BIOVAIL LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL SRL EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
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BIOVAIL LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL SRL
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made as of the 1st day of January, 2005.
BETWEEN:
Biovail Laboratories International SRL
(hereinafter called the "Corporation")
OF THE FIRST PART
– and —
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
(hereinafter called the "Executive")
OF THE SECOND PART
WHEREAS the Corporation and the Executive wish to enter into this Employment Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency whereof is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE ONE — GENERAL DUTIES AND TERM
Employment Services
1.01 The Corporation hereby engages the Executive to perform the services described in Schedule A attached hereto and the Executive agrees to provide such services on the terms and conditions as herein provided. This Agreement supersedes all existing oral or written agreements between the Corporation and the Executive.
General Duties and Obligations of Executive
1.02 The Executive shall:
- (a)
- well
and faithfully serve the Corporation to the best of his ability;
- (b)
- devote
such time and attention to the business and affairs of the Corporation so as to discharge the responsibilities set out herein;
- (c)
- shall
reasonably use his best efforts to promote the success of the business of the Corporation (the "Business") now or hereafter conducted by the Corporation; and
- (d)
- shall not engage in any activity that would impair his ability to perform his duties or that will put the Executive in conflict with respect to such duties.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation acknowledges that the Executive's employment by the Corporation is not the only business activity in which he engages.
Term of Agreement
1.03 This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect indefinitely and until terminated by either the Executive or the Corporation pursuant to the terms hereof.
- **
- indicates confidential treatment requested as to certain redacted portions of this document, which redacted portions were filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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ARTICLE TWO — TERMINATION AND RESIGNATION
I Termination by the Corporation
A Without Just Cause
2.01 a) During the term of this Agreement, the Corporation may terminate the Executive's employment without just cause at any time upon the payment by the Corporation to the Executive of an amount (the "Severance Payment") equal to twenty-four (24) months' (the "Severance Period") base salary, and including the vesting during the Severance Period of any unvested options or the payment of any other amounts or benefits. (For greater certainty and by way of example, if the Executive is terminated on January 1, the Executive would not be entitled to receive any further grant of options but would be entitled to have vested during the ensuing Severance Period any previously granted but unvested options which would have otherwise vested during the Severance Period.) The Executive shall be under no obligation to seek other employment or otherwise mitigate his lost employment during the Severance Period. In the event the Executive secures other employment during the Severance Period there shall be no adjustments in the payments hereunder. The Executive shall be entitled to be considered in good faith for a pro-rated bonus for the period of his employment during the calendar year when he is terminated without just cause.
During the period consisting of the earlier of the duration of the Severance Period and the Executive's commencing alternate employment, the Executive shall continue to remain on the Corporation's medical and dental plans (provided that such is allowed by the provider of such benefits; provided further that if any plan does not allow for such continuation, the Corporation will pay to the Executive the value thereof). Following the expiration of the Executive's benefits, the Executive shall have the right to apply for the COBRA benefits.
2.01 b) The Executive may terminate his employment with the Corporation, which termination shall be deemed to be a termination by the Corporation without just cause, entitling the Executive to receive the severance and other benefits set forth in Section 2.01 a) above, upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
- (i)
- any
permanent assignment to the Executive of any duties which are materially inconsistent with the Executive's position. A period longer than three (3) months
shall be deemed to be permanent for the purpose of this subparagraph; or,
- (ii)
- any material and permanent reduction by the Corporation in the Executive's authority, responsibilities or status. A period longer than three (3) months shall be deemed to be permanent for the purpose of this subparagraph.
B With Just Cause
2.02 The Corporation may terminate the Executive's employment without notice and without any severance or other remuneration save for salary actually earned to the date of such termination where the Executive's employment is terminated with just cause. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, just cause shall be deemed to include the following:
- (a)
- where
the Executive has been convicted of any criminal offence involving moral turpitude;
- (b)
- upon
the Executive's commission of gross or continuing material negligence committed in the performance of his duties; provided that the Executive shall first be given thirty
(30) days' written notice to cure or rectify such gross or continuing material negligence;
- (c)
- upon
the Executive's commission of serious or willful misconduct;
- (d)
- upon
the Executive's failure to comply in any material way with any of the provisions of this Agreement; provided that the Executive shall first be given thirty (30) days'
written notice to cure or rectify such material failure.
- (e)
- upon
a breach of a material term in the Executive's Confidentiality Agreement following written notice thereof to the Executive (as hereinafter defined); or
- (f)
- for any other reason that, at law, shall amount to just cause.
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C Other Causes for Termination
2.03 In addition to the above, the Executive's employment shall also be terminated without notice and without any severance or other remuneration upon:
- (a)
- the
voluntary resignation or retirement of the Executive; or
- (b)
- illness, disease, physical or mental incapacity which render the Executive generally incapable of performing his duties or unfit to advance or represent the good business name of the Corporation on a daily basis for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months and within such twelve (12) months, the Executive fails to produce to the Corporation a medical opinion indicating a reasonable time for the return of the Executive to the full-time assumption of his past duties and responsibilities. Nothing herein is intended to circumvent or abridge the Corporation's short-term and long-term disability policies.
II Executive Resignation
D Resignation
2.04 In the event that the Executive wishes to resign from the Corporation, the Executive agrees to provide to the Corporation ninety (90) days' prior written notice of such intention to resign (the "Resignation Period") and the Corporation, may at its discretion, determine whether the Executive's resignation shall take effect on the ninetieth (90th) day after the date such notice is given or at an earlier time, in which latter case, the Corporation shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum, to the end of the Resignation Period, and shall further continue to provide to the Executive all benefits including the vesting of all options and the accrual of bonus during the Resignation Period.
