Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P 6-K, filed Aug 3, 2020
Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. (BEP)
About this 6-K
Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P filed this 6-K on August 3, 2020.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of July 2020
Commission file number 001-35530
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS L.P.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
73 Front Street, Fifth Floor
Hamilton, HM 12
Bermuda
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F ☒ Form 40-F ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ☐
The information contained in Exhibits 99.4, 99.5, 99.6 and 99.7 of this Form 6-K is incorporated by reference into (i) the registrant’s registration statement on Form F-3ASR filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 9, 2018 (File No. 333-224206), as amended by Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement, filed with the SEC on February 19, 2020 and (ii) the registrant’s registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-237996) that was declared effective by the SEC on July 29, 2020.
DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THIS FORM 6-K
See the Exhibit List to this Form 6-K.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS LIMITED | ||||||
| Date: July 31, 2020 | By: | /s/ Jane Sheere | ||||
| Name: Jane Sheere | ||||||
| Title: Secretary | ||||||
Exhibit Index
| Exhibit |
Description | |
| 99.1 | Guarantee Indenture, dated as of July 29, 2020, by and among Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P., BEP Subco Inc. and Computershare Trust Company of Canada | |
| 99.2 | Guarantee Indenture, dated as of July 29, 2020, by and among BEP Subco Inc., Brookfield Renewable Power Preferred Equity Inc. and Computershare Trust Company of Canada | |
| 99.3 | Guarantee, dated as of July 29, 2020, by BEP Subco Inc. in favor of BNY Trust Company of Canada | |
| 99.4 | Relationship Agreement, dated November 28, 2011 and as thereafter amended, by and among Brookfield Asset Management Inc., Brookfield Renewable Partner L.P., Brookfield Renewable Energy L.P. and others | |
| 99.5 | Equity Commitment Agreement, dated as of July 30, 2020, by and among Brookfield BRP Holdings (Canada) Inc., Brookfield Renewable Corporation and Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. | |
| 99.6 | First Amendment, dated July 30, 2020, to the Third Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, by and among Brookfield Asset Management Inc., the Service Recipients and the Service Providers named therein | |
| 99.7 | Code of Business Conduct and Ethics | |
Exhibit 99.1
THIS GUARANTEE INDENTURE dated as of July 29, 2020;
AMONG:
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS L.P., an exempted limited partnership formed under the laws of Bermuda,
(hereinafter referred to as the “Partnership”),
– and –
BEP SUBCO INC., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario,
(hereinafter referred to as the “Guarantor”),
– and –
COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY OF CANADA, a trust company organized and existing under the laws of Canada,
(hereinafter referred to as the “Security Trustee”).
WHEREAS pursuant to the terms of this guarantee indenture (the “Guarantee”) the Guarantor has agreed to guarantee in favour of the Holders (as defined below) the payment of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations (as defined below), pursuant to the terms of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units (as defined below);
AND WHEREAS all necessary acts and proceedings have been done and taken and all necessary resolutions have been passed to authorize the execution and delivery of this Guarantee and to make the same legal, valid and binding upon the Guarantor;
AND WHEREAS the foregoing recitals are made as representations and statements of fact by the Guarantor and not by the Security Trustee;
NOW THEREFORE THIS GUARANTEE WITNESSES that for good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by each of the parties), the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
| 1.1 | Definitions |
For all purposes of this Guarantee, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
| (a) | the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular; |
| (b) | the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Guarantee as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision; and |
| (c) | all references to “the Guarantee” or “this Guarantee” are to this Guarantee as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time. |
In addition, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
“Additional Guarantor” means any guarantor in any guarantee indenture with respect to any Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units among the Partnership, the Security Trustee, and any other guarantors party thereto pursuant to which such guarantor has guaranteed certain obligations with respect to such Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units, other than the Guarantor under this Agreement;
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“Affiliate” means, with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by such Person, or is under common Control of a third Person;
“Authorized Investments” has the meaning given to such term in Section 5.7;
“Board Resolution” means, with respect to the Guarantor, a copy of a resolution duly passed by the board of directors (or the equivalent) of the Governing Body of the Guarantor, to be in full force and effect on the applicable date, and delivered to the Security Trustee;
“BRP Equity” means Brookfield Renewable Power Preferred Equity Inc.;
“BRP Equity Preferred Share Guarantee Indenture” means any present or future guarantee indenture entered into by the Guarantor with respect to any outstanding Class A Preference Shares issued by BRP Equity among BRP Equity, the Security Trustee and any other guarantors party thereto pursuant to which the Guarantor has guaranteed certain obligations with respect to such Class A Preference Shares of BRP Equity;
“BRP Equity Preferred Share Guarantee Obligations” means all indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of the Guarantor under or pursuant to any BRP Equity Preferred Share Guarantee Indentures;
“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or any other day that is a statutory or civic holiday in Toronto, Canada;
“CBCA” means the Canada Business Corporations Act;
“Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations” means all financial liabilities and obligations of the Partnership to Holders in respect of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units including or in respect of (i) any declared and unpaid distributions on the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units, (ii) the applicable redemption price and all declared and unpaid distributions up to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption with respect to the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units called for redemption, and (iii) the Liquidation Amount payable on the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Partnership, without regard to the amount of assets of the Partnership available for distribution;
“Class A Preferred LP Units” means class A preferred limited partnership units, of which the Partnership is authorized to issue an unlimited number pursuant to its limited partnership agreement;
“Control” means the control by one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of B by contract or status (for example the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of beneficial ownership of or control over a majority of the voting interests in B; and, for certainty and without limitation, if A owns or has control over shares to which are attached more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors to the board of directors (or the equivalent) of the Governing Body of B or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A Controls B for this purpose, and the term “Controlled” has the corresponding meaning;
“Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Security Trustee, at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be principally administered, which office on the date of execution of this Guarantee is located at 100 University Ave, 11th Floor, Toronto ON M5J 2Y1;
“Event of Default” has the meaning given to such term in Section 4.2;
“Governing Body” means (i) with respect to a corporation or limited company, such corporation or limited company, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, a manager or managing partner of such limited liability company, (iii) with respect to a limited partnership, a general partner of such limited partnership (or if any such general partner is itself a partnership, such general partner’s general partner), (iv) with respect to a general partnership, the managing partner (or if there is no managing partner, each partner), and (v) with respect to any other Person, the Person that has the power to determine the management and policies of such Person by status, and in the case of each of (i) through (v) includes any Person to whom such Person has delegated any power or authority;
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“Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units” means the Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, Series 8, Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, Series 12, Series 13, Series 14, Series 15 and Series 16 Class A Preferred LP Units and each Series of Class A Preferred LP Units that has been designated by the Partnership at any time pursuant to Section 2.3 as being entitled to the benefits of this Guarantee pursuant to the terms hereof;
“Guaranteed Obligations” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.4;
“Guarantor” means BEP Subco Inc.;
“Guarantor Order” or “Guarantor Request” means a written request or order signed in the name of the Guarantor by any officer or director (or the equivalent) of the Governing Body of the Guarantor and delivered to the Security Trustee;
“Holders” means the registered holders of any of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units from time to time, provided that, in determining whether the Holders of the requisite percentage of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the applicable outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units have given any request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, “Holders” shall not include the Guarantor or any Affiliate of the Guarantor;
“Liquidation Amount” means, in respect of any securities of any series or class and any determination date, the amount to which the holders of such series or class are entitled in the event of a distribution of the assets of the issuer in accordance with the terms and conditions of such series or class upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of such issuer on such date, including for greater certainty any declared and unpaid distributions which such holder in accordance with the terms and conditions of such series or class is entitled to receive upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of such issuer;
“MI 61-101” means Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions;
“Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed by any officer or director (or the equivalent) of the Governing Body of the Guarantor and delivered to the Security Trustee;
“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Guarantor, including an employee of the Guarantor, a Governing Body of the Guarantor or the Partnership, and who shall be acceptable to the Security Trustee;
“Partnership” means Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P.;
“Person” means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a trust or any other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof;
“Security Trustee” means Computershare Trust Company of Canada; and
“Senior Indebtedness” shall mean the principal of and the interest and premium (or any other amounts payable thereunder), if any, on:
| (i) | all indebtedness (including any indebtedness to trade creditors), liabilities and obligations of the Guarantor (other than the Guaranteed Obligations), whether outstanding on the date of this Guarantee or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed; and |
| (ii) | all renewals, extensions, restructurings, refinancings and refundings of any such indebtedness, liabilities or obligations; |
except only for any such indebtedness, liabilities or obligations that are, pursuant to the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing such indebtedness, liabilities or obligations, expressly pari passu with or subordinate in right of payment to the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations;
“Series” means a series of Class A Preferred LP Units;
“subsidiary entity” shall have the meaning set out in MI 61-101; and
“wholly-owned subsidiary entity” shall have the meaning set out in MI 61-101.
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| 1.2 | Compliance Certificates and Opinions |
Upon any application or request by the Guarantor to the Security Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Guarantee, the Guarantor shall furnish to the Security Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Guarantee (including any covenant compliance with which constitutes a condition precedent) relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of certain documents is specifically required by any provision of this Guarantee relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
In addition to the foregoing, every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Guarantee (other than as otherwise specified herein) shall include:
| (a) | a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read and understood such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto; |
| (b) | a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based; |
| (c) | a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and |
| (d) | a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such covenant or condition has been complied with. |
| 1.3 | Form of Documents Delivered to Security Trustee |
In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Governing Body of the Guarantor may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his or her certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Governing Body of the Guarantor stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Guarantor, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.
Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Guarantee, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.
| 1.4 | Acts of Holders |
| (a) | Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Guarantee to be given or taken by one or more Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agents duly appointed by them in writing. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Security Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Guarantor and/or the Partnership. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent, or of the holding by any Person of a Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Unit, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Guarantee and conclusive in favour of the Security Trustee, the Guarantor and the Partnership, if made in the manner provided in this Section. |
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| (b) | The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner that the Security Trustee deems sufficient. |
| (c) | If the Guarantor shall solicit from any Holders of Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, the Guarantor may, at its option, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, but the Guarantor shall have no obligation to do so. Such record date shall be the record date specified in or pursuant to such Board Resolution, which shall be a date not earlier than the date 30 days prior to the first solicitation of Holders generally in connection therewith and not later than the date such solicitation is completed. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the purposes of determining whether Holders of the requisite percentage of the applicable outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for that purpose the outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the Holders on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Guarantee not later than eleven months after the record date. |
| 1.5 | Notices, Etc. to Security Trustee and Guarantor |
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other documents provided or permitted by this Guarantee to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with:
| (a) | the Security Trustee by any Holder, the Guarantor or the Partnership shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if in writing and delivered, mailed (first-class postage prepaid) or sent by facsimile to the Security Trustee at 100 University Ave, 11th Floor, Toronto ON M5J 2Y1 Attention: Manager, Corporate Trust, Facsimile No. 416-981-9777; or |
| (b) | the Partnership by any Holder, the Security Trustee or the Guarantor shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and delivered, mailed (first-class postage prepaid) or sent by facsimile to the Partnership addressed to it at 73 Front Street, 5th Floor, Hamilton HM 12, Bermuda, Attention: Corporate Secretary, Facsimile No. 441-296-4475; or |
| (c) | the Guarantor by any Holder, the Security Trustee, or the Partnership shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and delivered, mailed (first-class postage prepaid) or sent by facsimile to the Guarantor addressed to it at P.O. Box 762, Suite 300, Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5J 2T3, Attention: Corporate Secretary, Facsimile No. (416) 369-2301. |
Any delivery made or facsimile sent on a day other than a Business Day, or after 3:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on a Business Day, shall be deemed to be received on the next following Business Day. Anything mailed shall not be deemed to have been given until it is actually received. The Guarantor or the Partnership may from time to time notify the Security Trustee of a change in address or facsimile number which thereafter, until changed by like notice, shall be the address or facsimile number of the Guarantor or the Partnership for all purposes of this Guarantee.
| 1.6 | Notice to Holders; Waiver |
Where this Guarantee provides for notice of any event to any Holders of Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units by the Guarantor or the Security Trustee, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each such Holder affected by such event, at the Holder’s address as it appears in the list of Holders as provided by the Partnership, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice or in any other manner from time to time permitted by applicable laws, including, without limitation, internet-based or other electronic communications. In any case where notice to any Holders of Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units is given by mail, neither the accidental failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders, but upon such failure to mail or such defect in any notice so mailed being discovered, the notice (as corrected to address any
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defects) shall be mailed forthwith to such Holder. Any notice mailed to a Holder in the manner herein prescribed shall be conclusively deemed to have been received by such Holder, whether or not such Holder actually receives such notice.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver required or permitted under this Guarantee shall be in the English language.
Where this Guarantee provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Security Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
| 1.7 | Effect of Headings |
The Article and Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
| 1.8 | Successors and Assigns |
All covenants and agreements in this Guarantee by the Guarantor shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
| 1.9 | Severability Clause |
In case any provision in this Guarantee shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
| 1.10 | Governing Law |
This Guarantee shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
| 1.11 | No Recourse Against Certain Persons |
A director, officer, employee or securityholder, as such, of the Guarantor shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Guarantor under this Guarantee or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or its creation.
| 1.12 | Counterparts |
This Guarantee may be executed by facsimile, PDF or other electronic signature and in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which together constitute one and the same instrument.
| 1.13 | Language |
Les parties aux présentes ont exigé que la présente convention ainsi que tous les documents et avis qui s’y rattachent et/ou qui en decouleront soient rediges et exécutés en langue anglaise. The parties hereto have required that this Guarantee and all documents and notices related thereto be drafted and executed in English.
| 1.14 | Force Majeure |
The Security Trustee shall not be liable to any party to this Guarantee, or held in breach of this Guarantee by any party to this Guarantee, if prevented, hindered, or delayed in the performance or observance of any provision contained herein by reason of acts of God, riots, terrorism, acts of war, epidemics, governmental action or judicial order, earthquakes, or any other similar causes (including, but not limited to, mechanical, electronic or communication interruptions, disruptions or failures). Performance times applicable to the Security Trustee’s obligations under this Guarantee shall be extended for a period of time equivalent to the time lost because of any delay that is excusable under this Section.
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ARTICLE 2
GUARANTEE
| 2.1 | Guarantee |
The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees in favour of the Holders the due and punctual payment of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations, regardless of any defense (except for the defense of payment by the Partnership), right of set-off or counterclaim which the Guarantor may have or assert. The Guarantor’s obligation to pay the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations may be satisfied by (i) direct payment to the applicable Holders or (ii) payment to the applicable Holders through the facilities of the Security Trustee. The Guarantor shall give prompt written notice to the Security Trustee in the event it makes a direct payment to the Holders hereunder.
| 2.2 | Waiver of Notice |
The Guarantor hereby waives notice of acceptance of this Guarantee.
| 2.3 | Guarantee Absolute |
The Guarantor guarantees that the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units and this Guarantee within the time required by Section 2.1, regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any such terms or the rights of the Holders with respect thereto. The liability of the Guarantor under this Guarantee shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of:
| (a) | any sale, transfer or assignment by any Holder of any Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units or any right, title, benefit or interest of such Holder therein or thereto; |
| (b) | any amendment or change in or to, or any waiver of, any of the terms of any Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units; |
| (c) | any change in the name, objects, constitution, capacity, capital or the constating documents of the Guarantor; |
| (d) | any change in the name, objects, constitution, capacity, capital or the constating documents of the Partnership; |
| (e) | any partial payment by the Partnership, or any release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the performance or observance by the Partnership of any express or implied agreement, covenant, term or condition relating to any Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units to be performed or observed by the Partnership; |
| (f) | the extension of time for the payment by the Partnership of all or any portion of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations or the extension of time for the performance of any other obligation under, arising out of, or in connection with, any Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units; |
| (g) | any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of the Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy conferred on the Holders pursuant to the terms of any Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units, or any action on the part of the Partnership granting indulgence or extension of any kind; |
| (h) | subject to Section 4.1(c), the recovery of any judgment against the Partnership, any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of any collateral, winding up, merger or amalgamation of the Partnership or the Guarantor, any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership, or any judicial or extrajudicial receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of, or proposal to, creditors, reorganization, moratorium, arrangement, composition with creditors, or readjustment of debt of, or other proceedings affecting the Partnership, the Guarantor or any of the assets of the Partnership or the Guarantor; |
| (i) | any circumstance, act or omission that would prevent subrogation operating in favour of the Guarantor; |
| (j) | any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units or this Guarantee; |
| (k) | the settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby or hereby incurred; or |
| (l) | any other circumstance, act or omission that might otherwise constitute a defence available to, or a discharge of, the Partnership in respect of any of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations (other than, and to the extent of, the payment or satisfaction thereof), |
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it being the intent of the Guarantor that its obligations in respect of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations shall be absolute and unconditional under all circumstances and shall not be discharged except by payment in full of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations. The Holders shall not be bound or obliged to exhaust their recourse against the Partnership or any other Persons or to take any other action before being entitled to demand payment from the Guarantor hereunder.
There shall be no obligation of the Holders to give notice to, or obtain the consent of, the Guarantor with respect to the happening of any of the foregoing.
| 2.4 | Continuing Guarantee |
This Guarantee shall apply to and secure any ultimate balance due or remaining due to the Holders in respect of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations and shall be binding as an absolute and continuing obligation of the Guarantor. This Guarantee shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment of any of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations must or may be rescinded, is declared or may become voidable, or must or may otherwise be returned by the Holders for any reason, including the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution or reorganization of the Partnership or upon or as a result of the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers with respect to the Partnership or any substantial part of its property, all as though such payment had not been made. If at any time the Partnership is precluded from making payment when due in respect of any Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations by reason of the provisions of its organizational documents or otherwise, such amounts shall nonetheless be deemed to be due and payable by the Partnership to the Holders for all purposes of this Guarantee and the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations shall be immediately due and payable to the Holders. This is a guarantee of payment, and not merely a deficiency or collection guarantee.
| 2.5 | Rights of Holders |
The Guarantor expressly acknowledges that: (i) this Guarantee will be deposited with the Security Trustee to be held for the benefit of the Holders; and (ii) the Security Trustee has the right to enforce this Guarantee on behalf of the Holders.
| 2.6 | Guarantee of Payment |
If the Partnership shall fail to pay any of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations when due, the Guarantor shall pay to the Holders the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations immediately after demand made in writing by one or more Holders or the Security Trustee, but in any event within 15 days of any failure by the Partnership to pay the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations when due, without any evidence that the Holders or the Security Trustee have demanded that the Partnership or the Guarantor pay any of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations or that the Partnership has failed to do so.
| 2.7 | Subrogation |
The Guarantor shall have no right of subrogation in respect of any payment made to the Holders hereunder until such time as the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations have been fully satisfied. In the case of the liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or bankruptcy of the Partnership (whether voluntary or involuntary), or if the Partnership makes an arrangement or compromise or proposal with its creditors, the Holders shall have the right to rank for their full claim and to receive all distributions or other payments in respect thereof until their claims have been paid in full, and the Guarantor shall continue to be liable to the Holders for any balance which may be owing to the Holders by the Partnership. The Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations shall not, however, be released, discharged, limited or affected by the failure or omission of the Holders to prove the whole or part of any claim against the Partnership. If any amount is paid to the Guarantor on account of any subrogation arising hereunder at any time when the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations have not been fully satisfied, such amount shall be held in trust by the Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders and shall forthwith be paid to the Holders to be credited and applied against the applicable Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations.
| 2.8 | Independent Obligations |
The Guarantor acknowledges that its obligations hereunder are independent of the obligations of the Partnership with respect to the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units and that the Guarantor shall be liable to make payment of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee notwithstanding the occurrence of any event referred to in subsections (a) through (l), inclusive, of Section 2.3 and regardless of whether the Holders make a demand upon the Guarantor. The Guarantor will pay the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations in accordance with this Guarantee
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without regard to any equities between it and the Partnership or any defence or right of set-off, compensation, abatement, combination of accounts or cross-claim that it or the Partnership or any Additional Guarantor may have.
| 2.9 | Guarantor to Investigate Financial Condition of the Partnership |
The Guarantor acknowledges that it has fully informed itself about the financial condition of the Partnership. The Guarantor assumes full responsibility for keeping fully informed of the financial condition of the Partnership and all other circumstances affecting the Partnership’s ability to pay the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations.
