the date of such termination. Any stock options granted after the date of the employment agreement which are not vested at the
time of termination will be cancelled and any stock options that are vested will remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the
expiry of such option, or (ii) such shorter period prescribed by the Board or the policies of the TSX. In addition, he will continue
to be entitled to participate, at the expense of New Gold, in New Gold’s health and medical plans (or receive a payment in
lieu of continued benefits equal to 15% of salary) until the earlier of obtaining alternate coverage under the terms of any new
employment or the period used to determine the severance payment above.
Termination Following a Change of Control
If there is a Change of Control of New Gold and within 12 months of
such Change of Control (i) New Gold gives notice of its intention to terminate his employment for any reason other than just cause,
or (ii) a Triggering Event occurs and Mr. Penny elects to terminate his employment, New Gold will pay any salary earned to the
date of the termination of employment plus the greater of the pro-rated bonus at target or the pro-rated bonus received in the
previous year. In addition, Mr. Penny will receive a severance payment of 24 months’ salary, plus the greater of two times
his annual bonus at target or two times the bonus received by him in the previous bonus year. Any stock options granted which have
not vested at the time of termination will vest immediately and will remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the expiry of
such option, or (ii) the date which is 12 months from the date of such termination. In addition, he will continue to be entitled
to participate, at the expense of New Gold, in New Gold’s health and medical plans (or receive a payment in lieu of continued
benefits equal to 15% of salary) until the earlier of obtaining alternate coverage under the terms of any new employment or the
second anniversary of the termination date.
42 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
David Schummer (Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer)
Mr. Schummer entered into an employment agreement with New Gold effective
September 29, 2014.
Termination without Cause
If Mr. Schummer’s employment is terminated without cause, New
Gold will pay any salary earned to the date of the termination of employment plus the greater of the pro-rated bonus at target
or the pro-rated bonus received in the previous year. In addition, Mr. Schummer’s employment agreement provides for a severance
payment of 12 months’ salary and incentive bonus plus one month’s salary and incentive bonus per year of service to
a maximum of 18 months’ salary and incentive bonus. For this purpose, incentive bonus is calculated as the greater of annual
bonus at target or the bonus received by him in the previous bonus year. Any stock options which are not vested at the time of
termination will be cancelled and any stock options that are vested will remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the expiry
of such option, or (ii) such shorter period prescribed by the Board or the policies of the TSX. In addition, he will continue to
be entitled to participate, at the expense of New Gold, in New Gold’s health and medical plans (or receive a payment in lieu
of continued benefits equal to 15% of salary) until the earlier of obtaining alternate coverage under the terms of any new employment
or the period used to determine the severance payment above.
Termination Following a Change of Control
If there is a Change of Control of New Gold and within 12 months of
such Change of Control (i) New Gold gives notice of its intention to terminate his employment for any reason other than just cause,
or (ii) a Triggering Event occurs and Mr. Schummer elects to terminate his employment, New Gold will pay any salary earned to the
date of the termination of employment plus the greater of the pro-rated bonus at target or the pro-rated bonus received in the
previous year. In addition, Mr. Schummer will receive a severance payment of 24 months’ salary, plus the greater of two times
his annual bonus at target or two times the bonus received by him in the previous bonus year. Any stock options granted which have
not vested at the time of termination will vest immediately and will remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the expiry of
such option, or (ii) the date which is 12 months from the date of such termination. In addition, he will continue to be entitled
to participate, at the expense of New Gold, in New Gold’s health and medical plans (or receive a payment in lieu of continued
benefits equal to 15% of salary) until the earlier of obtaining alternate coverage under the terms of any new employment or the
second anniversary of the termination date.
Hannes Portmann (Vice President, Corporate Development)
Mr. Portmann entered into a new employment agreement with New Gold effective
December 1, 2009.
Termination without Cause
If Mr. Portmann’s employment is terminated without cause, New
Gold will pay any salary earned to the date of the termination of employment plus the greater of the pro-rated bonus at target
or the pro-rated bonus received in the previous year. In addition, Mr. Portmann’s employment agreement provides for a severance
payment of 12 months’ salary and incentive bonus plus one month’s salary and incentive bonus per year of service to
a maximum of 18 months’ salary and incentive bonus. For this purpose, incentive bonus is calculated as the greater of annual
bonus at target or the bonus received by him in the previous bonus year. Any stock options that are not vested at the time of termination
will be cancelled and any stock options that are vested will remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the expiry of such options,
or (ii) the date which is 6 months from the date of such termination. In addition, he will continue to be entitled to participate,
at the expense of New Gold, in New Gold’s health and medical plans (or receive a payment in lieu of continued benefits equal
to 15% of salary) until the earlier of obtaining alternate coverage under the terms of any new employment or the period used to
determine the severance payment above.
43 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Termination Following a Change of Control
If there is a Change of Control of New Gold and within 12 months of
such Change of Control (i) New Gold gives notice of its intention to terminate his employment for any reason other than just cause,
or (ii) a Triggering Event occurs and Mr. Portmann elects to terminate his employment, New Gold will pay any salary earned to the
date of the termination of employment plus the greater of the pro-rated bonus at target or the pro-rated bonus received in the
previous year. In addition, Mr. Portmann will receive a severance payment of 24 months’ salary, plus the greater of two times
his annual bonus at target or two times the bonus received by him in the previous bonus year. Any stock options granted which have
not vested at the time of termination will vest immediately and will remain exercisable until the earlier of (i) the expiry of
such option, or (ii) the date which is 12 months from the date of such termination. In addition, he will continue to be entitled
to participate, at the expense of New Gold, in New Gold’s health and medical plans (or receive a payment in lieu of continued
benefits equal to 15% of salary) until the earlier of obtaining alternate coverage under the terms of any new employment or the
second anniversary of the termination date.
“Change of Control”
A “Change of Control” is generally defined in each NEO’s
employment agreement as (a) New Gold is not the surviving entity in a merger, amalgamation or other reorganization (or survives
only as a subsidiary of an entity other than a previously wholly owned subsidiary of New Gold); (b) New Gold sells, leases or exchanges
greater than 50% of its assets to any other person or entity (other than an affiliate of New Gold); (c) a resolution is adopted
to wind up, dissolve or liquidate New Gold; (d) an acquirer acquires 40% or more of the voting securities of New Gold; (e) as a
result of or in connection with: (i) the contested election of directors or (ii) a transaction referred to in (a) above, the nominees
named in the most recent management information circular of New Gold for election to the board of directors of New Gold will not
constitute a majority of the board of directors; or (f) the board of directors adopts a resolution to the effect that a Change
of Control as defined in the employment agreements has occurred or is imminent.
“Triggering Event”
A “Triggering Event” includes (a) a material adverse change
in any of the officer’s duties, powers, rights, discretion, prestige, salary, benefits or perquisites, as they exist, and
with respect to financial entitlements, the conditions under and manner in which they were payable, immediately before a Change
of Control; (b) a diminution of title as it exists immediately before a Change of Control; (c) a change in the person or body to
whom the officer reports, except if such person or body is of equivalent rank or stature or such change is as a result of the resignation
or removal of such person or the persons comprising such body, providing this will not include a change resulting from a promotion
in the normal course of business; (d) a change in the location at which the officer is regularly required to carry out the terms
of his or her employment, which is of a distance greater than 50 kilometres from the city of his or her normal work location; or
(e) a significant increase in the amount of travel the officer is required to conduct on behalf of New Gold.
44 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Estimated Incremental Payment on Termination following
a Change of Control or Termination without Cause
The following tables detail the estimated incremental payments from
New Gold to each of the NEOs on termination without cause or a Change of Control (with termination of employment), assuming a termination
of employment occurred on December 31, 2014.
Termination
of Employment without Cause
Name |
Base Salary
Value ($) |
Bonus
Value ($) |
Benefits
Value ($) |
Value of
Unvested
Options &
Share Units
Vested ($) (1) |
Total
Estimated
Incremental
Payment ($) (2) |
Randall Oliphant |
2,037,150 |
1,697,625 |
203,715 |
- |
3,938,490 |
Robert Gallagher |
1,765,530 |
1,471,275 |
176,553 |
- |
3,413,358 |
Brian Penny |
563,612 |
563,612 |
84,542 |
- |
1,211,766 |
David Schummer |
430,065 |
430,065 |
64,510 |
- |
924,640 |
Hannes Portmann |
407,430 |
325,944 |
61,115 |
- |
794,489 |
Total: |
5,203,787 |
4,488,521 |
590,435 |
- |
10,282,743 |
| (1) | For Options, calculated by subtracting the exercise price of in-the-money unvested stock options that would have vested on
termination of employment from the closing price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX on December 31, 2014 of C$4.98. For
Share Units, calculated by multiplying the number of Share Units that would have vested on termination of employment by the closing
price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX on December 31, 2014 of C$4.98. These amounts are then converted at an exchange
rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045, being the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for 2014. |
| (2) | These amounts do not include any salary payable or pro-rata bonus payable to the date of termination of employment, and such
payments may be contingent on signing a release. |
Termination
of Employment Following Change of Control
Name |
Base salary
value ($) |
Bonus
value
($) |
Benefits
value
($) |
Value of
unvested
Options &
Share Units
vested ($)(1) |
Total
estimated
incremental
payment ($)(2) |
Randall Oliphant |
2,037,150 |
1,697,625 |
203,715 |
3,074,357 |
7,012,847 |
Robert Gallagher |
1,765,530 |
1,471,275 |
176,553 |
2,007,868 |
5,421,226 |
Brian Penny |
751,482 |
751,482 |
112,722 |
1,116,732 |
2,732,418 |
David Schummer |
860,130 |
860,130 |
129,020 |
1,427,227 |
3,276,507 |
Hannes Portmann |
543,240 |
434,592 |
81,486 |
908,379 |
1,967,697 |
Total: |
5,957,532 |
5,215,104 |
703,496 |
8,534,563 |
20,410,695 |
| (1) | For Options, calculated by subtracting the exercise price of in-the-money unvested stock options that would have vested on
termination of employment from the closing price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX on December 31, 2014 of C$4.98. For
Share Units, calculated by multiplying the number of Share Units that would have vested on termination of employment by the closing
price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX on December 31, 2014 of C$4.98. These amounts are then converted at an exchange
rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045, being the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for 2014. |
| (2) | These amounts do not include any salary payable or pro-rata bonus payable to the date of termination of employment, and such
payments may be contingent on signing a release. |
45 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Director Compensation
In 2014, New Gold paid an annual retainer of C$75,000 to each non-executive
director and an additional C$15,000 to the Chair of the Audit Committee. Directors were required to take the 2014 annual retainer
in deferred share units (“DSU”). New Gold does not pay per-meeting fees.
All reasonable expenses incurred by a director in attending meetings
of the Board, committee meetings or shareholder meetings, together with all expenses properly and reasonably incurred by any director
in the conduct of New Gold’s business or in the discharge of his duties as a director, are paid by New Gold.
In addition to the annual retainer, each year New Gold grants stock
options to each non-executive director. Under New Gold’s Stock Option Plan, stock option grants to non-executive directors
cannot exceed 1% of the Company’s outstanding issued common shares and the maximum value of stock options that may be granted
to each non-executive director cannot exceed C$100,000 in any fiscal year. Of the stock options granted to non-executive directors,
836,394 stock options remained outstanding as at December 31, 2014, which equates to 0.17% of the Company’s issued and outstanding
common shares as of such date.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, New Gold granted an aggregate
of 277,776 stock options and 87,736 DSU to the non-executive directors.
