


Uranium North Resources Governance Policy:
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CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
I. INTRODUCTION
We require high standards of professional and ethical conduct from our
employees. Our reputation with our shareholders and prospective investors for honesty and
integrity is key to the success of our business. No employee will be permitted to achieve results
through violations of laws or regulations, or through unscrupulous dealings.
We intend that the Company's business practices will be compatible with the
economic and social priorities of each location in which we operate. Although customs vary by
country and standards of ethics may vary in different business environments, honesty and
integrity must always characterize our business activity. If a law conflicts with a policy in this
Code, you must comply with the law; however, if a local custom or policy conflicts with this
Code, you must comply with the Code. If you have any questions about these conflicts, you
should ask your supervisor how to handle the situation.
This Code reflects our commitment to a culture of honesty, integrity and
accountability and outlines the basic principles and policies with which all employees are
expected to comply. Please read this Code carefully.
In addition to following this Code in all aspects of your business activities, you
are expected to seek guidance in any case where there is a question about compliance with both
the letter and the spirit of our policies and applicable laws. This Code covers a wide range of
business practices and procedures. It does not cover every issue that may arise, but it sets out
basic principles to guide all employees of the Company. This Code does not supersede the
specific policies and procedures that are covered in the Company's operating manuals or in
separate specific policy statements. References in this Code to the "Company" means the
Company or any of its subsidiaries. Reference to "employees" includes officers and independent
accounting contractors.
Those who violate the standards set forth in this Code will be subject to
disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. If you are in a situation that you believe may
violate or lead to a violation of this Code, follow the guidelines described in Section XVII below.
Your cooperation is necessary to the continued success of our business and the
cultivation and maintenance of our reputation as a good corporate citizen.
II. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS
Compliance with the letter and spirit of all laws, rules and regulations applicable
to our business is critical to our reputation and continued success. All employees must respect
and obey the laws of the cities, provinces, states and countries in which we operate and avoid
even the appearance of impropriety. Not all employees are expected to know the details of these
laws, but it is important to know enough to determine when to seek advice from supervisors,
managers or other appropriate personnel. The Company holds information and training sessions
to promote compliance with laws, rules and regulations, including insider trading laws.
III. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
A conflict of interest occurs when an individual's private interest interferes, or
appears to interfere, in any way with the interests of the Company. A conflict situation can arise
when an employee or director takes actions or has interests that may make it difficult to perform
his or her work for the Company objectively and effectively. Conflicts of interest also arise
when an employee or director, or a member of his or her family, receives improper personal
benefits as a result of his or her position in the Company. Loans to, or guarantees of obligations
of, such persons are likely to pose conflicts of interest, as are transactions of any kind between
the Company and any other organization in which you or any member of your family have an
interest.
It is a conflict of interest for an employee to work simultaneously for a
competitor, customer or supplier. You are not allowed to work for a competitor as a consultant
or director. The best policy is to avoid any direct or indirect business connection with our
customers, suppliers or competitors, except on behalf of the Company.
Activities that could give rise to conflicts of interest are prohibited unless
specifically approved by the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee. It is not always easy to
determine whether a conflict of interest exists, so any potential conflicts of interests should be
reported immediately to senior management or the Company's general legal counsel.
Given that the Directors are engaged in a wide range of activities, each Director
or officer is required to disclose to the Company any interest in a material contract or transaction
or proposed material contract or transaction with the Company or the fact that such person is a
director or officer of, or otherwise has a material interest in, any person who is a party to a
material contract or transaction or proposed material contract or transaction with the Company.
Such disclosure is required to be made at the first meeting at which a proposed contract or
transaction is considered. In any case, a Director who has made disclosure to the foregoing
effect is not entitled to vote on any resolution to approve the contract or transaction unless the
contract or transaction is one relating primarily to his remuneration as a Trustee, one for
indemnity under the Declaration of Trust or one for insurance
IV. CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES
Employees and directors are prohibited from taking for themselves personally
opportunities that arise through the use of corporate property, information or position and from
using corporate property, information or position for personal gain. Employees and directors are
also prohibited from competing with the Company directly or indirectly. Employees and
directors owe a duty to the Company to advance the legitimate interests of the Company when
the opportunity to do so arises.
V. CONFIDENTIALITY
Employees must maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to them by
the Company or that otherwise comes into their possession in the course of their employment,
except when disclosure is authorized or legally mandated. Employees are required to execute a
confidentiality agreement upon employment and from time to time during the course of
employment. The obligation to preserve confidential information continues even after you leave
the Company.
Confidential information includes all non-public information that may be of use to
competitors, or harmful to the Company or its customers, if disclosed. It also includes
information that suppliers and customers have entrusted to us.
VI. PROTECTION AND PROPER USE OF COMPANY ASSETS
All employees should endeavour to protect the Company's assets and ensure their
efficient use. Theft, carelessness and waste have a direct impact on the Company's profitability.
Any suspected incidents of fraud or theft should be immediately reported for investigation.
Company assets, such as equipment, funds or computers, may only be used for
legitimate business purposes or other purposes approved by management. Company assets may
never be used for illegal purposes.
The obligation to protect Company assets includes proprietary information.
Proprietary information includes any information that is not generally known to the public or
would be helpful to our competitors. Examples of proprietary information include intellectual
property, such as trade secrets, patents, trademarks and copyrights, as well as business,
marketing and service plans, proprietary geological concepts, engineering and manufacturing
ideas, designs, contact lists, databases, records, salary information and any unpublished
geological, geophysical, geochemical, financial data or reports. Unauthorized use or distribution
of this information is a violation of Company policy. It may also be illegal and may result in
civil and criminal penalties. The obligation to preserve proprietary information continues even
after you leave the Company.
VII. INSIDER TRADING
Employees who have access to confidential information are not permitted to use
or share that information for stock trading purposes or for any other purpose except the conduct
of the business of the Company. All non-public information about the Company should be
considered confidential. To use non-public information for personal financial benefit or to "tip"
others who might make an investment decision on the basis of this information is not only
unethical but also illegal.