ARTICLE THREE — REMUNERATION
Remuneration
3.01 For services to be rendered hereunder, the Executive shall receive an annual base salary as set forth in Schedule B attached hereto. The Executive will be considered annually for increases in base salary in accordance with Corporation policy and subject to review and approval by the board of directors of the Corporation and the Compensation Committee of the board of directors of Biovail Corporation.
Management Company Services
3.02 During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall make available to the Corporation, the services of Edgehill Management Corporation in return for an annual management fee of USD $400,000.
Expenses
3.03 The Executive shall be reimbursed for reasonable out of pocket business expenses, including travel and entertainment expenses actually and properly incurred by the Executive in the course of performing his services hereunder, upon furnishing to the Corporation reasonable supporting statements and vouchers; provided that where, in any financial year, the Corporation has provided to the Executive an approved budget, such expenses must not exceed the amount so budgeted without prior written approval from the Corporation.
Vacation
3.04 The Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation and vacation entitlement as determined by the board of directors of the Corporation.
Group Life and Health Benefits
3.05 Group Life and Health Benefits shall be provided to the Executive in accordance with the health or benefit plan or policy available to other employees of the Corporation, and a copy of such plans and policies will be provided to the Executive.
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Share Compensation
3.06 The Executive shall be eligible to receive deferred stock units, stock options or other forms of share compensation in accordance with Schedule B hereto and otherwise as the board of directors of the Corporation may determine from time to time.
ARTICLE FOUR — EXECUTIVE'S OBLIGATIONS
Confidentiality
4.01 The Executive agrees to be bound by the terms of the confidentiality agreement (the "Confidentiality Agreement") dated the date hereof, which Confidentiality Agreement has been read, understood and executed by the Executive and is attached hereto as Schedule C and which is incorporated by reference into this Agreement.
Non-Competition
4.02 The Executive acknowledges that the Corporation and its affiliates currently conduct business activities (the "Business") in North America, Ireland, Barbados and Puerto Rico (the "Territory"). The Executive further acknowledges that, in the future, the Business activities are expected to substantially expand territorially. Accordingly, the Executive hereby agrees and covenants that he shall not during the term of this Agreement and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, directly or in any manner whatsoever, including without limitation, either individually, in partnership, jointly or in conjunction with any other individual, partnership, corporation, unincorporated organization, trust, joint venture, the Crown or any agency or instrumentality thereof of any juridical entity (a "Person"), in the Territory or in any other regions or countries where the Corporation and its affiliates may be carrying on their business objects at the relevant time:
- (a)
- carry
on, be engaged in, take part in or be a party to any undertaking, directly or indirectly; or
- (b)
- consult, advise, render services to lend money, guarantee the debts or obligations of or permit the use of his name or any part thereof by any Person who carries on a business;
which actively competes, or is expected to actively compete in the future, with the Corporation's and its affiliates' business objects or, could be judged to be causing or potentially be causing through competitive acts, material harm to the Corporation and its affiliates.
For the purposes of this Section 4.02, as of the date of this Agreement, a Person shall be defined as **.
During the continuance of his employment, the Executive shall not (other than solely as a holder of not more than three per cent (3%) of the issued and outstanding voting shares of any public corporation or as a shareholder of the Corporation, without the written approval of the board of directors of the Corporation, directly or indirectly, either individually or in partnership or in conjunction with any Person or Persons, firm, association, syndicate, company or corporation as principal, agent, director, manager, servant, shareholder or in any other manner whatsoever,) carry on or be engaged in or be concerned with or interested in any business or vocation whatsoever which would be reasonably judged to be competitive to the Business or would impede the Executive in performing his duties as outlined herein.
Solicitation and Hiring
4.03 The Executive hereby covenants and agrees that he shall not during the term of this Agreement and for a period of eighteen (18) months thereafter, either directly or indirectly, solicit or endeavour to solicit from the Corporation or any of its affiliates, any of its employees, customers, or suppliers for the pharmaceutical compounds used by the Corporation and its affiliates and shall not for a period of eighteen (18) months from the end of the term of this Agreement hire any of the foregoing on his own behalf or on behalf of any entity for which the Executive is hired or retained.
- **
- indicates confidential treatment requested as to certain redacted portions of this document, which redacted portions were filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Injunctive Relief
4.05 The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the agreements and covenants in this Article Four are essential to protect the business and goodwill of the Corporation and its affiliates and that a breach by the Executive of the covenants in Sections 4.01, 4.02 and 4.03 hereof could result in irreparable harm to the Corporation and its affiliates for which the Corporation and its affiliates could not be adequately compensated in damages and that, accordingly, the Corporation and its affiliates may have no adequate remedy at law if the Executive breaches such provisions. Consequently, if the Executive breaches any of such provisions, the Corporation and its affiliates shall have, in addition to and not in lieu of, any other rights and remedies available to it under any law or in equity, the right to obtain injunctive relief to restrain any breach or threatened breach thereof and to have such provisions specifically enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction.
Severability of Covenants in Full or in Part
4.06 The parties acknowledge that the provisions of Article Four hereof (the "Restrictive Covenants") are reasonable and valid in geographic and temporal scope and in all other respects. If any court of competent jurisdiction determines that any of the Restrictive Covenants or any part thereof, is or are invalid or unenforceable, the Executive and the Corporation agree that the remainder of the Restrictive Covenants shall not be affected by the deemed invalid portions. If any court of competent jurisdiction determines that any of the Restrictive Covenants or any part thereof is unenforceable because of the duration or geographical scope of such provision, the parties hereto agree that such court shall have the power to reduce the duration or scope of such provision, as the case may be, and in its reduced form such provision shall then be enforceable.