Director Compensation Table
The following table provides information regarding compensation paid
to New Gold’s non-executive directors during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Name |
Annual
retainer –
cash ($)(1) |
Annual
retainer –
share-based
awards($)(2) |
Option-based
awards ($)(3) |
All other
compensation
($) |
Total ($) |
David Emerson |
- |
71,108 |
94,658 |
- |
165,766 |
James Estey |
- |
85,329 |
94,658 |
- |
179,987 |
Vahan Kololian |
- |
71,108 |
94,658 |
- |
165,766 |
Martyn Konig |
- |
71,108 |
94,658 |
- |
165,766 |
Pierre Lassonde |
- |
71,108 |
94,658 |
- |
165,766 |
Raymond Threlkeld |
- |
71,108 |
94,658 |
120,000(4) |
285,766 |
Total: |
- |
440,869 |
567,948 |
120,000 |
1,128,817 |
| (1) | The 2014 annual retainer was required to be taken in DSU. |
| (2) | Value of share-based awards calculated by multiplying the number of DSU by C$5.55, being the closing price of New Gold’s
common shares on the TSX on the date of grant (May 8, 2014), and then converting that amount at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045,
being the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for 2014. |
| (3) | Valued using the Black-Scholes option valuation methodology. The key assumptions made in valuing the awards are as follows: |
Grant date |
Exercise price |
Risk free rate
of return |
Volatility
estimate |
Expected life
(years) |
Per Option
value |
Exchange rate
(US$1.00 =) |
May 8, 2014 |
C$5.55 |
1.11% |
53% |
3.67 |
C$2.22 |
C$1.0858 |
| (4) | Consulting fees paid to Mr. Threlkeld during 2014 for assistance with respect to the development of various projects, including
the Rainy River project, and the evaluation of corporate development opportunities. |
46 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Director Share Ownership as at December 31, 2014
The following table shows the number of common shares of New Gold and
DSU held by each non-executive director, the value of such common shares and DSU as at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013,
and the year-over-year change.
Name |
Year |
Number of common
shares held |
Number of DSU held |
Amount at risk
(Total market
value of common
shares and DSU)
($)(1) |
David Emerson |
2014 |
5,000 |
31,265 |
163,515 |
2013 |
5,000 |
17,114 |
119,388 |
Change |
Nil |
14,151 |
44,127 |
James Estey (2) |
2014 |
277,285 |
60,152 |
1,521,467 |
2013 |
209,000 |
43,171 |
1,361,411 |
Change |
68,285 |
16,981 |
160,056 |
Vahan Kololian |
2014 |
1,193,001 |
37,372 |
5,547,619 |
2013 |
1,125,001 |
23,221 |
6,198,975 |
Change |
68,000 |
14,151 |
(651,356) |
Martyn Konig |
2014 |
218,000 |
50,017 |
1,208,460 |
2013 |
150,000 |
35,866 |
1,003,446 |
Change |
68,000 |
14,151 |
205,014 |
Pierre Lassonde |
2014 |
7,428,700 |
30,643 |
33,633,372 |
2013 |
6,500,000 |
16,492 |
35,180,976 |
Change |
928,700 |
14,151 |
(1,547,604) |
Raymond Threlkeld |
2014 |
177,694 |
25,678 |
916,980 |
2013 |
181,694 |
11,527 |
1,043,154 |
Change |
(4,000) |
14,151 |
(126,172) |
| (1) | Calculated by multiplying the number of DSU and common shares held by the closing price of New Gold’s common shares on
the TSX on December 31, 2014 and 2013 of C$4.98 and C$5.56 respectively, and converted at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045
for 2014 and of US$1.00 = C$1.0299 for 2013, being the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for each respective year. |
| (2) | Mr. Estey also holds New Gold 7% Senior Notes due 2020 in the principal amount of $25,000. |
Share Ownership Policy for Directors and NEOs
In March 2011, the Board introduced a share ownership policy for the
Company’s directors as well as the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer.
The policy provides that each director, with the exception of the Executive
Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer, should own common shares and/or DSU (not including stock options), equivalent
in value to at least three times the annual retainer paid to directors (which retainer is paid in cash and/or DSU).
Each of the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief Executive
Officer should own common shares and Share Units (not including stock options) equivalent in value to at least three times his
base salary.
Other than Mr. Emerson who is not required to achieve compliance until
July 2015, as of December 31, 2014, all of the directors, including the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief Executive
Officer, comply with the applicable share ownership requirements.
47 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Name |
Ownership
requirement
($)(1) |
Value of
common
shares held
($)(2)(3) |
Value of DSU or
PSU held ($)(2)(4)(5) |
Total value of
common shares
and DSU or PSU
held ($) |
Compliance
with ownership
requirement |
David Emerson |
203,715 |
22,544 |
140,971 |
163,515 |
N/A(6) |
James Estey |
203,715 |
1,250,248 |
271,219 |
1,521,467 |
Achieved |
Robert Gallagher |
1,765,530 |
1,150,038 |
1,411,283 |
2,561,321 |
Achieved |
Vahan Kololian |
203,715 |
5,379,113 |
168,506 |
5,547,619 |
Achieved |
Martyn Konig |
203,715 |
982,938 |
225,521 |
1,208,459 |
Achieved |
Pierre Lassonde |
203,715 |
33,495,206 |
138,166 |
33,633,372 |
Achieved |
Randall Oliphant |
2,037,150 |
20,609,492 |
2,182,304 |
22,791,795 |
Achieved |
Raymond Threlkeld |
203,715 |
801,203 |
115,779 |
916,982 |
Achieved |
| (1) | Ownership requirement for non-executive directors calculated as three times the annual retainer of C$75,000 converted at an
exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045, being the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for 2014. Ownership requirement for
each of the Executive Chairman and the President and Chief Executive Officer calculated as three times their base salary converted
at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045, being the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for 2014. |
| (2) | The following table lists the number of common shares and DSU or (in the case of Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Oliphant) PSU held as
of December 31, 2014: |
NAME |
NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES HELD |
NUMBER OF DSU OR PSU HELD |
David Emerson |
5,000 |
31,265 |
James Estey |
277,285 |
60,152 |
Robert Gallagher |
255,060 |
313,000 |
Vahan Kololian |
1,193,001 |
37,372 |
Martyn Konig |
218,000 |
50,017 |
Pierre Lassonde |
7,428,700 |
30,643 |
Randall Oliphant |
4,570,855 |
484,000 |
Raymond Threlkeld |
177,694 |
25,678 |
| (3) | Calculated using the closing price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX on December 31, 2014 of C$4.98 and converted
at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045, being the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for 2014. |
| (4) | For non-executive directors, amounts in the column represent the value of DSU held. For Messrs. Oliphant and Gallagher the
amounts in this column represent the value of PSU held. The value of DSU or PSU held is calculated by multiplying the number of
DSU or PSU by the closing price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX on December 31, 2014 of C$4.98. The amounts are then
converted at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045, being the average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for 2014. |
| (5) | PSU are shown based on the number of Share Units granted. On the Entitlement Date of the PSU, the cash payment or number of
shares to be issued in satisfaction of the PSU will vary from 50% to 150% of the number of PSU granted, based on the Achieved Performance.
Refer to “Long Term Incentive Plan” on page 56 for further details regarding PSU. |
| (6) | New Gold’s share ownership policy allows a period of three years for newly elected directors to achieve compliance. Therefore,
Mr. Emerson has until July 2015 to achieve compliance. |
48 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Incentive Plan Awards
The following table provides information regarding the incentive plan
awards for each non-executive director outstanding as at December 31, 2014.
Outstanding
Share-Based Awards and Option-Based Awards
as
at December 31, 2014
Name |
Grant Date |
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#) |
Option
exercise
price
(C$) |
Option
expiration
date |
Value of
unexercised
in-the-
money
Options
($)(1) |
Number of
unvested
shares or
DSU (#) |
Market
value of
unvested
DSU ($)(2) |
David
Emerson |
August 10, 2012 |
20,300 |
10.34 |
August 10, 2017 |
- |
3,991 |
17,995 |
May 9, 2013 |
30,303 |
7.52 |
May 9, 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
May 10, 2013 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
13,123 |
59,170 |
May 8, 2014 |
46,296 |
5.30 |
May 8, 2019 |
- |
- |
- |
May 9, 2014 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
14,151 |
63,805 |
Total |
96,899 |
|
|
- |
31,265 |
140,970 |
James
Estey |
May 11, 2010 |
28,000 |
5.93 |
May 11, 2015 |
- |
- |
- |
June 30, 2010 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
9,985 |
45,021 |
June 2, 2011 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
6,674 |
30,092 |
June 8, 2011 |
18,700 |
9.59 |
June 8, 2016 |
- |
- |
- |
May 10, 2012 |
24,600 |
8.54 |
May 10, 2017 |
- |
- |
- |
June 18, 2012 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
11,420 |
51,492 |
May 9, 2013 |
30,303 |
7.52 |
May 9, 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
May 10, 2013 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
15,092 |
68,048 |
May 8, 2014 |
46,296 |
5.30 |
May 8, 2019 |
- |
- |
- |
May 9, 2014 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
16,981 |
76,565 |
Total |
147,899 |
|
|
- |
60,152 |
271,218 |
Vahan
Kololian |
May 11, 2010 |
28,000 |
5.93 |
May 11, 2015 |
- |
- |
- |
June 2, 2011 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
5,133 |
23,144 |
June 8, 2011 |
18,700 |
9.59 |
June 8, 2016 |
- |
- |
- |
May 10, 2012 |
24,600 |
8.54 |
May 10, 2017 |
- |
- |
- |
June 18, 2012 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
4,965 |
22,387 |
May 9, 2013 |
30,303 |
7.52 |
May 9, 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
May 10, 2013 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
13,123 |
59,170 |
May 8, 2014 |
46,296 |
5.30 |
May 8, 2019 |
- |
- |
- |
May 9, 2014 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
14,151 |
63,805 |
Total |
147,899 |
|
|
- |
37,372 |
168,506 |
Martyn
Konig |
May 11, 2010 |
28,000 |
5.93 |
May 11, 2015 |
- |
- |
- |
June 30, 2010 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
7,680 |
34,628 |
June 2, 2011 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
5,133 |
23,144 |
June 8, 2011 |
18,700 |
9.59 |
June 8, 2016 |
- |
- |
- |
May 10, 2012 |
24,600 |
8.54 |
May 10, 2017 |
- |
- |
- |
June 18, 2012 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
9,930 |
44,773 |
May 9, 2013 |
30,303 |
7.52 |
May 9, 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
May 10, 2013 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
13,123 |
59,170 |
May 8, 2014 |
46,296 |
5.30 |
May 8, 2019 |
- |
- |
- |
May 9, 2014 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
14,151 |
63,805 |
Total |
147,899 |
|
|
- |
50,017 |
225,520 |
49 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Name |
Grant Date |
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#) |
Option
exercise
price
(C$) |
Option
expiration
date |
Value of
unexercised
in-the-
money
Options
($)(1) |
Number of
unvested
shares or
DSU (#) |
Market
value of
unvested
DSU ($)(2) |
Pierre
Lassonde |
May 11, 2010 |
28,000 |
5.93 |
May 11, 2015 |
- |
- |
- |
June 8, 2011 |
18,700 |
9.59 |
June 8, 2016 |
- |
- |
- |
May 10, 2012 |
24,600 |
8.54 |
May 10, 2017 |
- |
- |
- |
June 18, 2012 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
9,930 |
44,773 |
May 9, 2013 |
30,303 |
7.52 |
May 9, 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
May 10, 2013 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
6,562 |
29,587 |
May 8, 2014 |
46,296 |
5.30 |
May 8, 2019 |
- |
- |
- |
May 9, 2014 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
14,151 |
63,805 |
Total |
147,899 |
|
|
- |
30,643 |
138,165 |
Raymond Threlkeld |
May 11, 2010 |
28,000 |
5.93 |
May 11, 2015 |
- |
- |
- |
June 8, 2011 |
18,700 |
9.59 |
June 8, 2016 |
- |
- |
- |
May 10, 2012 |
24,600 |
8.54 |
May 10, 2017 |
- |
- |
- |
June 18, 2012 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
4,965 |
22,387 |
May 9, 2013 |
30,303 |
7.52 |
May 9, 2018 |
- |
- |
- |
May 10, 2013 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
6,562 |
29,587 |
May 8, 2014 |
46,296 |
5.30 |
May 8, 2019 |
- |
- |
- |
May 9, 2014 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
14,151 |
63,805 |
Total |
147,899 |
|
|
- |
25,678 |
115,779 |
|
Total AWARDS |
836,394 |
|
|
- |
235,127 |
1,060,158 |
| (1) | Calculated using the closing price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX on December 31, 2014 of C$4.98 and subtracting
the exercise price of in-the-money stock options. |
| (2) | Calculated by multiplying the number of DSU by the closing price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX on December 31,
2014 of C$4.98. The amount is then converted at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045, being the average noon rate quoted by the
Bank of Canada for 2014. The actual value realized will depend on the price of the common shares on the date of vesting of the
DSU. |
The following table provides information regarding the value of incentive
plan awards vested or earned for each non-executive director during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Value
Vested during the Year Ended December 31, 2014
Name |
Option-based
awards – value vested
during
the year ($)(1) |
David Emerson |
Nil |
James Estey |
Nil |
Vahan Kololian |
Nil |
Martyn Konig |
Nil |
Pierre Lassonde |
Nil |
Raymond Threlkeld |
Nil |
| (1) | Calculated using the closing price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX on the relevant vesting date and subtracting
the exercise price of in-the-money stock options. |
50 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Options Exercised during the Year Ended December
31, 2014
The following table provides details regarding stock options exercised
and sold by each director during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Option
Exercises during the Year Ended December 31, 2014
Name |
Number of Options
exercised and sold |
Option
exercise
price |
Date of exercise |
Value
realized
($)(1) |
David Emerson |
Nil |
Nil |
N/A |
Nil |
James Estey |
68,000 |
C$3.21 |
March 28, 2014 |
$141,605 |
Vahan Kololian |
68,000 |
C$3.21 |
May 12, 2014 |
$153,918 |
Martyn Konig |
68,000 |
C$3.21 |
May 15, 2014 |
$132,985 |
Pierre Lassonde |
68,000 |
C$3.21 |
May 20, 2014 |
$166,690 |
Raymond Threlkeld |
Nil |
Nil |
N/A |
Nil |
| (1) | Calculated using the difference between the price of New Gold’s common shares on the TSX at the time of exercise and
the exercise price of the respective options. The amount is then converted at an exchange rate of US$1.00 = C$1.1045, being the
average noon rate quoted by the Bank of Canada for 2014. The amounts shown in this column may not reflect cash received as the
respective director may not have sold all of the shares acquired upon the exercise of his options concurrent with such exercise. |
Deferred Share Unit Plan
On May 6, 2010, the Company established a director deferred share unit
plan (“DSU Plan”) for the purpose of strengthening the alignment of interests between eligible directors of
the Company and designated affiliates (for the purposes of this section “Directors”) and shareholders by linking
a portion of annual director compensation to the future value of New Gold’s common shares. In addition, the DSU Plan was
adopted for the purpose of advancing the interests of the Company through the motivation, attraction and retention of Directors,
it being generally recognized that deferred share unit plans aid in attracting, retaining and encouraging director commitment and
performance due to the opportunity offered to them to receive compensation in line with the value of New Gold’s common shares.