VIII. FAIR DEALING
We seek to outperform our competition fairly and honestly and to acquire, explore
and develop mineral projects in a fair and honest manner. We seek competitive advantages
through superior performance, never through unethical or illegal business practices. Stealing
proprietary information, possessing trade secret information obtained without the owner's
consent or inducing the disclosures of proprietary information or trade secrets by past or present
employees of other companies is prohibited. Each employee should endeavor to deal fairly with
the Company's business associates, option partners, joint ventures, suppliers, competitors and
employees. No employee should take unfair advantage of anyone through illegal conduct,
manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts
or any other unfair-dealing practice.
IX. DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT
We value the diversity of our employees and are committed to providing equal
opportunity in all aspects of employment. Abusive, harassing or offensive conduct is
unacceptable, whether verbal, physical or visual. Examples include derogatory comments based
on racial or ethnic characteristics and unwelcome sexual advances. Employees are encouraged
to speak out when a co-worker's conduct makes them uncomfortable, and to report harassment
when it occurs.
X. SAFETY AND HEALTH
We are all responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace by following
safety and health rules and practices, and more specifically detailed in the Company's Safety
Manual/Field Guide and Fuel Spill Contingency Plan. The Company is committed to keeping its
workplaces and project areas free from hazards. Please report any accidents, injuries, unsafe
equipment, practices or conditions immediately to a supervisor or other designated person.
Threats or acts of violence or physical intimidation are prohibited.
In order to protect the safety of all employees, employees must report to work in
condition to perform their duties and free from the influence of any substance that could prevent
them from conducting work activities safely and effectively. The use of alcohol or illegal drugs
in the workplace is prohibited. Likewise, employees are prohibited from being under the
influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during the course of their duties.
XI. RECORDKEEPING
Honest and accurate recording and reporting of information is critical to our
financial reporting and our ability to make responsible business decisions. The Company's
accounting records are relied upon to produce reports for the Company's management,
shareholders, creditors, governmental agencies and others. Our financial statements and the
books and records on which they are based must truthfully and accurately reflect all corporate
transactions and conform to all legal and accounting requirements and our system of internal
controls.
All employees have a responsibility to ensure that the Company's records,
including accounting records, do not contain any false or intentionally misleading entries. We do
not permit intentional misclassification of transactions as to accounts, departments or accounting
periods. All transactions must be supported by accurate documentation in reasonable detail and
recorded in the proper account and in the proper accounting period.
All Company books, records, accounts and financial statements must be
maintained in reasonable detail, must appropriately reflect Company transactions and must
conform to both applicable legal requirements and the system of internal controls of the
Company. Unrecorded or "off the books" funds or assets should not be maintained unless
permitted by applicable law or regulation.
Business records and communications may become public through legal or
regulatory investigations or the media. Exaggeration, derogatory remarks, legal conclusions or
inappropriate characterizations of people and companies must be avoided. This applies to
communications of all kinds, including email and informal notes or interoffice memos. Records
should be retained and destroyed in accordance with the Company's records retention policy.
XII. USE OF E-MAIL AND INTERNET SERVICES
E-Mail systems and Internet services are provided to help us do work. Incidental
and occasional personal use is permitted, but never for personal gain or any improper purpose.
You may not access, send or download any information that could be insulting or offensive to
another person, such as sexually explicit material or jokes, unwelcome propositions, ethnic or
racial slurs, or any other message that could be viewed as harassment. Also remember that
"flooding" our systems with junk mail and trivia hampers the ability of our systems to handle
legitimate Company business and is prohibited.
Employees should not download copyrighted materials, should not copy material
that is not licensed to the Company and should follow the terms of a licence when using material
that is licenced to the Company. No changes should be made to licensed materials without the
prior consent of the Company. In addition, employees are prohibited from downloading games
and screensavers as these are common sources of viruses.
Your messages (including voice mail) and computer information are considered
the Company's property and you should not have any expectation of privacy. Unless prohibited
by law, the Company reserves the right to access and disclose this information as necessary for
business purposes. Use good judgment, and do not access, send messages or store any
information that you would not want to be seen or heard by other individuals.
XIII. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS
We respect and support the right of our employees to participate in political
activities. However, these activities should not be conducted on Company time or involve the
use of any Company resources such as telephones, computers or supplies. Employees will not be
reimbursed for personal political contributions.
We may occasionally express our views on local and national issues that affect
our operations. In such cases, Company funds and resources may be used, but only when
permitted by law and by our strict guidelines. The Company may also make limited
contributions to political parties or candidates in jurisdictions where it is legal and customary to
do so. No employee may make or commit to political contributions on behalf of the Company
without the approval of the Board of Directors.
XIV. GIFTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Business gifts and entertainment are customary courtesies designed to build
goodwill among business partners. These courtesies include such things as meals and beverages,
tickets to sporting or cultural events, discounts not available to the general public, travel,
accommodation and other merchandise or services. In some cultures they play an important role
in business relationships. However, a problem may arise when such courtesies compromise ⎯
or appear to compromise ⎯ our ability to make objective and fair business decisions.
Offering or receiving any gift, gratuity or entertainment that might be perceived to
unfairly influence a business relationship should be avoided. These guidelines apply at all times,
and do not change during traditional gift-giving seasons. No gift or entertainment should ever be
offered, given, provided or accepted by any director or employee of the Company, or by any
family member of a director or employee, unless it:
(a) is not a cash gift;
(b) is consistent with customary business practices;
(c) is not excessive in value;
(d) cannot be construed as a bribe or payoff; and
(e) does not violate any applicable laws or regulations.
Please discuss with your supervisor any gifts or proposed gifts if you are uncertain whether they
are appropriate.