Assignment of IP
4.07 The Executive shall disclose to the Corporation any and all Intellectual Property (as defined in the Confidentiality Agreement) which he may make solely, jointly, or in common with other employees during the term of his employment within the Corporation and which relates to the Business. Any Intellectual Property coming within the scope of the Business made and/or developed by the Executive while in the employ of the Corporation, whether or not conceived or made during regular working hours, and whether or not the Executive is specifically instructed to make or develop same, shall be for the benefit of the Corporation and shall be regarded as work made in the course of employment for the purposes of the Copyright Act (Canada) and similar legislation in other jurisdictions. The Executive shall assign, set over and transfer to the Corporation his entire right, title and interest in and to any and all of the Intellectual Property and to all letters patent and applications for letters patent which may be, or may have been filed and/or issued by or to him or on his behalf and the Executive agrees to execute and deliver to the Corporation any and all instruments necessary or desirable to accomplish the foregoing and, in addition, to do all lawful acts which may be necessary or desirable to assist the Corporation to obtain and enforce protection of the Intellectual Property. To the extent of any rights Executive may have with respect to the Intellectual Property which are not assignable, including but not limited to moral rights, the Executive hereby waives same. The Executive will execute and deliver to the Corporation or its successors and assigns, such other and further assignments, instruments and documents as the Corporation from time to time reasonably may request for the purpose of establishing, evidencing, and enforcing or defending its complete, exclusive, perpetual, and world-wide ownership of all rights, titles, and copyrights, in and to the Intellectual Property, and the Executive constitutes and appoints the Corporation as agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power of substitution, to execute and deliver such assignments, instruments, documents as Executive may fail to refuse to execute and deliver, this power and agency being coupled with an interest and being irrevocable.
Standards of Business Conduct
4.08 The Executive acknowledges and agrees that he has read and understood and agrees to be bound by the Corporation's Standards of Business Conduct, which is attached hereto as Schedule D.
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No Conflicting Obligations
4.09 The Executive warrants to the Corporation that:
- (a)
- the
performance of the Executive's duties as an employee of the Corporation will not breach any agreement or other obligation to keep confidential the Confidential Information of any
third party; and
- (b)
- the Executive is not bound by any agreement with or obligation to any third party that conflicts with the Executive's obligations as an employee of the Corporation.
ARTICLE FIVE — INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Sections and Headings
5.01 The parties further acknowledge that if any provision contained in this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision or part thereof and the remaining part of such provision and all other provisions hereof shall continue in full force and effect.
5.02 The division of this Agreement into Articles and Sections and the insertion of headings are for the convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
Number
5.03 In this Agreement words importing the singular number only shall include the plural and vice versa and words importing the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa.
Entire Agreement
5.04 This Agreement and all the Schedules hereto constitute the entire Agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and cancels and supersedes any prior understandings and agreements between the parties with respect thereto. There are no representations, warranties, forms, conditions, undertakings or collateral Agreements, express, implied or statutory between the parties other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement.
Amendments and Waivers
5.05 No amendment to this Agreement shall be valid or binding unless set forth in writing and duly executed by both parties. No waiver of any breach of any term or provision of this Agreement shall be effective or binding unless made in writing and signed by the party purporting to give the same and, unless otherwise provided in written waiver, shall be limited to the specific breach waived.
Governing Law
5.06 This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made in and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey and all legal proceedings contemplated in this Agreement shall be brought in, and be governed by, the laws of the State of New Jersey, without regard to principles of conflicts of law.
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Notices
5.07 Any demand, notice or other communication (hereinafter in this section 5.07 referred to as a "Communication") to be made or given in connection with this Agreement shall be made or given in writing and may be made or given by personal delivery or by registered mail addressed respectively to the recipients:
To the Executive: | Xxxxxx Xxxxxx. | |||
** | ||||
To the Corporation: |
0000 Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxx |
|||
Xxxxxxxxxxx XX X0X 0X0 | ||||
Attn: |
Xxxx Xxxxxx Vice President, Corporate Human Resources |
or such other address or individual as may be designed by notice by either party to the other. Any communication made or given by personal delivery shall be conclusively deemed to have been given on the day of the actual delivery thereof and, if made or given by registered mail, on the third business day following the deposit thereof in the mail. If the party giving any Communication knows or ought reasonably to know of any difficulties with the postal system which might affect the delivery of the mail, any such Communication shall not be mailed but shall be made or given by personal delivery.
Benefit of Agreement
5.08 This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, executors, legal personal representatives, successors and assigns.
Assignment
5.09 The Executive may not assign his obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Corporation which consent may be unreasonably withheld. The Corporation may unilaterally assign this Agreement to an affiliate without consent but on notice to the Executive.
- **
- indicates confidential treatment requested as to certain redacted portions of this document, which redacted portions were filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Execution of Agreement
5.10 The Executive acknowledges that he has executed this Agreement freely; that he has reviewed this Agreement thoroughly; that he agrees with its contents; that he has been given the opportunity to obtain the benefit of independent legal advice; and that the terms herein are reasonable for the fair protection of both the Executive and the Corporation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF effective January 1, 2005.
BIOVAIL LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL SRL | |||
Per: |
/s/ XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX |
||
Per: |
|||
IN WITNESS WHEREOF effective January 1, 2005.