ARTICLE 3
SUBORDINATION OF OBLIGATIONS TO SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS
AND PARI PASSU RANKING WITH CERTAIN OTHER OBLIGATIONS
| 3.1 | Applicability of Article |
The obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall be subordinate and subject in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth in the following sections of this Article 3, to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor, and the Security Trustee and each Holder as a condition to and by acceptance of the benefits conferred hereby agrees to and shall be bound by the provisions of this Article 3.
| 3.2 | Order of Payment |
Upon any distribution of the assets of the Guarantor on any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization of the Guarantor (whether in bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership proceedings, or upon an “assignment for the benefit of creditors” or any other marshalling of the assets and liabilities of the Guarantor, or otherwise):
| (a) | all Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor shall first be paid in full, or provision made for such payment, before any payment is made on account of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations; and |
| (b) | any payment or distribution of assets of the Guarantor, whether in cash, property or securities, to which the Holders or the Security Trustee on behalf of such Holders would be entitled except for the provisions of this Article 3, shall be paid or delivered by the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee for the benefit of creditors, or other liquidating agent making such payment or distribution, directly to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor or their representative or representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any instruments evidencing any of such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, to the extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor in full after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution, or provision therefor, to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness. |
| 3.3 | Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness |
Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor, the Holders shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor to receive payments or distributions of assets of the Guarantor (to the extent of the application thereto of such payments or other assets which would have been received by the Holders but for the provisions hereof) until the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations shall be paid in full, and no such payments or distributions to the Holders of cash, property or securities, which otherwise would be payable or distributable to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, shall, as between the Guarantor, its creditors (other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness), and the Holders, be deemed to be a payment by the Guarantor to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness or on account of such Senior Indebtedness, it being understood that the provisions of this Article 3 are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders, on the one hand, and the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor, on the other hand.
| 3.4 | Pari Passu Ranking |
Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder rank on a pro rata and pari passu basis with the BRP Equity Preferred Share Guarantee Obligations (collectively, the BRP Equity Preferred Share Guarantee Obligations and the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations are the “Guaranteed Obligations”). All Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations are expressly pari passu with all BRP Equity Preferred Share Guarantee Obligations for purposes of all BRP Equity Preferred Share Guarantee Indentures.
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| 3.5 | Obligation to Pay Not Impaired |
Nothing contained in this Article 3 or elsewhere in this Guarantee is intended to or shall impair, as between the Guarantor, its creditors (other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness) and the Holders, the obligation of the Guarantor, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay to the Holders the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations in accordance herewith, as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with this Guarantee, or affect the relative rights of the Holders and creditors of the Guarantor other than the holders of the Senior Indebtedness; nor shall anything herein or therein prevent the Security Trustee or any Holder from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Guarantee, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article 3 of the holders of Senior Indebtedness and other Guaranteed Obligations in respect of cash, property or securities of the Guarantor that are received upon the exercise of any such remedy.
| 3.6 | No Payment if Senior Indebtedness in Default |
Upon the acceleration, demand or maturity of any Senior Indebtedness by lapse of time, acceleration, demand or otherwise, then, except as provided in Section 3.7, all principal of and interest on all such matured Senior Indebtedness shall first be paid in full, or shall first have been duly provided for, before any payment by the Guarantor is made on account of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations.
In case of default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness permitting the holders thereof to accelerate the maturity thereof, unless and until such default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist, no payment (by purchase of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units or otherwise) shall be made by the Guarantor with respect to the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations, and neither the Security Trustee nor the Holders shall be entitled to demand, institute proceedings for the collection of, or receive any payment or benefit from the Guarantor (including without limitation by set-off, combination of accounts or otherwise in any manner whatsoever) on account of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations after the happening of such a default (except as provided in Section 3.8), and unless and until such default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist, such payments received from the Guarantor shall be held in trust for the benefit of, and, if and when the Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor shall have become due and payable, shall be paid over to, the holders of such Senior Indebtedness or their representative or representatives or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture under which any instruments evidencing an amount of such Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid, until all such Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.
The fact that any payment hereunder is prohibited by this Section 3.6 shall not prevent the failure to make such payment from being an Event of Default hereunder.
| 3.7 | Payment on Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units Permitted |
Nothing contained in this Article 3 or elsewhere in this Guarantee, or in any of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units, shall affect the obligation of the Guarantor to make, or prevent the Guarantor from making, at any time except during the pendency of any dissolution, winding up or liquidation of the Guarantor or reorganization proceedings specified in Section 3.2 affecting the affairs of the Guarantor, any payment on account of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations, except that the Guarantor shall not make any such payment other than as contemplated by this Article 3, if it is in default in payment of any of its Senior Indebtedness. The fact that any such payment is prohibited by this Section 3.7 shall not prevent the failure to make such payment from being an Event of Default hereunder. Nothing contained in this Article 3 or elsewhere in this Guarantee, or in any of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units, shall prevent the application by the Security Trustee of any moneys deposited with the Security Trustee hereunder for the purpose so deposited, to the payment of or on account of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations unless and until the Security Trustee shall have received written notice from the Guarantor or from the holder of Senior Indebtedness or from the representative of any such holder of default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness permitting the holders thereof to accelerate the maturity thereof.
| 3.8 | Confirmation of Subordination |
As a condition to the benefits conferred hereby on each Holder, each such Holder by acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Security Trustee, on the Holder’s behalf, to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination as provided in this Article 3, and appoints the Security Trustee as the Holder’s attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes. Upon request of the Guarantor, and upon being furnished with an Officer’s Certificate stating that one or more named Persons are holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor, or the representative or representatives of such holders, or the trustee or trustees under which any instrument evidencing such Senior Indebtedness may have been
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issued, and specifying the amount and nature of such Senior Indebtedness, the Security Trustee shall enter into a written agreement or agreements with the Guarantor and the Person or Persons named in such Officer’s Certificate providing that such Person or Persons are entitled to all the rights and benefits of this Article 3 as the holder or holders, representative or representatives, or trustee or trustees of such Senior Indebtedness specified in such Officer’s Certificate and in such agreement. Such agreement shall be conclusive evidence that the indebtedness specified therein is Senior Indebtedness, however, nothing herein shall impair the rights of any holder of Senior Indebtedness who has not entered into such an agreement.
| 3.9 | Security Trustee May Hold Senior Indebtedness |
The Security Trustee is entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article 3 with respect to any Senior Indebtedness at the time held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness, and nothing in this Guarantee deprives the Security Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.
| 3.10 | Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness Not Impaired |
No right of any present or future holder of any Senior Indebtedness to enforce the subordination herein will at any time or in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Guarantor or by any non-compliance by the Guarantor with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Guarantee, regardless of any knowledge thereof which any such holder may have or be otherwise charged with.
| 3.11 | Altering Senior Indebtedness |
A holder of Senior Indebtedness has the right to extend, renew, modify or amend the terms of such Senior Indebtedness or any security therefor and to release, sell or exchange such security and otherwise to deal freely with the Guarantor or any other Person, all without notice to or consent of the Holders or the Security Trustee and without affecting the subordination herein, the liabilities and obligations of the parties to this Guarantee or the Holders or the Security Trustee.
| 3.12 | Additional Indebtedness |
This Guarantee does not restrict the Guarantor from incurring any indebtedness or otherwise or mortgaging, pledging or charging its properties to secure any indebtedness.
ARTICLE 4
TERMINATION AND REMEDIES
| 4.1 | Termination of Guarantee |
| (a) | This Guarantee shall terminate upon the satisfaction of the following: |
| (i) | either |
| (A) | all of the outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units shall have been purchased and cancelled; or |
| (B) | all of the outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units shall have been redeemed; and |
| (ii) | all other sums payable by the Partnership in respect of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations have been paid. |
The Guarantor shall notify the Security Trustee in writing that the requirements set out in Sections 4.1(a)(i) and (ii) have been satisfied and that the Guarantee has been terminated as a result thereof.
| (b) | This Guarantee shall terminate automatically upon the occurrence of any of the following events: |
| (i) | the Guarantor becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary entity of an Additional Guarantor; or |
| (ii) | the Guarantor becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary entity of the Partnership or Brookfield Renewable Energy L.P. |
The Guarantor shall notify the Security Trustee in writing of the occurrence of either of the events under this Section 4.1(b) and the termination of this Guarantee as a result thereof.
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| (c) | At any time following the termination of all of the BRP Equity Preferred Share Guarantee Obligations of the Guarantor, provided that an officer of the Partnership certifies to the Security Trustee that no default then exists of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the Guarantor shall be entitled to request in writing to the Security Trustee that it be fully and unconditionally released from all of its rights, obligations and liabilities under this Guarantee. Upon the delivery of any such written request to the Security Trustee by the Guarantor pursuant to the foregoing sentence, the Guarantor shall, without any further action in respect thereto, be deemed to have been irrevocably and unconditionally released of all its rights, obligations and liabilities under this Guarantee and will cease to be the Guarantor for purposes of this Guarantee. |
| (d) | All of the rights, obligations and liabilities of the Guarantor pursuant to this Guarantee shall terminate upon the conveyance, distribution or transfer (including pursuant to a reorganization, consolidation, liquidation, dissolution, sale of any collateral, winding up, merger, amalgamation, arrangement or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the Guarantor’s properties, securities and assets to the Partnership or a Person that is an Additional Guarantor immediately prior to such conveyance, distribution or transfer. |
| (e) | Upon termination of this Guarantee, the Security Trustee shall, upon request of the Guarantor, provide to the Guarantor written documentation acknowledging the termination of this Guarantee. |
| 4.2 | Suits for Enforcement by the Security Trustee |
In the event that the Guarantor fails to pay the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations as required (an “Event of Default”) pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee, the Holders may, subject to Section 4.6, institute judicial proceedings for the collection of the moneys so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceedings to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Partnership and/or the Guarantor and may collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Guarantor.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Security Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders, upon being indemnified and funded to its satisfaction by the Holders, by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Security Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Guarantee or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
| 4.3 | Security Trustee May File Proofs of Claim |
In case of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Guarantor or the property of the Guarantor that is pending, the Security Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:
| (a) | to file and prove a claim for any Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligation then due and payable by the Guarantor hereunder and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Security Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Security Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding; and |
| (b) | to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same, |
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Security Trustee.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Security Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Security Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
| 4.4 | Security Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units |
All rights of action and claims under this Guarantee may be prosecuted and enforced by the Security Trustee without the possession of any of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Security Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of
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the Security Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the rateable benefit of the Holders in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.
| 4.5 | Application of Money Collected |
Any money collected by the Security Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order:
FIRST, To the payment of all amounts due to the Security Trustee including, without limitation, the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Security Trustee in or about the execution of its trust, or otherwise in relation hereto, with interest thereon as herein provided;
SECOND, To the payment of all amounts due to the Holders in respect of the costs, charges, expenses and advances incurred in connection with enforcing their rights hereunder;
THIRD, To the payment of any Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations then due and unpaid on a pro rata basis; and
FOURTH, The balance, if any, to the Person or Persons entitled thereto.
| 4.6 | Limitation on Suits |
No Holder of any outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Guarantee, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
| (a) | such Holder has previously given written notice to the Security Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to this Guarantee; |
| (b) | the Holders representing not less than 25% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units affected by such Event of Default (determined as one class), shall have made written request to the Security Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Security Trustee hereunder; |
| (c) | such Holder or Holders have provided to the Security Trustee reasonable funding, if requested by the Security Trustee, and reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request; |
| (d) | the Security Trustee for 15 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and |
| (e) | no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Security Trustee during such 15-day period by the Holders representing a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units affected by such Event of Default (determined as one class); |
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Guarantee to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Guarantee, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and rateable benefit of all Holders.
| 4.7 | Restoration of Rights and Remedies |
If the Security Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Guarantee and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Security Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Guarantor, the Security Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Security Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
| 4.8 | Rights and Remedies Cumulative |
No right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Security Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in
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addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
| 4.9 | Delay or Omission Not Waiver |
No delay or omission of the Security Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Security Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Security Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.
| 4.10 | Control by Holders |
The Holders representing not less than a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units affected by an Event of Default (determined as one class) shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Security Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Security Trustee, with respect to this Guarantee, provided that in each case:
| (a) | such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Guarantee; |
| (b) | the Security Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Security Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction; and |
| (c) | the Security Trustee need not take any action which might involve it in personal liability or be unjustly prejudicial to the Holders not consenting to any such direction. |
| 4.11 | Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws |
The Guarantor covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Guarantee; and the Guarantor (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Security Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
| 4.12 | Undertaking for Costs |
All parties to this Guarantee agree, and each Holder by acceptance thereof and by acceptance of the benefits hereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Guarantee, or in any suit against the Security Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Security Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable lawyers’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to (i) any suit instituted by the Guarantor, (ii) any suit instituted by the Security Trustee, (iii) any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 25% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units, or (iv) any suit instituted in accordance with this Guarantee by any Holders for the enforcement of the payment of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations in compliance with this Guarantee.
ARTICLE 5
THE SECURITY TRUSTEE
| 5.1 | Certain Duties and Responsibilities |
| (a) | The Security Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Guarantee, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Guarantee against the Security Trustee. |
| (b) | The Security Trustee, in exercising its powers and discharging its duties prescribed or conferred by this Guarantee, shall |
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| (i) | act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Holders, and |
| (ii) | exercise that degree of care, diligence and skill a reasonably prudent trustee, appointed in respect of a guarantee indenture would exercise in comparable circumstances. |
| (c) | In the absence of bad faith on its part, the Security Trustee, in the exercise of its rights and duties hereunder, may conclusively act and rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates, opinions or other evidence furnished to the Security Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Guarantee. The Security Trustee shall not be liable for or by reason of any statements of fact or recitals in this Guarantee or be required to verify the same, but all such statements or recitals are and shall be deemed to be made by the Guarantor (or by its agents). The Security Trustee shall not in any way be responsible for the consequence of any breach on the part of the Guarantor (or by its agents) of any of the Guarantor’s covenants herein. |
| (d) | No provision of this Guarantee shall be construed to relieve the Security Trustee from the duties imposed on it in Section 5.1(b) or from liability for its own gross negligence or its own wilful misconduct, except that: |
| (i) | this Section 5.1(d) shall not be construed to limit the effect of Section 5.1(a) and (b); |
| (ii) | the Security Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by any of its officers, unless it shall be proved that the Security Trustee was grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; |
| (iii) | the Security Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with an appropriate direction of the Holders pursuant to Section 4.10 relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Security Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Security Trustee, under this Guarantee; and |
| (iv) | no provision of this Guarantee shall require the Security Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers except as herein expressly provided. |
| (e) | Whether or not herein expressly so provided, every provision of this Guarantee relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Security Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section. |
| 5.2 | Certain Rights of Security Trustee |
Subject to the provisions of Section 5.1:
| (a) | the Security Trustee may rely absolutely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, Officer’s Certificate or other certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties, not only as to its due execution and the validity and effectiveness of its provisions, but also as to the truth or accuracy of any information therein contained; |
| (b) | any order, request or direction of the Guarantor mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by the Guarantor Request or Guarantor Order and any resolution shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution; |
| (c) | whenever in the administration of this Guarantee the Security Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Security Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may act and rely upon an Officer’s Certificate (i) as evidence of the truth of any statements of fact, and (ii) to the effect that any particular dealing or transaction or step or thing is, in the opinion of the officers so certifying, expedient, as evidence that it is expedient; provided that the Security Trustee may in its sole discretion, acting reasonably, require from the Guarantor or otherwise further evidence or information before acting or relying on such certificate; |
| (d) | the Security Trustee may employ or retain such agents, counsel and other assistants as it may reasonably require for the proper determination and discharge of its duties hereunder and shall be entitled to receive reasonable remuneration for all services performed by it and compensation for all disbursements, costs and expenses made or incurred by it in the discharge of its duties hereunder and shall not be responsible for any misconduct on the part of any of them, any such costs and expenses which shall immediately become and form part of the Security Trustee’s fees hereunder; |
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| (e) | the Security Trustee may, in relation to this Guarantee, act and rely on the opinion or advice of or on information obtained from any counsel, notary, valuer, surveyor, engineer, broker, auctioneer, accountant or other expert, whether retained by the Security Trustee or by the Guarantor or otherwise; |
| (f) | the Security Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in reliance thereon; |
| (g) | the Security Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Guarantee at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Guarantee, unless such Holders shall have furnished to the Security Trustee reasonable funding and a reasonable indemnity, satisfactory to the Security Trustee, to protect and hold harmless the Security Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction and/or damage it may suffer by reason thereof as a condition to the commencement or continuation of such act, action or proceeding. The Security Trustee may, before commencing or at any time during the continuance of any such act, action or proceeding require the Holders at whose instance it is acting, to deposit with the Security Trustee the unit certificates held by them respecting the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units for which such unit certificates the Security Trustee shall issue receipts; |
| (h) | the Security Trustee shall not be required to take notice of any default under this Guarantee, other than payment of any moneys required by any provision of this Guarantee to be paid to it, unless and until notified in writing of such default, which notice shall clearly set out the nature of the default desired to be brought to the attention of the Security Trustee; |
| (i) | prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default under this Guarantee and after the curing of any such Event of Default which may have occurred, the Security Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, or other paper or document or any investigation of the books and records of the Guarantor (but the Security Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Security Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Guarantor, personally or by agent or attorney), unless requested to do so by the Act of the Holders representing a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units; provided, however, that the Security Trustee may require reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation; and |
| (j) | the Security Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys, and the Security Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder. Any solicitors employed or consulted by the Security Trustee as counsel may, but need not be solicitors for the Guarantor. |
| 5.3 | Protection of Security Trustee |
By way of supplement to the provisions of any law for the time being relating to trustees, it is expressly declared and agreed as follows:
| (a) | the recitals contained herein, shall be taken as the statements of the Guarantor, and the Security Trustee shall not be liable for or assume any responsibility for their correctness; |
| (b) | the Security Trustee makes no representations as to, and shall not be liable for, the validity or sufficiency of this Guarantee; |
| (c) | nothing herein contained shall impose any obligation on the Security Trustee to see or to require evidence of registration or filing (or renewals thereof) of this Guarantee or any instrument ancillary or supplemental hereto; |
| (d) | the Security Trustee shall not be bound to give any notice of the execution hereof; |
| (e) | the Security Trustee shall not incur any liability or responsibility whatever or be in any way responsible for the consequence of any breach on the part of the Guarantor of any of the covenants herein contained or of any act of the agents or servants of the Guarantor; and |
| (f) | the Partnership shall indemnify the Security Trustee (including its directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents) for, and hold it harmless against, any claim, demand, suit, loss, liability or expense |
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| (including any and all reasonable legal and adviser fees and disbursements) incurred without gross negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. This indemnity will survive the termination or discharge of this Guarantee and the resignation or removal of the Security Trustee. |
| 5.4 | Security Trustee Not Required to Give Security |
The Security Trustee shall not be required to give security for the execution of the trusts or its conduct or administration hereunder.
| 5.5 | No Person Dealing with Security Trustee Need Enquire |
No Person dealing with the Security Trustee shall be concerned to enquire whether the powers that the Security Trustee is purporting to exercise have become exercisable, or whether any money remains due upon the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units or to see to the application of any money paid to the Security Trustee.
| 5.6 | May Hold Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units |
Subject to applicable law, the Security Trustee or any other agent of the Guarantor, in its individual or in any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units and, subject to Section 5.8, may otherwise deal with the Guarantor with the same rights it would have if it were not the Security Trustee, and without being liable to account for any profit made thereby.
| 5.7 | Moneys Held in Trust |
Upon receipt of a direction from the Guarantor, the Security Trustee shall invest funds held by the Security Trustee in Authorized Investments in its name in accordance with such direction. Any direction from the Guarantor to the Security Trustee shall be in writing and shall be provided to the Security Trustee no later than 9:00 a.m. on the day on which the investment is to be made. Any such direction received by the Security Trustee after 9:00 a.m. ET or received on a non-Business Day, shall be deemed to have been given prior to 9:00 a.m. ET the next Business Day. Any direction from the Guarantor for the release of the funds must be received prior to 11:00 a.m. ET on the day on which the release of funds is to be made. Any such direction for the release of funds received after 11:00 a.m. ET or on a non-Business Day, will be handled on a commercially reasonable efforts basis and may result in funds being released on the next Business Day. For the purposes of this Section, “Authorized Investments” means short term interest bearing or discount debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the Government of Canada or a Province or a Canadian chartered bank (which may include an Affiliate or related party of the Security Trustee) provided that such obligation is rated at least R1 (middle) by DBRS Limited or an equivalent rating service.