XV. WAIVERS OF THIS CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Any waiver of this Code with respect to a director or officer of the Company may
be made only by the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee. Any such waiver will be
promptly disclosed to the extent required by applicable law or stock exchange regulation.
XVI. REPORTING OF ANY ILLEGAL OR UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR
We have a strong commitment to conduct our business in a lawful and ethical
manner. Employees are encouraged to talk to supervisors, managers or other appropriate
personnel when in doubt about the best course of action in a particular situation and to report
violations of laws, rules, regulations or this Code. We prohibit retaliatory action against any
employee who, in good faith, reports a possible violation. It is unacceptable to file a report
knowing it to be false.
XVII. COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
This Code cannot, and is not intended to, address all of the situations you may
encounter. There will be occasions where you are confronted by circumstances not covered by
policy or procedure and where you must make a judgment as to the appropriate course of action.
Since we cannot anticipate every situation that may arise, it is important for the
Company to set forth a general way to approach a new question or problem. These are the steps
to keep in mind:
- Make sure you have all of the facts. In order to reach the right solutions, you
must be as fully informed as possible.
- Ask yourself what you are specifically being asked to do. This analysis will
enable you to focus on the specific issues that are raised and the available
alternatives. Use your judgment and common sense. If something seems
unethical or improper, it probably is.
- Clarify your responsibility and role. In most situations, there is shared
responsibility. Are your colleagues informed? It may help to get others involved
and to discuss the problem.
- Discuss the problem with your supervisor. This approach is best in most if not all
situations. Your supervisor may be more knowledgeable about the issue and will
appreciate being brought into the process. It is a supervisor's responsibility to
help you to solve problems.
- Seek help from Company resources. In the rare instance in which it may not be
appropriate to discuss an issue with your supervisor, or in which you feel
uncomfortable approaching your supervisor, discuss the problem with the
Company's general legal counsel. If you prefer to write, address your concerns to
the Company's general legal counsel or the President.
- You may report ethical violations in confidence and without fear of retaliation. If
your situation requires that your identity be kept secret, the Company will protect
your anonymity. The Company does not permit retaliation of any kind against
employees for good faith reports of ethical violations.
- Ask first. If you are unsure of the proper course of action, seek guidance before
you act.
If you do not feel comfortable discussing the matter with your supervisor, please
call Maynard Brown at (604) 916-4361. We strive to ensure that all questions or concerns are
handled fairly, discreetly and thoroughly.
CODE OF ETHICS FOR CERTAIN EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
In my role as an executive officer of Uranium North Resources Corp. (the
"Company"), I certify to you that I adhere to and advocate the following principles and
responsibilities governing my professional and ethical conduct.
To the best of my knowledge and ability:
1. I act with honesty and integrity, avoiding actual or apparent conflicts of interest in
personal and professional relationships.
2. I disclose to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors any material
transaction or relation that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict
of interest.
3. I prepare full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and
documents that the Company files with the applicable securities regulatory
authorities and in other public communications made by the Company.
4. I comply with the rules and regulations of federal, provincial and local
CODE OF ETHICS FOR CERTAIN EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
In my role as an executive officer of Uranium North Resources Corp. (the
"Company"), I certify to you that I adhere to and advocate the following principles and
responsibilities governing my professional and ethical conduct.
To the best of my knowledge and ability:
1. I act with honesty and integrity, avoiding actual or apparent conflicts of interest in
personal and professional relationships.
2. I disclose to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors any material
transaction or relation that reasonably could be expected to give rise to a conflict
of interest.
3. I prepare full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and
documents that the Company files with the applicable securities regulatory
authorities and in other public communications made by the Company.
4. I comply with the rules and regulations of federal, provincial and local
governments and other appropriate private and public regulatory agencies.
5. I act in good faith, responsibly, with due care, competence and diligence, without
misrepresenting material facts or allowing my independent judgment to be
subordinated.
6. I respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of my work,
except when authorized or otherwise legally obligated to disclose. Confidential
information acquired in the course of my work is not used for personal advantage.
7. I share knowledge and maintain skills important and relevant to the needs of my
constituents.
8. I proactively promote ethical behavior as a responsible partner among peers in my
work environment.
9. I achieve responsible use of and control over all assets and resources employed or
entrusted to me.
10. I promptly report to the Audit Committee any violations of this code of ethics by
myself or any other executive officer of the Company who has signed a similar
code of ethics.
11. I am accountable to the Company and its constituents for adherence to this code
of ethics.
DATED: ______________________
Name: Title:
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
Purpose
The Audit Committee (the "Audit Committee") of the Board of Directors
(the "Board") of Uranium North Resources Corp. (the "Company") is appointed by the Board
to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Audit Committee's primary
duties and responsibilities are to monitor:
(a) the integrity of the financial statements of the Company;
(b) the external auditor's qualifications and independence;
(c) the performance of the Company's external auditor;
(d) management's reporting on internal control; and
(e) the compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements.
Although the Audit Committee has the powers and responsibilities set forth in this
Charter, the role of the Audit Committee is oversight. The majority of the members of the Audit
Committee are not full-time employees of the Company and may or may not be accountants or
auditors by profession or experts in the fields of accounting or auditing and, in any event, do not
serve in such capacity. Consequently, it is not the duty of the Audit Committee to conduct audits
or to determine that the Company's financial statements and disclosures are complete and
accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and
applicable rules and regulations. These are the responsibilities of management and the external
auditor.
Committee Membership
The Audit Committee shall consist of no fewer than three members, a majority of
whom must be unrelated directors, as defined in Policy 3.1 of the TSX Venture Exchange (the
"TSX-V") Corporate Finance Manual and Policies. Each member of the Audit Committee shall
be financially literate and at least one member shall have accounting or related financial
experience. For purposes of this section, a director shall be deemed to be "financially literate" if
he or she has the ability to read and understand a balance sheet, an income statement and the
notes attached thereto and shall be deemed to have "accounting or related financial experience"
if he or she has the ability to analyze and interpret a full set of financial statements, including the
notes attached thereto, in accordance with Canadian GAAP.