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED
in the presence of:
/s/ XXXXXX XXXXXX | |||
Witness | Xxxxxx Xxxxxx |
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"SCHEDULE A"
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
The Executive's functions will be developed between the Executive and the board of directors of the Corporation.
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"SCHEDULE B"
REMUNERATION AND VACATION
Annual Salary: USD$350,000 (less the amount of any housing allowance)
Housing allowance: Such amount as the Executive may elect, up to a maximum of USD$100,000
DSU Grants — to be granted by the Corporation as soon as practicable after the annual meeting of shareholders of Biovail Corporation
For the period February 2005 — January 2006: USD $1,250,000 value at time of Grant
For the period February 2006 — January 2007: USD $500,000 value at time of Grant
For 2005 and 2006 and in respect of each year thereafter — USD $200,000 value at the time of Grant
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"SCHEDULE C"
BIOVAIL CORPORATION
(and its Subsidiaries, Divisions, and Affiliates)
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
As an employee of Biovail Corporation (the "Corporation"), I acknowledge that I may acquire or have disclosed to me by the Corporation or by any affiliate, associate, or technology partner of the Corporation, either directly or indirectly, in writing, conversation, or through observation, various information about the business of the Corporation which is not in the public domain and which the Corporation does not wish to be divulged to other persons, companies, or third parties. I further understand that the Corporation's Confidential Information (as defined below) is essential to its competitive advantage and to its ability to be financially viable. I further understand that the unauthorized disclosure of such Confidential Information may cause the Corporation irreparable injury that may not be rectified in the future.
Therefore, as a condition and in consideration of my employment with the Corporation, I understand and agree that while employed with the Corporation and for a period of time thereafter (as more particularly described below), I am required to hold confidential and not to disclose to anyone without the written authority from the Corporation any knowledge, information, or facts concerning the Corporation's:
- •
- research
and development activities
- •
- technological
plans, advances, applications and inventions
- •
- technical
specifications, designs and plans
- •
- materials
and sources of supply
- •
- discoveries,
inventions, trade secrets, patents
- •
- financial affairs, contracts, licensing agreements, customer lists,
- •
- any other information regarding the Corporation, its products and their development which is not in the public domain
pricing practices, marketing strategies
All of the foregoing shall hereinafter collectively be referred to as the "Confidential Information".
For a period commencing on the date I commenced my employment with the Corporation and ending ten (10) years from the date of the termination of my employment with the Corporation, I shall keep confidential any and all Confidential Information which has been disclosed to me in writing or through oral communications and shall not divulge in any manner whatsoever any such information to any person, firm, corporation, partnership or similar entities without the Corporation's written authority.
Should I breach or threaten to breach this Agreement, I shall be liable to the Corporation in equity and/or in law for damages that may be suffered by the Corporation as a result of the breach or threatened breach. I understand that a breach of this Agreement may result in irreparable harm to the Corporation such as to warrant the entitlement by the Corporation to an interlocutory and/or permanent injunction or other equitable relief against me, and an award of damages including punitive, exemplary and aggravated damages, together with legal costs and expense and I specifically agree that I will not argue the adequacy of damages or the Corporation's ability to seek equitable relief in any such proceeding.
All Confidential Information supplied by the Corporation to me during the course of my employment and any rights related thereto, including but not limited to rights of know how, patent, trademark and copyright, with respect to existing products or those that are developed during or after my employment, are and remain the exclusive and absolute property of the Corporation.
I shall not, except as and to the extent required to enable me to carry out my duties with the Corporation, make any copies or reproduce the Confidential Information nor shall I remove or cause to have removed from the premises of the Corporation during my employment any Confidential Information unless required to do so in
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order to fulfill my duties with the Corporation. Such copies or reproductions shall be strictly subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. I shall take such steps as are necessary to restrict access to and protect the confidentiality of such copies or reproductions of the Confidential Information. Any such copies or reproductions made shall become the exclusive and absolute property of the Corporation.
Upon request of the Corporation, I agree to immediately surrender to the Corporation all documentation and information — notes, drawings, recordings, manuals, letters, correspondence, computer data and programs, records, books or any other materials relating to the Confidential Information which is in my possession without my retaining any copies or duplicates thereof.
I agree that this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and I agree that the applicable courts of the Province of Ontario shall have exclusive jurisdiction with respect to any dispute or breach herein and I hereby attorn to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Ontario.
This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon my successors, heirs and attorneys.
The disclosure or divulging of any Confidential Information contrary to this Agreement, or the violation of this Agreement in any way shall result in my immediate termination of employment, in addition to which I may be subject to criminal prosecution and civil liability.
I acknowledge and agree that I have executed this Agreement freely and with the benefit of independent legal advice and the terms herein are fair and reasonable.
I acknowledge and agree to the foregoing.
Employee Signature: |
Date: |
|||
Witness Signature: |
Date: |
|||
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"SCHEDULE D"
BIOVAIL CORPORATION
(and its Subsidiaries, Divisions, and Affiliates)
STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT
I CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Employees, officers and directors of Biovail Corporation (the "Corporation") shall avoid situations where their personal interest could conflict with, or even appear to conflict with, the interests of the Corporation and its stockholders.
Conflicts of interest arise where an individual's position or responsibilities with the Corporation present an opportunity for personal gain apart from the normal rewards of employment, to the detriment of the Corporation. They also arise where an employee's, director's or officer's personal interests are inconsistent with those of the Corporation and create conflicting loyalties. Such conflicting loyalties can cause an employee, officer or director to give preference to personal interests in situations where corporate responsibilities should come first. Employees, officers and directors, shall perform the responsibilities of their positions on the basis of what is in the best interests of the Corporation and free from the influence of personal considerations and relationships.