In the event that the Security Trustee does not receive a direction or only a partial direction, the Security Trustee may hold cash balances constituting part or all of the funds and may, but need not, invest same in its deposit department, the deposit department of one of its Affiliates, or the deposit department of a Canadian chartered bank; but the Security Trustee, its Affiliates or a Canadian chartered bank shall not be liable to account for any profit to any parties to this Guarantee or to any other person or entity other than at a rate, if any, established from time to time by the Security Trustee, its Affiliates or a Canadian chartered bank. For the purpose of this Section, “Affiliate” means affiliated companies within the meaning of the CBCA, and includes Computershare Investor Services Inc. and each of their affiliates within the meaning of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario).
| 5.8 | Conflict of Interest |
| (a) | The Security Trustee represents to the Guarantor that at the time of the execution and delivery hereof and to the best of the Security Trustee’s knowledge and belief, no material conflict of interest exists in respect of the Security Trustee’s role as a fiduciary hereunder and agrees that in the event of a material conflict of interest arising hereafter it will, within 90 days after becoming aware that a material conflict of interest exists, either eliminate the same or resign its trust hereunder. |
| (b) | If, notwithstanding Section 5.8(a), the Security Trustee has a material conflict of interest, the validity and enforceability of this Guarantee shall not be affected in any manner whatsoever by reason only of the existence of such material conflict of interest. |
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| (c) | If the Security Trustee contravenes Section 5.8(a), the Holders representing not less than 25% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units may apply to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for an order that the Security Trustee be replaced, and such court may make an order on such terms as it thinks fit. |
| 5.9 | Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility |
There shall at all times be a trustee hereunder which shall be a corporation resident or authorized to carry on the business of a trust company in Canada. Neither the Guarantor nor any Affiliate of the Guarantor shall serve as trustee. If at any time the Security Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Security Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.
| 5.10 | Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor |
| (a) | Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, no resignation or removal of the Security Trustee and no appointment of a successor trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 5.11. |
| (b) | The Security Trustee may resign its trust and be discharged from all further duties and liabilities hereunder at any time with respect to the Guarantee by giving to the Partnership and the Guarantor 60 days’ notice in writing or such shorter notice as they may accept as sufficient. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor trustee required by Section 5.11 shall not have been delivered to the Security Trustee within 60 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning trustee may apply to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for an order for the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to the Guarantee. |
| (c) | The Security Trustee may be removed at any time by the Guarantor, except during an Event of Default. |
| (d) | If any time: |
| (i) | the Security Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 5.8(a); or |
| (ii) | the Security Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 5.9 and shall fail to resign after written request to do so by the Guarantor; or |
| (iii) | the Security Trustee shall be dissolved, shall become incapable of acting or shall become or be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Security Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Security Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, |
then, in any such case the Guarantor by Board Resolution may remove the Security Trustee.
| (e) | If the Security Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of the Security Trustee for any other reason, the Guarantor, by Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor trustee or trustees and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 5.11. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor trustee has not been successfully appointed in accordance with the terms hereof, a successor trustee shall be appointed by Act of the Holders representing a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units and the successor Trustee so appointed by the Holders shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 5.11, become the successor trustee. If no successor trustee shall have been so appointed by the Guarantor or the Holders and such appointment accepted in the manner required by Section 5.11, the Security Trustee (at the Partnership’s expense) or any Holder who is a bona fide Holder of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units may, on behalf of such Holder and all other Holders, apply to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for any order for the appointment of a successor trustee. |
| (f) | The Partnership shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Security Trustee and each appointment of a successor trustee to the Holders by mailing such notice to such Holders at their addresses as they shall appear on the list of Holders as maintained by the Partnership. If the Partnership shall fail to give such notice within 10 days after acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee, the successor trustee shall cause such notice to be given at the expense of the Partnership. Each notice shall include the name of the successor trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office. |
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| 5.11 | Acceptance of Appointment by Successor Trustee |
| (a) | In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee, each successor trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Guarantor and to the retiring trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring trustee shall become effective and such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance (but subject to Section 5.11(b)), shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring trustee. On the request of the Guarantor or the successor trustee, the retiring trustee shall, upon payment of its fees and expenses then unpaid, execute, acknowledge and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor trustee all such rights, powers and trusts of the retiring trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor trustee all property and money, if any, held by such retiring trustee hereunder. |
| (b) | In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee, the Guarantor, Partnership, the retiring trustee and such successor trustee shall execute, acknowledge and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto in which each successor trustee shall accept such appointment and which shall (i) contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, such successor trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring trustee to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates, (ii) add to or change any of the provisions of this Guarantee to the extent necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture (except as specifically provided for therein) shall constitute such trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the resignation or removal of the retiring trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein, and each such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring trustee with respect to the Guarantee to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates, and such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to each successor trustee all property and money held, if any, by such retiring trustee hereunder which the appointment of such successor trustee relates. |
| (c) | Upon request of any such successor trustee, the Guarantor shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor trustee all rights, power and trusts referred to in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be. |
| (d) | No successor trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article. |
| 5.12 | Merger, Consolidation, Amalgamation or Succession to Business |
Any corporation into which the Security Trustee may be merged or with which it may be consolidated or amalgamated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, consolidation or amalgamation to which the Security Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Security Trustee, shall be the successor of the Security Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or instrument or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.
| 5.13 | Not Bound to Act |
The Security Trustee shall retain the right not to act and shall not be liable for refusing to act if, due to a lack of information or for any other reason whatsoever, the Security Trustee, in its sole judgment, determines that such act might cause it to be in non-compliance with any applicable economic sanctions or anti-money laundering or anti-terrorist legislation, regulation or guideline. Further, should the Security Trustee, in its sole judgment, determine at any time that its acting under this Guarantee has resulted in its being in non-compliance with any applicable economic sanctions or anti-money laundering or anti-terrorist legislation, regulation or guideline, then it shall have the right to resign on 10 days written notice to the Guarantor and the Partnership, provided that (i) the Security Trustee’s written notice shall describe the circumstances of such non-compliance; and (ii) if such circumstances are rectified to the Security Trustee’s satisfaction, acting reasonably, within such 10 day period, then such resignation shall not be effective.
| 5.14 | Security Trustee’s Privacy Clause |
The parties acknowledge that federal and/or provincial legislation that addresses the protection of individuals’ personal information (collectively, “Privacy Laws”) applies to obligations and activities under this Guarantee. Despite any
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other provision of this Guarantee, no party shall take or direct any action that would contravene, or cause the other to contravene, applicable Privacy Laws. The Guarantor shall, prior to transferring or causing to be transferred personal information to the Security Trustee, obtain and retain required consents of the relevant individuals to the collection, use and disclosure of their personal information, or shall have determined that such consents either have previously been given upon which the parties can rely or are not required under the Privacy Laws. The Security Trustee shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that its services hereunder comply with Privacy Laws. Specifically, the Security Trustee agrees: (i) to have a designated chief privacy officer; (ii) to maintain policies and procedures to protect personal information and to receive and respond to any privacy complaint or inquiry; (iii) to use personal information solely for the purposes of providing its services under or ancillary to this Guarantee and not to use it for any other purpose except with the consent of or direction from the Guarantor or the individual involved; (iv) not to sell or otherwise improperly disclose personal information to any third party; and (v) to employ administrative, physical and technological safeguards to reasonably secure and protect personal information against loss, theft, or unauthorized access, use or modification.
| 5.15 | Compensation and Reimbursement |
The Partnership agrees:
| (a) | to pay to the Security Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust); and |
| (b) | except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Security Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Security Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Guarantee (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any tax in respect of which may be refunded or credited to it or any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith. |
The Security Trustee’s remuneration shall be payable out of any funds coming into the possession of the Security Trustee in priority to any payment of the Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations. The said remuneration shall continue to be payable whether or not this Guarantee shall be in the course of administration by or under the direction of a court of competent jurisdiction. Any amount due under this Section and unpaid within 30 days after demand for such payment by the Security Trustee, shall bear interest at the then current rate of interest charged by the Security Trustee to its corporate customers. This Section 5.15 shall survive the removal or termination of the Security Trustee and the termination of this Guarantee.
| 5.16 | Third Party Interests |
Each party to this Agreement (“Representing Party”) hereby represents to the Security Trustee that any account to be opened by, or interest to be held by, Security Trustee in connection with this Agreement, for or to the credit of such Representing Party, either (i) is not intended to be used by or on behalf of any third party; or (ii) is intended to be used by or on behalf of a third party, in which case such Representing Party hereby agrees to complete, execute and deliver forthwith to Security Trustee a declaration, in Security Trustee’s prescribed form or in such other form as may be satisfactory to it, as to the particulars of such third party.
ARTICLE 6
HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND GUARANTOR
| 6.1 | List of Holders |
The Partnership shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Security Trustee at such times as the Security Trustee may request in writing, within five Business Days after the receipt by the Partnership of any such request, a list, in such form as the Security Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished, in each case to the extent such information is in the possession or control of the Partnership and is not identical to a previously supplied list of Holders or has not otherwise been received by the Security Trustee in its capacity as such. The Security Trustee may destroy any list of Holders previously given to it on receipt of a new list of Holders.
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| 6.2 | Access to list of Holders |
A Holder may, upon payment to the Security Trustee of a reasonable fee, require the Security Trustee to furnish within 10 days after receiving the affidavit or statutory declaration referred to below, a list setting out (i) the name and address of every Holder of Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units, (ii) the aggregate number of Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units owned by each such Holder, and (iii) the aggregate number of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units then outstanding, each as shown on the list provided to the Security Trustee by the Partnership pursuant to Section 6.1 dated as of the day that the affidavit or statutory declaration is delivered to the Security Trustee. The affidavit or statutory declaration, as the case may be, shall contain (i) the name and address of the Holder, (ii) where the applicant is a corporation, its name and address for service, (iii) a statement that the list will not be used except in connection with an effort to influence the voting of the Holders, or any other matter relating to the Guarantee, and (iv) such other undertaking as may be required by applicable law. Where the Holder is a corporation, the affidavit or statutory declaration shall be made by a director or officer of the corporation.
| 6.3 | Communications to Holders |
The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Guarantee and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Security Trustee, shall be governed by applicable law.
Every Holder of Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Guarantor and the Security Trustee that neither the Guarantor nor the Security Trustee nor any agent of any of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of information as to the names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to the terms hereof or applicable law.
ARTICLE 7
CONVEYANCE OR TRANSFER
| 7.1 | Conveyance or Transfer; Only on Certain Terms |
The Guarantor shall not convey, distribute or transfer all or substantially all of its properties, securities and assets to any Person or Persons, unless:
| (a) | the Person or Persons that so acquire all or substantially all of the Guarantor’s property shall, unless such assumption occurs by operation of law, have expressly assumed the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder pursuant to an indenture supplemental hereto that is executed and delivered to the Security Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Security Trustee, acting reasonably; and |
| (b) | the Guarantor or such Person shall have delivered to the Security Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such conveyance, distribution or transfer and such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with. |
This Section shall only apply to conveyances, distributions and transfers by the Guarantor as transferor and shall not apply to any conveyance, distribution or transfer by the Guarantor to the Partnership, any Additional Guarantor or any subsidiary entity of the Partnership or any Additional Guarantor.
| 7.2 | Successor Person Substituted |
Upon any conveyance, distribution or transfer of all or substantially all of the properties, securities and assets of the Guarantor to any Person that has assumed the obligations of the Guarantor in accordance with Section 7.1, the successor Person to which such conveyance, distribution or transfer is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Guarantor under this Guarantee with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Guarantor herein, and in the event of any such conveyance, distribution or transfer, the Guarantor shall be discharged of all obligations and covenants under this Guarantee.
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ARTICLE 8
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
| 8.1 | Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders |
Without the consent of any Holders, the Guarantor, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Security Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Security Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
| (a) | to evidence the succession of another Person to the Guarantor and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Guarantor contained herein or to add another Person as a guarantor hereunder (with such Person thereafter becoming the Guarantor for purposes of this Guarantee); or |
| (b) | to add to the covenants of the Guarantor or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Guarantor; or |
| (c) | to add any additional Events of Default; or |
| (d) | to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor trustee with respect to this Guarantee and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Guarantee as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 5.11; or |
| (e) | to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any amendment which, in the opinion of the Security Trustee, relying upon an Opinion of Counsel, does not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any material respect; or |
| (f) | to supplement any of the provisions of this Guarantee to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the termination of this Guarantee pursuant to Section 4.1; provided that in the opinion of the Security Trustee, relying upon an Opinion of Counsel, any such action (other than any action permitted by Section 4.1) does not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any material respect. |
| 8.2 | Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders |
With the consent of either (i) the Holders representing not less than a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units, by Act of such Holders delivered to the Guarantor and the Security Trustee, or (ii) if a meeting of the Holders is called for obtaining such consent, Holders representing not less than a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units represented at such meeting and voting in respect of such consent, the Guarantor, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Security Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Guarantee or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders under this Guarantee; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holders representing not less than 662/3% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units by Act of such Holders delivered to the Guarantor and the Security Trustee or, if a meeting of the Holders is called for obtaining such consent, Holders representing not less than 662/3% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units represented at such meeting and voting in respect of such consent, as the case may be:
| (a) | reduce the percentage of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units required for any such supplemental indenture, for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions of this Guarantee or certain defaults applicable hereunder and their consequences provided for in this Guarantee, or reduce the requirements of Section 11.4 for quorum or voting with respect to the Guarantee; or |
| (b) | modify any of the provisions of this Section, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Guarantee cannot be modified or waived without the consent of Holders. |
| 8.3 | Execution of Supplemental Indentures |
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Guarantee, the Security Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in acting and relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Guarantee. The Security Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any
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such supplemental indenture which affects the Security Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Guarantee or otherwise.
| 8.4 | Effect of Supplemental Indentures |
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Guarantee shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Guarantee for all purposes.
| 8.5 | Notice of Supplemental Guarantees |
Promptly after the execution by the Guarantor, the Partnership and the Security Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.2, the Partnership shall give notice thereof to the Holders of each of the outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units affected, in the manner provided for in Section 1.6, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture.
ARTICLE 9
COVENANTS
| 9.1 | Existence |
Subject to Article 7, the Guarantor will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence.
| 9.2 | Security Trustee Not Required to Verify Liquidation Amount |
The Guarantor and the Partnership will not require the Security Trustee to calculate or verify the Liquidation Amount. When requested by the Security Trustee, the Partnership shall deliver to the Security Trustee an Officer’s Certificate specifying the Liquidation Amount.
ARTICLE 10
PURCHASE OF GUARANTEED CLASS A PREFERRED LP UNITS
| 10.1 | Purchase of Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units |
Subject to applicable law, the Guarantor may at any time purchase Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units at any price in the market (including purchases from or through an investment dealer or a firm holding membership on a recognized stock exchange) or by tender available to all Holders of a particular Series or by private contract.
ARTICLE 11
MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF GUARANTEED CLASS A PREFERRED LP UNITS
| 11.1 | Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called |
A meeting of the Holders of any one or more Series of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units may be called at any time and from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Article for one or more of the following purposes:
| (a) | to give any notice to the Guarantor or to the Security Trustee, to give any directions to the Security Trustee, or to take any other action authorized to be taken by the Holders pursuant to any of Sections 4.3 to 4.12; |
| (b) | to remove the Security Trustee and appoint a successor Security Trustee with respect to the Guarantee pursuant to the provisions of Article 5; |
| (c) | to consent to the execution of an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.2; or |
| (d) | to take any other action required or permitted to be taken by or on behalf of the Holders of any specified percentage of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of any Series or of all of the then outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units under any other provision of this Guarantee or under applicable law. |
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| 11.2 | Call, Notice and Place of Meetings |
| (a) | The Security Trustee may at any time request that the Partnership call, and upon receipt of such request the Partnership shall call or cause its transfer agent to call, a meeting of Holders for any purpose specified in Section 11.1, to be held at such time and at such place in Toronto, Ontario, or in such other place as the Security Trustee or Guarantor shall determine. Notice of every meeting of Holders, setting forth the time and the place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be given, in the manner provided for in Section 1.6, not less than 21 nor more than 180 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting. In all cases, it is the Partnership who is to bear all costs associated with calling, giving notice of, and holding the meeting. |
| (b) | In case at any time the Guarantor, pursuant to a Board Resolution, or the Holders representing at least 10% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units shall have requested the Security Trustee to request that the Partnership call a meeting of the Holders of such Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units for any purpose specified in Section 11.1, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the Security Trustee shall not have so requested or the Partnership shall not have mailed or caused to be mailed notice of such meeting within 21 days after receipt of such request and any required indemnification or shall not thereafter proceed to cause the meeting to be held as provided herein, then the Guarantor or the Holders representing the aggregate Liquidation Amount in the amount above specified, as the case may be, may determine the time and the place in Toronto, Ontario, or in such other place as the Security Trustee may approve for such meeting and may call such meeting for such purposes by giving notice thereof as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section. |
| 11.3 | Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings |
To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders, a Person shall be (a) a Holder of one or more outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units, or (b) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy for a Holder or Holders by such Holder or Holders. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Holders shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their respective counsel, employees or any representatives of the Security Trustee and its counsel, and any representatives of the Guarantor, the Partnership and their counsel.
| 11.4 | Quorum; Action |
The Holders representing not less than 25% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the applicable Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of such Holders. In the absence of a quorum within 30 minutes of the time appointed for any such meeting, the meeting shall, if convened at the request of Holders, be dissolved. In any other case the meeting may be adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such meeting. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall be given as provided in Section 11.2(a), except that such notice need be given only once not less than five days prior to the date on which the meeting is scheduled to be reconvened.
At the reconvening of any meeting adjourned for lack of a quorum, the Holders of the applicable Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units entitled to vote at such meeting present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum for the taking of any action set forth in the notice of the original meeting.
Except as limited by the proviso to Section 8.2, any resolution presented to a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present as aforesaid may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the Holders representing not less than a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the applicable Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units represented at such meeting in person or by proxy; provided, however, that, except as limited by the proviso to Section 8.2, any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which this Guarantee expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of a specified percentage which is more or less than a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding units of the applicable Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting duly reconvened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid by the affirmative vote of the Holders of not less than such specified percentage of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding units of the applicable Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units present at such meeting.
Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Holders duly held in accordance with this Section shall be binding on all the Holders, whether or not present or represented at the meeting.