The members of the Audit Committee will be appointed or reappointed by the
Board following each annual meeting of the Company's shareholders. Each member of the
Audit Committee will continue to be a member of the Audit Committee until his or her successor
is appointed unless he or she resigns or is removed by the Board or ceases to be a director of the
Company. Where a vacancy occurs at any time in the membership of the Audit Committee, the
Board may appoint a qualified individual to fill such vacancy and must appoint a qualified
individual if the membership of the Audit Committee is less than three directors as a result of
any such vacancy.
Meetings
The Audit Committee shall meet as often as it determines, but not less frequently
than quarterly. Any member of the Audit Committee or the external auditor may call a meeting
of the Audit Committee. At all Audit Committee meetings a majority of the members shall
constitute a quorum. The acts of the Audit Committee at a duly constituted meeting shall require
the vote of a majority of the members present provided that, in any circumstances, a resolution or
other instrument in writing signed by all members of the Audit Committee shall avail as the act
of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee shall meet periodically with management, the
internal auditors and the external auditor in separate executive sessions to discuss any matters
that the Audit Committee or any of these groups believe should be discussed privately. The
Audit Committee may request any officer or employee of the Company or the Company's
external legal counsel or external auditor to attend a meeting of the Audit Committee or to meet
with any members of, or consultants to, the Audit Committee.
The members of the Audit Committee shall select a chair from among their
number who must be an unrelated director. The chair will preside at each meeting of the Audit
Committee and, in consultation with the other members of the Audit Committee, shall set the
frequency and length of each meeting and the agenda of items to be addressed at each upcoming
meeting. In addition, at the first meeting held following each annual meeting of shareholders
(the "First Meeting"), the chair, in consultation with the other members of the Audit Committee,
shall determine the list of items to be addressed by the Audit Committee during the coming year
(the "Annual Agenda").
The chair shall ensure that the agenda for each upcoming meeting of the Audit
Committee is circulated to each member of the Audit Committee as well as each other director in
advance of the meeting, and that the Annual Agenda is circulated to each member of the Audit
Committee as well as each other director not later than five business days after is it finalized
(which shall be not later than five business days after the First Meeting).
Committee Authority and Responsibilities
The Audit Committee shall have the sole authority and responsibility to appoint,
nominate or replace the external auditor (subject, if applicable, to shareholder approval or
ratification). The external auditors are ultimately accountable to the Audit Committee and to the
Board, as representatives of the shareholders. The Audit Committee shall be directly responsible
for the determination of compensation and oversight of the work of the external auditor
(including resolution of disagreements between management and the external auditor regarding
financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work. The
external auditor shall report directly to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee shall
preapprove all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms
thereof) to be performed for the Company by its external auditor. The Audit Committee may
form and delegate authority to subcommittees consisting of one or more members when
appropriate, including the authority to grant preapprovals of audit and permitted non-audit
services, provided that decisions of such subcommittee to grant preapprovals shall be presented
to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The membership of any such
subcommittee must consist of a majority of unrelated directors. The Audit Committee shall
consult with management but shall not delegate any of its responsibilities to management.
The Audit Committee shall have the authority, to the extent it deems necessary or
appropriate, to retain independent legal, accounting or other advisors. The Company shall
provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Audit Committee, for payment of
compensation to the external auditor and to any advisors employed by the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee shall make regular reports to the Board. The Audit
Committee shall review and reassess the adequacy of this Charter annually and recommend any
proposed changes to the Board for approval. The Audit Committee shall annually review the
Audit Committee's own performance.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Audit Committee shall:
Financial Statement and Disclosure Matters
1. Review and discuss with management and the external auditor the annual audited
financial statements and related documents, including disclosures made in
management's discussion and analysis, prior to filing with the appropriate
securities regulatory authorities or public dissemination.
2. Review and discuss with management and the external auditor, if so engaged, the
Company's quarterly financial statements and related documents including
disclosures made in management's discussion and analysis, prior to filing with the
appropriate securities regulatory authorities or public dissemination.
3. Discuss with management the Company's press releases or material change
reports discussing financial matters, including the use of "pro forma" or
"adjusted" non-GAAP information, as well as financial information and earnings
guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies. Such discussion may be done
generally (consisting of discussing the types of information to be disclosed and
the types of presentations to be made).
4. Review and discuss with management all material off-balance sheet transactions,
arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations) and other
relationships of the Company or any of its subsidiaries with unconsolidated
entities or other persons including related persons, that may have a material
current or future effect on financial condition, changes in financial condition,
results of operations, liquidity, capital resources, capital reserves or significant
components of revenues or expenses.
5. Review and discuss with management and the external auditor the quality and
acceptability of the accounting principles, policies and practices used in the
preparation of the Company's financial statements, including all critical
accounting policies and practices used, any alternative treatments of financial
information, those policies for which management is required to exercise
discretion or judgments regarding the implementation thereof, the ramification of
their use and the external auditor's preferred treatment, as well as any other
material communications between the external auditor and management.
6. Discuss with the external auditor the matters required to be communicated to
audit committees in accordance with the standards established by the Canadian
Institute of Chartered Accountants relating to the conduct of the audit.
Annual or Periodic Reviews
7. Annually or periodically, as appropriate, review any significant changes to the
Company's accounting principles and financial disclosure practices as suggested
by the external auditors, management or the internal audit group.
8. Annually review separately with each of management, the external auditors and
the internal audit group:
(a) any significant disagreement between management and the external
auditors or the internal audit group in connection with the preparation of
the financial statements;
(b) any difficulties encountered during the course of the audit, including any
restrictions on the scope of work or access to required information; and
(c) management's response to each.
