Audit & Risk Committee
The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) has established an Audit & Risk Committee to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Committee will review and oversee the financial reporting and accounting process of the Corporation, the system of internal control and management of financial risks, the external audit process, and the Corporation’s process for monitoring compliance with laws and regulations and its own code of business conduct. In performing its duties, the Committee will maintain effective working relationships with the Board, management, and the external auditors and monitor the independence of those auditors. To perform his or her role effectively, each Committee member will obtain an understanding of the responsibilities of Committee membership as well as the Corporation’s business, operations, and risks.
Purpose
The purpose of the Audit & Risk Committee is to provide a structured, systematic oversight of the organisation’s financial reporting, risk management, and internal control practices. The committee assists the board and management by providing advice and guidance on the adequacy of the organisation’s initiatives for:
a) Financial statements and public accountability reporting.
b) Internal control framework.
c) Risk management.
d) Oversight of the internal audit activity, external auditors, and other providers of assurance.
In broad terms, the Audit & Risk Committee reviews each of the items noted above and provides the board with independent advice and guidance regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of management’s practices and potential improvements to those practices.
Composition
The Audit & Risk Committee shall be comprised of a minimum three directors as determined by the Board, a majority of whom shall not be officers or employees of the Corporation or any of its affiliates. If the Corporation ceases to be a “venture issuer” (as that term is defined in Multilateral Instrument 52 - 110 Audit Committees), then all of the members of the Committee shall be free from any material relationship with the Corporation that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of their independent judgment as a member of the Committee. If the Corporation ceases to be a venture issuer then all members of the Committee shall also have accounting or related financial management expertise. All members of the Committee should have the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Corporation’s financial statements. The members of the Committee shall be elected by the Board at its first meeting following the annual shareholders’ meeting or until their successors are duly elected. Unless a chairperson (“Chair”) is elected by the full Board, the members of the Committee may designate a Chair by a majority vote of the full Committee membership. -
The Audit & Risk Committee plays an important role in providing oversight of the organisation’s financial reporting and disclosure, risk management, and internal control practices. This oversight mechanism also serves to provide confidence in the integrity of these practices. The Audit & Risk Committee reviews accounting and financial reporting procedures and methods, as well as reports and makes recommendations to the Board on financial statements and the related reports of management and external auditors, including the appointment and terms of their engagement and their reports relating to accounting and financial matters.
Under the Board guidelines, the members of the Audit & Risk Committee, the Chief Financial Officer and the external auditors have unrestricted direct access to, and communication with, each other to assist them in carrying out their respective duties.
Further information concerning the Audit & Risk Committee, including the complete text of the Audit & Risk Committee Charter, its members and pre-approval policies and the external auditor service fees paid by the Corporation, is set out in the Corporation’s Annual Information Form for the financial year ended December 31, 2021, under the heading “Audit & Risk Committee Mandate & Charter”.
The Board of Directors’ Mandate for the Audit & Risk Committee
The Board of Directors (“Board”) bears responsibility for the stewardship of Minto Metals Corporation (the “Corporation”). To discharge that responsibility, the Board is obligated by the British Columbia Business Corporations Act to supervise the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. The Board’s supervisory function involves Board oversight or monitoring of all significant aspects of the management of the Corporation’s business and affairs.
Financial reporting and disclosure by the Corporation constitute a significant aspect of the management of the Corporation’s business and affairs. The objective of the Board’s monitoring of the Corporation’s financial reporting and disclosure (the “Financial Reporting Objective”) is to gain reasonable assurance of the following:
a) That the Corporation complies with all applicable laws, regulations, rules, policies and other requirements of governments, regulatory agencies and stock exchanges relating to financial reporting and disclosure.
b) That the accounting principles, significant judgments, and disclosures which underlie or are incorporated in the Corporation’s financial statements are the most appropriate in the prevailing circumstances.
c) That the Corporation’s quarterly and annual financial statements are accurate and present fairly the Corporation’s financial position and performance in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”);
d) That the Corporation’s Risk Management Process is adequate and is being applied consistently and effectively; and
d) That appropriate information concerning the financial position and performance of the Corporation is disseminated to the public in a timely manner.
The Board is of the view that the Financial Reporting Objective cannot be reliably met unless the following activities (the “Fundamental Activities”) are conducted effectively:
a) The Corporation’s accounting functions are performed in accordance with a system of internal financial controls designed to capture and record properly and accurately all of the Corporation’s financial transactions.
b) The Corporation’s internal financial controls are regularly assessed for effectiveness and efficiency.
c) The Corporation’s Risk Management Process is regularly reviewed, adapted to reflect the changing environment in which the Corporation is operating and applied consistently and effectively.
d) The Corporation’s quarterly and annual financial statements are properly prepared by management.
e) The Corporation’s annual financial statements are reported on by an external auditor appointed by the shareholders of the Corporation; and
f) The financial components of the Corporation’s Disclosure Policy are complied with by management and the Board.