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| 11.5 | Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings |
| (a) | Notwithstanding any provisions of this Guarantee, the Security Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Holders in regard to proof of the holding of Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units and of the appointment of proxies and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as its shall deem appropriate. Except as otherwise permitted or required by any such regulations, the holding of Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 1.4 and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 1.4. Such regulations may provide that written instruments appointing proxies may be presumed valid and genuine without the proof specified in Section 1.4 or other proof. |
| (b) | The Security Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing, appoint a temporary chairman and secretary of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called by the Guarantor or by Holders as provided in Section 11.2(b), in which case the Guarantor or the Holders calling the meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary chairman. A permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be elected by vote of the Persons entitled to vote representing a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units represented and voted at the meeting. |
| (c) | Any meeting of Holders duly called pursuant to Section 11.2 at which a quorum is present may be adjourned from time to time by Persons entitled to vote representing a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units represented and voted at the meeting; and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice. |
| 11.6 | Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings |
The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders shall be by written ballot(s) on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Holders or of their representatives by proxy and the number of outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units held or represented by them. The permanent chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in duplicate of all votes cast at the meeting. A record, at least in duplicate, of the proceedings of each meeting of Holders shall be prepared by the permanent secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more persons having knowledge of the facts setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was given as provided in Section 11.2 and, if applicable, Section 11.4. Each copy shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and permanent secretary of the meeting and one such copy shall be delivered to the Guarantor, and another to the Security Trustee to be preserved by the Security Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.
| 11.7 | Serial Approvals and Meetings |
| (a) | If any business to be transacted at a meeting of Holders especially affects the rights of the Holders of one or more Series in a manner or to an extent substantially differing from that in or to which it affects the rights of the Holders of any other Series (as to which an Opinion of Counsel will be binding on all Holders and the Security Trustee for all purposes hereof) then: |
| (i) | reference to such fact, indicating each Series so especially affected, will be made in the notice of such meeting and the meeting will be and is herein called a “serial meeting”; and |
| (ii) | the Holders of a Series so especially affected will not be bound by any action taken at a serial meeting unless in addition to compliance with the other provisions of this Article 11 at such meeting: |
| (A) | there are present in person or by proxy, holders of at least 25% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the outstanding Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units of such Series (subject to the adjournment and quorum provisions in respect of any reconvened meeting set out in Section 11.4); and |
| (B) | the resolution is passed by votes of more than 50% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units of such Series present in person or by proxy then outstanding; provided, however, that a resolution to approve (i) a reduction of the percentage of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of such Series required for any supplemental indenture hereto, any waiver of compliance with this Guarantee or any default hereunder in respect of such Series |
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| and its consequence provided for in this Guarantee, or to reduce the requirements of Section 11.4 for quorum or voting with respect to such Series and the Guarantee; or (ii) to modify any of the provisions of this Section 11.7 with respect to such Series, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Guarantee cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holders of such Series, requires the approval of Holders of 662/3% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of such Series that are present in person or by proxy. |
| (b) | If in the Opinion of Counsel any business to be transacted at any meeting of Holders does not affect the rights of the Holders of one or more Series, the provisions of Section 8.2 and this Article 11 will apply with respect to such business as if the Class A Preferred LP Units of such Series were not outstanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, notice will be given to the Holders of such Series of such meeting together with notice that such business does not affect the rights of such Holders. |
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered this Guarantee as of the date first written above.
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS L.P. by its general partner, Brookfield Renewable Partners Limited | ||||
| By: | /s/ Jane Sheere | |||
| Name: | Jane Sheere | |||
| Title: | Secretary | |||
| BEP SUBCO INC. | ||||
| By: | /s/ Douglas Christie | |||
| Name: | Douglas Christie | |||
| Title: | Director | |||
| COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY OF CANADA | ||||
| By: | /s/ Yana Nedyalkova | |||
| Name: | Yana Nedyalkova | |||
| Title: | Corporate Trust Officer | |||
| By: | /s/ Neil Scott | |||
| Name: | Neil Scott | |||
| Title: | Corporate Trust Officer | |||
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FORM OF DESIGNATION NOTICE
To: Computershare Trust Company of Canada (the “Trustee”) and Brookfield Renewable Corporation (the “Company”)
This notice is given pursuant to Section 2.3 of the guarantee indenture among Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”), BEP Subco Inc. and the Trustee dated as of •, 2020 (the “Guarantee”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in the Guarantee.
The Partnership hereby notifies the undersigned that the Partnership desires to designate [description of designated Class A Preferred LP Units] (the “Designated Units”) as being entitled to the benefits of the Guarantee pursuant to the terms thereof and constituting Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units (with all financial liabilities and obligations thereunder constituting Class A Preferred LP Unit Obligations).
The undersigned hereby acknowledges that the Designated Units constitute Guaranteed Class A Preferred LP Units from and after the date hereof and that the terms of the Guarantee extend to such Series of Class A Preferred LP Units.
| DATED: | ||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS L.P. by its general partner, | ||||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS LIMITED | ||||
| By: | ||||
| Name: |
||||
| Title: |
||||
Agreed and acknowledged:
| COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY OF CANADA | ||||
| By: | ||||
| Name: |
||||
| Title: |
||||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE CORPORATION | ||||
| By: | ||||
| Name: |
||||
| Title: |
||||
28
Exhibit 99.2
THIS GUARANTEE INDENTURE dated as of July 29, 2020;
AMONG:
BEP SUBCO INC., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario,
(hereinafter referred to as the “Guarantor”),
- and -
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE POWER PREFERRED EQUITY INC., a corporation incorporated under the federal laws of Canada,
(hereinafter referred to as the “Corporation”),
- and -
COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY OF CANADA, a trust company organized and existing under the laws of Canada,
(hereinafter referred to as the “Security Trustee”).
WHEREAS pursuant to the terms of this guarantee indenture (the “Guarantee”) the Guarantor has agreed to guarantee in favour of the Holders (as defined below) the payment of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations (as defined below), pursuant to the terms of the Senior Preferred Shares (as defined below);
AND WHEREAS all necessary acts and proceedings have been done and taken and all necessary resolutions have been passed to authorize the execution and delivery of this Guarantee and to make the same legal, valid and binding upon the Guarantor;
AND WHEREAS the foregoing recitals are made as representations and statements of fact by the Guarantor and not by the Security Trustee;
NOW THEREFORE THIS GUARANTEE WITNESSES that for good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by each of the parties), the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
| 1.1 | Definitions |
For all purposes of this Guarantee, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:
| (a) | the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular; |
| (b) | the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Guarantee as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision; and |
| (c) | all references to “the Guarantee” or “this Guarantee” are to this Guarantee as modified, supplemented or amended from time to time. |
The following terms shall have the following meanings:
“Additional Guarantor” means any guarantor in any guarantee indenture with respect to any Senior Preferred Shares among the Corporation, the Security Trustee, and any other guarantors party thereto pursuant to which such guarantor has guaranteed certain obligations with respect to such Senior Preferred Shares, other than the Guarantor under this Agreement;
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“Affiliate” means, with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by such Person, or is under common Control of a third Person;
“Authorized Investments” has the meaning given to such term in Section 5.7;
“BEP” means Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P.;
“BEP Preferred Unit Guarantee Indenture” means any present or future guarantee or guarantee indenture entered into by the Guarantor with respect to any outstanding class A preferred limited partnership units issued by BEP from time to time, pursuant to which the Guarantor guarantees any obligations with respect to such class A preferred limited partnership units of BEP;
“BEP Preferred Unit Guarantee Obligations” means all indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of the Guarantor under or pursuant to any BEP Preferred Unit Guarantee Indentures;
“Board Resolution” means, with respect to the Guarantor, a copy of a resolution duly passed by the board of directors (or the equivalent) of the Governing Body of the Guarantor, to be in full force and effect on the applicable date, and delivered to the Security Trustee;
“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or any other day that is a statutory or civic holiday in the place where the Corporation has its head office;
“CBCA” means the Canada Business Corporations Act;
“Control” means the control by one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of B by contract or status (for example the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of beneficial ownership of or control over a majority of the voting interests in B; and, for certainty and without limitation, if A owns or has control over shares to which are attached more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors to the board of directors (or the equivalent) of the Governing Body of B or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A Controls B for this purpose, and the term “Controlled” has the corresponding meaning;
“Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Security Trustee, at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be principally administered, which office on the date of execution of this Guarantee is located at 100 University Ave, 8th Floor, Toronto ON M5J 2Y1;
“Corporation” means Brookfield Renewable Power Preferred Equity Inc. and its successors and assigns;
“Event of Default” has the meaning given to such term in Section 4.2;
“Governing Body” means (i) with respect to a corporation or limited company, such corporation or limited company, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, a manager or managing partner of such limited liability company, (iii) with respect to a limited partnership, a general partner of such limited partnership (or if any such general partner is itself a partnership, such general partner’s general partner), (iv) with respect to a general partnership, the managing partner (or if there is no managing partner, each partner) and (v) with respect to any other Person, the Person that has the power to determine the management and policies of such Person by status, and in the case of each of (i) through (v) includes any Person to whom such Person has delegated any power or authority;
“Guaranteed Obligations” has the meaning given to such term in Section 3.4;
“Guarantor” means BEP Subco Inc.;
“Guarantor Order” or “Guarantor Request” means a written request or order signed in the name of the Guarantor by any officer or director (or the equivalent) of the Governing Body of the Guarantor and delivered to the Security Trustee;
“Holders” means the registered holders of any of the Senior Preferred Shares from time to time, provided that, in determining whether the Holders of the requisite percentage of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the applicable
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outstanding Senior Preferred Shares have given any request, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, “Holders” shall not include the Guarantor or any Affiliate of the Guarantor;
“Liquidation Amount” means, in respect of any securities of any series or class and any determination date, the amount to which the holders of such series or class are entitled in the event of a distribution of the assets of the issuer in accordance with the terms and conditions of such series or class upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of such issuer on such date, including for greater certainty any declared and unpaid distributions which such holder in accordance with the terms and conditions of such series or class is entitled to receive upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of such issuer;
“MI 61-101” means Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions;
“Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed by any officer or director (or the equivalent) of the Governing Body of the Guarantor and delivered to the Security Trustee;
“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for the Guarantor, including an employee of the Guarantor, a Governing Body of the Guarantor or the Corporation, and who shall be acceptable to the Security Trustee;
“Person” means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a trust or any other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof;
“Security Trustee” means Computershare Trust Company of Canada;
“Senior Indebtedness” shall mean the principal of and the interest and premium (or any other amounts payable thereunder), if any, on:
| (i) | all indebtedness (including any indebtedness to trade creditors), liabilities and obligations of the Guarantor (other than the Guaranteed Obligations), whether outstanding on the date of this Guarantee or thereafter created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed; and |
| (ii) | all renewals, extensions, restructurings, refinancings and refundings of any such indebtedness, liabilities or obligations; |
except only for any such indebtedness, liabilities or obligations that are, pursuant to the terms of the instrument creating or evidencing such indebtedness, liabilities or obligations, expressly pari passu with or subordinate in right of payment to the Senior Preferred Share Obligations;
“Senior Preferred Share Obligations” means all financial liabilities and obligations of the Corporation to Holders in respect of the Senior Preferred Shares including or in respect of (i) any declared and unpaid dividends on the Senior Preferred Shares, (ii) the applicable redemption price and all declared and unpaid dividends up to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption with respect to Senior Preferred Shares called for redemption, and (iii) the Liquidation Amount payable on the Senior Preferred Shares upon a voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Corporation, without regard to the amount of assets of the Corporation available for distribution;
“Senior Preferred Shares” means the Series 1, Series 2, Series 3, Series 4, Series 5 and Series 6 senior preferred shares of the Corporation and any other senior preferred shares of the Corporation that are issued from time to time pursuant to the constating documents of the Corporation;
“Series” means a series of Senior Preferred Shares;
“subsidiary entity” shall have the meaning set out in MI 61-101; and
“wholly-owned subsidiary entity” shall have the meaning set out in MI 61-101.
| 1.2 | Compliance Certificates and Opinions |
Upon any application or request by the Guarantor to the Security Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Guarantee, the Guarantor shall furnish to the Security Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Guarantee (including any covenant compliance with which constitutes a condition precedent) relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of
3
such counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Guarantee relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
In addition to the foregoing, every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Guarantee (other than as otherwise specified herein) shall include:
| (a) | a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read and understood such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto; |
| (b) | a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based; |
| (c) | a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and |
| (d) | a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such covenant or condition has been complied with. |
| 1.3 | Form of Documents Delivered to Security Trustee |
In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.
Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Governing Body of the Guarantor may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his or her certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Governing Body of the Guarantor stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Guarantor, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.
Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Guarantee, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.
| 1.4 | Acts of Holders |
| (a) | Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Guarantee to be given or taken by one or more Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agents duly appointed by them in writing. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Security Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Guarantor and/or the Corporation. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments or so voting at any such meeting. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent, or of the holding by any Person of a Senior Preferred Share, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Guarantee and conclusive in favour of the Security Trustee, the Guarantor and the Corporation, if made in the manner provided in this Section. |
| (b) | The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of authority. The fact |
4
| and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner that the Security Trustee deems sufficient. |
| (c) | If the Guarantor shall solicit from any Holders of Senior Preferred Shares any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, the Guarantor may, at its option, by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, but the Guarantor shall have no obligation to do so. Such record date shall be the record date specified in or pursuant to such Board Resolution, which shall be a date not earlier than the date 30 days prior to the first solicitation of Holders generally in connection therewith and not later than the date such solicitation is completed. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the purposes of determining whether Holders of the requisite percentage of the applicable outstanding Senior Preferred Shares have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for that purpose the outstanding Senior Preferred Shares shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the Holders on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Guarantee not later than eleven months after the record date. |
| 1.5 | Notices, Etc. to Security Trustee and Guarantor |
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other documents provided or permitted by this Guarantee to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,
| (a) | the Security Trustee by any Holder, the Guarantor or the Corporation shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if in writing and delivered, mailed (first-class postage prepaid) or sent by facsimile to the Security Trustee at 100 University Ave, 8th Floor, Toronto ON M5J 2Y1 Attention: Manager, Corporate Trust, Facsimile No. 416-981-9777; or |
| (b) | the Guarantor by any Holder, the Security Trustee, or the Corporation shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and delivered, mailed (first-class postage prepaid) or sent by facsimile to the Guarantor addressed to it at P.O. Box 762, Suite 300, Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5J 2T3, Attention: Corporate Secretary, Facsimile No. (416) 369-2301; or |
| (c) | the Corporation by any Holder, the Security Trustee or any Guarantor shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and delivered, mailed (first-class postage prepaid) or sent by facsimile to the Corporation addressed to it at P.O. Box 762, Suite 300, Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3, Attention: Corporate Secretary, Facsimile No. (416) 369-2301. |
Any delivery made or facsimile sent on a day other than a Business Day, or after 3:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on a Business Day, shall be deemed to be received on the next following Business Day. Anything mailed shall not be deemed to have been given until it is actually received. The Guarantor or the Corporation may from time to time notify the Security Trustee of a change in address or facsimile number which thereafter, until changed by like notice, shall be the address or facsimile number of the Guarantor or the Corporation for all purposes of this Guarantee.
| 1.6 | Notice to Holders; Waiver |
Where this Guarantee provides for notice of any event to any Holders of Senior Preferred Shares by the Guarantor or the Security Trustee, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each such Holder affected by such event, at the Holder’s address as it appears in the list of Holders as provided by the Corporation, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice or in any other manner from time to time permitted by applicable laws, including, without limitation, internet-based or other electronic communications. In any case where notice to any Holders of Senior Preferred Shares is given by mail, neither the accidental failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders of Senior Preferred Shares, but upon such failure to mail or such defect in any notice so mailed being discovered, the notice (as corrected to address any defects) shall be mailed forthwith to such Holder. Any notice mailed to a Holder in the manner herein prescribed shall be conclusively deemed to have been received by such Holder, whether or not such Holder actually receives such notice.
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Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver required or permitted under this Guarantee shall be in the English language.
Where this Guarantee provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Security Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.
| 1.7 | Effect of Headings |
The Article and Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.
| 1.8 | Successors and Assigns |
All covenants and agreements in this Guarantee by the Guarantor shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.
| 1.9 | Severability Clause |
In case any provision in this Guarantee shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
| 1.10 | Governing Law |
This Guarantee shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
| 1.11 | No Recourse Against Certain Persons |
A director, officer, employee or securityholder, as such, of the Guarantor shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Guarantor under this Guarantee or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or its creation.
| 1.12 | Counterparts |
This Guarantee may be executed by facsimile, PDF or other electronic signature and in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which together constitute one and the same instrument.
| 1.13 | Language |
Les parties aux présentes ont exigé que la présente convention ainsi que tous les documents et avis qui s’y rattachent et/ou qui en decouleront soient rediges et exécutés en langue anglaise. The parties hereto have required that this Guarantee and all documents and notices related thereto be drafted and executed in English.
| 1.14 | Force Majeure |
The Security Trustee shall not be liable to any party to this Guarantee, or held in breach of this Guarantee by any party to this Guarantee, if prevented, hindered, or delayed in the performance or observance of any provision contained herein by reason of acts of God, riots, terrorism, acts of war, epidemics, governmental action or judicial order, earthquakes, or any other similar causes (including, but not limited to, mechanical, electronic or communication interruptions, disruptions or failures). Performance times applicable to the Security Trustee’s obligations under this Guarantee shall be extended for a period of time equivalent to the time lost because of any delay that is excusable under this Section.
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ARTICLE 2
GUARANTEE
| 2.1 | Guarantee |
The Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees in favour of the Holders the due and punctual payment of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations, regardless of any defense (except for the defense of payment by the Corporation), right of set-off or counterclaim which the Guarantor may have or assert. The Guarantor’s obligation to pay Senior Preferred Share Obligations may be satisfied by (i) direct payment to the applicable Holders or (ii) payment to the applicable Holders through the facilities of the Security Trustee. The Guarantor shall give prompt written notice to the Security Trustee in the event it makes a direct payment to the Holders hereunder.
| 2.2 | Waiver of Notice |
The Guarantor hereby waives notice of acceptance of this Guarantee.
| 2.3 | Guarantee Absolute |
The Guarantor guarantees that the Senior Preferred Share Obligations will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of the Senior Preferred Shares and this Guarantee within the time required by Section 2.1, regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any such terms or the rights of the Holders with respect thereto. The liability of the Guarantor under this Guarantee shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of:
| (a) | any sale, transfer or assignment by any Holder of any Senior Preferred Shares or any right, title, benefit or interest of such Holder therein or thereto; |
| (b) | any amendment or change in or to, or any waiver of, any of the terms of any Senior Preferred Shares; |
| (c) | any change in the name, objects, constitution, capacity, capital or the constating documents of the Guarantor; |
| (d) | any change in the name, objects, constitution, capacity, capital or the constating documents of the Corporation; |
| (e) | any partial payment by the Corporation, or any release or waiver, by operation of law or otherwise, of the performance or observance by the Corporation of any express or implied agreement, covenant, term or condition relating to any Senior Preferred Shares to be performed or observed by the Corporation; |
| (f) | the extension of time for the payment by the Corporation of all or any portion of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations or the extension of time for the performance of any other obligation under, arising out of, or in connection with, any Senior Preferred Shares; |
| (g) | any failure, omission, delay or lack of diligence on the part of the Holders to enforce, assert or exercise any right, privilege, power or remedy conferred on the Holders pursuant to the terms of any Senior Preferred Shares, or any action on the part of the Corporation granting indulgence or extension of any kind; |
| (h) | subject to Section 4.1(b), the recovery of any judgment against the Corporation, any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of any collateral, winding up, merger or amalgamation of the Corporation or the Guarantor, any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, or any judicial or extrajudicial receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of, or proposal to, creditors, any reorganization, moratorium, arrangement, composition with creditors, or any readjustment of debt of, or other proceedings affecting the Corporation, the Guarantor or any of the assets of the Corporation or the Guarantor; |
| (i) | any circumstance, act or omission that would prevent subrogation operating in favour of the Guarantor; |
| (j) | any invalidity of, or defect or deficiency in, the Senior Preferred Shares or this Guarantee; |
| (k) | the settlement or compromise of any obligation guaranteed hereby or hereby incurred; or |
| (l) | any other circumstance, act or omission that might otherwise constitute a defence available to, or a discharge of, the Corporation in respect of any of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations (other than, and to the extent of, the payment or satisfaction thereof); |
it being the intent of the Guarantor that its obligations in respect of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations shall be absolute and unconditional under all circumstances and shall not be discharged except by payment in full of the Senior Preferred
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Share Obligations. The Holders shall not be bound or obliged to exhaust their recourse against the Corporation or any other Persons or to take any other action before being entitled to demand payment from the Guarantor hereunder.