9. Annually discuss with the external auditors, without management being present:
(a) their judgments about the quality and appropriateness of the Company's
accounting principles and financial disclosure practices as applied in its
financial reporting;
(b) the completeness and accuracy of the Company's consolidated financial
statements; and
(c) the external auditor's relationship with management.
10. Annually or periodically, as appropriate, discuss with management the
Company's major financial and investment risk exposures and the steps
management has taken to monitor, control and manage such exposures, including
the Company's risk assessment and risk management guidelines and policies.
11. Review and discuss with management, the external auditor and the Company's
in-house and external legal counsel, as appropriate, any legal, regulatory or compliance matters arising periodically that could have a significant impact on
the Company's financial statements, including applicable changes in accounting
standards or rules.
Oversight of the Company's Relationship with the Independent Auditor
12. The Audit Committee shall review annually the selection, qualifications and
performance of the external auditor, including considering whether the external
auditor's quality controls are adequate.
13. Review, in advance where feasible, all auditing services to be provided by the
external auditor, determine which non-audit services may not be provided by the
external auditor and approve any non-audit services, as permitted by applicable
securities laws and the TSX-V.
14. Ensure that the external auditors submit to the Audit Committee on an annual
basis a written statement affirming their independence, discuss with the external
auditor any disclosed relationships or services that may impact its objectivity and
independence and satisfy itself as to the external auditor's independence, taking
into account the opinions of management and internal auditors.
15. Consider whether, in order to assure continuing independence of the external
auditor, it is appropriate to adopt a policy of rotating the lead (or coordinating)
audit partner having primary responsibility for the audit and the audit partner
responsible for reviewing the audit on a regular basis.
16. Recommend to the Board policies for the Company's hiring of employees or
former employees of the external auditor who participated in any capacity in the
audit of the Company.
17. Meet with the external auditor prior to the audit to review with the external
auditor and management the external auditor's audit plan, discuss and approve
audit scope, staffing locations, reliance upon management, and internal audit and
general audit approach.
Oversight of the Company's Internal Audit Function
18. Review annually the performance of the controller or the Chief Financial Officer,
if he or she acts in the capacity of controller.
19. Review, based upon the recommendations of the external auditor and the
Company's senior internal auditing executive, the scope and plan of the work to
be done by the internal audit group.
20. Review and, if it deems appropriate, approve the appointment and replacement of
the Company's controller.
21. Review the significant reports to management prepared by the internal auditing
department and management's responses and subsequent follow-up to any identified weaknesses.
22. In consultation with the external auditor and the internal audit group, review the
adequacy of the Company's internal control structure and procedures designed to
ensure compliance with the applicable laws and policies, and discuss the
responsibilities, budget and staffing needs of the internal audit group.
Compliance Oversight Responsibilities
23. Obtain reports from management, the Company's controller and the external
auditor that the Company and its subsidiaries are in conformity with applicable
legal requirements and the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
Review all insider reports or the equivalent. Advise the Board with respect to the
Company's policies and procedures regarding compliance with applicable laws
and regulations and with the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
24. Establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints
received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or
auditing matters, and the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of
concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
25. Discuss with management and the external auditor any correspondence with
regulators or governmental agencies and any published reports which raise
material issues regarding the Company's financial statements or accounting
policies.
26. Discuss with the Company's external legal counsel legal matters that may have a
material impact on the financial statements or the Company's compliance
policies.
Other
27. Review and, if deemed appropriate, approve all related-party transactions.
28. Review all public disclosure documents of the Company containing audited or
unaudited financial information before release, including any prospectuses, annual
information forms and information circulars.
29. Perform any other activities consistent with this Charter, the Company's articles
and governing laws as the Audit Committee deems necessary or appropriate.
Disclosure
The Audit Committee will provide a report of its activities to the shareholders of
the Company as part of the Company's management proxy circular for its annual meeting.
WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY
General
Uranium North Resources Corp. (the "Company") requires its directors, officers
and employees to observe high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in maintaining
the financial records of the Company. Pursuant to its Charter, the Audit Committee of the Board
of Directors of the Company is responsible for reviewing (on a confidential basis if necessary)
all complaints or submissions received from employees of the Company regarding accounting or
auditing matters concerning the Company. In order to carry out its responsibilities under its
Charter, the Audit Committee has adopted this Whistleblower Policy (the "Policy").
For the purposes of this Policy, all accounting or auditing matters which are the
subject of a complaint or submission are referred to as an "Accounting Irregularity".
No Retaliation
No officer or employee who in good faith reports an Accounting Irregularity shall
suffer harassment, retaliation or adverse employment consequence. An officer or employee who
retaliates against someone who has reported an Accounting Irregularity in good faith is subject to
discipline up to and including termination of employment. This Whistleblower Policy is
intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns within the
Company rather than seeking resolution outside the Company.
Reporting Violations
It is the responsibility of all directors, officers and employees to report all
suspected Accounting Irregularities in accordance with this Whistleblower Policy. The
Company maintains an open door policy and suggests that employees share their questions,
concerns, suggestions or complaints with someone who can address them properly. In most
cases, an employee's supervisor is in the best position to address an area of concern. An
employee's supervisor may be more knowledgeable about the issue and will appreciate being
brought into the process. It is the supervisor's responsibility to help you to solve the problem.
However, if you are not comfortable speaking with your supervisor or you are not
satisfied with your supervisor's response, you are encouraged to speak with anyone in
management whom you are comfortable in approaching. Supervisors and managers are required to report suspected Accounting Irregularities to the Company's Whistleblower, Maynard Brown, or to any member of the Audit Committee. Maynard Brown's direct telephone line is (604) 916-
4361. The Audit Committee has specific and exclusive responsibility to investigate all reported
violations. For suspected fraud or securities law violations, or when you are not satisfied or
uncomfortable with following the Company's open door policy, individuals should contact the
Chairman of the Company or any member of the Company's Audit Committee directly. All
complaints will be reported to the Audit Committee within five days of receipt.