In the event that any potential conflict of interest arises, the individual involved must immediately notify their immediate supervisor in writing. If the individual's supervisor is involved in the matter giving rise to the conflict or does not have sufficient authority to adequately deal with the conflict, the individual should notify the Corporation's Chief Legal Officer in writing. If such individual is an officer or director of the Corporation, the Chairman and the Chief Legal Officer of the Corporation must also be immediately notified in writing and no further action may be taken until authorized in writing by the Chairman.
While it is not possible to detail every situation where conflicts of interest may arise, the following policies cover the areas that have the greatest potential for conflict:
A. Speculation in Corporation Securities and Use of Inside Information
There are numerous laws, both federal and provincial (or in the United States, federal and state laws), regulating transactions in corporate securities (stocks and bonds) and the securities industry. Violation of these laws may lead to civil and criminal actions against the individual and the corporation involved.
- 1.
- Employees, officers, directors and other insiders who know of any material fact about the Corporation which has not been disclosed to the public (commonly known as "insider information") may not engage in any transaction in the Corporation's stock until such information is disclosed to the public. This rule applies equally to securities of other companies. In addition, employees, officers and directors, must not provide insider information to others ("tippees") who trade in either the securities of the Corporation or the securities of other companies.
Generally speaking, a material fact is a matter as to which an average prudent investor ought to be reasonably informed before buying or selling the security involved. Examples of material facts include information such as knowledge of significant new products or discoveries, sales and earnings figures, major contracts, plans for stock splits and acquisitions or mergers.
Employees, officers, directors and other insiders who have questions relating to the sale or purchase of a security under circumstances where these laws and regulations might apply should consult with the Chairman, or the Chief Financial Officer, who may refer them to their personal attorneys.
- 2.
- In addition to the prohibition against the use of "insider" information which applies to all employees, officers and directors, the various securities laws place definite restrictions on the manner in which directors and officers of the Corporation, their family members, their associates, etc., may engage in transactions involving the securities of the Corporation. Generally speaking, the laws provide that no officer or director of the Corporation, their family members, their associates, etc., may engage in "short-swing" trading and short sales. The Corporation discourages, even in instances where the law is not violated, employees,
13
officers and directors from engaging in trading activity of a speculative nature involving the Corporation's securities.
Whenever there is any doubt as to whether any transactions involving the Corporation's securities would violate securities laws; employees, officers and directors should consult either the Chairman or Chief Legal Officer of the Corporation. Within the framework of the foregoing policies and laws, the final decision of each officer, director, or employee with respect to securities transactions must be their own.
- 3.
- Employees,
officers, directors and other insiders, shall not, without proper authority, give or release to anyone not employed by the Corporation, data or information of a confidential
nature concerning the Corporation. Disclosure of confidential information can be harmful to the Corporation and could be the basis for legal action against the Corporation and the individual
disclosing the information.
- 4.
- Employees,
officers, directors and other insiders shall not acquire any property, security or any business interest which they know that the Corporation is interested in acquiring.
Moreover, based on such advance information, employees, officers and directors shall not acquire any property, security or business interest for speculation or investment.
- 5.
- Employees, officers, directors and other insiders must follow Corporate policies regarding "Blackout Periods" when the Corporation's stock may not be traded.
B. Personal Financial Interest
- 1.
- Employees,
officers and directors, should avoid any outside financial interests which might influence their corporate decisions or actions. An employee, officer or director performing
their duties in conformity with this policy shall not have a financial interest in, indebtedness to, or a personal contract or understanding with any concern with which they do business on behalf of
the Corporation. An employee, officer or director whose corporate duties bring them into business dealings with a business in which they or a member of their family has a financial interest or to
which they or a member of their family has an indebtedness, or a business employing a relative or close friend, must immediately notify their immediate supervisor, and this transaction may not be
completed unless properly authorized in writing, after full disclosure of the relationship.
- 2.
- An
employee, officer or director may not perform work or services, outside the course of their normal employment by the Corporation, for an organization doing or seeking to do business
with the Corporation without appropriate prior written approval of their supervisor or the Board. An employee, officer or director may not be a director, officer, partner or consultant of an
organization doing or seeking to do business with the Corporation, nor may they permit their name to be used in any way indicating a business connection with such an organization, without appropriate
prior written approval of their supervisor or the Board.
- 3.
- An
employee shall not accept for themselves, or for the benefit of any relative or friend, any payments, loans, services, favors involving more than ordinary social amenity, or gifts
of more than nominal value from any organization doing or seeking to do business with the Corporation.
- 4.
- The requirement of freedom from conflict of interest applies with equal force to the spouse, children and other close relatives of each employee, officer and director. This policy applies to all employees, officers and directors of the Corporation with respect to all of the affairs of the Corporation.
C. Outside Activities
Employees, officers and directors should avoid outside employment or activities which would impair the effective performances of their responsibilities to the Corporation, either because of excessive demands on their time, or because the outside commitments can be contrary to their obligations to the Corporation.
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D. Protection and Proper Use of Corporation Assets
All employees, officers and directors should protect the Corporation's assets and ensure their efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Corporation's profitability. All of the Corporation's assets should be used only for legitimate business purposes.
II COMPETITIVE PRACTICES
The management of the Corporation firmly believes that fair competition is fundamental to continuation of the free enterprise system. The Corporation complies with and supports laws of all countries which prohibit restraints of trade, unfair practices, or abuse of economic power.