There shall be no obligation of the Holders to give notice to, or obtain the consent of, the Guarantor with respect to the happening of any of the foregoing.
| 2.4 | Continuing Guarantee |
This Guarantee shall apply to and secure any ultimate balance due or remaining due to the Holders in respect of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations and shall be binding as an absolute and continuing obligation of the Guarantor. This Guarantee shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment of any of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations must or may be rescinded, is declared or may become voidable, or must or may otherwise be returned by the Holders for any reason, including the insolvency, bankruptcy, dissolution or reorganization of the Corporation or upon or as a result of the appointment of a custodian, receiver, trustee or other officer with similar powers with respect to the Corporation or any substantial part of its property, all as though such payment had not been made. If at any time the Corporation is precluded from making payment when due in respect of any Senior Preferred Share Obligations by reason of the provisions of the CBCA or otherwise, such amounts shall nonetheless be deemed to be due and payable by the Corporation to the Holders for all purposes of this Guarantee and the Senior Preferred Share Obligations shall be immediately due and payable to the Holders. This is a guarantee of payment, and not merely a deficiency or collection guarantee.
| 2.5 | Rights of Holders |
The Guarantor expressly acknowledges that: (i) this Guarantee will be deposited with the Security Trustee to be held for the benefit of the Holders; and (ii) the Security Trustee has the right to enforce this Guarantee on behalf of the Holders.
| 2.6 | Guarantee of Payment |
If the Corporation shall fail to pay any of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations when due, the Guarantor shall pay to the Holders the Senior Preferred Share Obligations that are payable immediately after demand is made in writing by one or more Holders or the Security Trustee, but in any event within 15 days of any failure by the Corporation to pay the Senior Preferred Share Obligations when due, without any evidence that the Holders or the Security Trustee have demanded that the Corporation pay any of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations or that the Corporation has failed to do so.
| 2.7 | Subrogation |
The Guarantor shall have no right of subrogation in respect of any payment made to the Holders hereunder until such time as the Senior Preferred Share Obligations have been fully satisfied. In the case of the liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or bankruptcy of the Corporation (whether voluntary or involuntary), or if the Corporation makes an arrangement or compromise or proposal with its creditors, the Holders shall have the right to rank for their full claim and to receive all dividends or other payments in respect thereof until their claims have been paid in full, and the Guarantor shall continue to be liable to the Holders for any balance which may be owing to the Holders by the Corporation in respect thereof. The Senior Preferred Share Obligations shall not, however, be released, discharged, limited or affected by the failure or omission of the Holders to prove the whole or part of any claim against the Corporation. If any amount is paid to the Guarantor on account of any subrogation arising hereunder at any time when the Senior Preferred Share Obligations have not been fully satisfied, such amount shall be held in trust by the Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders and shall forthwith be paid to the Holders to be credited and applied against the applicable Senior Preferred Share Obligations.
| 2.8 | Independent Obligations |
The Guarantor acknowledges that its obligations hereunder are independent of the obligations of the Corporation with respect to the Senior Preferred Shares and that the Guarantor shall be liable to make payment of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee notwithstanding the occurrence of any event referred to in subsections (a) through (l), inclusive, of Section 2.3 and regardless of whether the Holders make a demand upon the Guarantor. The Guarantor will pay the Senior Preferred Share Obligations in accordance with this Guarantee without regard to any equities between it and the Corporation or any defence or right of set-off, compensation, abatement, combination of accounts or cross-claim that it or the Corporation or any Additional Guarantor may have.
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| 2.9 | Guarantor to Investigate Financial Condition of the Corporation |
The Guarantor acknowledges that it has fully informed itself about the financial condition of the Corporation. The Guarantor assumes full responsibility for keeping fully informed of the financial condition of the Corporation and all other circumstances affecting the Corporation’s ability to pay the Senior Preferred Share Obligations.
ARTICLE 3
SUBORDINATION OF OBLIGATIONS TO SENIOR INDEBTEDNESS
| 3.1 | Applicability of Article |
The obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall be subordinate and subject in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth in the following sections of this Article 3, to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor, and the Security Trustee and each Holder as a condition to and by acceptance of the benefits conferred hereby agrees to and shall be bound by the provisions of this Article 3.
| 3.2 | Order of Payment |
Upon any distribution of the assets of the Guarantor on any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization of the Guarantor (whether in bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership proceedings, or upon an “assignment for the benefit of creditors” or any other marshalling of the assets and liabilities of the Guarantor, or otherwise):
| (a) | all Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor shall first be paid in full, or provision made for such payment, before any payment is made on account of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations; and |
| (b) | any payment or distribution of assets of the Guarantor, whether in cash, property or securities, to which the Holders or the Security Trustee on behalf of such Holders would be entitled except for the provisions of this Article 3, shall be paid or delivered by the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee for the benefit of creditors, or other liquidating agent making such payment or distribution, directly to the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor or their representative or representatives, or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture pursuant to which any instruments evidencing any of such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, to the extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor in full after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution, or provision therefor, to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness. |
| 3.3 | Subrogation to Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness |
Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor, the Holders shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor to receive payments or distributions of assets of the Guarantor (to the extent of the application thereto of such payments or other assets which would have been received by the Holders but for the provisions hereof) until the Senior Preferred Share Obligations shall be paid in full, and no such payments or distributions to Holders of cash, property or securities, which otherwise would be payable or distributable to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness, shall, as between the Guarantor, its creditors (other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness), and the Holders, be deemed to be a payment by the Guarantor to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness or on account of such Senior Indebtedness, it being understood that the provisions of this Article 3 are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of Holders, on the one hand, and the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor, on the other hand.
| 3.4 | Pari Passu Ranking |
Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder rank on a pro rata and pari passu basis with the BEP Preferred Unit Guarantee Obligations (collectively, the Senior Preferred Share Obligations and the BEP Preferred Unit Guarantee Obligations are the “Guaranteed Obligations”). All Senior Preferred Share Obligations are expressly pari passu with all BEP Preferred Unit Guarantee Obligations for purposes of all BEP Preferred Unit Guarantee Indentures.
| 3.5 | Obligation to Pay Not Impaired |
Nothing contained in this Article 3 or elsewhere in this Guarantee is intended to or shall impair, as between the Guarantor, its creditors (other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness) and the Holders, the obligation of the Guarantor,
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which is absolute and unconditional, to pay to the Holders the Senior Preferred Share Obligations in accordance herewith, as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with this Guarantee, or affect the relative rights of the Holders and creditors of the Guarantor other than the holders of the Senior Indebtedness; nor shall anything herein or therein prevent the Security Trustee or any Holder from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Guarantee, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article 3 of the holders of Senior Indebtedness and other Guaranteed Obligations in respect of cash, property or securities of the Guarantor that are received upon the exercise of any such remedy.
| 3.6 | No Payment if Senior Indebtedness in Default |
Upon the acceleration, demand or maturity of any Senior Indebtedness whether by lapse of time, acceleration, demand or otherwise, then, except as provided in Section 3.7, all principal of and interest on all such matured Senior Indebtedness shall first be paid in full, or shall first have been duly provided for, before any payment by the Guarantor is made on account of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations.
In case of default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness that permits the holders thereof to accelerate the maturity thereof, unless and until such default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist, no payment (by purchase of Senior Preferred Shares or otherwise) shall be made by the Guarantor with respect to the Senior Preferred Share Obligations, and neither the Security Trustee nor the Holders shall be entitled to demand, institute proceedings for the collection of, or receive any payment or benefit from the Guarantor (including without limitation by set-off, combination of accounts or otherwise in any manner whatsoever) on account of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations after the happening of such a default (except as provided in Section 3.8), and unless and until such default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist, such payments received from the Guarantor shall be held in trust for the benefit of, and, if and when the Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor shall have become due and payable, shall be paid over to, the holders of such Senior Indebtedness or their representative or representatives or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture under which any instruments evidencing an amount of such Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid, until all such Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.
The fact that any payment hereunder is prohibited by this Section 3.6 shall not prevent the failure to make such payment from being an Event of Default hereunder.
| 3.7 | Payment on Senior Preferred Shares Permitted |
Nothing contained in this Article 3 or elsewhere in this Guarantee, or in any of the Senior Preferred Shares, shall affect the obligation of the Guarantor to make, or prevent the Guarantor from making, at any time except during the pendency of any dissolution, winding up or liquidation of the Guarantor or reorganization proceedings specified in Section 3.2 affecting the affairs of the Guarantor, any payment on account of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations, except that the Guarantor shall not make any such payment other than as contemplated by this Article 3, if it is in default in payment of any of its Senior Indebtedness. The fact that any such payment is prohibited by this Section 3.7 shall not prevent the failure to make such payment from being an Event of Default hereunder. Nothing contained in this Article 3 or elsewhere in this Guarantee, or in any of the Senior Preferred Shares, shall prevent the application by the Security Trustee of any moneys deposited with the Security Trustee hereunder for the purpose so deposited, to the payment of or on account of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations unless and until the Security Trustee shall have received written notice from the Guarantor or from the holder of Senior Indebtedness or from the representative of any such holder of default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness permitting the holders thereof to accelerate the maturity thereof.
| 3.8 | Confirmation of Subordination |
As a condition to the benefits conferred hereby on each Holder, each such Holder by acceptance thereof authorizes and directs the Security Trustee, on the Holder’s behalf, to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination as provided in this Article 3, and appoints the Security Trustee as the Holder’s attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes. Upon request of the Guarantor, and upon being furnished with an Officer’s Certificate stating that one or more named Persons are holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Guarantor, or the representative or representatives of such holders, or the trustee or trustees under which any instrument evidencing such Senior Indebtedness may have been issued, and specifying the amount and nature of such Senior Indebtedness, the Security Trustee shall enter into a written agreement or agreements with the Guarantor and the Person or Persons named in such Officer’s Certificate providing that such Person or Persons are entitled to all the rights and benefits of this Article 3 as the holder or holders, representative or representatives, or trustee or trustees of such Senior Indebtedness specified in such Officer’s Certificate and in such
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agreement. Such agreement shall be conclusive evidence that the indebtedness specified therein is Senior Indebtedness, however, nothing herein shall impair the rights of any holder of Senior Indebtedness who has not entered into such an agreement.
| 3.9 | Security Trustee May Hold Senior Indebtedness |
The Security Trustee is entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article 3 with respect to any Senior Indebtedness at the time held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness, and nothing in this Guarantee deprives the Security Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.
| 3.10 | Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness Not Impaired |
No right of any present or future holder of any Senior Indebtedness to enforce the subordination herein will at any time or in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Guarantor or by any non-compliance by the Guarantor with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Guarantee, regardless of any knowledge thereof which any such holder may have or be otherwise charged with.
| 3.11 | Altering Senior Indebtedness |
A holder of Senior Indebtedness has the right to extend, renew, modify or amend the terms of such Senior Indebtedness or any security therefor and to release, sell or exchange such security and otherwise to deal freely with the Guarantor or any other Person, all without notice to or consent of the Holders or the Security Trustee and without affecting the subordination herein, the liabilities and obligations of the parties to this Guarantee or the Holders or the Security Trustee.
| 3.12 | Additional Indebtedness |
This Guarantee does not restrict the Guarantor from incurring any indebtedness or otherwise or mortgaging, pledging or charging its properties to secure any indebtedness.
ARTICLE 4
TERMINATION AND REMEDIES
| 4.1 | Termination of Guarantee |
| (a) | This Guarantee shall terminate upon the satisfaction of the following: |
| (i) | either |
| (A) | all of the outstanding Senior Preferred Shares shall have been purchased and cancelled; and/or |
| (B) | all of the outstanding Senior Preferred Shares shall have been redeemed; and |
| (ii) | all other sums payable by the Corporation in respect of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations have been paid. |
The Guarantor shall notify the Security Trustee in writing that the requirements set out in Sections 4.1(a)(i) and (ii) have been satisfied and that the Guarantee has been terminated as a result thereof.
| (b) | This Guarantee shall terminate automatically upon the occurrence of any of the following events: |
| (i) | the Guarantor becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary entity of an Additional Guarantor; or |
| (ii) | the Guarantor becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary entity of BEP or Brookfield Renewable Energy L.P. |
The Guarantor shall notify the Security Trustee in writing of the occurrence of either of the events under this Section 4.1(b) and the termination of this Guarantee as a result thereof.
| (c) | All of the rights, obligations and liabilities of the Guarantor pursuant to this Guarantee shall terminate upon the conveyance, distribution or transfer (including pursuant to a reorganization, consolidation, liquidation, dissolution, sale of any collateral, winding up, merger, amalgamation, arrangement or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the Guarantor’s properties, securities and assets to the Corporation or a Person that is an Additional Guarantor immediately prior to such conveyance, distribution or transfer. |
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| (d) | Upon termination of this Guarantee the Security Trustee shall, upon request of the Guarantor, provide to the Guarantor written documentation acknowledging the termination of this Guarantee. |
| 4.2 | Suits for Enforcement by the Security Trustee |
In the event that the Guarantor fails to pay any Senior Preferred Share Obligations as required (an “Event of Default”) pursuant to the terms of this Guarantee, the Holders may institute judicial proceedings for the collection of the moneys so due and unpaid, may prosecute such proceedings to judgment or final decree and may enforce the same against the Corporation and/or the Guarantor and may collect the moneys adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Guarantor, subject to the provisions of Article 3.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Security Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders, upon being indemnified and funded to its satisfaction by the Holders, by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Security Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Guarantee or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.
| 4.3 | Security Trustee May File Proofs of Claim |
In case of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Guarantor or the property of the Guarantor that is pending, the Security Trustee shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise,
| (a) | to file and prove a claim for any Senior Preferred Share Obligation then due and payable by the Guarantor hereunder and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Security Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Security Trustee, its agents and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding; and |
| (b) | to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same; |
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Security Trustee.
Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Security Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Senior Preferred Shares or the rights of any Holder thereof or to authorize the Security Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.
| 4.4 | Security Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Senior Preferred Shares |
All rights of action and claims under this Guarantee may be prosecuted and enforced by the Security Trustee without the possession of any of the Senior Preferred Shares in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Security Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Security Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the rateable benefit of the Holders in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.
| 4.5 | Application of Money Collected |
Any money collected by the Security Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order:
FIRST, To the payment of all amounts due to the Security Trustee including, without limitation, the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Security Trustee in or about the execution of its trust, or otherwise in relation hereto, with interest thereon as herein provided;
SECOND, To the payment of all amounts due to the Holders in respect of the costs, charges, expenses and advances incurred in connection with enforcing their rights hereunder;
THIRD, To the payment of all Senior Preferred Share Obligations then due and unpaid on a pro rata basis; and
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FOURTH, The balance, if any, to the Person or Persons entitled thereto.
| 4.6 | Limitation on Suits |
No Holder shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Guarantee, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless:
| (a) | such Holder has previously given written notice to the Security Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to this Guarantee; |
| (b) | the Holders representing not less than 25% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Senior Preferred Shares affected by such Event of Default (determined as one class), shall have made written request to the Security Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Security Trustee hereunder; |
| (c) | such Holder or Holders have provided to the Security Trustee reasonable funding, if requested by the Security Trustee, and reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request; |
| (d) | the Security Trustee for 15 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and |
| (e) | no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Security Trustee during such 15-day period by the Holders representing a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Senior Preferred Shares affected by such Event of Default (determined as one class); |
it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Guarantee to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Guarantee, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and rateable benefit of all Holders.
| 4.7 | Restoration of Rights and Remedies |
If the Security Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Guarantee and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Security Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Guarantor, the Security Trustee and the Holders shall be restored to their respective former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Security Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.
| 4.8 | Rights and Remedies Cumulative |
No right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Security Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.
| 4.9 | Delay or Omission Not Waiver |
No delay or omission of the Security Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Security Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Security Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.
| 4.10 | Control by Holders |
The Holders representing not less than a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Senior Preferred Shares affected by an Event of Default (determined as one class) shall have the right to direct
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the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Security Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Security Trustee, with respect to this Guarantee, provided that in each case:
| (a) | such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Guarantee; |
| (b) | the Security Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Security Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction; and |
| (c) | the Security Trustee need not take any action which might involve it in personal liability or be unjustly prejudicial to the Holders not consenting to any such direction. |
| 4.11 | Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws |
The Guarantor covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Guarantee; and the Guarantor (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Security Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.
| 4.12 | Undertaking for Costs |
All parties to this Guarantee agree, and each Holder by acceptance thereof and by acceptance of the benefits hereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Guarantee, or in any suit against the Security Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Security Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable lawyers’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to (i) any suit instituted by the Guarantor, (ii) any suit instituted by the Security Trustee, (iii) any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 25% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Senior Preferred Shares, or (iv) any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations in compliance with this Guarantee.