Investigations of Complaints
The Company's Audit Committee is responsible for investigating and resolving
all reported complaints and allegations concerning Accounting Irregularities. The Audit
Committee may retain independent legal counsel, accountants or others to assist in its
investigations.
Accounting and Auditing Matters
Pursuant to its Charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for addressing all
reported concerns or complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or
auditing. The President is required to immediately notify the Audit Committee of any complaint
of which he or she is aware and to work with the Committee until the matter is resolved.
Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a complaint concerning a suspected Accounting Irregularity must
be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed
indicates an Accounting Irregularity. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and
which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious
disciplinary offense.
Confidentiality
Complaints or submissions concerning a suspected Accounting Irregularity may
be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant or may be submitted anonymously. All
complaints or submissions will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the
need to conduct an adequate investigation.
Handling of Reported Violations
The Chair of the Audit Committee will notify the sender and acknowledge receipt
of the reported suspected Accounting Irregularity within five business days. All reports will be
promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the
investigation.
The Company shall retain records of complaints for a period of no less than seven
years as a separate part of the records of the Audit Committee.
Privacy Violations
In addition to these rules regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and
auditing matters, recent privacy legislation, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic
Documents Act (Canada) ("PIPEDA") and the Personal Information Protection Act (British
Columbia) ("PIPA"), provide that any person who has reasonable grounds to believe that there
has been a contravention of either of PIPEDA or PIPA may notify the relevant Privacy
Commissioner.
An organization must not dismiss, suspend, discipline, harass or otherwise
disadvantage an employee or deny an employee a benefit because the employee, acting in good
faith and on the basis of reasonable belief, has disclosed to the Privacy Commissioner that the
organization has contravened or is about to contravene either of PIPEDA or PIPA. Members of
the public may lodge anonymous complaints to avoid the possibility of retaliation.
DISCLOSURE POLICY
December, 2006
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Disclosure Policy (the "Policy") is to ensure that
communications to the investing public about Uranium North Resources Corp. (the "Company",
"our", or "we") are:
(a) timely, factual and accurate; and
(b) consistent and broadly disseminated in accordance with all applicable legal and
regulatory requirements.
Everyone who invests in securities of the Company should have equal access to
information that may affect their investment decisions. The intent of this disclosure policy is to
ensure that disclosure of material information is in conformity with Canadian securities laws and
regulations.
Insiders of the Company and others who have undisclosed material information
about the Company should not purchase or sell securities of the Company or inform others of the
undisclosed material information unless it is necessary to do so in the ordinary course of
business.
This Policy extends to all employees of the Company, our Board of Directors and
those authorized to speak on our behalf. It covers disclosures in documents filed with the
securities regulators and written statements made in the Company's annual and quarterly reports,
news releases, letters to shareholders, speeches and presentations by senior management or other
persons speaking on our behalf and information contained on the Company's Website and other
electronic communications. It extends to oral statements made in meetings and telephone
conversations with analysts and investors, interviews with the media as well as press conferences
and conference calls.
The policies and procedures set out in this disclosure policy are important.
Failure to observe them may result in a breach of Canadian securities laws and have a negative
impact on the business and operations of the Company. It may also result in disciplinary action,
including, where appropriate, referral of the matter to securities regulatory authorities, or
possibly termination of employment.
DISCLOSURE POLICY COMMITTEE
Our Board of Directors has established a disclosure policy committee (the
"Committee") responsible for overseeing our disclosure practices. The Committee would
include the two management directors and any one of the independent directors from the
Company's Audit Committee. The Committee's responsibilities include:
(a) updating the Policy regularly, including to take account of new developments and
standards of practice;
(b) monitoring the effectiveness of and compliance with the Policy;
(c) educating our directors, officers and other employees about the matters covered
by the Policy;
(d) reviewing and authorizing all written, electronic and oral disclosure before it is
publicly disclosed;
(e) monitoring the Company's Website;
(f) meeting as needed, but at least annually, to discuss drafting responsibilities for
public documents and to identify any areas of particular risk and sensitivity that
require special care;
(g) documenting, monitoring and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures
and internal controls and procedures for financial reporting of the Company; and
(h) providing, as required, a certification to the senior officers of the Company prior
to the filing with the securities regulatory authorities of each periodic report as to
the Committee's compliance with its policies and procedures and proper
performance of its responsibilities and its conclusions resulting from its
evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and
procedures and internal controls and procedures for financial reporting.
The Committee must set benchmarks for a preliminary assessment of materiality
and determine when developments justify public disclosure. The Committee meets as conditions
dictate and minutes of meetings are maintained by the President. It is essential that the
Committee be kept fully apprised of all pending material developments in order to evaluate and
discuss those events and to determine the appropriateness and timing for public release of
information. If it is deemed that the information should remain confidential, the Committee will
determine how that inside information will be controlled.
The Committee must report any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses
in the design or operation of our disclosure controls, procedures for internal controls, procedures
for financial reporting and any fraud (whether or not material) involving management or other
employees with a significant role in our disclosure controls to the Company's Board of
Directors. In addition, the Committee must report to the Board of Directors any significant
changes in our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting or any factors that could
affect such controls and procedures during the period covered by the applicable periodic report,
including corrective actions taken. The Committee must present the Company s Board of
Directors with the formal disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls and
procedures, once they are in place.
Everyone to whom this Policy applies must be instructed to notify the Committee
as soon as material developments occur. The Committee should report to the Board of Directors
on any significant issues arising under this Policy, including circumstances where there is a
serious occurrence of selective disclosure.
The Committee will review and update, if necessary, this Policy on an annual
basis or as needed to ensure compliance with changing regulatory requirements. The Committee
will report to the Board of Directors on an annual basis.