To assist the Board in it’s monitoring of the Corporation’s financial reporting and disclosure, risk management, and internal control practices, on [date] the Board has established, and hereby continues the existence of, a committee of the Board known as the Audit & Risk Committee (the “Committee”). The Committee shall develop and present to the Board for the Board’s approval a Charter which, among other things, will describe the activities in which the Committee will engage for the purpose of gaining reasonable assurance that the Fundamental Activities are being conducted effectively and that the Financial Reporting Objective is being met.
1. Composition of Committee
The Committee shall be appointed annually by the Board and consist of at least three (3) members from among the directors of the Corporation, each of whom shall be independent as required by applicable securities legislation and stock exchange regulations and free from any direct or indirect relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, could reasonably interfere with the exercise of his or her independent judgment as a member of the Committee. Officers of the Corporation may not serve as members of the Audit & Risk Committee.
The Board shall appoint the Chairman of the Committee.
2. Operational Principles
The Committee shall fulfill its responsibilities within the context of the following principles:
a) Committee Values
The Committee expects the management of the Corporation to operate in compliance with corporate policies; with laws and regulations governing the Corporation; and to maintain strong financial reporting and control processes.
b) Communications
The Chairman (and others on the Committee) expects to have direct, open, and frank communications throughout the year with management, other Board Committee Chairmen, the external auditors, and other Committee advisors as applicable.
c) Financial Literacy
All Committee Members shall be financially literate and sufficiently versed in financial matters to understand the Corporation’s accounting practices and policies and the major judgments involved in preparing the financial statements.
d) Annual Audit & Risk Committee Work Plan
The Committee, in consultation with management and the external auditors, shall develop an annual Audit & Risk Committee Work Plan responsive to the Committee’s responsibilities as set out in this Charter. In addition, the Committee, in consultation with management and the external auditors, shall develop and participate in a process for review of important financial topics that have the potential to impact the Corporation’s financial disclosure.
e) Meeting Agenda
Committee meeting agendas shall be the responsibility of the Chairman of the Committee in consultation with Committee members, senior management, and the external auditors.
f) Committee Expectations and Information Needs
The Committee shall communicate its expectations to management and the external auditors with respect to the nature, timing, and extent of its information needs. The Committee expects that written materials will be received from management and the external auditors at least three days in advance of meeting dates.
g) External Resources
To assist the Committee in discharging its responsibilities, the Committee may in addition to the external auditors, at the expense of the Corporation, retain independent counsel and other advisors having special expertise as it deems necessary to carry out its duties. The Committee shall set and pay the compensation for any such advisors.
h) In Camera Meetings
Each meeting of the Committee, the members of the Committee shall meet in private session with the external auditors; or with management; or with the Committee members only.
i) Reporting to the Board
The Committee, through its Chairman, shall report after each Committee meeting to the Board at the Board’s next regular meeting.
j) Committee Self-Assessment
The Committee shall annually review, discuss, and assess its own performance. In addition, the Committee shall periodically review its role and responsibilities.
k) The External Auditors
The Committee requires that, in discharging its responsibilities, the external auditors shall report directly to the Committee and be accountable to the Committee. The external auditors shall report all material issues or potentially material issues directly to the Committee.
3. Operational Procedures
a) The Committee shall meet at least four times annually, or more frequently as circumstances dictate. Meetings shall be held at the request of the Chairman, upon the request of two (2) members of the Committee or at the request of the external auditors.
b) A quorum shall be a majority of the members.
c) Unless the Committee otherwise specifies, the Secretary of the Corporation shall act as Secretary of all meetings of the Committee.
d) In the absence of the Chairman of the Committee, the members shall appoint an acting Chairman.
e) Unless otherwise agreed, notice of each meeting confirming the venue, time and date, together with an agenda of items to be discussed, shall be forwarded to each member of the committee, and any other person required to attend, no later than one week prior to the meeting. Supporting papers shall be sent to committee members, and to other attendees as appropriate, at the same time.
f) The chairman will approve the agenda for committee meetings and any member may suggest items for consideration and preferably five days in advance of meeting dates.
g) A copy of the minutes of each meeting of the Committee shall be provided to each member of the Committee and to each director of the Corporation in a timely fashion.
h) Committee members may be reimbursed for travel and committee related expenses as well as receive a committee membership fee in accordance with the policies established by the Board of Directors for all committees.
