I. Mandate

The primary function of the audit committee (the “Committee”) is to assist the Board ofDirectors in fulfilling its financial oversight responsibilities by reviewing the financial reports and other financial information provided by the Company to regulatory authorities and shareholders, the Company’s systems of internal controls regarding finance and accounting, and the Company’s auditing, accounting and financial reporting processes. Consistent with this function, the Committee will encourage continuous improvement of, and should foster adherence to, the Company’s policies, procedures and practices at all levels. The Committee’s primary duties and responsibilities are to:

  • Serve as an independent and objective party to monitor the Company’s financial reporting and internal control system and review the Company’s financial statements.
  • Review and appraise the performance of the Company’s external auditors.
  • Provide an open avenue of communication among the Company’s auditors, financialand senior management and the Board of Directors.

II. Composition

The Committee shall be comprised of three directors as determined by the Board of Directors, the majority of whom shall be free from any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, would interfere with the exercise of his or her independent judgment as a member of the Committee.

At least one member of the Committee shall have accounting or related financial management expertise. All members of the Committee that are not financially literate will work towards becoming financially literate to obtain a working familiarity with basic finance and accounting practices. For the purposes of the Company’s Charter, the definition of “financially literate” is 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 presumably be expected to be raised by the Company’s financial statements.

The members of the Committee shall be elected by the Board of Directors at its first meeting following the annual shareholders’ meeting. Unless a Chair is elected by the full Board of Directors, the members of the Committee may designate a Chair by a majority vote of the full Committee membership.

III. Meetings

The Committee shall meet a least twice annually, or more frequently as circumstances dictate. As part of its job to foster open communication, the Committee will meet at least annually with the Chief Financial Officer and the external auditors in separate sessions.

IV. Responsibilities & Duties

To fulfill its responsibilities and duties, the Committee shall:

V. Annual Work Plan

To fulfill its responsibilities and duties, the Committee shall:

SpringFall
Review audit plan and year-end statements template
Review accounting systems and procedures
Review auditors’ letter of recommendation
Review financial and accounting human resources
Review Committee’s charter and membership
Review and recommend year-end financial statements
Review MD&A
Review external auditors’ work, independence and fees
Recommend auditors for the ensuing year
Review and reassess the adequacy of the Code of Ethics
For Financial Reporting Officers
Review any proposed prospectus filings or similar filings