DESIGNATED SPOKESPERSONS
The Company designates a limited number of spokespersons responsible for
communication with the investment community, media and regulators. The President shall be
the official spokesperson for the Company. The individual holding this office may, from time to
time, designate others within the Company to speak on behalf of the Company as back-up or to
respond to specific inquiries.
Employees and other persons who are not authorized spokespersons must not
respond under any circumstances to inquiries from the investment community, the media or
others unless specifically asked to do so by an authorized spokesperson. All such inquiries shall
be referred to the official spokesperson. The name and telephone number of the authorized
spokesperson must be provided to Market Regulation Services Inc. ("MRSI") and the Toronto
Stock Exchange, as required.
PRINCIPLES OF DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL INFORMATION
Material information is any information relating to the business and affairs of the
Company that results in, or would reasonably be expected to result in, a significant change in the
market price or value of securities of the Company or that would reasonably be expected to have
a significant influence on a reasonable investor's investment decisions. In complying with the
requirement to disclose forthwith all material information under applicable laws and stock
exchange rules, the Company will adhere to the following basic disclosure principles:
(a) Material information will be publicly disclosed immediately via news release.
(b) Material changes concerning the Company must be reported in a material change
report which shall be filed with the securities regulators as soon as practical and
no later than ten days after the material change occurs.
(c) In certain circumstances, the Committee may determine that such disclosure
would be unduly detrimental to the Company (for example, if release of the
information would prejudice potential acquisitions of mineral properties or
interests therein or negotiations in a corporate transaction or the release of
property results where the implications of such disclosure may not be fully
understood), in which case the information will be kept confidential until the
Committee determines it is appropriate to publicly disclose. In such
circumstances, the Committee will cause a confidential material change report to
be filed with the applicable securities regulators, and will periodically (at least
every 10 days) review its decision to keep the information confidential (see also
the heading "Rumours").
(d) Disclosure must include any information the omission of which would make the
rest of the disclosure misleading (half truths are misleading).
(e) Unfavourable material information must be disclosed as promptly and completely
as favourable information.
(f) There will be no selective disclosure. Previously undisclosed material
information must not be disclosed to selected individuals (for example, in an
interview with an analyst or in a telephone conversation with an investor). If
previously undisclosed material information has been inadvertently disclosed to
an analyst or any other person not bound by an express confidentiality obligation,
such information must be broadly disclosed immediately via news release.
(g) Disclosure on the Company's Website alone does not constitute adequate
disclosure of material information.
(h) Disclosure must be corrected immediately if the Company subsequently learns
that earlier disclosure by the Company contained a material error at the time it
was given.
(i) Everyone to whom this Policy applies who becomes aware of information that
appears to be material must immediately disclose that information to at least one
member of the Disclosure Committee; and
(j) When determining whether or not information is material, the following
principles must be applied:
(i) the nature of the information, the volatility and liquidity of securities of
the Company and how prevailing market conditions will impact on
materiality;
(ii) material information cannot be made immaterial by breaking it into
smaller pieces;
(iii) the determination of whether or not information is material often involves
the exercise of difficult business judgments based on experience; and
(iv) if there is any doubt about whether or not information is material, the
Company must err on the side of caution and the information must be
disclosed to the public.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL INFORMATION
Material information will be publicly disclosed as soon as practicable via news
releases. Once it is determined that a development is material, the Committee will authorize the
issuance of a news release, unless it is determined that such developments must remain
confidential for the time being and appropriate control of that inside information is instituted.
The Committee must ensure that all persons with knowledge of such confidential
information are informed of their obligation to keep the information confidential until it is
disclosed to the public and to refrain from buying securities of the Company or any other
company that is affected by the confidential information. The Committee must ensure that
market activity is monitored until the confidential information has been disclosed to the public.
Should a material oral statement inadvertently be made in a selective forum, the
Company will issue a news release as soon as practicable in order to fully publicly disclose that
information.
Annual and interim financial results should be publicly released immediately
following director approval of the financial statements.
NEWS RELEASES
Once the Committee determines that a development is material, it will authorize
the issuance of a news release, unless the Committee determines that such developments must
remain confidential for the time being, appropriate confidential filings are made and control of
that inside information is instituted. Should a material statement inadvertently be made in a
selective forum, the Company will immediately issue a news release in order to fully disclose
that information.
If the stock exchange upon which securities of the Company are listed is open for
trading at the time of a proposed announcement, prior notice of a news release announcing
material information must be provided to MRSI and the stock exchange, as required, to enable a
trading halt, if deemed necessary by MRSI or the stock exchange. If a news release announcing
material information is issued outside of trading hours, MRSI and the stock exchange, as
required, must be notified before the market opens.
News releases will be disseminated through an approved news wire service that
provides simultaneous national and/or international distribution. News releases will be
transmitted to MRSI, all stock exchange members, relevant regulatory bodies, major business
wires, national financial media and the local media in areas where the Company has its
headquarters and operations.
News releases will be posted on the Company's Website immediately after
release over the news wire. The news release page of the Website shall include a notice that
advises the reader that the information posted was accurate at the time of posting, but may be
superseded by subsequent news releases.
News Releases which refer to mineral exploration or development projects will be
prepared in compliance with National Instrument 43-101 where applicable and shall contain all
information which may be required pursuant to such Instrument.
MAINTAINING CONFIDENTIALITY
Any employee privy to confidential information including proprietary data and
techniques is prohibited from communicating this information to anyone else, unless it is
necessary to do so in the course of business. Efforts will be made to limit access to such
confidential information to only those who need to know the information, and such persons will
be advised that the information is to be kept confidential.
Communication by e-mail leaves a physical track of its passage that may be
subject to later decryption attempts. All confidential information being transmitted over the
Internet must be secured by encryption and validation methods when appropriate. Where
possible, employees should avoid using e-mail to transmit confidential information.
Outside parties privy to undisclosed material information concerning the
Company will be told that they must not divulge such information to anyone else, other than in
the necessary course of business and that they may not trade in securities of the Company until
the information is publicly disclosed. Such outside parties will confirm their commitment to
non-disclosure in a written confidentiality agreement.