4. Oversight of the Financial Statements and Public Accountability Reporting
To fulfill its responsibilities and duties, the Committee shall:
a) Review the Corporation’s annual and quarterly financial statements, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis with respect thereto, and all annual and interim earnings press releases, prior to public dissemination, including any certification, report, opinion or review rendered by the external auditors and determine whether they are complete and consistent with the information known to Committee members; determine that the auditors are satisfied that the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”).
b) Receive from the external auditors reports on their audit of the annual financial statements.
c) Receive from management a copy of the representation letter provided to the external auditors and receive from management any additional representations required by the Committee.
d) Review and, if appropriate, recommend approval to the Board of news releases and reports to shareholders issued by the Corporation with respect to the Corporation’s annual and quarterly financial statements and any financial information derived from such statements, including earnings.
e) Review and, if appropriate, recommend approval to the Board of prospectuses, material change disclosures of a financial nature, management discussion and analysis, annual information forms and similar disclosure documents to be issued by the Corporation.
f) Review with management and the external auditors the appropriateness of the Corporation’s accounting policies, disclosures, reserves, key estimates, and judgments, including changes or variations thereto and obtain reasonable assurance that they are in compliance with IFRS and report thereon to the Board.
g) Review with management and the external auditors the degree of conservatism of the Corporation’s underlying accounting policies, key estimates and judgments and reserves.
h) Ensure that adequate procedures are in place for the review of the Corporation’s public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the Corporation’s financial statements, other than the public disclosure contained in the Corporation’s financial statements, Management’s Discussion and Analysis and annual and interim earnings press releases; and must periodically assess the adequacy of those procedures
5. Oversight of the Financial Statements and Public Accountability Reporting
To fulfill its responsibilities and duties, the Committee shall:
a) Review the Corporation’s annual and quarterly financial statements, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis with respect thereto, and all annual and interim earnings press releases, prior to public dissemination, including any certification, report, opinion or review rendered by the external auditors and determine whether they are complete and consistent with the information known to Committee members; determine that the auditors are satisfied that the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”).
b) Receive from the external auditors reports on their audit of the annual financial statements.
c) Receive from management a copy of the representation letter provided to the external auditors and receive from management any additional representations required by the Committee.
d) Review and, if appropriate, recommend approval to the Board of news releases and reports to shareholders issued by the Corporation with respect to the Corporation’s annual and quarterly financial statements and any financial information derived from such statements, including earnings.
e) Review and, if appropriate, recommend approval to the Board of prospectuses, material change disclosures of a financial nature, management discussion and analysis, annual information forms and similar disclosure documents to be issued by the Corporation.
f) Review with management and the external auditors the appropriateness of the Corporation’s accounting policies, disclosures, reserves, key estimates, and judgments, including changes or variations thereto and obtain reasonable assurance that they are in compliance with IFRS and report thereon to the Board.
g) Review with management and the external auditors the degree of conservatism of the Corporation’s underlying accounting policies, key estimates and judgments and reserves.
h) Ensure that adequate procedures are in place for the review of the Corporation’s public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the Corporation’s financial statements, other than the public disclosure contained in the Corporation’s financial statements, Management’s Discussion and Analysis and annual and interim earnings press releases; and must periodically assess the adequacy of those procedures
6. Oversight of Risk Management activity
Acknowledging that it is the responsibility of the Board, in consultation with management, to identify the principal business risks facing the Corporation, determine the Corporation’s tolerance for risk and approve risk management policies, the Committee shall focus on financial risk and gain reasonable assurance that financial risk is being effectively managed or controlled by:
a) Review with management the Corporation’s risk profile and tolerance for financial & business risks.
b) Obtain from the CAE or equivalent an annual report on management’s implementation and maintenance of an appropriate enterprise-wide risk management process.
c) Review with management its assessment of the significant financial risks facing the Corporation.
d) Reviewing with management its plans, processes, and programs to manage and control such risks.
e) Regularly evaluate the Corporation’s policies, procedures, and practices with respect to enterprise risk assessment and risk management (including those risks related to information security, cyber security, and data protection).
f) Oversee management’s arrangements for the prevention and deterrence of fraud.
g) Challenge management and internal and external auditors to ensure that the entity has appropriate anti-fraud programmes and controls in place to identify potential fraud and ensure that investigations are undertaken if fraud is detected.
h) Ascertain that the policies and procedures are in place to minimize environmental, occupational health and safety and other risks to asset value and mitigate damage to or deterioration of asset value and review such policies and procedures periodically.
i) Review policies and compliance therewith that require significant actual or potential liabilities, contingent or otherwise, to be reported to the Board in a timely fashion.
j) Review foreign currency, interest rate and commodity price risk mitigation strategies, including the use of derivative financial instruments.
k) Review the adequacy of insurance coverages maintained by the Corporation; and
l) Review regularly with management, the external auditors and the Corporation’s legal counsel, any legal claim or other contingency, including tax assessments, that could have a material effect upon the financial position or operating results of the Corporation and the manner in which these matters have been disclosed in the financial statements.