The DSU Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. DSU are
bookkeeping entries and are subject to adjustment for dividends and normal anti-dilution events including the subdivision, consolidation
or reclassification of the outstanding shares. DSU are not assignable or transferable. Under the DSU Plan, Directors may elect
(on an annual basis) to receive a percentage of their compensation in DSU. Generally, a Director’s annual retainer must be
taken with a minimum of 50% as DSU, but in 2014, 100% of the Directors’ annual retainer was required to be taken in DSU.
The number of DSU granted to a Director is determined by dividing the amount of compensation to be taken as DSU by the closing
price for a share on the TSX on the business day immediately preceding the date of grant.
A Director is only entitled to payment in respect of the DSU granted
to him or her when the director ceases to be a director of the Company or an affiliate for any reason. On ceasing to be a director,
the Company will redeem each DSU held by the Director for a payment in cash equal to the product of: (i) the number of DSU held
by the Director on ceasing to be a director, and (ii) the greater of either: (a) the weighted average trading price; or (b) the
average of daily high and low board lot trading prices of New Gold’s common shares, on the TSX for the five consecutive trading
days immediately prior to the date of termination. Payment will be made to the Director on such date as the Company determines,
but not later than 60 days after the date the director ceases to be a Director.
51 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Under the DSU Plan, the Compensation Committee may from time to time,
amend, modify and change the provisions of the DSU Plan, provided that any amendment, modification or change to the provisions
of the DSU Plan which would (a) materially increase the benefits under the DSU Plan, (b) materially modify the requirements as
to eligibility for participation in the DSU Plan, or (c) terminate the DSU Plan, will only be effective on such amendment, modification
or change being approved by the Board and, if required, by the TSX and any other regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over
the Company.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, an aggregate of 87,736 DSU
were issued to Directors. No DSU were redeemed under the DSU Plan during 2014. As at March 16, 2015, there are an aggregate of
235,127 DSU outstanding under the DSU Plan.
Loans to Directors
The Company does not make personal loans or extensions of credit to
its directors or NEOs. There are no loans outstanding from the Company to any of its directors or NEOs.
Retirement Policy for Directors
New Gold does not have a retirement policy for its directors.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation
Plans as at December 31, 2014
The following table provides details of compensation plans under which
equity securities of New Gold are authorized for issuance as at December 31, 2014.
Plan
Category |
Number of shares to
be issued on exercise
of options, warrants
and rights (1) |
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding Options,
warrants and rights
($) |
Number
of shares
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(2)
(3) (4) |
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders |
16,913,376 |
$6.35 for Options (5)
n/a for PSU |
6,959,136 |
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
| (1) | Represents the aggregate number of common shares of New Gold reserved for issuance on exercise of outstanding Options (granted
under the Stock Option Plan and the Western Goldfields Plan (as defined below)) and upon the vesting of PSU (assuming Achieved
Performance of 150%), being 13,930,026 common shares upon the exercise of outstanding Options and 2,983,350 upon the vesting of
PSU. |
| (2) | Represents the aggregate total number of common shares remaining available for future issuance under the Stock Option Plan
and the Long Term Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2014, less the number of common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding
Options and the vesting of outstanding PSU (assuming Achieved Performance of 150%), being 3,647,088 common shares under the Stock
Option Plan and 3,312,048 common shares under the Long Term Incentive Plan. No further Options may be granted under the Western
Goldfields Plan. |
| (3) | The aggregate number of common shares reserved for issuance under the Stock Option Plan is calculated using a formula. The
aggregate number of common shares reserved for issuance in respect of all outstanding Options granted under the Stock Option Plan
and all other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company, other than the Long Term Incentive Plan, cannot exceed 3.5%
of the number of common shares issued and outstanding (on a non-diluted basis). |
52 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| (4) | The aggregate number of common shares reserved for issuance under the Long Term Incentive Plan is calculated using a formula.
The aggregate number of common shares reserved for issuance in respect of all unvested PSU granted under the Long Term Incentive
Plan cannot exceed 1.25% of the number of common shares issued and outstanding (on a non-diluted basis). |
| (5) | The weighted average exercise price for all equity compensation plans is the weighted average exercise price of the Options
outstanding under the Stock Option Plan and the Western Goldfields Plan. There is no exercise price associated with the PSU outstanding
under the Long Term Incentive Plan. |
Stock Option Plans
In addition to the Stock Option Plan, New Gold has one historical stock
option plan (the Western Goldfields Plan, discussed below) with options outstanding.
Stock Option Plan
The Stock Option Plan was adopted by the Board on March 3, 2011 and
was subsequently approved by shareholders on May 4, 2011 and then reapproved (and amended) on April 30, 2014.
As at March 16, 2015, a total of 13,648,026 Options (representing 2.68%
of the number of issued and outstanding common shares of New Gold) were outstanding under the Stock Option Plan. In 2014, a total
of 4,673,476 Options were granted, representing 0.9% of the issued and outstanding common shares as of December 31, 2014. The following
is a summary of the principal terms of the Stock Option Plan. A copy of the Stock Option Plan is available under New Gold’s
profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Purpose
The purpose of the Stock Option Plan is to advance the interests of
New Gold by:
| (i) | providing eligible persons, being directors, employees, officers or eligible contractors of New Gold or its affiliates (collectively,
the “Eligible Persons”), with additional incentives through equity ownership; |
| (ii) | increasing the proprietary interest of Eligible Persons in the success of New Gold; |
| (iii) | encouraging Eligible Persons to remain with New Gold or its affiliates; and |
| (iv) | attracting new directors, employees, officers and service providers. |
Eligible Participants
Options may be granted to Eligible Persons. Subject to the provisions
of the Stock Option Plan, the Board has the authority to determine the terms, limitations, restrictions and conditions applicable
to the vesting or to the exercise of an Option, including, without limitation, the nature and duration of the restrictions, if
any, to be imposed on the sale or other disposition of common shares of New Gold acquired on exercise of the Option.
Vesting
The Board has established the vesting and other terms and conditions
for an Option at the time each Option is granted. All options granted under the Stock Option Plan have been granted on the basis
they will vest as to one-third of the number granted on the first anniversary of the grant date, one-third on the second anniversary
and one-third on the third anniversary.
53 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Securities Issuable under the Stock Option Plan
The aggregate number of common shares of New Gold reserved for issuance
for all Options granted under the Stock Option Plan and for all other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company,
other than the Long Term Incentive Plan, must not exceed 3.5% of the common shares issued and outstanding (on a non-diluted basis)
at the time of granting the Option.
The maximum number of common shares issuable to any one person under
the Stock Option Plan is 5% of the common shares issued and outstanding (on a non-diluted basis) at the time of the grant less
the aggregate number of common shares reserved for issuance to such person under any other security-based compensation arrangements
of New Gold.
The maximum number of common shares issuable to insiders under the Stock
Option Plan and any other security-based compensation arrangements of New Gold is 10% of the common shares issued and outstanding
(on a non-diluted basis) at the time of the grant. The maximum number of common shares which may be issued to insiders under the
Stock Option Plan and any other security-based compensation arrangements of New Gold within a 12-month period is 10% of the common
shares issued and outstanding (on a non-diluted basis) at the time of the issuance. In addition, grants of Options to non-employee
directors cannot exceed the lesser of (i) 1% of the total number of common shares issued and outstanding (on a non-diluted basis)
at the time of issuance and (ii) an annual equity value of C$100,000 to each director.
Exercise Price and Term
Each Option is confirmed by an option agreement or option grant letter
or other form of confirmation (electronic or otherwise) as prescribed by the Board from time to time. The Board establishes the
exercise price of an Option at the time the Option is granted. The exercise price may not be less than the Market Price (as defined
in the Stock Option Plan) on the date of grant, being the volume weighted average trading price of the common shares of New Gold
on the TSX for the five trading days ending on the last trading date immediately before the date on which the Market Price is calculated.
Options granted must be exercised no later than five years after the date of grant or such lesser period as the Board may approve.
In the event that any Option expires during, or within 48 hours after, a Company-imposed blackout period on the trading of securities
of the Company, such expiry becomes the tenth day after the end of the blackout period.
Cessation or Termination of Options
Subject to specific exceptions and restrictions outlined in the Stock
Option Plan, Options are not assignable and will terminate as follows:
| (i) | if a participant ceases to be an Eligible Person for any reason other than death or termination for cause, their Options will
be cancelled: |
| a. | 90 days after the participant ceases to be an Eligible Person or otherwise in accordance with the terms of the participant’s
employment agreement; |
| b. | such longer period as may be determined by the Board, but not exceeding the original expiry date of the Option; or |
| c. | immediately if the Options are unvested at the date the participant ceases to be an Eligible Person unless the Board determines
otherwise; |
54 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| (ii) | if a participant ceases to be an Eligible Person because their relationship with the Company or an affiliate is terminated
for cause by the Company or an affiliate, their Options will be cancelled immediately after the participant ceases to be an Eligible
Person; or |
| (iii) | if a participant ceases to be an Eligible Person as a result of their death, all Options unvested at the date of the Participant’s
death will vest immediately and their Options will be cancelled: |
| a. | 180 days after their death; or |
| b. | such longer period as may be determined by the Board, but not exceeding the original expiry date of the Option to a maximum
of 12 months. |
Assignability
Options are non-assignable and non-transferable by a participant otherwise
than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and are exercisable only by the participant during the lifetime of the participant
and only by the participant’s legal representative after death of the participant (in accordance with the Stock Option Plan).
However, Options granted to a participant may be assigned to a Permitted
Assign (as such term is defined in the Stock Option Plan) of such participant, following which such Options will be non-assignable
and non-transferable by such permitted assign, except to another permitted assign, otherwise than by will or the laws of descent
and distribution, and will be exercisable only by such permitted assign during the lifetime of such permitted assign and only by
such permitted assign’s legal representative after death of such permitted assign.