The Corporation will not enter into arrangements which unlawfully restrict its ability to compete with other businesses, or the ability of any other business organization to compete freely with the Corporation. Corporation policy also prohibits employees, officers and directors from entering into, or even discussing, any unlawful arrangement or understanding which may affect its pricing policies, terms upon which its products and services are sold, or which might be construed as dividing customers or sales territories with a competitor.
These principles of fair competition are basic to all our operations. They are integral parts of the following sections that cover the Corporation's dealings with suppliers, customers and public officials.
III DEALING WITH SUPPLIERS
The Corporation is a valuable customer for many suppliers of goods, services and facilities. People who want to do business, or to continue to do business, with the Corporation must understand that all purchases by the Corporation will be made in accordance with its purchasing policy and exclusively on the basis of price, quality, service and suitability to the Corporation's needs.
A. Reciprocity
The Corporation considers reciprocity a harmful practice and a hindrance to assuring purchase of the best available materials or services at the lowest possible prices. It will not be practiced or allowed.
Suppliers of goods and services to the Corporation will not be asked to buy goods and services from the Corporation in order to become or continue as a supplier.
The Corporation will not attempt to influence its suppliers to purchase from customers of the Corporation. When the Corporation makes purchases it will not favor firms who are customers of the Corporation or any of its affiliates.
B. "Kickbacks" and Rebates
Purchases or sales of goods and services by the Corporation must not lead to employees, officers or directors, or their families, receiving any type of personal kickbacks or rebates. Employees, officers or directors, or their families, must not accept any form of "under-the-table" payment.
C. Receipt of Gifts and Entertainment
Even when gifts and entertainment are exchanged out of the purest motives of personal friendship, they can be misunderstood. They can appear to be attempts to bribe the Corporation's employees, officers or directors into directing business of the Corporation to a particular supplier. To avoid both the reality and the appearance of improper relations with suppliers or potential suppliers, the following standards will apply to the receipt of gifts and entertainment by employees, officers and directors of the Corporation:
1. Gifts
Employees, officers and directors are prohibited from soliciting gifts, gratuities, or any other personal benefit or favor of any kind from suppliers or potential suppliers. Gifts include not only merchandise and products but also
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personal services, theater tickets, and tickets to sports events. Employees, officers and directors are discouraged from accepting unsolicited gifts. Employees, officers and directors are prohibited from accepting gifts of money.
Employees, officers and directors may accept unsolicited non-money gifts provided:
- (a)
- they
are items of nominal intrinsic value; or
- (b)
- they are advertising and promotional materials, clearly marked with the Corporation or brand names.
Any gift of more than nominal intrinsic value must be reported to Corporate Management to determine whether it can be accepted. Some gifts may be perishable so as to make their return impractical. Supervisors can permit acceptance of such gifts, but should require employees, officers and directors to tactfully inform givers that such gifts are discouraged.
In the transaction of some international business, it is lawful and customary for business leaders in some countries to give unsolicited gifts to employees, officers or directors of the Corporation. These gifts can be of more than nominal value. Moreover, under the circumstances, returning the gifts or payment for them may constitute an affront to the giver. In such cases, the gift must be reported to Corporate Management who may permit the retaining of the gifts.
In all other instances where gifts cannot be returned or may adversely affect the Corporation's continuing business relationships, Corporate Management must be notified. They can require employees, officers and directors to transfer ownership of such gifts to the Corporation.
2. Entertainment
Employees, officers and directors shall not encourage or solicit entertainment from any individual or company with whom the Corporation does business. Entertainment includes, but is not limited to, activities such as dinner parties, theater parties, and sporting events.
From time to time employees, officers and directors may accept unsolicited entertainment, but only under the following conditions:
- (a)
- the
entertainment occurs infrequently;
- (b)
- it
arises out of the ordinary course of business;
- (c)
- it
involves reasonable, not lavish expenditures (the amounts involved should be ones employees, officers and directors are accustomed to normally spending for their own
business or personal entertainment; and
- (d)
- the entertainment takes place in settings that also are reasonable, appropriate, and fitting to employees, officers and directors, their hosts, and their business at hand.
IV DEALINGS WITH CUSTOMERS AND POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS
Employees, officers and directors must keep all dealings with customers and potential customers fair and above board. The Corporation gets business and keeps it because of the quality of its goods and services. The Corporation does not give unethical or illegal rebates, kickbacks, under-the-table payments, or other similar improper favors to customers or their representatives.
The boundary line between ethical and unethical competition, or legal and illegal conduct, is not always well defined, particularly in international activities where differing local laws, customs, and practices come into play; therefore, the following standards will serve as guides:
- A.
- All employees, officers and directors should make every effort to know and fully comply with all laws governing relations with customers
as well as competitors.
- B.
- All employees, officers and directors engaged in negotiations and contracts with foreign governments, the United States or any political subdivision thereof must also know and abide by the specific rules and regulations covering relations with such governments and their agencies.
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- C.
- Employees, officers and directors will give no gifts to customers except items of nominal value which fit the legal, normal, and
customary pattern of the Corporation's sales efforts for a particular market. Exceptions to this policy can occur in international trades where it can be legal, customary, and appropriate business
practice to exchange gifts with customers. Only Corporate Management can authorize the giving, receiving, or exchanging of such gifts. Any gifts received by employees, officers or directors in such an
exchange must be reported to Corporate Management for determination as to the disposition of the gifts.
- D.
- Entertainment for any customer must fit regular business practices. The place and type of entertainment and the money spent must be reasonable and appropriate.