7. Oversight of Compliance with Laws and Regulations
To fulfill its responsibilities and duties, the Committee shall:
a) Review regular reports from management and others (e.g., external auditors) with respect to the Corporation’s compliance with laws and regulations having a material impact on the financial statements including:
i) Tax and financial reporting laws and regulations.
ii) Legal withholding requirements.
iii) Environmental protection laws and regulations; and
iv) Other laws and regulations which expose directors to liability.
b) Review reports with respect to occupational health and safety matters having a potential significant financial impact and to gain reasonable assurance annually that the Corporation’s reserves with respect to such matters are sufficient and appropriate; and
c) Review the status of the Corporation’s tax returns and, if applicable, those of its subsidiaries.
8. Relationship with External Auditors
To fulfill its responsibilities and duties, the Committee shall:
a) Recommend to the Board the nomination of the external auditors.
b) Recommend to the Board the remuneration of the external auditors and approve the terms of engagement of the external auditors as set forth in the auditors’ engagement letter.
c) Be directly responsible for overseeing the work of the external auditors.
d) Review the performance of the external auditors annually or more frequently as required.
e) Receive annually from the external auditors an acknowledgement in writing that the shareholders, as represented by the Board and the Committee, are their primary client.
f) Receive a report annually from the external auditors with respect to their independence, such report to include disclosure of all engagements (and fees related thereto) for non audit services provided to the Corporation.
g) Review with the external auditors the scope of the audit, the areas of special emphasis to be addressed in the audit, the extent to which the external audit can be coordinated with management’s activities and the materiality levels which the external auditors propose to employ.
h) Meet regularly with the external auditors in the absence of management to determine that no management restrictions have been placed on the scope and extent of the audit examinations by the external auditors or the reporting of their findings to the Committee.
i) Establish effective communication processes with management and the Corporation’s external auditors to assist the Committee to monitor objectively the quality and effectiveness of the relationship among the external auditors, management, and the Committee.
j) Resolve disagreements between management and the external auditors regarding financial reporting; and
k) Pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided to the Corporation by the external auditors and shall establish a pre-approval policy to do so.
9. Other Responsibilities
In addition to the above set out responsibilities, the Committee shall:
a) Periodically review the form, content, and level of detail of financial reports to the Board.
b) Approve annually the reasonableness of the expenses of the Chairman of the Board and the President and Chief Executive Officer.
c) After consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and the external auditors, gain reasonable assurance, at least annually, of the quality and sufficiency of the Corporation’s accounting and financial personnel and other resources.
d) Review in advance the appointment of the Corporation’s senior financial executives.
e) The Committee shall establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Corporation regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters; and
f) The Committee shall establish procedures for the receipt of confidential anonymous submission by employees of the Corporation of concerns regarding questionable accounting or audit matters.
g) The Committee shall also review and approve the Corporation’s hiring policies regarding partners, employees and former partners and employees of the present and former external auditors.
e) Investigate any matters that, in the Committee’s discretion, fall within the Committee’s duties; and
f) Perform such other functions as may from time to time be assigned to the Committee by the Board.
10. Accountability
To fulfill its responsibilities and duties, the Committee shall:
a) Review and update this Charter on a regular basis for approval by the Board.
b) From time to time, as requested by the Board, disclose its Mandate and this Charter in the Corporation’s statement of corporate governance practices.
c) Review the description of the Committee’s activities as set forth in the Corporation’s statement of corporate governance practices; and
d) Ensure adequate procedures are in place for the review of the Corporation’s public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the Corporation’s financial statements and periodically assess those procedures.
11. Limitations on Committee’s Duties
In contributing to the Committee’s discharging of its duties under this mandate, each member of the Committee shall be obliged only to exercise the care, diligence, and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. Nothing in this mandate is intended, or may be construed, to impose on any member of the Committee a standard of care or diligence that is in any way more onerous or extensive than the standard to which all Board members are subject. The essence of the Committee’s duties is monitoring and reviewing to gain reasonable assurance (but not to ensure) that the Fundamental Activities are being conducted effectively and that the Financial Reporting Objective is being met and to enable the Committee to report thereon to the Board.
Reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors on 30th day of March 2022