To prevent the misuse or inadvertent disclosure of material information, the
following procedures should be observed:
(a) Confidential matters should not be discussed in places where the discussion may
be overheard, such as elevators, hallways, restaurants, airplanes or taxis.
(b) Confidential matters should only be discussed on wireless telephones and
communication devices when reasonable precautions are taken to avoid
inadvertent disclosure.
(c) Confidential documents should not be read in public places and should not be
discarded where others can retrieve them.
(d) Employees must ensure they maintain the confidentiality of information in their
possession outside of the office or project site.
(e) Transmission of documents by electronic means, such as by fax or directly from
one computer to another, should be made only where it is reasonable to believe
that the transmission can be made and received under secure conditions.
(f) Unnecessary copying of confidential documents including assay data, and other
exploration data should be avoided and documents containing confidential
information should be promptly removed from conference rooms, project offices,
project sites and work areas after meetings have concluded and kept in secure
locations bearing in mind that exploration and development project sites may not
always have secure locations in which case, reasonable precautions should be
taken. Extra copies of confidential documents should be shredded or otherwise
destroyed.
(g) Access to confidential electronic data should be restricted through the use of
passwords.
(h) Documents and files containing confidential information should be kept in a safe
place where access is restricted to individuals who "need to know" that
information in the necessary course of business.
(i) All proprietary information, including computer programs and other records,
remain the property of the Company and may not be removed, disclosed, copied
or otherwise used except in the normal course of employment or with the prior
permission of a member of the Committee.
RUMOURS
The Company does not comment, affirmatively or negatively, on rumours. This
also applies to rumours on the Internet. The Company's spokesperson will respond consistently
to rumours, saying, "It is our policy not to comment on market rumours or speculation." Should
a stock exchange upon which securities of the Company are listed request that the Company
make a definitive statement in response to a market rumour that is causing significant volatility
in securities of the Company, the Committee will consider the matter and decide whether to
make a policy exception. If the rumour is true in whole or in part, the Company will
immediately issue a news release disclosing the relevant material information.
Rumours or speculation that appears on bulletin boards or chat lines on internet
sites should not be responded to on such sites.
TRADING RESTRICTIONS AND BLACKOUT PERIODS
It is illegal for anyone to purchase or sell securities of any public entity with
knowledge of material information affecting that entity that has not been publicly disclosed.
Except in the necessary course of business, it is also illegal for anyone to inform any other
person of material non-public information. Therefore, insiders and employees with knowledge
of confidential or material information about the Company or counter-parties in negotiations of
material potential transactions or material exploration or development results, are prohibited
from trading securities of the Company or any counter-party until the information has been fully
disclosed and a reasonable period of time has passed for the information to be widely
disseminated.
Blackout periods may be prescribed from time to time by the Committee as a
result of special circumstances relating to the Company pursuant to which insiders of the
Company would be precluded from trading in securities of the Company. All parties with
knowledge of such special circumstances should be covered by the blackout. Such parties may
include consultants, employees and external advisors such as legal counsel, investment bankers
and counter-parties in negotiations of material potential transactions.
CONTACTS WITH INVESTORS AND THE MEDIA
Disclosure in individual or group meetings does not constitute adequate disclosure
of information that is considered material non-public information. If the Company intends to
announce material information at a shareholder meeting or a press conference or conference call,
the announcement must be preceded by a news release.
The Company recognizes that meetings with significant investors are an important
element of the Company's investor relations program. the Company will meet with investors on
an individual or small group basis as needed and will initiate contacts or respond to investor calls
in a timely, consistent and accurate fashion in accordance with this Policy.
The Company will provide only non-material information through individual and
group meetings, in addition to regular publicly disclosed information, recognizing that an
investor may construct this information into a mosaic that could result in material information.
the Company cannot alter the materiality of information by breaking down the information into
smaller, non-material components.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Should the Company elect to disclose forward-looking information ("FLI") in
continuous disclosure documents, speeches, conference calls, etc., the following guidelines will
be observed:
(a) The information, if deemed material, will be broadly disseminated via news
release, in accordance with this Policy.
(b) The information will be clearly identified as forward-looking.
(c) The Company will identify all material assumptions used in the preparation of the
FLI.
(d) The information must be accompanied by a statement that identifies, in very
specific terms, the risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to
differ materially from those projected in the statement.
(e) The information must be accompanied by a statement that disclaims the
Company's intention or obligation to update or revise the FLI, whether as a result
of new information, future events or otherwise. Notwithstanding this disclaimer,
should subsequent events prove past statements about current trends to be
materially off target, the Company may choose to issue a news release explaining
the reasons for the difference in accordance with the Company's past practice in
these matters.
(f) The Committee must obtain the approval of the Board of Directors before issuing
a news release containing FLI or financial information which is based on or
derived from financial statements that have not been released.
If the Company has issued a forecast or projection in connection with an offering
document covered by National Policy 48, "Future-Oriented Financial Information", the
Company will update that forecast or projection periodically, as required by that policy.
MANAGING EXPECTATIONS
If the Company has determined that it will be reporting results materially below
or above publicly held expectations, it will disclose this information in a news release in order to
enable discussion without risk of selective disclosure when confirmation of such results has been
determined.
COMMUNICATION AND ENFORCEMENT
This Policy extends to all the Company employees, its Board of Directors,
officers and authorized spokespersons. New directors, officers and employees will be provided
with a copy of this Policy and will be educated about its importance. This Policy will be
circulated to all employees on an annual basis and whenever changes are made.
Any employee who violates this Policy may face disciplinary action up to and
including termination of his or her employment with the Company without notice. The violation
of this Policy may also violate certain securities laws. If it appears that an employee may have
violated such securities laws, the Company may refer the matter to the appropriate regulatory
authorities, which could lead to penalties, fines or imprisonment.
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