V DEALING WITH PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Domestic and Foreign laws and regulations require the Corporation to be in contact with public officials on a wide variety of matters. Employees, officers and directors who regularly make these contacts have special responsibilities for upholding the Corporation's good name. The following standards relate to these special responsibilities:
- A.
- All employees, officers and directors who contact public officials must be familiar with lobbying laws and public disclosure
requirements, particularly those that apply to registrations and filings.
- B.
- No employee shall make any form of payment, direct or indirect, to any public official as inducement to procuring or keeping business or having a law or regulation enacted, defeated, or violated. This is bribery, pure and simple. It will not be tolerated.
It should be acknowledged that inherent in the current healthcare regulatory environment, the definition of "form of payment" may include seemingly trivial gifts and/or favors (lunches, buying coffee, etc.).
- C.
- When not prohibited by law, employees, officers and directors are allowed to give to public officials gifts where the presentation and
acceptance of gifts is an established custom and a normal business practice. All such gifts shall be of reasonable value and the presentation approved in advance by Corporate Management. Moreover,
such gifts must be presented in a manner that clearly identifies the Corporation and the occasion that warrants the presentation.
- D.
- Employees, officers and directors are also allowed to give public officials gifts in the form of product models and pictures provided
the models and pictures are part of the Corporation's general marketing and public relations programs (except as noted in B).
- E.
- On special ceremonial occasions, senior officers of the Corporation may publicly give gifts of more than nominal value to public institutions and public bodies. Such gifts can commemorate special events or milestones in the Corporation's history.
These may be transmitted through public officials but the gifts are given to the public institutions and public groups they represent, not to the officials personally.
- F.
- From time to time employees, officers and directors may entertain public officials, but only under the following conditions:
- 1.
- it
is legal and permitted by the entity represented by the official;
- 2.
- the
entertainment is not solicited by the public official;
- 3.
- the
entertainment occurs infrequently;
- 4.
- it
arises out of the ordinary course of business;
- 5.
- it
does not involve lavish expenditures, considering the circumstances;
- 6.
- the settings and types of entertainment are reasonable, appropriate and fitting to our employees, officers or directors, their guests, and the business at hand.
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VI POLITICAL ACTIVITIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS
A. Canada and The United States
Employees, officers and directors who participate in partisan political activities must make every effort to ensure that they do not leave the impression that they speak or act for the Corporation.
The Corporation encourages its employees, officers and directors to participate in political activities in their own time and at their sole expense. No corporate action, direct or indirect, will be allowed that infringes on the right of any employee individually to decide whether, to whom, and in what amount, they will make personal political contributions. The same is true of volunteer political donations of personal service time, so long as it does not interfere with the working status of employees, officers or directors.
B. Outside Canada and The United States
No employees, officers and directors are permitted to use the Corporation's funds, facilities, or other assets, to support either directly or indirectly any political candidates or political parties, without advance authorization in writing from their immediate supervisor and the Chief Legal Officer. The policy of the Corporation is that officers, directors and employees, officers and directors should not participate in political activities in countries of which they are not nationals. However, such persons, of course, are free to participate in political activities in countries of which they are nationals in their own time and at their own expense.
VII EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The Corporation supports the principle that every individual must be accorded an equal opportunity to participate in the free enterprise system and to develop their ability to achieve their full potential within that system.
There shall be no discrimination against any employee or applicant because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical handicap (unless demands of the position are prohibitive). All employees, officers and directors will be treated with equality during their employment without regard to their race, religion, color, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical handicap, in all matters, including employment, upgrading, promotion, transfer, layoff, termination, rates of pay, selection for training and recruitment. The Corporation will maintain a work environment free of discriminatory practice of any kind.
No employee shall have any authority to engage in any action or course of conduct or to condone any action or course of conduct by any other person which shall in any manner, directly or indirectly, discriminate or result in discrimination in the course of one's employment, termination of employment, or any related matter where such discrimination is, directly or indirectly, based upon race, religion, color, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical handicap.
VIII HEALTH, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
It is the Corporation's policy to pay due regard to the health and safety of its employees, officers and directors and others and to the state of the environment. There are federal, provincial, state and local workplace safety and environmental laws which through various governmental agencies regulate both physical safety of employees, officers and directors and their exposure to conditions in the workplace. Should you be faced with an environmental health issue or have a concern about workplace safety, you should contact your Health and Safety Committee representative or notify Corporate Management immediately.
Many countries and their regional and local governments now have complex legislation to protect the health and safety of employees, or the general public, and to prevent pollution and protect the environment. These laws often provide penalties both for the companies involved and executive personnel in case of violation. The Corporation's Chief Legal Officer should always be consulted when necessary to understand or comply with such laws.
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IX WORK ENVIRONMENT
Employees, officers and directors must treat each other with professional courtesy and respect at all times and specifically shall not subject any other employee to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct which might be construed as sexual in nature. Such conduct may constitute sexual harassment under federal, provincial and state law and may be the basis for legal action against the offending employee and/or the Corporation.
Any employee who believes that they have been subjected to sexual harassment by any other employee should immediately advise their supervisor or an officer of the Corporation that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an incident of sexual harassment has occurred. The identity of the employees, officers or directors involved will be kept strictly confidential and will not be revealed by the Corporation's management without the employee's permission. The alleged harassment will be thoroughly investigated and documented by the Corporation and appropriate action will be taken. The Corporation shall have an appropriate policy to protect employees against discrimination.