Amendment Provisions
Subject to any applicable regulatory or stock exchange requirements
or restrictions in the Stock Option Plan, the Board may at any time and without shareholder approval, terminate the Stock Option
Plan or amend the provisions of the Stock Option Plan or any Options granted under it, including without limitation amendments:
| (i) | related to the exercise of Options, including the inclusion of a cashless exercise feature where payment is in cash or common
shares or otherwise; |
| (ii) | deemed by the Board to be necessary or advisable because of any change in applicable securities laws or other laws; |
| (iv) | to the change of control provisions; |
| (v) | relating to the administration of the Stock Option Plan; |
| (vi) | to the vesting provisions of any outstanding Option; |
| (vii) | to postpone or adjust any exercise of an Option or the issuance of any common shares pursuant to the Stock Option Plan in order
to permit New Gold to effect or maintain registration of the Stock Option Plan or the common shares issuable pursuant to the Stock
Option Plan under the securities laws of any applicable jurisdiction, or to determine that the common shares and the Stock Option
Plan are exempt from such registration; or |
55 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| (viii) | fundamental or otherwise, not requiring shareholder approval under applicable law or the rules of an exchange on which the
common shares are listed, including amendments of a “clerical” or “housekeeping” nature and amendments
to ensure that the Options granted under the Stock Option Plan will comply with any provisions respecting income tax and other
laws in force in any country or jurisdiction of which an Eligible Person may from time to time be resident or a citizen. |
The Board may not make any of the following amendments to the Stock
Option Plan without first having obtained the approval of a majority of shareholders voting at a shareholders meeting:
| (i) | an increase in the maximum number of common shares which may be issued under the Stock Option Plan; |
| (ii) | an increase in the ability of the Board to amend the Stock Option Plan without shareholder approval; |
| (iii) | amendments to the definitions of “Eligible Person” and “Permitted Assigns”; |
| (iv) | amendments to the exercise price of any Option issued under the Stock Option Plan where such amendment reduces the exercise
price of such Option; |
| (v) | amendments to the term of any Option issued under the Stock Option Plan; or |
| (vi) | amendments to the transfer provisions of the Stock Option Plan. |
In addition, the Board may not amend the Stock Option Plan to increase
insider participation limits without first having obtained the approval of a majority of shareholders excluding shares voted by
insiders who are Eligible Persons.
Western Goldfields Plan
As at March 16, 2015, a total of 110,000 options (representing 0.02%
of the number of issued and outstanding common shares of New Gold) were outstanding under the former stock option plan of Western
Goldfields Inc. (“Western Goldfields Plan”), which, as a result of the 2009 business combination between Western
Goldfields Inc. and New Gold, are now exercisable for common shares of New Gold. No new options will be granted under the Western
Goldfields Plan. The existing options have an exercise price of either $0.75 or C$2.00, as the case may be. Options issued under
this plan had a term not exceeding seven years and the last of the options issued under the Western Goldfields Plan will expire
on September 1, 2015.
If a holder of an option granted under the Western Goldfields Plan ceases
to be a service provider to New Gold (other than as a result of the death of such holder), such holder’s options terminate
on the earlier of (i) 90 days after the holder ceases to be a service provider, and (ii) the original expiry date of the option;
provided that if a holder of an option dies while he or she is a service provider, such holder’s options terminate on the
earlier of (i) one year after the date of death of the holder, and (ii) the original expiry date of the option. Options may not
be assigned or transferred, except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
Long Term Incentive Plan
In 2009, New Gold introduced a share unit plan (“Long Term
Incentive Plan”) that provides for time-based share unit awards (“RSU”) that may be granted to employees,
officers and eligible contractors of the Company and its affiliates as a bonus in consideration of past services to the Company
or its affiliates. In February 2013, the Board approved amendments to the Long Term Incentive Plan to provide for the grant of
performance-based share unit awards (“PSU”, and collectively with RSU, “Share Units”) by
the Board to employees, officers and eligible contractors of the Company and its affiliates as a bonus in consideration of past
services to the Company or its affiliates. Recipients of RSU or PSU are referred to as “Participants”.
56 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
In 2014, the Board approved further amendments to the Long Term Incentive
Plan to provide, among other things, that on the Entitlement Date of a vested PSU, a Participant may, at the discretion of the
Board, be issued common shares of New Gold in lieu of cash to satisfy New Gold’s obligations under vested PSU held by such
Participant. The amended Long Term Incentive Plan and the authorization for the allocation of common shares for issuance to satisfy
such PSU were subsequently approved by shareholders at the Company’s Annual General and Special Meeting held on April 30,
2014. The Long Term Incentive Plan provides that the aggregate number of common shares to be reserved for issuance on the vesting
of PSU must not exceed 1.25% of the common shares issued and outstanding (on a non-diluted basis) at the time of granting the PSU.
The following is a summary of the principal terms of the Long Term Incentive
Plan. A copy of the Long Term Incentive Plan is available under New Gold’s Profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Purpose
The purpose of the Long Term Incentive Plan is to advance the interests
of New Gold, its affiliates and its shareholders through the motivation, attraction and retention of employees, officers, directors
and eligible contractors and the alignment of their interests with the interests of the Company’s shareholders.
Eligible Participants
Share Units may be granted to directors, employees, officers or eligible
contractors of New Gold or its affiliates. Subject to the provisions of the Long Term Incentive Plan, the Board will have the authority
to determine the terms, limitations, restrictions and conditions applicable to the grant or vesting of a Share Unit. Share Units
may not be granted to directors unless the director is an employee, officer or eligible contractor of the Company or one of its
affiliates.
Grant, Vesting and Term
Each Share Unit granted to a particular Participant is compensation
for services rendered by the Participant to the Company or its affiliate. The grant is confirmed by a Share Unit grant letter issued
to the Participant by the Company. Each Share Unit vests on its Entitlement Date. The Board determines the Entitlement Date applicable
to Share Units at the time of grant, but has the discretion to amend the Entitlement Date after such grant.
The Board has delegated authority to the Compensation Committee to grant
individual awards of up to 25,000 RSU and PSU to persons other than directors or officers of the Company. The Board further delegated
authority to management to grant individual RSU awards of up to 15,000 RSU to persons other than officers and directors. Awards
in excess of 25,000 RSU and PSU, and all RSU and PSU awards to officers or directors, require approval of the Board. The foregoing
delegations are not outlined in the Long Term Incentive Plan but have been adopted by resolution of the Board.
RSU vest on the entitlement date or dates, as determined by the Board
in its discretion, which will not be later than December 31 of the year that is three years after the year of service to which
the award relates (the “Entitlement Date” with respect to an RSU). On an Entitlement Date, the Company will
make a payment to the relevant Participant in cash equal to the five-day volume weighted average price of the Company’s common
shares on the TSX multiplied by the number of RSU vesting.
57 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
PSU vest on the entitlement date or dates, as determined by the Board
in its discretion, which will not be later than December 31 of the year that is three years after the year of service to which
the award relates (the “Entitlement Date” with respect to a PSU). In addition, the Board, at the time PSU are
granted, makes the payment of such PSU subject to performance conditions or measures to be achieved by the Company, the Participant
or a class of Participants, before the relevant Entitlement Date. All PSU granted under the Long Term Incentive Plan have been
granted on the basis that their Entitlement Date is December 31 of the year that is three years after the year of service to which
the award relates (subject to acceleration as described below).
The number of shares to be issued (or the amount of cash to be paid)
on the Entitlement Date of PSU will vary from 50% to 150% of the number of PSU granted, depending on (“Achieved Performance”)
New Gold’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) compared to the return of the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index
(the “Index”) for each year in the three calendar years after the year of service to which the award relates
and over that three year period (each, a “Measurement Period”). If New Gold’s TSR exceeds the return of
the Index in a Measurement Period, the Achieved Performance for that period will be over 100%. Similarly, if New Gold’s TSR
is less than the return of the Index in a Measurement Period, the Achieved Performance for that period will be less than 100%.
The graph below shows how the Achieved Performance for each Measurement Period is determined based on the difference between New
Gold’s TSR and the return on the Index.
The Achieved Performance for calendar year 2013 was 94.8% and the Achieved
Performance for calendar year 2014 was 88.3%.
On the Entitlement Date, a PSU may be settled: (i) in cash equal to
the five-day volume weighted average price of the Company’s common shares on the TSX multiplied by the number of PSU and
the Achieved Performance; or (ii) at the discretion of the Board, by the issuance of the equivalent number of common shares of
New Gold as the number of PSU multiplied by the Achieved Performance, in lieu of a cash payment, or (iii) a combination of both.
The Board may, in its discretion, grant PSU that can only be satisfied by the issuance of common shares from treasury or by a cash
payment or by a combination thereof.
Participants will have no right or entitlement to receive any shares
of New Gold or cash payment until an Entitlement Date and, as a holder of Share Units, will not have any rights as a shareholder
of the Company.
58 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Adjustments
In the event there is any change in the common shares of New Gold, whether
by reason of a stock dividend, consolidation, subdivision, reclassification or otherwise, an appropriate adjustment will be made
to outstanding Share Units by the Board, in its sole discretion, to reflect such changes.
The Board may, in its discretion, elect to credit each Participant with
additional Share Units in the event any dividend is paid on the common shares of New Gold. In such case, the number of additional
Share Units will be equal to the aggregate amount of dividends that would have been paid to the Participant if the Share Units
in the Participant’s account had been common shares divided by the market price of the common shares on the date on which
dividends were paid by the Company. Such additional Share Units will vest on the Entitlement Date of the particular Share Unit
(and will be subject to the same terms) to which the additional Share Units relate.
Securities Issuable under the Long Term Incentive Plan
The aggregate number of common shares to be available for issuance in
respect of all Share Units granted under the Long Term Incentive Plan will not exceed 1.25% of the common shares issued and outstanding
(on a non-diluted basis) at the time of granting the Share Unit.
The maximum number of common shares issuable to insiders pursuant to
Share Units and any other security-based compensation arrangements of New Gold will be 10% of the common shares issued and outstanding
(on a non-diluted basis) at the time of the grant. The maximum number of common shares which may be issued to insiders pursuant
to Share Units and any other security-based compensation arrangements of New Gold within a 12-month period will be 10% of the common
shares issued and outstanding (on a non-diluted basis) at the time of the issuance.
In no case can a Participant, immediately after being granted an award
of Share Units: (a) hold a beneficial interest in more than 5% of the common shares of New Gold; or (b) be in a position to control
the casting of greater than 5% of the votes that might be cast at a general meeting of New Gold (collectively, the “Ownership
Restrictions”).
Cessation or Acceleration of Share Units
Subject to specific exceptions and restrictions outlined in the Long
Term Incentive Plan, Share Units are not assignable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and will become
void on the termination (with or without cause) or retirement of a Participant, except as otherwise determined by the Board in
its discretion.
In addition, unless the Board determines otherwise, the Entitlement
Date for all of a Participant’s Share Units will be accelerated as follows:
| (i) | in the event of the death of the Participant, the Entitlement Date will be the date of death; and |
| (ii) | in the event of the total disability of the Participant, the Entitlement Date will be the date which is 60 days following the
date on which the Participant becomes totally disabled. |
If, within 12 months of a change of control (as defined in the Long
Term Incentive Plan) of New Gold, a Participant that is:
| (i) | a director is terminated or not re-elected or re-appointed; |
| (ii) | an employee is terminated without cause or a material adverse change is imposed on the terms of such Participant’s employment
or financial entitlements from the Company; or |
59 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| (iii) | an eligible contractor is terminated, |
then all outstanding Share Units held by such Participant will immediately
vest and the Entitlement Date for such Share Units will occur. In the event a resolution is adopted to windup, dissolve or liquidate
the Company or in the event that an acquirer acquires 40% or more of the voting securities of New Gold, all Share Units outstanding
will immediately vest and the Entitlement Date for such Share Units will occur. Where the Entitlement Date of PSU is accelerated,
performance for Measurement Periods that have not been completed before the Entitlement Date or change of control will be based
on 100% achievement in the case of death or disability or 150% achievement in the case of a change of control.