ARTICLE 5
THE SECURITY TRUSTEE
| 5.1 | Certain Duties and Responsibilities |
| (a) | The Security Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Guarantee, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Guarantee against the Security Trustee. |
| (b) | The Security Trustee, in exercising its powers and discharging its duties prescribed or conferred by this Guarantee, shall |
| (i) | act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Holders, and |
| (ii) | exercise that degree of care, diligence and skill a reasonably prudent trustee, appointed in respect of a guarantee indenture would exercise in comparable circumstances. |
| (c) | In the absence of bad faith on its part, the Security Trustee, in the exercise of its rights and duties hereunder, may conclusively act and rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates, opinions or other evidence furnished to the Security Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Guarantee. The Security Trustee shall not be liable for or by reason of any statements of fact or recitals in this Guarantee or be required to verify the same, but all such statements or recitals are and shall be deemed to be made by the Guarantor (or by its agents). The Security Trustee shall not in any way be responsible for the consequence of any breach on the part of the Guarantor (or by its agents) of any of the Guarantor’s covenants herein. |
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| (d) | No provision of this Guarantee shall be construed to relieve the Security Trustee from the duties imposed on it in Section 5.1(b) or from liability for its own gross negligence or its own wilful misconduct, except that: |
| (i) | this Section 5.1(d) shall not be construed to limit the effect of Section 5.1(a) and (b); |
| (ii) | the Security Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by any of its officers, unless it shall be proved that the Security Trustee was grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; |
| (iii) | the Security Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with an appropriate direction of the Holders pursuant to Section 4.10 relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Security Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Security Trustee, under this Guarantee; and |
| (iv) | no provision of this Guarantee shall require the Security Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any personal financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers except as herein expressly provided. |
| (e) | Whether or not herein expressly so provided, every provision of this Guarantee relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Security Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section. |
| 5.2 | Certain Rights of Security Trustee |
Subject to the provisions of Section 5.1:
| (a) | the Security Trustee may rely absolutely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, Officer’s Certificate or other certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties, not only as to its due execution and the validity and effectiveness of its provisions, but also as to the truth or accuracy of any information therein contained; |
| (b) | any order, request or direction of the Guarantor mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Guarantor Request or Guarantor Order and any resolution shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution; |
| (c) | whenever in the administration of this Guarantee the Security Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Security Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may act and rely upon an Officer’s Certificate (i) as evidence of the truth of any statements of fact, and (ii) to the effect that any particular dealing or transaction or step or thing is, in the opinion of the officers so certifying, expedient, as evidence that it is expedient; provided that the Security Trustee may in its sole discretion, acting reasonably, require from the Guarantor or otherwise further evidence or information before acting or relying on such certificate; |
| (d) | the Security Trustee may employ or retain such agents, counsel and other assistants as it may reasonably require for the proper determination and discharge of its duties hereunder and shall be entitled to receive reasonable remuneration for all services performed by it and compensation for all disbursements, costs and expenses made or incurred by it in the discharge of its duties hereunder and shall not be responsible for any misconduct on the part of any of them, any such costs and expenses which shall immediately become and form part of the Security Trustee’s fees hereunder; |
| (e) | the Security Trustee may, in relation to this Guarantee, act and rely on the opinion or advice of or on information obtained from any counsel, notary, valuer, surveyor, engineer, broker, auctioneer, accountant or other expert, whether retained by the Security Trustee or by the Guarantor or otherwise; |
| (f) | the Security Trustee may consult with counsel and the written advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in reliance thereon; |
| (g) | the Security Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Guarantee at the request or direction of any of the Holders pursuant to this Guarantee, unless such Holders shall have furnished to the Security Trustee reasonable funding and a reasonable indemnity, satisfactory to the Security Trustee, to protect and hold harmless the Security Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction and/or damage it may suffer by reason thereof as a condition to the commencement or continuation of such act, action or proceeding. The Security Trustee may, before commencing or at any time during the continuance of any such act, action or proceeding require the Holders at whose instance it is acting, to deposit with the Security Trustee the share |
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| certificates held by them respecting the Senior Preferred Shares for which such share certificates the Security Trustee shall issue receipts; |
| (h) | the Security Trustee shall not be required to take notice of any default under this Guarantee, other than payment of any moneys required by any provision of this Guarantee to be paid to it, unless and until notified in writing of such default, which notice shall clearly set out the nature of the default desired to be brought to the attention of the Security Trustee; |
| (i) | prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default under this Guarantee and after the curing of any such Event of Default which may have occurred, the Security Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, or other paper or document or any investigation of the books and records of any Guarantor (but the Security Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Security Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Guarantor, personally or by agent or attorney), unless requested to do so by the Act of the Holders representing a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Senior Preferred Shares; provided, however, that the Security Trustee may require reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses or liabilities likely to be incurred by it in the making of such investigation; and |
| (j) | the Security Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys, and the Security Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder. Any solicitors employed or consulted by the Security Trustee as counsel may, but need not be solicitors for the Guarantor. |
| 5.3 | Protection of Security Trustee |
By way of supplement to the provisions of any law for the time being relating to trustees, it is expressly declared and agreed as follows:
| (a) | the recitals contained herein, shall be taken as the statements of the Guarantor, and the Security Trustee shall not be liable for or assume any responsibility for their correctness; |
| (b) | the Security Trustee makes no representations as to, and shall not be liable for, the validity or sufficiency of this Guarantee; |
| (c) | nothing herein contained shall impose any obligation on the Security Trustee to see or to require evidence of registration or filing (or renewals thereof) of this Guarantee or any instrument ancillary or supplemental hereto; |
| (d) | the Security Trustee shall not be bound to give any notice of the execution hereof; |
| (e) | the Security Trustee shall not incur any liability or responsibility whatever or be in any way responsible for the consequence of any breach on the part of the Guarantor of any of the covenants herein contained or of any act of the agents or servants of the Guarantor; and |
| (f) | the Corporation shall indemnify the Security Trustee (including its directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents) for, and hold it harmless against, any claim, demand, suit, loss, liability or expense (including any and all reasonable legal and adviser fees and disbursements) incurred without gross negligence or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder. This indemnity will survive the termination or discharge of this Guarantee and the resignation or removal of the Security Trustee. |
| 5.4 | Security Trustee Not Required to Give Security |
The Security Trustee shall not be required to give security for the execution of the trusts or its conduct or administration hereunder.
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| 5.5 | No Person Dealing with Security Trustee Need Enquire |
No Person dealing with the Security Trustee shall be concerned to enquire whether the powers that the Security Trustee is purporting to exercise have become exercisable, or whether any money remains due upon the Senior Preferred Shares or to see to the application of any money paid to the Security Trustee.
| 5.6 | May Hold Senior Preferred Shares |
Subject to applicable law, the Security Trustee, in its individual or in any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of the Senior Preferred Shares and, subject to Section 5.8, may otherwise deal with the Guarantor with the same rights it would have if it were not the Security Trustee, and without being liable to account for any profit made thereby.
| 5.7 | Moneys Held in Trust |
Upon receipt of a direction from the Guarantor, the Security Trustee shall invest funds held by the Security Trustee in Authorized Investments in its name in accordance with such direction. Any direction from the Guarantor to the Security Trustee shall be in writing and shall be provided to the Security Trustee no later than 9:00 a.m. on the day on which the investment is to be made. Any such direction received by the Security Trustee after 9:00 a.m. ET or received on a non-Business Day, shall be deemed to have been given prior to 9:00 a.m. ET the next Business Day. Any direction from the Guarantor for the release of the funds must be received prior to 11:00 a.m. ET on the day on which the release of funds is to be made. Any such direction for the release of funds received after 11:00 a.m. ET or on a non-Business Day, will be handled on a commercially reasonable efforts basis and may result in funds being released on the next Business Day. For the purposes of this Section, “Authorized Investments” means short term interest bearing or discount debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the Government of Canada or a Province or a Canadian chartered bank (which may include an Affiliate or related party of the Security Trustee) provided that such obligation is rated at least R1 (middle) by DBRS Limited or an equivalent rating service.
In the event that the Security Trustee does not receive a direction or only a partial direction, the Security Trustee may hold cash balances constituting part or all of the funds received by it hereunder and may, but need not, invest same in its deposit department, the deposit department of one of its Affiliates, or the deposit department of a Canadian chartered bank; but the Security Trustee, its Affiliates or a Canadian chartered bank shall not be liable to account for any profit to any parties to this Guarantee or to any other Person or entity other than at a rate, if any, established from time to time by the Security Trustee, its Affiliates or a Canadian chartered bank. For the purpose of this Section, “Affiliate” means affiliated companies within the meaning of the CBCA, and includes Computershare Investor Services Inc. and each of its Affiliates.
| 5.8 | Conflict of Interest |
| (a) | The Security Trustee represents to the Guarantor that at the time of the execution and delivery hereof and to the best of the Security Trustee’s knowledge and belief, no material conflict of interest exists in respect of the Security Trustee’s role as a fiduciary hereunder and agrees that in the event of a material conflict of interest arising hereafter it will, within 90 days after becoming aware that a material conflict of interest exists, either eliminate the same or resign its trust hereunder. |
| (b) | If, notwithstanding Section 5.8(a), the Security Trustee has a material conflict of interest, the validity and enforceability of this Guarantee shall not be affected in any manner whatsoever by reason only of the existence of such material conflict of interest. |
| (c) | If the Security Trustee contravenes Section 5.8(a), the Holders representing not less than 25% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Senior Preferred Shares may apply to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for an order that the Security Trustee be replaced, and such court may make an order on such terms as it thinks fit. |
| 5.9 | Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility |
There shall at all times be a trustee hereunder which shall be a corporation resident or authorized to carry on the business of a trust company in Canada. Neither the Guarantor nor any Affiliate of the Guarantor shall serve as trustee. If at any time the Security Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Security Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.
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| 5.10 | Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor |
| (a) | Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, no resignation or removal of the Security Trustee and no appointment of a successor trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 5.11. |
| (b) | The Security Trustee may resign its trust and be discharged from all further duties and liabilities hereunder at any time with respect to the Guarantee by giving to the Corporation and the Guarantor 60 days’ notice in writing or such shorter notice as they may accept as sufficient. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor trustee required by Section 5.11 shall not have been delivered to the Security Trustee within 60 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning trustee may apply to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for an order for the appointment of a successor trustee with respect to the Guarantee. |
| (c) | The Security Trustee may be removed at any time by the Guarantor, except during an Event of Default. |
| (d) | If any time: |
| (i) | the Security Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 5.8(a); or |
| (ii) | the Security Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 5.9 and shall fail to resign after written request to do so by the Guarantor; or |
| (iii) | the Security Trustee shall be dissolved, shall become incapable of acting or shall become or be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Security Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Security Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation, |
then, in any such case the Guarantor by Board Resolution may remove the Security Trustee.
| (e) | If the Security Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of the Security Trustee for any other reason, the Guarantor, by Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor trustee or trustees and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 5.11. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor trustee has not been successfully appointed in accordance with the terms hereof, a successor trustee shall be appointed by Act of the Holders representing a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Senior Preferred Shares and the successor Security Trustee so appointed by the Holders shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 5.11, become the successor trustee. If no successor trustee shall have been so appointed by the Guarantor or the Holders and such appointment accepted in the manner required by Section 5.11, the Security Trustee (at the Corporation’s expense) or any Holder who is a bona fide Holder may, on behalf of such Holder and all other Holders, apply to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for any order for the appointment of a successor trustee. |
| (f) | The Corporation shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Security Trustee and each appointment of a successor trustee to the Holders by mailing such notice to such Holders at their addresses as they shall appear on the list of Holders as maintained by the Corporation. If the Corporation shall fail to give such notice within 10 days after acceptance of appointment by the successor trustee, the successor trustee shall cause such notice to be given at the expense of the Corporation. Each notice shall include the name of the successor trustee and the address of its Corporate Trust Office. |
| 5.11 | Acceptance of Appointment by Successor Trustee |
| (a) | In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee, each successor trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Corporation, the Guarantor and to the retiring trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring trustee shall become effective and such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance (but subject to Section 5.11(b)), shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring trustee. On the request of the Guarantor or the successor trustee, the retiring trustee shall, upon payment of its fees and expenses then unpaid, execute, acknowledge and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor trustee all such rights, powers and trusts of the retiring trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor trustee all property and money, if any, held by such retiring trustee hereunder. |
| (b) | In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor trustee, the Guarantor, the Corporation, the retiring trustee and such successor trustee shall execute, acknowledge and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto in which each successor trustee shall accept such appointment and which shall (i) contain such provisions as shall be |
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| deemed necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, such successor trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring trustee to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates, (ii) add to or change any of the provisions of this Guarantee to the extent necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture (except as specifically provided for therein) shall constitute such trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the resignation or removal of the retiring trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein, and each such successor trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring trustee with respect to the Guarantee to which the appointment of such successor trustee relates, and such retiring trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to each successor trustee all property and money held, if any, by such retiring trustee hereunder which the appointment of such successor trustee relates. |
| (c) | Upon request of any such successor trustee, the Corporation and the Guarantor shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor trustee all rights, power and trusts referred to in subsection (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be. |
| (d) | No successor trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article. |
| 5.12 | Merger, Consolidation, Amalgamation or Succession to Business |
Any corporation into which the Security Trustee may be merged or with which it may be consolidated or amalgamated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, consolidation or amalgamation to which the Security Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate trust business of the Security Trustee, shall be the successor of the Security Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or instrument or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto.
| 5.13 | Not Bound to Act |
The Security Trustee shall retain the right not to act and shall not be liable for refusing to act if, due to a lack of information or for any other reason whatsoever, the Security Trustee, in its sole judgment, determines that such act might cause it to be in non-compliance with any applicable economic sanctions or anti-money laundering or anti-terrorist legislation, regulation or guideline. Further, should the Security Trustee, in its sole judgment, determine at any time that its acting under this Guarantee has resulted in its being in non-compliance with any applicable economic sanctions or anti-money laundering or anti-terrorist legislation, regulation or guideline, then it shall have the right to resign on 10 days written notice to the Guarantor and the Corporation, provided that (i) the Security Trustee’s written notice shall describe the circumstances of such non-compliance; and (ii) if such circumstances are rectified to the Security Trustee’s satisfaction, acting reasonably, within such 10 day period, then such resignation shall not be effective.
| 5.14 | Security Trustee’s Privacy Clause |
The parties acknowledge that federal and/or provincial legislation that addresses the protection of individuals’ personal information (collectively, “Privacy Laws”) applies to obligations and activities under this Guarantee. Despite any other provision of this Guarantee, no party shall take or direct any action that would contravene, or cause the other to contravene, applicable Privacy Laws. The Guarantor shall, prior to transferring or causing to be transferred personal information to the Security Trustee, obtain and retain required consents of the relevant individuals to the collection, use and disclosure of their personal information, or shall have determined that such consents either have previously been given upon which the parties can rely or are not required under the Privacy Laws. The Security Trustee shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that its services hereunder comply with Privacy Laws. Specifically, the Security Trustee agrees: (i) to have a designated chief privacy officer; (ii) to maintain policies and procedures to protect personal information and to receive and respond to any privacy complaint or inquiry; (iii) to use personal information solely for the purposes of providing its services under or ancillary to this Guarantee and not to use it for any other purpose except with the consent of or direction from the Guarantor or the individual involved; (iv) not to sell or otherwise improperly disclose personal information to any third party; and (v) to employ administrative, physical and technological safeguards to reasonably secure and protect personal information against loss, theft, or unauthorized access, use or modification.
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| 5.15 | Compensation and Reimbursement |
The Corporation agrees:
| (a) | to pay to the Security Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust); and |
| (b) | except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Security Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Security Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Guarantee (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any tax in respect of which may be refunded or credited to it or any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or bad faith. |
The Security Trustee’s remuneration shall be payable out of any funds coming into the possession of the Security Trustee in priority to any payment of the Senior Preferred Share Obligations. The said remuneration shall continue to be payable whether or not this Guarantee shall be in the course of administration by or under the direction of a court of competent jurisdiction. Any amount due under this Section and unpaid within 30 days after demand for such payment by the Security Trustee, shall bear interest at the then current rate of interest charged by the Security Trustee to its corporate customers. This Section 5.15 shall survive the removal or termination of the Security Trustee and the termination of this Guarantee.
| 5.16 | Third Party Interests |
Each party to this Agreement (“Representing Party”) hereby represents to the Security Trustee that any account to be opened by, or interest to be held by, Security Trustee in connection with this Agreement, for or to the credit of such Representing Party, either (i) is not intended to be used by or on behalf of any third party; or (ii) is intended to be used by or on behalf of a third party, in which case such Representing Party hereby agrees to complete, execute and deliver forthwith to Security Trustee a declaration, in Security Trustee’s prescribed form or in such other form as may be satisfactory to it, as to the particulars of such third party.
ARTICLE 6
HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND GUARANTOR
| 6.1 | List of Holders |
The Corporation shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Security Trustee at such times as the Security Trustee may request in writing, within five Business Days after the receipt by the Corporation of any such request, a list, in such form as the Security Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished, in each case to the extent such information is in the possession or control of the Corporation and is not identical to a previously supplied list of Holders or has not otherwise been received by the Security Trustee in its capacity as such. The Security Trustee may destroy any list of Holders previously given to it on receipt of a new list of Holders.
| 6.2 | Access to list of Holders |
A Holder may, upon payment to the Security Trustee of a reasonable fee, require the Security Trustee to furnish within 10 days after receiving the affidavit or statutory declaration referred to below, a list setting out (i) the name and address of every Holder, (ii) the aggregate number of Senior Preferred Shares owned by each such Holder, and (iii) the aggregate number of Senior Preferred Shares then outstanding, each as shown on the records of the Security Trustee on the day that the affidavit or statutory declaration is delivered to the Security Trustee. The affidavit or statutory declaration, as the case may be, shall contain (i) the name and address of the Holder, (ii) where the applicant is a corporation, its name and address for service, (iii) a statement that the list will not be used except in connection with an effort to influence the voting of the Holders, or any other matter relating to the Guarantee, and (iv) such other undertaking as may be required by applicable law. Where the Holder is a corporation, the affidavit or statutory declaration shall be made by a director or officer of the corporation.
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| 6.3 | Communications to Holders |
The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Guarantee and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Security Trustee, shall be governed by applicable law.
Every Holder, by receiving and holding Senior Preferred Shares, agrees with the Guarantor, the Corporation and the Security Trustee that none of the Guarantor, the Corporation nor the Security Trustee nor any agent of any of them shall be held accountable by reason of any disclosure of information as to the names and addresses of Holders made pursuant to the terms hereof or applicable law.
ARTICLE 7
CONVEYANCE OR TRANSFER
| 7.1 | Conveyance or Transfer; Only on Certain Terms |
The Guarantor shall not convey, distribute or transfer all or substantially all of its properties, securities and assets to any Person or Persons, unless:
| (a) | the Person or Persons that so acquire all or substantially all of the Guarantor’s property shall, unless such assumption occurs by operation of law, have expressly assumed the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder pursuant to an indenture supplemental hereto that is executed and delivered to the Security Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Security Trustee, acting reasonably; and |
| (b) | the Guarantor or such Person shall have delivered to the Security Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such conveyance, distribution or transfer and such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with. |
This Section shall only apply to conveyances, distributions and transfers by the Guarantor as transferor and shall not apply to any conveyance, distribution or transfer by the Guarantor to the Corporation, any Additional Guarantor or any subsidiary entity of the Corporation or any Additional Guarantor.
| 7.2 | Successor Person Substituted |
Upon any conveyance, distribution or transfer of all or substantially all of the properties, securities and assets of the Guarantor to any Person that has assumed the obligations of the Guarantor in accordance with Section 7.1, the successor Person to which such conveyance, distribution or transfer is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Guarantor under this Guarantee with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Guarantor herein, and in the event of any such conveyance, distribution or transfer, the Guarantor shall be discharged of all obligations and covenants under this Guarantee.
ARTICLE 8
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
| 8.1 | Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders |
Without the consent of any Holders, the Guarantor, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, the Corporation and the Security Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Security Trustee, for any of the following purposes:
| (a) | to evidence the succession of another Person to the Guarantor and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Guarantor contained herein; or |
| (b) | to add to the covenants of the Guarantor or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Guarantor; or |
| (c) | to add any additional Events of Default; or |
| (d) | to secure or further secure the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder; or |
| (e) | to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor trustee with respect to this Guarantee and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Guarantee as shall be necessary to provide for |
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| or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 5.11; or |
| (f) | to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any amendment which, in the opinion of the Security Trustee, relying upon an Opinion of Counsel, does not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any material respect; or |
| (g) | to supplement any of the provisions of this Guarantee to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the termination of this Guarantee pursuant to Section 4.1; provided that in the opinion of the Security Trustee, relying upon an Opinion of Counsel, any such action (other than any action permitted by Section 4.1) does not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in any material respect. |
| 8.2 | Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders |
With the consent of either (i) the Holders representing not less than a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Senior Preferred Shares, by Act of such Holders delivered to the Guarantor and the Security Trustee, or (ii) if a meeting of the Holders is called for obtaining such consent, Holders representing not less than a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all Senior Preferred Shares represented at such meeting and voting in respect of such consent, the Guarantor, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and the Security Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Guarantee or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders under this Guarantee; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holders representing not less than 662/3% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Senior Preferred Shares by Act of such Holders delivered to the Guarantor and the Security Trustee, or, if a meeting of the Holders is called for obtaining such consent, Holders representing not less than 662/3% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all Senior Preferred Shares represented at such meeting and voting in respect of such consent, as the case may be:
| (a) | reduce the percentage of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the outstanding Senior Preferred Shares required for any such supplemental indenture, for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions of this Guarantee or certain defaults applicable hereunder and their consequences provided for in this Guarantee, or reduce the requirements of Section 11.4 for quorum or voting with respect to the Guarantee, or |
| (b) | modify any of the provisions of this Section, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Guarantee cannot be modified or waived without the consent of Holders. |
| 8.3 | Execution of Supplemental Indentures |
In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Guarantee, the Security Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully protected in acting and relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Guarantee. The Security Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Security Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Guarantee or otherwise.
| 8.4 | Effect of Supplemental Indentures |
Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Guarantee shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Guarantee for all purposes.
| 8.5 | Notice of Supplemental Guarantees |
Promptly after the execution by the Guarantor, the Corporation and the Security Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.2, the Corporation shall give notice thereof to the Holders of each of the outstanding Senior Preferred Shares affected, in the manner provided for in Section 1.6, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture.