X INTEGRITY OF RECORDS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS
As a public company, it is of critical importance that the Corporation's filings with the appropriate regulatory authorities be accurate and timely. Depending on their position with the Corporation, an employee, officer or director may be called upon to provide necessary information to ensure that the Corporation's public reports are complete, fair and understandable. The Corporation expects employees, officers and directors to take this responsibility very seriously and to provide prompt accurate answers to inquiries related to the Company's public disclosure requirements.
The integrity of the Corporation's record keeping systems will be respected at all times. Employees, officers and directors are forbidden to use, authorize, or condone the use of "off-the-books" bookkeeping, secret accounts, unrecorded bank accounts, "slush" funds, falsified books, or any other devices that could be utilized to distort records or reports of the Corporation's true operating results and financial conditions or could otherwise result in the improper recordation of funds or transactions.
XI USE OF AGENTS AND NON-EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Agents or other non-employees cannot be used to circumvent the law. Employees, officers and directors will not retain agents or other representatives to engage in practices that run contrary to the Corporate Standards of Business Conduct.
XII INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
Corporate employees, officers and directors operating outside of Canada and the United States have a special responsibility to know and obey the laws and regulations of countries where they act for the Corporation. Customs vary throughout the world, but all employees, officers and directors must uphold the integrity of the Corporation in other nations diligently.
XIII STANDARDS OF COMPLIANCE
A. Initial Distribution
- 1.
- Current
employees, officers and directors designated to receive these Standards will receive their copies immediately after publication.
- 2.
- Future employees, officers and directors designated to receive these Standards will receive their copies at the time they are hired.
B. Initial Verification
Upon receiving their copy of the Standards, employees, officers and directors current and future will:
- 1.
- Become thoroughly familiar with the Standards.
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- 2.
- Resolve
any doubts or questions about the Standards with their supervisors.
- 3.
- Inform
their supervisors of any existing holdings or activities that might be, or appear to be, at variance with the Standards.
- 4.
- Prepare
written disclosures of such information, if requested, by supervisors.
- 5.
- Take
steps to correct existing situations and bring holdings and activities into full compliance with the Standards. Such steps will be approved in writing by supervisors and will be
based on the written disclosure submitted by employees, officers or directors.
- 6.
- Sign the verification and return it to their supervisors who will make it part of employee's permanent corporate records.
C. Maintaining Compliance
- 1.
- Employees,
officers and directors have the responsibility to maintain their understanding of the Standards of Business Conduct and for following them.
- 2.
- Supervisors
have the responsibility to maintain an awareness on the part of their employees, officers and directors of the importance of their adhering to the Standards of Business
Conduct and for reporting deviations to Corporate Management.
- 3.
- As
requested by the Board of Directors or senior management, employees, officers and directors or supervisors will be asked to re-verify their understanding of the
Standards of Business Conduct and their compliance with them from time to time.
- 4.
- Employees,
officers and directors must inform their supervisors of any changes in their holdings or activities that might be, or appear to be in non-compliance with the
Standards of Business Conduct.
- 5.
- Employees,
officers and directors must prepare written disclosure of such information, if requested, by supervisors.
- 6.
- Employees, officers and directors must take steps to correct any such changes, if necessary, to bring holdings and activities into full compliance. Such steps will be approved in writing by supervisors and Corporate Management and will be based on the written disclosures submitted by employees, officers and directors.
D. Audits of Compliance
Regular audits of the Corporation will include procedures to test compliance with the Standards of Business Conduct.
XIV VIOLATIONS OF STANDARDS
- A.
- Employees, officers and directors must immediately report any violations of the Standards. Failure to do so can have serious
consequences for the employees, officers or directors and the Corporation.
- B.
- Reports of violations should be made by employees, officers and directors to their supervisors or to Human Resources and to the Chief
Legal Officer.
- C.
- Supervisors and Human Resources have the responsibility of promptly and thoroughly investigating all reports and of reporting violations
to the Chief Legal Officer.
- D.
- After a violation is investigated, appropriate action will be taken. Management has the right to determine the appropriate disciplinary
action for a violation up to and including termination of employment. All proposed disciplinary action is subject to review by senior Corporate Management.
- E.
- Employees, officers and directors should be aware that in addition to any disciplinary action taken by the Corporation, violations of some Standards may require restitution and may lead to civil or criminal action against individual employees, officers and directors and any corporation involved.
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- F.
- Supervisors have the responsibility of taking remedial steps to correct any operating procedures that may contribute to violations
of Standards.
- G.
- Retaliation in any form against an individual who reports a violation of these Standards of Business Conduct or of law in good faith, or who assists in the investigation of a reported violation, is itself a serious violation of this policy. Acts of retaliation should be reported immediately to their supervisor or Human Resources, and will be disciplined appropriately.
XV CONTINUANCE OF EXISTING PERSONNEL POLICIES, RULES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The Corporation has codified numerous personnel policies, rules and standards of employee performance, which continue in force. These Standards of Business Conduct are intended to supplement and amplify those established personnel policies, rules and standards.
It continues to be the responsibility of all members of management to comply with all such policies, rules and performance standards. Additionally, they are to continue making certain that employees reporting to them are made aware of established policies, rules and performance standards and comply with them.
XVI AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
The Corporation will periodically review these Standards of Business Conduct. These Standards may be amended, modified or waived by the Board of Directors and waivers may also be granted by the Nominating & Governance Committee, subject to the disclosure and other provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the rules there under and the applicable rules of the Toronto Stock Exchange/New York Stock Exchange. Employees, officers and directors will be fully informed of any material revisions to the Standards of Business Conduct.
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