Amendment Provisions
Subject to any applicable regulatory or stock exchange requirements
or restrictions in the Long Term Incentive Plan, the Board may at any time, and without shareholder approval, terminate the Long
Term Incentive Plan or amend the provisions of the Long Term Incentive Plan or any Share Units granted under it, including without
limitation:
| (i) | amendments of a housekeeping nature; and |
| (ii) | changes to the Entitlement Date of any Share Units, |
provided that such amendment or termination may not in any manner adversely
affect a Participant’s rights under any Share Unit granted under the Long Term Incentive Plan.
The Board may not make any of the following amendments to the Long Term
Incentive Plan without first having obtained the approval of a majority of shareholders voting at a shareholders meeting:
| (i) | materially increase the benefits to a holder of Share Units who is an insider of the Company, to the material detriment of
the Company and its shareholders; |
| (ii) | increase the number of common shares or maximum percentage of common shares which may be issued pursuant to the Long Term Incentive
Plan other than in the event of a change in the common shares, whether by reason of a stock dividend, consolidation, subdivision
or reclassification; |
| (iii) | reduce the range of amendments requiring shareholder approval; |
| (iv) | permit Share Units to be transferred other than for normal estate settlement purposes; |
| (v) | change insider participation limits which would result in shareholder approval being required on a disinterested basis; |
| (vi) | materially modify the eligibility requirements for participation in the Long Term Incentive Plan; |
| (vii) | modify the result that Participants residing in Australia forfeit their rights to any payment or issue of common shares on
termination of such Participants; or |
| (viii) | modify the Ownership Restrictions. |
In addition, any such amendment, modification or change of any provision
of the Long Term Incentive Plan will be subject to the approval, if required, by any stock exchange having jurisdiction over the
securities of the Company.
60 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
PRACTICES
National Policy 58-201 – Corporate Governance Guidelines (“Governance
Guidelines”) and National Instrument 58-101 – Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices (“Governance
Disclosure Rule”) form the regulatory framework for New Gold’s corporate governance practices. The Governance Guidelines
deal with matters such as the constitution and independence of corporate boards, their functions, the effectiveness and education
of board members and other items dealing with sound corporate governance practices. The Governance Disclosure Rule requires that,
if management of an issuer solicits proxies from its shareholders for the purpose of electing directors, specified disclosure of
its corporate governance practices must be included in its management information circular.
New Gold and the Board recognize the importance of corporate governance
to the effective management of New Gold and to the protection of its employees and shareholders. New Gold’s approach to significant
issues of corporate governance is designed with a view to ensuring that the business and affairs of New Gold are effectively managed
so as to enhance shareholder value. The Board fulfills its mandate directly and through its committees at regularly scheduled meetings
and as required. Frequency of meetings may be increased and the nature of the agenda items may be changed depending on the state
of New Gold’s affairs and in light of opportunities or risks which New Gold faces. The directors are kept informed of New
Gold’s operations at these meetings as well as through reports and discussions with management on matters within their particular
areas of expertise.
New Gold’s corporate governance practices have been, and continue
to be, in compliance with applicable Canadian and United States regulatory requirements. New Gold continues to monitor developments
in Canada and the United States with a view to further revising its governance policies and practices, as appropriate.
The following is a description of New Gold’s corporate governance
practices as reported by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and approved by the Board.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Independence of the Board
The Board, in consultation with the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee, annually reviews the relationship between each director and the Company in order to determine if each director is or
remains independent within the meaning of the Governance Guidelines. In addition, annual peer assessments by each director assess
the independence of the other directors. With the assistance of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, the Board has
considered the relationship to the Company of each of the Nominees and has determined that five of the eight Nominees are independent
for the purposes of the Governance Guidelines.
Nominee |
Relationship |
Reason for Non-Independent Status |
David Emerson |
Independent |
N/A – no material relationship. |
James Estey |
Independent |
N/A – no material relationship. |
Robert Gallagher |
Non-Independent |
Considered to have a material relationship with the Company by virtue of being the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. |
Vahan Kololian |
Independent |
N/A – no material relationship. |
Martyn Konig |
Independent |
N/A – no material relationship. |
Pierre Lassonde |
Independent |
N/A – no material relationship. |
61 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Nominee |
Relationship |
Reason for Non-Independent Status |
Randall Oliphant |
Non-Independent |
Considered to have a material relationship with the Company by virtue of being the Executive Chairman of the Company. |
Raymond Threlkeld |
Non-Independent |
Considered to have a material relationship with the Company due to his role as the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Rainy River Resources Ltd. which was acquired by the Company on October 30, 2013 and his ongoing consulting arrangements. |
The Company has a majority of independent directors and recognizes the
importance of providing leadership to its independent directors. With the exception of Mr. Threlkeld, who is Chair of the Health,
Safety, Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility (“HSE & CSR”) Committee, the Chair of each of the
Board’s committees is an independent director. In addition, every committee charter provides for access to information respecting
the Company and to officers, employees, external auditors and legal counsel of the Company. Each committee charter states that
the committees may engage separate independent counsel and advisors at the expense of the Company.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, which is a wholly
independent committee, is responsible for identifying whether the Board’s mandate is effectively being carried out. Specifically,
this committee reviews with the Board, on a regular basis and at least annually, the role of the Board, the mandate of the Board
and terms of reference of each of the committees of the Board and the methods and processes by which the Board fulfills its duties
and responsibilities.
As well, to facilitate the Board operating independently of management,
the following processes are in place:
| (a) | the Board has appointed an independent Lead Director; |
| (b) | the Board has implemented a policy to hold in-camera sessions without members of management present at the end of each Board
meeting. As the Chair of the Board is an executive of the Company, the Lead Director presides at such sessions; |
| (c) | at every Board meeting, members of management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Chairman,
are not present for the discussion and determination of certain matters; |
| (d) | under the Company’s Articles any one director may call a Board meeting; |
| (e) | the compensation of the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Chairman is considered in their absence by
the Compensation Committee at least annually; and |
| (f) | in addition to the standing committees of the Board, ad hoc committees are appointed from time to time when appropriate. |
62 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Chairman
The Board has appointed Randall Oliphant as its Executive Chairman.
As Mr. Oliphant is not independent, he works closely with the standing committees of the Board regarding items relating to compensation,
finance and corporate governance. Each of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, Audit Committee and Compensation Committee
is comprised entirely of independent directors. The Executive Chairman, with the assistance of the Lead Director, provides leadership
to directors in discharging their duties, including by:
| (a) | promoting cohesiveness among the directors; and |
| (b) | being satisfied that the responsibilities of the Board and its committees are well understood by the directors. |
The Executive Chairman, with the assistance of the Lead Director, assists
the Board in discharging its stewardship function, including by:
| (a) | satisfying himself as to the integrity of the executive officers of New Gold and ensuring that such executive officers create
a culture of integrity throughout the organization; |
| (b) | taking part in strategic planning, risk management and succession planning; |
| (c) | together with the Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, reviewing the committees of the Board, the composition
and Chairs of such committees and the charters of such committees; and |
| (d) | together with the Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, ensuring that the Board, committees of the Board,
individual directors and senior management of New Gold understand and discharge their duties and obligations under New Gold’s
system of corporate governance. |
In connection with meetings of the directors, the Executive Chairman
is responsible for the following (in consultation with the Lead Director):
| (a) | scheduling meetings of the directors; |
| (b) | coordinating with the Chairs of the committees of the Board to schedule meetings of the committees; |
| (c) | reviewing items of importance for consideration by the Board; |
| (d) | ensuring that all business required to come before the Board is brought before the Board, such that the Board is able to carry
out all of its duties to manage or supervise the management of the business and affairs of New Gold; |
| (e) | setting the agenda for meetings of the Board; |
| (f) | monitoring the adequacy of materials provided to the directors by management in connection with the directors' deliberations; |
| (g) | ensuring that the directors have sufficient time to review the materials provided to them and to fully discuss the business
that comes before the Board; |
| (h) | presiding over meetings of the directors; and |
63 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| (i) | encouraging free and open discussion at meetings of the Board. |
Independent Lead Director
The independent directors have appointed James Estey as Lead Director.
The Board established the position of a Lead Director at its May 1, 2013 meeting. The Board’s Mandate provides that a Lead
Director is to be selected by the independent directors if the Chair of the Board is an executive of the Company. The purpose of
the Lead Director is to further enhance the ability of the Board to act independently of management. The Lead Director coordinates
with the Chairman and is responsible for the following, as set out in the Board Mandate:
| (a) | reviewing items of importance for consideration by the independent directors and setting the agenda for in camera sessions
of the independent directors; |
| (b) | presiding over meetings of the directors at which the Chair of the Board is not present and in camera sessions of the independent
directors, and apprising the Chair of the Board of the issues considered; |
| (c) | encouraging free and open discussion at in camera sessions of the independent directors; |
| (d) | serving as liaison between the independent directors and the Chair of the Board; |
| (e) | being available for consultation and direct communication with the Company’s shareholders as appropriate; |
| (f) | together with the Chair of the Board and the Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, providing feedback
to directors regarding their performance; and |
| (g) | performing such other duties and the Board may delegate to the Lead Director from time to time. |
Meetings of the Board and Committees of
the Board
The Board meets a minimum of four times per year and as otherwise required.
Typically, each committee of the Board meets at least twice each year, or more frequently as deemed necessary by the applicable
committee. The frequency of the meetings and the nature of each meeting agenda depend on the business and affairs that New Gold
faces from time to time. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Board met six times, the Audit Committee and Compensation
Committee each met four times, and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the HSE & CSR Committee each met twice.
Below are details regarding director attendance at Board and committee meetings held during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Director |
Board |
Audit
Committee |
Compensation
Committee |
Corporate
Governance and
Nominating
Committee |
HSE & CSR
Committee |
David Emerson |
6 of 6 |
4 of 4 |
- |
2 of 2 |
- |
James Estey |
6 of 6 |
4 of 4 |
4 of 4 |
- |
- |
Robert Gallagher (1) |
6 of 6 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Vahan Kololian |
6 of 6 |
- |
- |
2 of 2 |
2 of 2 |
Martyn Konig |
6 of 6 |
4 of 4 |
4 of 4 |
- |
2 of 2 |
Pierre Lassonde |
5 of 6 |
- |
4 of 4 |
2 of 2 |
- |
64 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Director |
Board |
Audit
Committee |
Compensation
Committee |
Corporate
Governance and
Nominating
Committee |
HSE & CSR
Committee |
Randall Oliphant (1) |
6 of 6 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Raymond Threlkeld |
6 of 6 |
- |
- |
- |
2 of 2 |
| (1) | Mr. Oliphant and Mr. Gallagher are not members of any committee of the Board. |
As set out in the Board mandate, Board members are expected to attend
all meetings of the Board in person or by phone and to have reviewed in advance Board materials and be prepared to discuss such
materials.
Independent Directors’ Sessions
The Board mandate provides for in-camera sessions of the independent
directors at each Board meeting. The Lead Director presides at such sessions. During the year ended December 31, 2014 the Board
held five in-camera sessions of the non-management directors. In addition, all of the committees hold in-camera sessions without
the presence of management at each meeting, unless the committee members present determine such a session is unnecessary.
Areas of Expertise
The skills and areas of expertise possessed by each member of the Board
are identified in the following table. The relevant skills and areas of expertise are: experience regarding the mining industry
and/or operations; experience in accounting, finance or capital markets; corporate governance; experience in health, safety and
environment (“HSE”) compliance and/or risk management; public company board experience; management experience
for public and/or private companies; and experience in dealing with government and legal matters.
|
Emerson |
Estey |
Gallagher |
Kololian |
Konig |
Lassonde |
Oliphant |
Threlkeld |
Mining Industry and Operations |
|
|
x |
|
x |
x |
x |
x |
Accounting, Finance and Capital Markets |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
Corporate Governance |
x |
x |
|
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
HSE & Risk Management |
x |
|
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
Public Company Board |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
Corporate Management |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
Government Relations & Legal |
x |
|
x |
x |
x |
|
|
|
65 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Other Public Company Directorships/Committee
Appointments
The following table provides details regarding directorships and committee
appointments held by New Gold’s directors in other public companies as at the date of this Circular. None of the directors
of New Gold serve together as directors on the boards of other public companies, except Messrs. Oliphant and Lassonde who are both
on the board of Franco-Nevada Corporation and Messrs. Oliphant and Threlkeld who are both on the board of Newmarket Gold Inc.