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ARTICLE 9
COVENANTS
| 9.1 | Existence |
Subject to Article 7, the Guarantor will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence.
| 9.2 | Security Trustee Not Required to Verify Liquidation Amount |
The Guarantor and the Corporation will not require the Security Trustee to calculate or verify the Liquidation Amount. When requested by the Security Trustee, the Corporation shall deliver to the Security Trustee an Officer’s Certificate specifying the Liquidation Amount.
| 9.3 | Restriction on Distributions |
The Guarantor hereby covenants and agrees that if and for so long as either the board of directors of the Corporation has failed to declare, or the Corporation has failed to pay, dividends on the Senior Preferred Shares, in each case, in accordance with the share conditions attaching thereto, then the Guarantor shall not declare, pay or make any distributions or return of capital on its equity securities that are held by Persons other than the Corporation, an Additional Guarantor or a subsidiary entity thereof.
ARTICLE 10
PURCHASE OF SENIOR PREFERRED SHARES
| 10.1 | Purchase of Senior Preferred Shares |
Subject to applicable law, the Guarantor may at any time purchase Senior Preferred Shares at any price in the market (including purchases from or through an investment dealer or a firm holding membership on a recognized stock exchange) or by tender available to all Holders of a particular Series or by private contract.
ARTICLE 11
MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SENIOR PREFERRED SHARES
| 11.1 | Purposes for Which Meetings May Be Called |
A meeting of the Holders of any one or more Series of Senior Preferred Shares may be called at any time and from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this Article for one or more of the following purposes:
| (a) | to give any notice to the Guarantor or to the Security Trustee, to give any directions to the Security Trustee, or to take any other action authorized to be taken by the Holders pursuant to any of Sections 4.3 to 4.12; |
| (b) | to remove the Security Trustee and appoint a successor Security Trustee with respect to the Guarantee pursuant to the provisions of Article 5; |
| (c) | to consent to the execution of an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.2; or |
| (d) | to take any other action required or permitted to be taken by or on behalf of the Holders of any specified percentage of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of any Series or of all of the then outstanding Senior Preferred Shares under any other provision of this Guarantee or under applicable law. |
| 11.2 | Call, Notice and Place of Meetings |
| (a) | The Security Trustee may at any time request that the Corporation call, and upon receipt of such request the Corporation shall call or cause its transfer agent to call, a meeting of Holders for any purpose specified in Section 11.1, to be held at such time and at such place in Toronto, Ontario, or in such other place as the Security Trustee or Guarantor shall determine. Notice of every meeting of Holders setting forth the time and the place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be given, in the manner provided for in Section 1.6, not less than 21 nor more than 180 days prior to the date fixed for the |
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| meeting. In all cases, it is the Corporation who is to bear all costs associated with calling, giving notice of, and holding the meeting. |
| (b) | In case at any time the Guarantor, pursuant to a Board Resolution, or the Holders representing at least 10% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of Senior Preferred Shares shall have requested the Security Trustee to request that the Corporation call a meeting of the Holders such Senior Preferred Shares for any purpose specified in Section 11.1, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the Security Trustee shall not have so requested or if the Corporation shall not have mailed or caused to be mailed notice of such meeting within 21 days after receipt of such request and any required indemnification or shall not thereafter proceed to cause the meeting to be held as provided herein, then the Guarantor or the Holders representing the aggregate Liquidation Amount in the amount above specified, as the case may be, may determine the time and the place in Toronto, Ontario, or in such other place as the Security Trustee may approve for such meeting and may call such meeting for such purposes by giving notice thereof as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section. |
| 11.3 | Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings |
To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders, a Person shall be (1) a Holder of one or more outstanding Senior Preferred Shares, or (2) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy for a Holder or Holders by such Holder or Holders. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Holders shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their respective counsel, employees or any representatives of the Security Trustee and its counsel, and any representatives of the Guarantor and the Corporation and their counsel.
| 11.4 | Quorum; Action |
The Holders representing not less than 25% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the applicable Senior Preferred Shares shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of such Holders. In the absence of a quorum within 30 minutes of the time appointed for any such meeting, the meeting shall, if convened at the request of Holders, be dissolved. In any other case the meeting may be adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such meeting. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall be given as provided in Section 11.2(a), except that such notice need be given only once not less than five days prior to the date on which the meeting is scheduled to be reconvened.
At the reconvening of any meeting adjourned for lack of a quorum, the Holders of the applicable Senior Preferred Shares entitled to vote at such meeting present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum for the taking of any action set forth in the notice of the original meeting.
Except as limited by the proviso to Section 8.2, any resolution presented to a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present as aforesaid may be adopted by the affirmative vote of the Holders representing not less than a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the applicable Senior Preferred Shares represented at such meeting in person or by proxy; provided, however, that, except as limited by the proviso to Section 8.2, any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which this Guarantee expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of a specified percentage, which is more or less than a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding shares of the applicable Senior Preferred Shares, may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting duly reconvened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid by the affirmative vote of the Holders of not less than such specified percentage of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding shares of the applicable Senior Preferred Shares present at such meeting.
Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Holders duly held in accordance with this Section shall be binding on all the Holders, whether or not present or represented at the meeting.
| 11.5 | Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings |
| (a) | Notwithstanding any provisions of this Guarantee, the Security Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Holders in regard to proof of the holding of Senior Preferred Shares and of the appointment of proxies and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as its shall deem appropriate. Except as otherwise permitted or required by any such regulations, the holding of Senior Preferred Shares shall be proved in the manner specified |
24
| in Section 1.4 and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 1.4. Such regulations may provide that written instruments appointing proxies may be presumed valid and genuine without the proof specified in Section 1.4 or other proof. |
| (b) | The Security Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing, appoint a temporary chairman and secretary of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called by the Guarantor or by Holders as provided in Section 11.2(b), in which case the Guarantor or the Holders calling the meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary chairman. A permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be elected by vote of the Persons entitled to vote representing a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Senior Preferred Shares represented and voted at the meeting. |
| (c) | Any meeting of Holders duly called pursuant to Section 11.2 at which a quorum is present may be adjourned from time to time by Persons entitled to vote representing a majority of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of all of the then outstanding Senior Preferred Shares represented and voted at the meeting; and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice. |
| 11.6 | Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings |
The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders shall be by written ballot(s) on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Holders or of their representatives by proxy and the number of outstanding Senior Preferred Shares held or represented by them. The permanent chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in duplicate of all votes cast at the meeting. A record, at least in duplicate, of the proceedings of each meeting of Holders shall be prepared by the permanent secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more persons having knowledge of the facts setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was given as provided in Section 11.2 and, if applicable, Section 11.4. Each copy shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and permanent secretary of the meeting and one such copy shall be delivered to the Guarantor, and another to the Security Trustee to be preserved by the Security Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.
| 11.7 | Serial Approvals and Meetings |
| (a) | If any business to be transacted at a meeting of Holders especially affects the rights of the Holders of one or more Series in a manner or to an extent substantially differing from that in or to which it affects the rights of the Holders of any other Series (as to which an Opinion of Counsel will be binding on all Holders and the Security Trustee for all purposes hereof) then: |
| (i) | reference to such fact, indicating each Series so especially affected, will be made in the notice of such meeting and the meeting will be and is herein called a “serial meeting”; and |
| (ii) | the Holders of a Series so especially affected will not be bound by any action taken at a serial meeting unless in addition to compliance with the other provisions of this Article 11 at such meeting: |
| (A) | there are present in person or by proxy, holders of at least 25% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the outstanding Senior Preferred Shares of such Series (subject to the adjournment and quorum provisions in respect of any reconvened meeting set out in Section 11.4); and |
| (B) | the resolution is passed by votes of more than 50% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of the Senior Preferred Shares of such Series present in person or by proxy then outstanding; provided, however, that a resolution to approve (i) a reduction of the percentage of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of such Series required for any supplemental indenture hereto, any waiver of compliance with this Guarantee or any default hereunder in respect of such Series and its consequence provided for in this Guarantee, or to reduce the requirements of Section 11.4 for quorum or voting with respect to such Series and the Guarantee; or (ii) to modify any of the provisions of this Section 11.7 with respect to such Series, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Guarantee cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holders of such Series, requires the approval of Holders of 662/3% of the aggregate Liquidation Amount of such Series that are present in person or by proxy. |
| (b) | If in the Opinion of Counsel any business to be transacted at any meeting of Holders does not affect the rights of the Holders of one or more Series, the provisions of Section 8.2 and this Article 11 will apply with respect to |
25
| such business as if the Senior Preferred Shares of such Series were not outstanding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, notice will be given to the Holders of such Series of such meeting together with notice that such business does not affect the rights of such Holders. |
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have duly executed and delivered this Guarantee as of the date first written above.
| BEP SUBCO INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Douglas Christie | |
| Name: Douglas Christie | ||
| Title: Director | ||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE POWER PREFERRED EQUITY INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Jennifer Mazin | |
| Name: Jennifer Mazin | ||
| Title: Senior Vice President and Secretary | ||
| COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY OF CANADA | ||
| By: | /s/ Yana Nedyalkova | |
| Name: Yana Nedyalkova | ||
| Title: Corporate Trust Officer | ||
| By: | /s/ Neil Scott | |
| Name: Neil Scott | ||
| Title: Corporate Trust Officer | ||
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Exhibit 99.3
| THIS GUARANTEE is made as of the 29th day of July, 2020, | ||
| BY: | BEP SUBCO INC., a company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario (the “Guarantor” or the “Corporation”) | |
| IN FAVOUR OF: | BNY TRUST COMPANY OF CANADA, a trust company existing under the laws of Canada (the “Trustee”) | |
RECITALS:
| A. | The Borrower (as defined below), The Bank of New York Mellon and the Trustee have entered into an amended and restated trust indenture dated as of November 23, 2011 (as amended, extended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of Debentures as therein described. |
| B. | Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P., Brookfield Renewable Energy L.P. (“BRELP”), Brookfield BRP Holdings (Canada) Inc., BRP Bermuda Holdings I Limited (collectively, the “Original Guarantors”), Brookfield BRP Europe Holdings (Bermuda) Limited (“Europe Holdco”) and Brookfield Renewable Investments Limited (“Investco”) have each unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed the due payment of all Guaranteed Obligations (as defined below) pursuant to guarantees in favour of the Trustee dated as of November 23, 2011, in respect of the Original Guarantors, October 7, 2014, in respect of Europe Holdco and February 26, 2015, in respect of Investco. |
| C. | The Borrower is an Affiliate of the Guarantor and the Borrower and the Guarantor have agreed that the Guarantor will guarantee the Guaranteed Obligations in accordance with this Agreement. |
| D. | The Guarantor will, directly or indirectly, benefit from the issuance of Debentures under the Indenture from time to time and, accordingly, desires to execute this Guarantee. |
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the foregoing and other benefits accruing to the Guarantor, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Guarantor hereby covenants and agrees with the Trustee as follows:
ARTICLE 1
INTERPRETATION
| 1.1 | Definitions |
In this Agreement, all capitalized terms used and not defined in this Agreement will have the meanings given to such terms in the Indenture. In addition, the following terms will have the following meanings:
1.1.1 “Additional Guarantor” means a “Guarantor” as that term is defined in the Indenture, other than the Guarantor under this Agreement, and any other Person that has guaranteed the Guaranteed Obligations;
1.1.2 “this Agreement”, “this Guarantee”, “herein”, “hereof”, “hereby”, “hereunder” and any similar expressions refer to this Guarantee as it may be supplemented, amended or restated from time to time, and not to any particular Article, section or other portion hereof;
1.1.3 “Borrower” means Brookfield Renewable Partners ULC (formerly Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners ULC) a corporation incorporated under the laws of Alberta, and its successors;
1.1.4 “Event of Default” means the occurrence of any of the following:
| (a) | any Event of Default under the Indenture; |
1
| (b) | failure on the part of the Guarantor to perform or comply with Section 5.6 of this Agreement; |
| (c) | failure on the part of the Guarantor to perform any other covenant or agreement of the Guarantor under this Agreement for the benefit of the Debentureholders, which failure continues for 60 days after written notice thereof is given to the Guarantor by the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of outstanding Debentures; or |
| (d) | failure on the part of the Guarantor to make payment of any amounts payable by it under this Agreement; |
1.1.5 “Guaranteed Obligations” means the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all Debentures issued by the Borrower under the Indenture from time to time when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at maturity, upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise, and all other obligations and liabilities owing by the Borrower to the Trustee under the Indenture, whether present or future, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, as principal or as surety, alone or with others, of whatsoever nature or kind, in any currency, under or in respect of the Indenture;
1.1.6 “Guarantor Counsel” means legal counsel retained by the Guarantor;
1.1.7 “Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate of the Guarantor signed by any two officers of the Guarantor in their capacities as officers and not in their personal capacities; and
1.1.8 “Proceedings” means any receivership, insolvency, proposal, bankruptcy, compromise, arrangement, winding-up, dissolution or other similar judicial proceedings.
| 1.2 | Headings |
The inclusion of headings in this Agreement is for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation hereof.
| 1.3 | References to Articles and Sections |
Whenever in this Agreement a particular Article, section or other portion thereof is referred to, such reference pertains to the Article, section or portion thereof contained herein unless otherwise indicated.
| 1.4 | Currency |
All amounts in this Agreement are stated and shall be paid in Canadian currency.
| 1.5 | Gender and Number |
In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa, words importing gender include all genders or the neuter, and words importing the neuter include all genders.
| 1.6 | Invalidity of Provisions |
Each of the provisions contained in this Agreement is distinct and severable and a declaration of invalidity or unenforceability of any such provision or part thereof by a court of competent jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties waive any provision of law which renders any provision of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable in any respect.
| 1.7 | Entire Agreement |
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement.
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| 1.8 | Governing Law, Attornment |
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein and the Guarantor hereby irrevocably attorns to the jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.
ARTICLE 2
GUARANTEE
| 2.1 | Guarantee |
The Guarantor unconditionally guarantees the due payment of all Guaranteed Obligations.
| 2.2 | Continuing Guarantee |
The guarantee herein shall be a continuing guarantee of the payment of all the Guaranteed Obligations and shall apply to and secure any ultimate balance thereof due or remaining unpaid. The guarantee herein shall not be considered as wholly or partially satisfied by the intermediate payment or satisfaction at any time of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations.
ARTICLE 3
ENFORCEMENT OF GUARANTEE
| 3.1 | Demand |
Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Guarantor shall, on demand by the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all Guaranteed Obligations for which such demand was made.
| 3.2 | Right to Immediate Payment or Performance |
The Trustee shall not be bound to make any demand on or to seek or exhaust its recourse against the Borrower or any other Person before being entitled to demand payment from the Guarantor and enforce its rights under this Agreement, and the Guarantor hereby renounces all benefits of discussion and division.
| 3.3 | Trustee’s Statement |
The statement in writing of the Trustee as to the amount payable hereunder shall be binding upon the Guarantor and conclusive against it in the absence of manifest error.
ARTICLE 4
PROTECTION OF TRUSTEE
| 4.1 | Liability Absolute |
The liability of the Guarantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be discharged, diminished or in any way affected by:
4.1.1 any amalgamation, merger, consolidation or reorganization of the Borrower, the Guarantor or the Trustee, or any continuation of the Borrower, the Guarantor or the Trustee from the statute under which it now or hereafter exists to another statute, whether under the laws of the same jurisdiction or another jurisdiction;
4.1.2 any change in the name, business, objects, capital structure, ownership, constating documents, by-laws or resolutions of the Borrower, the Guarantor or the Trustee, including without limitation any transaction (whether by way of transfer, sale or otherwise) whereby all or any part of the undertaking, property and assets of the Borrower, the Guarantor or the Trustee becomes the property of any other Person;
4.1.3 any Proceedings of or affecting the Borrower, the Guarantor, the Trustee or any other Person, and any court orders made or action taken by the Borrower, the Guarantor, the Trustee or any other Person under or in connection
3
with those Proceedings, whether or not those Proceedings or orders or that action results in any of the matters described in Section 4.2 occurring with or without the consent of the Trustee;
4.1.4 any defence, counterclaim or right of set-off available to the Borrower; and
4.1.5 any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute in whole or in part a defence available to, or a discharge of, the Guarantor, the Borrower or any other Person in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations or the liability of the Guarantor.
| 4.2 | Dealings by Trustee |
The Trustee may from time to time in its absolute discretion, without discharging, diminishing or in any way affecting the liability of the Guarantor hereunder:
4.2.1 enforce or take action under or abstain from enforcing or taking action under the Indenture, any other guarantee or any other agreement;
4.2.2 renew all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or grant extensions of time or any other indulgences to the Borrower or to any other guarantor or other Person liable directly or as surety for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations;
4.2.3 accept or make any compositions or arrangements with or release, discharge or otherwise deal with or abstain from dealing with the Borrower or any other guarantor or other Person liable directly or as surety for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations;
4.2.4 in whole or in part prove or abstain from proving a claim of the Trustee in any Proceedings of or affecting the Borrower or any other Person; and
4.2.5 agree with the Borrower, any other guarantor or any other Person to do anything described in Sections 4.2.1 to 4.2.4,
whether or not any of the matters described above occur alone or in connection with one or more other such matters.
ARTICLE 5
COVENANTS OF THE GUARANTOR
| 5.1 | Limitations on Indebtedness |
The Guarantor will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, issue, incur, assume or otherwise become liable for or in respect of any Funded Indebtedness unless, after giving effect thereto, the Funded Indebtedness of BREP, calculated on a consolidated basis, would not exceed 75% of Total Consolidated Capitalization.
| 5.2 | Limitation on Liens |
The Guarantor will not create or permit to exist any lien on any present or future assets of the Guarantor to secure any borrowed money, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to create or permit to exist any lien on any present or future assets of such Subsidiary to secure any borrowed money, unless at the same time the Guaranteed Obligations are secured equally and ratably with such borrowed money, provided that this shall not apply to liens existing on the date hereof or Permitted Encumbrances. Upon being advised by the Guarantor in writing in an Officers’ Certificate that security has been provided for the Guaranteed Obligations on an equal and ratable basis in connection with the grant to a third party of security for borrowed money and subsequently that such security to the third party has been released, the Trustee will forthwith release the security granted for the Guaranteed Obligations.
| 5.3 | Limitations Concerning Merger, Consolidations and Certain Asset Sales |
So long as any Debentures are outstanding, the Guarantor will not enter into any transaction, directly or indirectly through a Subsidiary of the Guarantor, whereby all or substantially all of the undertaking, property and assets of the Guarantor would become the property of any other Person (any such Person being herein referred to as a “Successor”),
4
whether by way of reorganization, consolidation, amalgamation, arrangement, merger, transfer, sale or otherwise, provided that nothing contained in this Indenture will prevent any such transaction if:
| (a) | the Successor shall have executed, prior to or contemporaneously with the consummation of any such transaction, an assumption of the obligations of the Guarantor under this Agreement, including the due and punctual payment of all amounts payable hereunder, and such other instruments as in the opinion of the Guarantor’s Counsel are necessary or advisable to evidence the agreement of the Successor to observe and perform all the covenants and obligations of the Guarantor under this Indenture; |
| (b) | no condition or event shall exist as to the Guarantor or the Successor, either at the time of or immediately after the consummation of any such transaction and after giving full effect thereto or immediately after compliance by the Successor with the provisions of this Section 5.6, which constitutes or would constitute, after the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, an Event of Default; and |
| (c) | the Guarantor shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of the Guarantor Counsel and an Officers’ Certificate stating that the conditions precedent in this Section 5.6 have been satisfied, |
provided, however, the provisions of this Section 5.6 shall not be applicable to any transaction between or among any one or more of the Borrower, the Guarantor, an Additional Guarantor and/or any Subsidiary of any of them.