Director |
Other
Public Company
Directorships |
Other
Public Company
Committee
Appointments |
David Emerson |
Maple Leaf Foods Inc. (since 2012) |
Chair of the Board
Corporate Governance Committee
Environment, Health and Safety Committee |
|
Stantec Inc. (since 2009) |
Audit Committee |
James Estey |
Gibson Energy Inc. (since 2011) |
Chair of Corporate Governance Committee
Audit Committee |
|
PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. (since 2014) |
Chair of the Board |
Robert Gallagher |
Dynasty Gold Corp. (since 2009) |
N/A |
Southern Arc Minerals (since 2010) |
N/A |
Vahan Kololian |
Lydian International Limited (since 2014) |
N/A |
Martyn Konig |
Euromax Resources Ltd. (since 2012) |
Chair of the Board |
|
|
Chair of the Compensation Committee |
Pierre Lassonde |
Enghouse Systems Limited (since 2000) |
Chair of the Compensation Committee |
Franco-Nevada Corporation (since 2007) |
Chair of the Board |
Randall Oliphant |
Franco-Nevada Corporation (since 2007) |
Audit Committee |
Newmarket Gold Inc. (since 2013) |
N/A |
WesternZagros Resources Ltd. (since 2007) |
Audit Committee
Corporate Governance Committee |
Raymond Threlkeld |
Newmarket Gold Inc. (since 2014) |
Chair of the Board |
The Board has determined that the simultaneous service of some of its
directors on other audit committees does not impair the ability of such directors to effectively serve on New Gold’s Audit
Committee.
Position Descriptions
The Board has developed a written position description for the Executive
Chairman and the Lead Director as detailed in the Board’s written mandate. The Chair of each Board committee acts within
the parameters set by their respective committee charters. The Board has also, in consultation with Mr. Gallagher, developed a
written position description for the President and Chief Executive Officer.
Board Mandate
A copy of the Board’s written mandate, which sets out the responsibilities
and duties of the directors, is attached as Schedule A to this Circular.
66 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Risk Management
The Board has responsibility for identifying and understanding the principal
risks of the Company’s business. Each year, the Company undergoes an extensive risk identification process, which involves
one-on-one interviews with all executive officers as well as other senior corporate employees and the general managers of certain
operations. The results of the interviews are reviewed and analyzed by the Company’s risk management committee, which is
comprised of representatives from the Company’s treasury, operations, finance, environmental and internal audit departments.
In addition, all of the Company’s operating sites are responsible for developing and maintaining a site risk register.
The corporate risk review process yields an enterprise risk register
which ranks the key risks facing the organization as a whole. Each risk is allocated to a senior employee, who is responsible for
developing and implementing controls to mitigate the risk. Every year, the risk register, together with current and planned future
mitigation strategies, is presented and reviewed with the Board, together with a discussion of strategic opportunities and issues.
In addition, various Board committees monitor the risks relevant to
their specific Charter. The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring financial risks and exposures, including the risk of
a material misstatement in the Company’s financial disclosures. The Compensation Committee is responsible for monitoring
risks associated with the Company’s compensation policies. The HSE & CSR Committee is responsible for monitoring health,
safety, environmental and corporate social responsibility risk.
Succession Planning for Executive Officers
The Company has a formal process for succession planning for its executive
officers. As part of this process, the Compensation Committee conducts an annual review of the succession plan for the Company’s
executive officers, including the President and Chief Executive Officer, and prepares a report to the Board on succession planning.
The Compensation Committee most recently reviewed the succession plans
for the Company’s officers, including each of the executive officers, on November 25, 2014. As part of its review process,
the committee identified potential successors and evaluated the readiness of such potential successors to assume the relevant position.
In the event that the position of Executive Chairman or President and
Chief Executive Officer becomes vacant, the entire Board is responsible for working with the Compensation Committee to evaluate
and nominate potential successors to the position in accordance with the succession plan.
In addition to its annual review of the succession plan, the Compensation
Committee is responsible for developing the annual performance review for the Executive Chairman and President and Chief Executive
Officer and providing its recommendations to the Board. The Board assesses the effectiveness of the Executive Chairman and President
and Chief Executive Officer in attaining New Gold’s corporate objectives, budgets and milestones.
Orientation and Continuing Education
The Board, in conjunction with the Chair of the Corporate Governance
and Nominating Committee, is responsible for ensuring that new directors are provided with an orientation and education program
that includes, among other things, information about the duties and obligations of directors (including copies of the Board mandate,
committee charters and Company policies), the business and operations of the Company and documents from recent Board meetings.
67 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
In regard to ongoing director education, the Chair of the Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee, in conjunction with the Executive Chairman, is responsible for ensuring that:
| (a) | all directors receive updates to Company policy documents and applicable TSX or NYSE MKT listing policies; |
| (b) | regular discussions relating to corporate governance issues and directors’ duties are conducted at Board meetings; |
| (c) | the Company’s policies are reviewed and updated by the Board as new rules or circumstances dictate; and |
| (d) | appropriate funding is allocated to directors to attend seminars or conferences relevant to their positions as directors of
the Company. |
All directors are expected to pursue educational opportunities as appropriate
to enable them to perform their duties as directors and are encouraged to visit one of the Company’s sites at least once
every two years. In November 2014, all of the directors visited the New Afton Mine, located in British Columbia, Canada. Directors
have full and free access to officers and employees of the Company and may arrange meetings either directly or through the President
and Chief Executive Officer. Management provides briefings to directors with respect to the business and operations of the Company
at every regularly scheduled Board meeting.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
The Company has a written code of ethics and expectations for business
conduct (“Code”) for the directors, officers and employees of New Gold and its subsidiaries. The Board most
recently reviewed the Code on February 19, 2015. A copy of the Code is posted on New Gold’s website at www.newgold.com.
All directors, officers and employees are expected to comply with the
Code and sign off annually on the Code, which reaffirms the Company’s high standards of business conduct. The Code is part
of New Gold’s continuing effort to ensure that it complies with all applicable laws, has an effective program to prevent
and detect violations of law, and conducts its business with fairness, honesty and integrity.
The Board monitors compliance with the Code generally and, at least
annually, the Board discusses the Code and each board member certifies as to whether they have been in compliance with the Code
and if they are aware of any non-compliance with the Code that they have not raised with the Corporate Secretary or other senior
management of the Company during the preceding year.
Under the Code, any officer, director or employee of New Gold who suspects
a violation of a law, regulation or the Code itself is obligated to report it to the Chair of the Audit Committee.
In the unlikely event of a waiver, any such waiver of the Code for a
director or executive officer must be approved by the Board (or a designated committee) and such waiver will be disclosed to shareholders
as required by applicable law. The Board did not grant any waiver of the Code to any director or executive officer during 2014
or during the past 12 months.
A thorough discussion of the documentation related to a material transaction
is required for review by the Board, particularly independent directors. Directors with an interest in a material transaction are
required to declare their interest and abstain from voting on such transactions.
68 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Whistleblower Policy
New Gold has adopted a whistleblower policy which allows its directors,
officers, employees and contractors who feel that a violation of the Code or the Company’s anti-bribery and anti-corruption
policy has occurred, or who have concerns regarding financial statement disclosure issues, accounting, internal accounting controls
or auditing matters, to report such violation to the Chair of the Audit Committee in writing, through an external hotline service
provider, Global Compliance, by email or online. Concerns are reviewed by the Chair of the Audit Committee in the manner deemed
to be appropriate based on the nature and merits of the submission and with the assistance and direction of whomever the Chair
of the Audit Committee deems appropriate.
Nomination of Directors
The Board has established a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee,
all three members of which are independent directors. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee annually reviews the skills,
expertise and other qualities the Board as a whole should possess and the skills, expertise and other qualities of each of the
directors and identifies any gaps. In accordance with the Diversity Policy (defined below), the review of Board composition includes
consideration of the benefits of diversity and the diversity of the Board members.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for
recommending to the Board appropriate criteria for the selection of new directors and, in consultation with the Board, establishing
a process for selection of new Board members. While the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has the primary responsibility
for identifying prospective Board members, all qualified candidates proposed are considered.
To encourage an objective nominating process, when considering potential
Board nominees the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee takes into account a number of factors, which may include, among
others, the current composition of the Board, the ability of the individual candidate to contribute on an overall basis, the ability
of the individual to contribute sufficient time and resources to the Board, the current and future needs of New Gold, the individual’s
direct experience with public companies in general and mining companies in particular as well as the individual’s skills,
experience and other qualities and the skills, experience and other qualities of existing members of the Board.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee uses the following
process to identify and nominate highly qualified and dedicated director candidates for election to the Board:
| (a) | The Executive Chairman, the Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee or other members of the Board identify
the need to add new Board members, with careful consideration of the mix of skills, experience and other qualities (including diversity,
with particular emphasis on gender diversity, and tenure) represented on the Board. |
| (b) | The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee coordinates the search for qualified candidates with input from management
and other Board members. To assist in the identification of prospective director candidates, the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee may engage qualified external advisors to conduct a search, if the committee deems such engagement necessary, including
having regard to the Diversity Policy (as defined below). |
| (c) | Selected members of management and the Board will interview prospective candidates. The Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee may, to the extent it deems appropriate, consult with significant shareholders of the Company or other shareholders as
part of the process of nominating new directors. |
69 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| (d) | The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will recommend a nominee and seek full Board endorsement of the selected
candidate, based on its judgment as to which candidate will best serve the interests of the shareholders. |
As discussed above under the heading “Adoption of Advance Notice
Policy”, the Company has adopted an Advance Notice Policy. Shareholders are required to comply with the Advance Notice Policy
in connection with director nominations other than pursuant to a meeting requisition or shareholder proposal. Among other things,
the Advance Notice Policy requires the nominating shareholder to provide to New Gold certain information regarding the shareholder
and the shareholder’s proposed nominees, and sets out specific timelines for providing that information. If the Advance Notice
Policy Resolution is not passed at the Meeting, the Advance Notice Policy will terminate and be of no further force and effect
following termination of the Meeting. A copy of the Advance Notice Policy is available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR
at www.sedar.com. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider candidates submitted by shareholders on the same
basis as any other candidate.
Board Diversity Policy
In 2014, amendments to the continuous disclosure regime in Canada were
adopted requiring new disclosure regarding the representation of women on boards and in executive officer positions. Presently,
none of New Gold’s eight directors (0%) are women. In addition, New Gold has one (8%) female senior officer.
New Gold recognizes the benefits of having a diverse Board, and seeks
to increase diversity at the Board level. New Gold has adopted a written board diversity policy (the “Diversity Policy”).
The objective of the Diversity Policy is to increase diversity at the Board level, with particular emphasis on gender diversity.
The Diversity Policy requires the Board and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee to consider the benefits of diversity
and diversity of the Board members in reviewing Board composition and assessing Board effectiveness. It includes an annual review
of the level of representation of women on the Board and the effectiveness of the Diversity Policy, which will be assessed based
on the number of female director candidates identified, the number of such candidates that advance in the director selection process
and the number that are appointed or nominated to the Board.
When identifying new candidates to recommend for appointment or election
to the Board, the Diversity Policy requires the Board (or the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee) to consider engaging
qualified external advisors to conduct a search for candidates that meet the board’s criteria. If such external advisors
are engaged, they will be instructed to put forward a diversity of candidates, including candidates who are women.
New Gold does not support the adoption of quotas or targets regarding
gender representation on the Board or in executive officer positions. All Board appointments will be made on merit, in the context
of the skills, experience, independence, knowledge and other qualities which the Board as a whole requires to be effective, with
due regard for the benefits of diversity (including the level of representation of women on the Board). With respect to executive
appointments, New Gold recruits, manages and promotes on the basis of an individual’s competence, qualification, experience
and performance, regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation or disability or the representation of
women or other aspects of diversity in executive officer positions.
70 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Committees of the Board
The Board has the following four standing committees:
| (b) | the Compensation Committee; |
| (c) | the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee; and |
| (d) | the HSE & CSR Committee. |
All of the committees report directly to the Board.
Other than the HSE & CSR Committee, each committee is comprised
entirely of independent directors. Raymond Threlkeld is the Chair of the HSE & CSR Committee. As the former President and Chief
Executive Officer of Rainy River Resources Ltd. and a consultant to the Company, Mr. Threlkeld is considered non-independent. From
time to time, when appropriate, ad hoc committees of the Board may be appointed by the Board. The current membership of each standing
committee of the Board is as follows:
Board Committee |
Committee Members |
Status |
Audit Committee |
James Estey (Chair) |
Independent |
David Emerson |
Independent |
Martyn Konig |
Independent |
Compensation Committee |
Martyn Konig (Chair) |
Independent |
James Estey |
Independent |
Pierre Lassonde |
Independent |
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee |
David Emerson (Chair) |
Independent |
Vahan Kololian |
Independent |
Pierre Lassonde |
Independent |
HSE & CSR Committee |
Raymond Threlkeld (Chair) |
Non-Independent |
Vahan Kololian |
Independent |
Martyn Konig |
Independent |
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is comprised of independent directors, as described
above. The Audit Committee’s primary function is to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect
to accounting and financial reporting processes, the integrity of the financial statements of New Gold, compliance with legal and
regulatory requirements, the overall adequacy and maintenance of the systems of internal controls that management has established
and the overall responsibility for New Gold’s external and internal audit processes including the external auditor’s
qualifications, independence and performance.
Further information regarding the Audit Committee is contained in New
Gold’s latest annual information form (“AIF”) under the heading “Audit Committee” and a copy
of the Audit Committee charter is attached to the AIF as Schedule A. The AIF is available under New Gold’s profile on SEDAR
at www.sedar.com.
71 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Compensation Committee
As described under the heading “Role of the Compensation Committee”,
the Compensation Committee is comprised of three independent directors, and the purpose of the Compensation Committee is to assist
the Board in approving and monitoring the Company’s guidelines and practices with respect to compensation and benefits provided
by the Company, as well as administering the Company’s equity-based compensation plans.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
As described under the heading “Nomination of Directors”
above, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is comprised of three independent directors. Its main purpose is to provide
a focus on corporate governance that will enhance corporate performance, to assist the Company in its corporate governance responsibilities
under applicable law, to establish criteria for Board and committee membership, to recommend composition of the Board and its committees
and, as circumstances arise, to assess directors’ performance.
Health, Safety, Environment and Corporate
Social Responsibility Committee
The HSE & CSR Committee is comprised of one non-independent and
two independent directors, and its overall purpose is to review and monitor the health, safety, environmental and corporate social
responsibility policies and activities of New Gold on behalf of the Board. The committee may investigate any activity of New Gold
that relates to sustainable development, community development, environment or health and safety.
Board and Director Assessments
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, in conjunction with
the Board, is responsible for reviewing, on an annual basis, the role and mandate of the Board and the charter of each Board committee
and the methods and processes by which the Board fulfills its duties and responsibilities.
In March 2015, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee solicited
comments on a confidential basis from each director regarding the performance of the Board and each Board committee, as well as
individual director performance, using an online evaluation questionnaire. The topics covered by the questionnaire included the
conduct of meetings and the composition of the Board and Committees, as well as peer review by each director of the conduct of
the Board, the Committees and their respective members. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for establishing
and administering the evaluation process, discussing the results and preparing a final report with recommendations to the Board.
The Board does not consider it appropriate or necessary to limit the
number of terms a director may serve due to the time and effort necessary for each director to become familiar with the business
of the Company. As an alternative to term limits, in addition to reviewing director performance on an annual basis, as part of
assessing the composition of the Board, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee considers, among other things, the tenure
of the existing directors and appropriate mix of tenures, as well as board succession planning.
CONTACTING THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
The Board has adopted a Board Shareholder Communication and Engagement
Policy, which is available on the Company’s website at www.newgold.com. Shareholders and other interested parties may communicate
directly with the Board by writing to the Corporate Secretary, New Gold Inc., Royal Bank Plaza, South Tower, Suite 3120 –
200 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2J4, Canada.
72 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS
AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
None of New Gold’s directors, executive officers or employees,
or former directors, executive officers or employees, nor any associate of such individuals, is as at the date of this Circular,
or has been, during the year ended December 31, 2014, indebted to New Gold or any of its subsidiaries in connection with a purchase
of securities or otherwise. In addition, no indebtedness of these individuals to another entity has been the subject of a guarantee,
support agreement, letter of credit or similar arrangement or understanding provided by New Gold or any of its subsidiaries.
INTEREST OF CERTAIN
PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
Other than the election of directors, none of the following persons
has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted
on at the Meeting, (a) a director or executive officer of New Gold who has held such position at any time since January 1, 2014;
(b) each Nominee; or (c) associate or affiliate of a person listed in (a) or (b).
INTEREST OF INFORMED
PERSONS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
Other than as described elsewhere in this Circular, since January 1,
2014, no informed person (as defined in National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations) of New Gold, Nominee,
or any associate or affiliate of an informed person or Nominee, has or had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction
or any proposed transaction which has materially affected or will materially affect New Gold or any of its subsidiaries.
OTHER MATTERS
Management of New Gold does not know of any matters to come before the
Meeting other than those referred to in the Notice of Meeting accompanying this Circular. However, if any other matters properly
come before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the form of proxy accompanying this Circular to vote on such
matters the same in accordance with their best judgment of such matters.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information regarding New Gold and its business activities
is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under New Gold’s profile, on the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s
website at www.sec.gov and on New Gold’s website at www.newgold.com. Following the Meeting, the voting results for each item
on the proxy will be available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under New Gold’s profile. New Gold’s financial information
is provided in New Gold’s annual financial statements and related MD&A for its most recently completed year and may be
viewed on SEDAR at the location noted above, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at the location
noted above and on New Gold’s website. Shareholders may also contact New Gold by phone at 1-888-315-9715 or by email at info@newgold.com
to request copies of these documents, which will be provided free of charge.
73 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
DIRECTORS’ APPROVAL
The contents of this management information circular and its distribution
to the shareholders of New Gold have been approved by the Board.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert Gallagher
President and Chief Executive Officer
Vancouver, British Columbia
March 17, 2015
74 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Schedule A
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MANDATE
The Board of Directors (the “Board”)
has the responsibility for the overall stewardship of the conduct of the business of New Gold Inc. (the “Company”)
and the activities of management, which is responsible for the day-to-day conduct of the business. The Board’s fundamental
objectives are to enhance and preserve long-term shareholder value, and to ensure that the Company meets its obligations on an
ongoing basis and operates in a reliable and safe manner. In performing its functions, the Board should also consider the legitimate
interests its other stakeholders, such as employees, customers and communities, may have in the Company. In overseeing the conduct
of the business, the Board, through the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman, shall set the standards of conduct for
the Company.
| 2. | Procedures and Organization |
The Board operates by delegating certain of its authorities
to management and by reserving certain powers to itself. The Board retains the responsibility for managing its own affairs including
selecting its chair (“Chair”) and nominating candidates for election to the Board and constituting committees
of the Board. If the Chair is an executive of the Company, in order to further enhance the ability of the Board to act independently
of management, the independent directors will select a lead independent director (“Lead Director”). Subject
to the Articles of the Company and the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “Act”), the
Board may constitute, seek the advice of and delegate powers, duties and responsibilities to committees of the Board.
A quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting
of the Board shall be a majority of the number of directors then in office. The Corporate Secretary of the Company (or in his or
her absence, the person appointed by the Board to take minutes) shall have the responsibility for taking minutes of all meetings
of the Board and for circulating drafts of such minutes to the Chair promptly following each meeting. The Corporate Secretary of
the Company (or in his or her absence, the person appointed by the Board to take minutes) shall present draft minutes from the
previous meeting at the next succeeding Board meeting for comments, approval and execution. In the case of an equality of votes
at a meeting of the Board, the chair of the meeting shall not have a second or casting vote.
| 3. | Duties and Responsibilities |
The Board’s principal duties and responsibilities
fall into a number of categories which are outlined below.
| a. | The Board, together with management, has the responsibility to ensure that legal requirements have
been met and documents and records have been properly prepared, approved and maintained. |
| b. | The Board has the statutory responsibility to: |
| i. | manage or, to the extent it is entitled to delegate such power, supervise the management of the
business and affairs of the Company by the senior officers of the Company; |
| ii. | act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company; |
75 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| iii. | exercise the care, diligence and skill that reasonable, prudent people would exercise in comparable
circumstances; and |
| iv. | act in accordance with its obligations contained in the Act and the regulations thereto, the Company’s
Articles, securities laws of each province and territory of Canada, and other relevant legislation and regulations. |
The Board has the responsibility to ensure that appropriate
structures and procedures are in place to permit the Board to function independently of management, including endeavouring to have
a majority of directors who are “independent” as defined by National Instrument 58-101 – Disclosure of Corporate
Governance Practices (“NI 58-101”). The Board, in consultation with the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee, will annually review the relationship of each director and the Company to determine if each director is or remains “independent”
as defined by NI 58-101. In addition, the independent directors shall hold an in camera session without the presence of management
or any non-independent directors at each meeting.
| 3.3 | Strategy Determination |
The Board has the responsibility to ensure, at least annually,
that there are long-term goals and a strategic planning process in place for the Company and to participate with management, directly
or through the Board’s committees, in developing and approving the plan by which the Company proposes to achieve its goals,
which plan takes into account, among other things, the opportunities and risks of the Company’s business.
The Board has the responsibility to identify and understand
the principal risks of the business in which the Company is engaged, to achieve a proper balance between risks incurred and the
potential return to shareholders, and to ensure that there are appropriate systems in place which effectively monitor and manage
those risks with a view to the long-term viability of the Company.
| 3.5 | Division of Responsibilities |
The Board has the power to:
| a. | appoint and delegate responsibilities to committees where appropriate to do so; and |
| b. | develop position descriptions for: |
| i. | its individual members and / or the individual members of committees of the Board; |
| ii. | the Chair and /or Lead Director of the Board; |
| iii. | the Chief Executive Officer; and |
| iv. | the Chief Financial Officer. |
76 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
The Board shall be responsible for ensuring
that the Company’s officers and the directors and officers of the Company’s subsidiaries, if any, are qualified and
appropriate in keeping with the Company’s corporate governance policies, and that they are provided with copies of the Company’s
policies for implementation by the Company and its subsidiaries.
To assist it in exercising its responsibilities, the Board
establishes four standing committees of the Board: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee and the Health, Safety, Environment & Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. The Board may establish
other standing or ad hoc committees from time to time which will function in accordance with such committee’s charter.
Each committee shall have a written charter that clearly
establishes its purpose, responsibilities, members, structure and functions. Each committee charter shall be reviewed by the Board
at least annually. The Board is responsible for appointing the committee members, including the chair of each committee.
| 3.6 | Appointment, Training and Monitoring Senior Management |
The Board has the responsibility:
| a. | to appoint the Chief Executive Officer, to monitor and assess the Chief Executive Officer’s
performance and effectiveness, to satisfy itself as to the integrity of the Chief Executive Officer, and to provide advice and
counsel in the execution of the Chief Executive Officer’s duties; |
| b. | to develop or approve the corporate goals or objectives that the Chief Executive Officer is responsible
for; |
| c. | to monitor and assess the Executive Chairman’s performance and effectiveness and to satisfy
itself as to the integrity of the Executive Chairman; |
| d. | to approve the appointment of all corporate officers, acting on the advice of the Chief Executive
Officer, and to satisfy itself as to the integrity of such corporate officers; |
| e. | ensure that adequate provision has been made to train, develop and monitor management and for the
orderly succession of management; |
| f. | to create a culture of integrity throughout the Company; |
| g. | to ensure that management is aware of the Board’s expectations of management; and |
| h. | to avail itself collectively and individually of the open access to the Company’s senior
management and to advise the Chair of the Board and / or Lead Director of significant matters discussed. |
| 3.7 | Policies, Procedures and Compliance |
The Board has the responsibility:
| a. | to ensure with management that the Company operates at all times within applicable laws, regulations
and ethical standards; and |
| b. | to approve and monitor compliance with significant policies and procedures by which the Company
is operated. |
77 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| 3.8 | Reporting and Communication |
The Board has the responsibility:
| a. | to ensure the Company has in place policies and programs to enable the Company to communicate effectively
with its shareholders, other stakeholders and the public generally; |
| b. | to ensure that the financial performance of the Company is adequately reported to shareholders,
other securityholders and regulators on a timely and regular basis; |
| c. | to ensure the timely reporting of developments that have a significant and material impact on the
market price or value of the Company’s securities; |
| d. | to report annually to shareholders on its stewardship of the affairs of the Company for the preceding
year; |
| e. | to develop appropriate measures for receiving shareholder feedback; and |
| f. | to develop the Company’s approach to corporate governance and to develop a set of corporate
governance principles and guidelines. |
The Board has the responsibility:
| a. | to monitor the Company’s progress towards it goals and objectives and to revise and alter
its direction through management in response to changing circumstances; |
| b. | to take action when performance falls short of its goals and objectives or when other special circumstances
warrant; and |
| c. | to ensure that the Company has implemented adequate internal control and management information
systems which ensure the effective discharge of the Board’s responsibilities. |
| 3.10 | Membership and Composition |
The Board has the responsibility to determine:
| a. | its appropriate size and composition; |
| b. | the relevant criteria for proposed additions to the Board, having regard to areas of required skills
and expertise and other qualities, including independence and diversity; |
| c. | any maximum number of boards or other engagements considered appropriate for directors, having
regard to whether they are independent directors or members of management; |
| d. | any appropriate age for retirement of directors; |
78 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| e. | the recommended compensation of directors for their services in that role, after consideration
by the Compensation Committee; and |
| f. | the number of meetings of the Board to be held each year and the time and place of such meetings;
provided that the Board shall meet at least on a quarterly basis. |
| 3.11 | Education and Assessment |
Members of the Board are expected to attend all meetings
of the Board in person or by phone and to have reviewed board materials in advance and be prepared to discuss such materials.
The Board has responsibility to ensure that all new directors
receive a comprehensive orientation and fully understand the role of the Board and its committees, the nature and operation of
the Company’s business, the expectations for directors and the contribution that individual directors are required to make.
In addition to an initial orientation, members of the Board are expected to pursue educational opportunities, such as seminars
and conferences, as appropriate to assist them in better performing their duties, and directors and are encouraged to visit one
of the Company’s sites at least once every two years.
Members of the Board will be required to annually assess
their own effectiveness and contribution as directors, and the effectiveness of the Board and its committees.
| 3.12 | Third Party Advisors |
The Board, and any individual director with the approval of the Board,
may retain at the expense of the Company independent counsel and advisers in appropriate circumstances.
| 4. | Chair of the Board and Independent Lead Director |
| 4.1 | The Chair of the Board, with the assistance of the Lead Director (if one is appointed from time
to time), will provide leadership to directors in discharging their duties as set out in this Charter, including by: |
| a. | leading, managing and organizing the Board consistent with the approach to corporate governance
adopted by the Board from time to time; |
| b. | promoting cohesiveness among the directors; and |
| c. | being satisfied that the responsibilities of the Board and its committees are well understood by
the directors. |
| 4.2 | The Chair, with the assistance of the Lead Director (if one is appointed from time to time), will
assist the Board in discharging its stewardship function, including by: |
| a. | satisfying himself as to the integrity of the senior officers of the Company and ensuring that
such senior officers create a culture of integrity throughout the organization; |
| b. | taking part in strategic planning, risk management and succession planning; |
| c. | together with the Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, reviewing the committees
of the Board, the composition and chairs of such committees and the charters of such committees; and |
79 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| d. | together with the Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, ensuring that the
Board, committees of the Board, individual directors and senior management of the Company understand and discharge their duties
and obligations under the Company’s system of corporate governance. |
| 4.3 | In addition, in conjunction with the Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee,
the Chair will ensure that: |
| a. | all directors receive updates to Company policy documents and the listing policies of the applicable
exchanges; |
| b. | regular discussions relating to corporate governance issues and directors’ duties are conducted
at Board meetings; |
| c. | the Company’s policies are reviewed and updated by the Board as new rules or circumstances
dictate; and |
| d. | appropriate funding is allocated to directors to attend seminars or conferences relevant to their
positions as directors of the Company. |
| 4.4 | In connection with meetings of the directors, the Chair will be responsible for the following (in
consultation with the Lead Director, if one is appointed from time to time): |
| a. | scheduling meetings of the directors; |
| b. | coordinating with the chairs of the committees of the Board to schedule meetings of the committees; |
| c. | reviewing items of importance for consideration by the Board; |
| d. | ensuring that all business required to come before the Board is brought before the Board, such
that the Board is able to carry out all of its duties to manage or supervise the management of the business and affairs of the
Company; |
| e. | setting the agenda for meetings of the Board; |
| f. | monitoring the adequacy of materials provided to the directors by management in connection with
the directors' deliberations; |
| g. | ensuring that the directors have sufficient time to review the materials provided to them and to
fully discuss the business that comes before the Board; |
| h. | presiding over meetings of the directors; and |
| i. | encouraging free and open discussion at meetings of the Board. |
| 4.5 | In addition, the Lead Director, if one is appointed from time to time, will be responsible for
the following: |
| a. | reviewing items of importance for consideration by the independent directors and setting the agenda
for in camera sessions of the independent directors; |
80 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
| b. | presiding over meetings of the directors at which the Chair is not present and in camera sessions
of the independent directors, and apprising the Chair of the issues considered; |
| c. | encouraging free and open discussion at in camera sessions of the independent directors; |
| d. | serving as liaison between the independent directors and the Chair; |
| e. | being available for consultation and direct communication with the Company’s shareholders
as appropriate; |
| f. | together with the Chair of the Board and the Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee,
providing feedback to directors regarding their performance; and |
| g. | performing such other duties as the Board may delegate to the Lead Director from time to time. |
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
will annually review this Mandate and submit any recommended changes to the Board for approval.
Last reviewed and approved by the Board on February
19, 2015.
81 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Schedule B
SUMMARY OF SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
PLAN
This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of
the amended and restated shareholder rights plan between New Gold Inc. (the “Company”) and Computershare Investor
Services Inc., (the “Shareholder Rights Plan”) which is available for review at the Company’s head office
located at Suite 1800, Two Bentall Centre, 555 Burrard Street, Vancouver, upon request to the Corporate Counsel at 604-696-4100
or by accessing the Company’s website at www.newgold.com. The Shareholder Rights Plan will come into force immediately upon
the conclusion of the Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, if the Shareholder Rights Plan is approved, ratified
and confirmed by the requisite majority of shareholders of the Company. Capitalized terms used in this summary without express
definition have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Shareholder Rights Plan.
Term
Subject to the approval by Independent Shareholders at the Meeting,
as set forth herein, the Shareholder Rights Plan and the Rights issued thereunder will continue to be in effect for a term that
will expire at the close of business on the date that the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders of the Company is held (the “Expiry
Time”) unless otherwise terminated earlier in accordance with their terms.
Issue of Rights
One Right was issued and attached to each Common Share outstanding on
April 2, 2012 and has and will attach to each Common Share subsequently issued prior to the Expiry Time.
Rights Exercise Privilege
The Rights will separate from the Common Shares and will be exercisable
10 trading days (the “Separation Time”) after a person has acquired, or commences a take-over bid to acquire,
20% or more of the Common Shares of the Company, other than by an acquisition pursuant to a take-over bid permitted by the Shareholder
Rights Plan (a “Permitted Bid”). The exercise price is $100 per Common Share, subject to anti-dilution adjustments.
The acquisition by any person (an “Acquiring Person”) of 20% or more of the Common Shares of the Company, other
than by way of a Permitted Bid, is referred to as a “Flip-in Event”. Any Rights held by an Acquiring Person
will become void upon the occurrence of a Flip-in Event. Ten business days after the occurrence of the Flip-in Event, each Right
(other than those held by the Acquiring Person), will permit the purchase of $200 worth of Common Shares for $100, subject to anti-dilution
adjustments.
Certification and Transferability
Prior to the Separation Time, the Rights are evidenced by a legend imprinted
on certificates (and/or DRS Advices) for the Common Shares issued from and after the Effective Date and are not to be transferable
separately from the Common Shares. From and after the Separation Time, the Rights will be evidenced by separate certificates that
will be transferable and traded separately from the Common Shares.
82 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Permitted Bid Requirements
The requirements for a Permitted Bid include the following:
| · | the take-over bid must be made by way of a take-over bid circular; |
| · | the take-over bid must be made to all shareholders, other than the offeror. |
| · | The take-over bid must be outstanding for a minimum period of 60 days and Common Shares
tendered pursuant to the take-over bid may not be taken up prior to the expiry of the 60 day period and only if at such time more
than 50% of the Common Shares held by shareholders, other than the offeror, its affiliates and persons acting jointly or in concert
and certain other person (the “Independent Shareholders”), have been tendered to the take-over bid and not withdrawn; |
| · | If more than 50% of the Common Shares held by Independent Shareholders are tendered to
the take-over bid within the prescribed period, the offeror must make a public announcement of that fact and the take-over bid
must remain open for deposits of Common Shares for an additional 10 days from the date of such public announcement; |
| · | The take-over bid must permit Common Shares to be deposited pursuant to the take-over
bid, unless such take-over bid is withdrawn, at any time prior to the date Common Shares are first taken up and paid for; and |
| · | The take-over bid must provide that any Common Shares deposited pursuant to the take-over
bid may be withdrawn until taken up and paid for. |
The Shareholder Rights Plan also allows for a competing Permitted Bid
(a “Competing Permitted Bid’) to be made while a Permitted Bid is in existence. A Competing Permitted Bid must satisfy
all the requirements of a Permitted Bid except that it may expire on the same date as the Permitted Bid, subject to the requirements
that it be outstanding for a minimum period of 35 days (or such other minimum period as may be provided by Canadian provincial
securities laws).
Waiver
The Board may waive the application of the Shareholder Rights Plan to
any Flip-in Event (an “Exempt Acquisition”) if it determines that a person became an acquiring person by inadvertence,
conditional upon such person having, within 30 days after the determination by the Board, reduced its beneficial ownership of shares
such that it is no longer an acquiring person.
The Board may also, until a Flip-in Event has occurred, waive the application
of the Shareholder Rights Plan to any particular Flip-in Event occurring by reason of a take-over bid made by means of a take-over
bid circular, but in that event, the Board shall be deemed to have waived the application of the Shareholder Rights Plan to any
other Flip-in Event which may arise under any take-over bid then in effect.
Redemption
Prior to the occurrence of a Flip-in Event which has not been waived,
the Board, with the approval of a majority of the votes cast by Independent Shareholders (or the holders of Rights after the Separation
Time has occurred) voting in person or by proxy at a meeting duly called for that purpose, may redeem the Rights at $0.00001 per
Right.
83 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Amendment
The Board may amend the Shareholder Rights Plan with the approval of
a majority of the votes cast by Independent Shareholders (or the holders of Rights if the Separation Time has occurred) voting
in person or by proxy at a meeting duly called for that purpose. The Board may, without such approval, correct clerical or typographical
errors and may make amendments to the Shareholder Rights Plan to maintain its validity due to changes in applicable laws, rules
or regulatory requirements.
Board of Directors
The Shareholder Rights Plan will not detract or lessen the duty of the
Board to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interest of the Company. The Board, when a Permitted Bid is made,
will continue to have the duty and power to take such actions and make such recommendations to shareholders as are considered appropriate.
84 | WWW.NEWGOLD.COM TSX:NGD NYSE MKT:NGD |
Any questions and requests for assistance may be
directed to the
Proxy Solicitation Agent:
The Exchange Tower
130 King Street West, Suite 2950, P.O. Box 361
Toronto, Ontario
M5X 1E2
North American Toll Free Phone:
1-866-581-1477
Email: contactus@kingsdaleshareholder.com
Facsimile: 416-867-2271
Toll Free Facsimile: 1-866-545-5580
Outside North America, Banks and Brokers Call
Collect: 416-867-2272
Exhibit 99.3
New Gold (AMEX:NGD)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2024 to May 2024
New Gold (AMEX:NGD)
Historical Stock Chart
From May 2023 to May 2024