Whenever the conditions of this Section 5.6 have been duly observed and performed, (i) the Person who was a party to this Agreement as Guarantor immediately prior to the transaction described in Section 5.6 shall be released and discharged from all liability under this Agreement, (ii) references to the Guarantor under this Agreement will thereafter refer to the Successor which has complied with the provisions of this Section 5.6, and (iii) the Trustee will execute and deliver any documents which it may be advised are necessary, desirable or advisable for effecting or evidencing such release and discharge.
ARTICLE 6
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
| 6.1 | Representations and Warranties |
The Guarantor represents and warrants to the Trustee as follows:
6.1.1 it is duly created and existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation and has the power and capacity to own its properties and assets and to carry on its business as presently carried on by it;
6.1.2 it has the power and capacity to enter into this Agreement and to do all acts and things as are required or contemplated hereunder to be done, observed and performed by it;
6.1.3 it has taken all necessary corporate and, if applicable, partnership action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;
6.1.4 there is no unanimous shareholder agreement which restricts, in whole or in part, the powers of the directors of the Guarantor to manage or supervise the business and affairs of the Guarantor;
6.1.5 the entering into of this Agreement and the performance by the Guarantor of its obligations hereunder does not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under the constating documents of the Guarantor or under any material mortgage, lease, agreement or other legally binding instrument, license, permit or law to which the Guarantor is a party or by which the Guarantor or any of its properties or assets may be bound and will not result in or permit the acceleration of the maturity of any indebtedness, liability or obligation of the Guarantor under any material mortgage, lease, agreement or other legally binding instrument of or affecting the Guarantor; and
6.1.6 no authorization, consent or approval of, of filing with or notice to, any Person or governmental body is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement by the Guarantor.
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ARTICLE 7
DEFAULT
| 7.1 | Judgment Against the Guarantor |
In case of any judicial or other proceedings to enforce the rights of the Debentureholders, judgment may be rendered against the Guarantor in favour of the Debentureholders or in favour of the Trustee, as trustee for the Debentureholders, for any amount which may remain due in respect of the Debentures and the interest thereon.
| 7.2 | Immunity of Shareholders, Directors and Officers |
The Trustee and the Holders by their acceptance of the Debentures hereby waive and release any right, cause of action or remedy now or hereafter existing in any jurisdiction against any past, present or future incorporator, shareholder, director, officer or partner of the Guarantor or of any successor thereof for the payment of the principal of or premium or interest on any of the Debentures or on any covenant, agreement, representation or warranty by the Guarantor herein or in the Debentures contained.
| 7.3 | Recourse |
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Guarantee or the Indenture to the contrary, the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder will be performed, satisfied and paid only out of, and enforced only against, and recourse will only be had against, the assets of the Guarantor.
ARTICLE 8
MISCELLANEOUS
| 8.1 | Incorporation by Reference |
The provisions of Articles 11 (Meetings of Debentureholders), 12 (Notices), 13 (Concerning the Trustee) and 14 (Supplemental Indentures) of the Trust Indenture shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Guarantee.
| 8.2 | Payment of Costs and Expenses |
The Guarantor shall pay to the Trustee on demand all costs and expenses of the Trustee, its officers, employees and agents and any receiver or receiver-manager appointed by it or by a court in connection with this Agreement, including, without limitation, in connection with:
8.2.1 any actual or proposed amendment or modification hereof or any waiver hereunder and all instruments supplemental or ancillary thereto;
8.2.2 obtaining advice as to the Trustee’s rights and responsibilities under this Agreement; and
8.2.3 the defence, establishment, protection or enforcement of any of the rights or remedies of the Trustee under this Agreement including, without limitation, all costs and expenses of establishing the validity and enforceability of, or of collection of amounts owing under, this Agreement;
and further including, without limitation, all of the reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of the Trustee’s lawyers, on a substantial indemnity basis, incurred in connection therewith and all sales or value-added taxes payable by the Trustee (whether refundable or not) on all such costs and expenses.
| 8.3 | No Waiver |
No delay on the part of the Trustee in the exercise of any right, power or remedy hereunder or otherwise shall operate as a waiver thereof, and no single or partial exercise by the Trustee of any right, power or remedy shall preclude other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. No action of the Trustee permitted hereunder shall in any way impair or affect its rights, powers or remedies under this Agreement.
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| 8.4 | Termination |
8.4.1 This Guarantee shall terminate and be of no further force and effect at the earlier of the date that: (i) the Guaranteed Obligations have been indefeasibly paid or performed in full; and (ii) all of the Debentures have been purchased by one or more Affiliates of the Borrower.
8.4.2 This Guarantee shall terminate automatically upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
8.4.2.1 the Guarantor becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary entity of an Additional Guarantor; or
8.4.2.2 the Guarantor becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary entity of Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. or BRELP.
The Guarantor shall notify the Trustee in writing of the occurrence of either of the events under this Section 8.4.2.
8.4.3 Notwithstanding the definition of Guaranteed Obligations in Section 1.1.5, upon five days’ notice in writing to the Trustee, the Guarantor may terminate this Guarantee in respect of Guaranteed Obligations relating to any Series issued after the expiry of that five-day period, but not in respect of any Guaranteed Obligations incurred or arising before the expiry of that five-day period.
| 8.5 | Successors and Assigns |
This Agreement shall be binding upon the Guarantor and its successors and enure to the benefit of the Trustee and its successors and assigns.
| 8.6 | Copy Received |
The Guarantor acknowledges receipt of a copy of this Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Guarantor has executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
| BEP SUBCO INC. | ||||
| By: | /s/ Douglas Christie | |||
| Name: | Douglas Christie | |||
| Title: | Director | |||
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Exhibit 99.4
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
- and -
BRP ENERGY GROUP L.P.
- and -
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP LLC
- and -
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP (BERMUDA) LIMITED
- and -
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.
- and -
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY L.P.
- and -
BROOKFIELD BRP HOLDINGS (CANADA) INC.
- and -
BRP BERMUDA HOLDINGS I LIMITED
| RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENT
|
November 28, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||
| ARTICLE 1 |
||||||
| INTERPRETATION |
2 | |||||
| 1.1 |
Definitions | 2 | ||||
| 1.2 |
Headings and Table of Contents | 4 | ||||
| 1.3 |
Interpretation | 4 | ||||
| 1.4 |
Invalidity of Provisions | 5 | ||||
| 1.5 |
Entire Agreement | 5 | ||||
| 1.6 |
Waiver, Amendment | 6 | ||||
| 1.7 |
Governing Law | 6 | ||||
| ARTICLE 2 |
||||||
| RELATIONSHIP |
6 | |||||
| 2.1 |
Primary Vehicle | 6 | ||||
| 2.2 |
No Exclusivity and Limitations on Acquisition Opportunities | 6 | ||||
| 2.3 |
BREP Group Acknowledgements | 8 | ||||
| 2.4 |
Reporting | 8 | ||||
| ARTICLE 3 |
||||||
| REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
8 | |||||
| 3.1 |
Representations and Warranties of Brookfield and the Managers | 8 | ||||
| 3.2 |
Representations and Warranties of the Holding Entities | 9 | ||||
| 3.3 |
Representations and Warranties of BREP | 10 | ||||
| 3.4 |
Representations and Warranties of BRELP | 10 | ||||
| ARTICLE 4 |
||||||
| TERMINATION |
11 | |||||
| 4.1 |
Term | 11 | ||||
| 4.2 |
Termination | 11 | ||||
| ARTICLE 5 |
||||||
| RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES AND ARBITRATION |
11 | |||||
| 5.1 |
Dispute | 11 | ||||
| 5.2 |
Arbitration | 12 | ||||
| 5.3 |
Confidentiality | 12 | ||||
| 5.4 |
Continued Performance | 12 | ||||
[BREP RELATIONSHIP AGR]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
| Page | ||||||
| ARTICLE 6 |
||||||
| GENERAL PROVISIONS |
13 | |||||
| 6.1 |
Assignment | 13 | ||||
| 6.2 |
Confidentiality and Disclosure of Material Changes | 13 | ||||
| 6.3 |
Enurement | 13 | ||||
| 6.4 |
Notices | 13 | ||||
| 6.5 |
Further Assurances | 16 | ||||
| 6.6 |
Counterparts | 16 | ||||
| 6.7 |
Other Holding Entities | 16 | ||||
RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made as of the 28th day of November, 2011
B E T W E E N:
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. (“Brookfield”), a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario
- and -
BRP ENERGY GROUP L.P., (the “Canadian Manager”), a limited partnership existing under the laws of the Province of Manitoba
- and -
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP LLC, (the “US Manager”), a limited liability company existing under the laws of the State of Delaware
- and -
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP (BERMUDA) LIMITED, (the “International Manager”), a corporation existing under the laws of Bermuda
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BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY PARTNERS L.P., (“BREP”), an exempted limited partnership existing under the laws of Bermuda
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BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY L.P., (“BRELP”), an exempted limited partnership existing under the laws of Bermuda
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BROOKFIELD BRP HOLDINGS (CANADA) INC., (“CanHoldco”), a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario
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BRP BERMUDA HOLDINGS I LIMITED, (“Bermuda Holdco”), a corporation existing under the laws of Bermuda
| RECITALS: | |
WHEREAS, members of the BREP Group (as defined below) directly or indirectly hold interests in renewable power generating operations or developments, primarily consisting of hydro-electric and wind, and will acquire from time to time interests in renewable power generating operations or developments;
[BREP RELATIONSHIP AGR]
AND WHEREAS, BREP, BRELP, the Holding Entities (as defined below), the Managers (as defined below) and Brookfield wish to enter into this Agreement to govern certain aspects of the relationship between them and other members of the BREP Group and the Brookfield Group (as defined below).
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the premises, mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the parties covenant and agree, each with the others, as follows:
ARTICLE 1
INTERPRETATION
| 1.1 | Definitions |
In this Agreement, except where the context otherwise requires, the following terms will have the following meanings:
1.1.1 “Act” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.2.1;
1.1.2 “Affiliate” means, with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by such Person, or is under common Control of a third Person;
1.1.3 “Agreement” means this Relationship Agreement;
1.1.4 “Arbitration” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.2.1;
1.1.5 “Arbitrator” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.2.3;
1.1.6 “BRELP” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble;
1.1.7 “BREP” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble;
1.1.8 “BREP Group” means BREP, BRELP, the Holding Entities, the Operating Entities and any other direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Holding Entity;
1.1.9 “BREP Power Operations” means the Power Operations directly or indirectly held or acquired by members of the BREP Group from time to time;
1.1.10 “Bermuda Holdco” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble;
1.1.11 “Brookfield” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble;
1.1.12 “Brookfield Fund” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 2.2.2;
1.1.13 “Brookfield Group” means Brookfield and any Affiliates of the foregoing, other than any member of the BREP Group;
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1.1.14 “Business Day” means every day except a Saturday or Sunday, or a day which is a statutory or civic holiday in Bermuda, the Province of Ontario, or the State of New York;
1.1.15 “CanHoldco” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble;
1.1.16 “Canadian Manager” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble;
1.1.17 “Confidential Information” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6.2;
1.1.18 “Control” means the control by one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of B by contract or status (for example the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of the beneficial ownership of or control over a majority of the voting interests in B; and, for certainty and without limitation, if A owns or has control over shares or other securities to which are attached more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors to the Governing Body of B or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A Controls B for this purpose, and the term “Controlled” has the corresponding meaning;
1.1.19 “Dispute” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 5.1;
1.1.20 “Energy General Partner” means 2288508 Ontario Inc., which is the general partner of the Energy GP LP;
1.1.21 “Energy GP LP” means BREP Holding L.P., which is the general partner of BRELP;
1.1.22 “Governing Body” means (i) with respect to a corporation or limited company, the board of directors of such corporation or limited company, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, the manager(s) or managing partner(s) of such limited liability company, (iii) with respect to a partnership, the board, committee or other body of each general partner or managing partner of such partnership, respectively, that serves a similar function (or if any such general partner is itself a partnership, the board, committee or other body of such general or managing partner’s general or managing partner that serves a similar function) and (iv) with respect to any other Person, the body of such Person that serves a similar function, and in the case of each of (i) through (iv) includes any committee or other subdivision of such body and any Person to whom such body has delegated any power or authority, including any officer and managing director;
1.1.23 “Holding Entities” means Bermuda Holdco, CanHoldco and any direct wholly-owned Subsidiary of BRELP created or acquired on or after the date of this Agreement, excluding, for greater certainty, any Operating Entities;
1.1.24 “International Manager” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble;
1.1.25 “Managers” means the Canadian Manager, the US Manager and the International Manager;
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1.1.26 “Managing General Partner” means 2288509 Ontario Inc., which is BREP’s general partner;
1.1.27 “Master Services Agreement” means the master services agreement among the Managers, BRELP, BREP, the Holding Entities and others;
1.1.28 “Operating Entities” means, from time to time, the Persons that (i) directly hold the BREP Power Operations, or (ii) indirectly hold the BREP Power Operations but all of the interests of which are not held by the Service Recipients including, in the case of each of (i) and (ii), any joint ventures, partnerships and consortium arrangements;
1.1.29 “Person” means any natural person, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, syndicate, sole proprietorship, company or corporation (with or without share capital), limited liability corporation, unlimited liability company, joint stock company, unincorporated association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other legal personal representative, regulatory body or agency, government or governmental agency, authority or entity however designated or constituted and pronouns have a similarly extended meaning;
1.1.30 “Power Operations” means renewable power generating operations or developments, primarily consisting of hydro-electric and wind;
1.1.31 “Service Recipient” means BREP, BRELP, the Holding Entities and any Person in which any of the foregoing or any combination of the foregoing holds all of the common equity or equivalent interests excluding any Operating Entities;
1.1.32 “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any other Person that is directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, (ii) any trust in which such Person holds all of the beneficial interests or (iii) any partnership, limited liability company or similar entity in which such Person holds all of the interests other than the interests of any general partner, managing member or similar Person;
1.1.33 “Term” has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 4.1; and
1.1.34 “US Manager” has the meaning ascribed thereto in the preamble.
| 1.2 | Headings and Table of Contents |
The inclusion of headings and a table of contents in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and will not affect the construction or interpretation hereof.
| 1.3 | Interpretation |
In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:
1.3.1 words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, words importing gender shall include all genders or the neuter, and words importing the neuter shall include all genders;
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1.3.2 the words “include”, “includes”, “including”, or any variations thereof, when following any general term or statement, are not to be construed as limiting the general term or statement to the specific items or matters set forth or to similar items or matters, but rather as referring to all other items or matters that could reasonably fall within the broadest possible scope of the general term or statement;
1.3.3 references to any Person include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns;
1.3.4 except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any reference in this Agreement to a statute, regulation, policy, rule or instrument shall include, and shall be deemed to be a reference also to, all rules and regulations made under such statute, in the case of a statute, all amendments made to such statute, regulation, policy, rule or instrument and to any statute, regulation, policy, rule or instrument that may be passed which has the effect of supplementing or superseding the statute, regulation, policy, rule or instrument so referred to;
1.3.5 any reference to this Agreement or any other agreement, document or instrument shall be construed as a reference to this Agreement or, as the case may be, such other agreement, document or instrument as the same may have been, or may from time to time be, amended, varied, replaced, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified;
1.3.6 in the event that any day on which any amount is to be determined or any action is required to be taken hereunder is not a Business Day, then such amount shall be determined or such action shall be required to be taken at or before the requisite time on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day; and
1.3.7 except where otherwise expressly provided, all amounts in this Agreement are stated and shall be paid in U.S. currency.
| 1.4 | Invalidity of Provisions |
Each of the provisions contained in this Agreement is distinct and severable and a declaration of invalidity or unenforceability of any such provision or part thereof by a court of competent jurisdiction will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties waive any provision of law which renders any provision of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable in any respect. The parties will engage in good faith negotiations to replace any provision which is declared invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid or unenforceable provision which it replaces.
| 1.5 | Entire Agreement |
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement. There are no warranties, conditions, or representations (including any that may be implied by statute) and there are no agreements in connection with such subject matter except as specifically set forth or referred to in this Agreement. No reliance is placed on any warranty, representation, opinion, advice or assertion of fact made either prior to, contemporaneous with, or after entering into this Agreement, or any amendment or
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supplement hereto, by any party to this Agreement or its directors, officers, employees or agents, to any other party to this Agreement or its directors, officers, employees or agents, except to the extent that the same has been reduced to writing and included as a term of this Agreement, and none of the parties to this Agreement has been induced to enter into this Agreement or any amendment or supplement hereto, by reason of any such warranty, representation, opinion, advice or assertion of fact. Accordingly, there will be no liability, either in tort or in contract, assessed in relation to any such warranty, representation, opinion, advice or assertion of fact, except to the extent contemplated above.
| 1.6 | Waiver, Amendment |
Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no amendment or waiver of this Agreement will be binding unless executed in writing by the party to be bound thereby. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement will constitute a waiver of any other provision nor will any waiver of any provision of this Agreement constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided. A party’s failure or delay in exercising any right under this Agreement will not operate as a waiver of that right. A single or partial exercise of any right will not preclude a party from any other or further exercise of that right or the exercise of any other right.
| 1.7 | Governing Law |
This Agreement will be governed by and interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Each party irrevocably attorns and submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Ontario courts situated in the City of Toronto and waives objection to the venue of any proceeding in such court or any argument that such court provides an inconvenient forum.
ARTICLE 2
RELATIONSHIP
| 2.1 | Primary Vehicle |
Subject to the other terms in this Article 2, each of Brookfield and the Managers agrees that, during the Term, the BREP Group will serve as the primary vehicle through which the Brookfield Group will acquire Power Operations on a global basis.
| 2.2 | No Exclusivity and Limitations on Acquisition Opportunities |
Each of BREP, BRELP and the Holding Entities acknowledges and agrees that:
2.2.1 nothing in this Agreement shall require the Brookfield Group or any member of the Brookfield Group to allocate any minimum level of dedicated resources for the pursuit of Power Operation acquisition opportunities other than as may be contemplated in the Master Services Agreement or as otherwise agreed by a member of the Brookfield Group and a member of the BREP Group. Members of the Brookfield Group have established or advise, and may continue to establish or advise, other entities that rely on the diligence,
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skill and business contacts of the Brookfield Group’s professionals and the information and acquisition opportunities they generate during the normal course of their activities;
2.2.2 while the Brookfield Group may offer the acquisition opportunities contained in this Section 2.2.2 to the BREP Group, nothing in this Agreement shall require the Brookfield Group or any member of the Brookfield Group to offer the BREP Group or any member of the BREP Group the opportunity to acquire:
2.2.2.1 an integrated utility even if a significant component of such utility’s operations consist of renewable power generation;
2.2.2.2 a non-renewable power generating operation or development, such as a power generating operation that uses coal or natural gas;
2.2.2.3 a portfolio of Power Operations, if a significant component of such portfolio’s operations consist of non-renewable power generation; or
2.2.2.4 Power Operations that comprise part of a broader enterprise, unless the primary purpose of such acquisition, as determined by Brookfield acting in good faith, is to acquire the underlying Power Operations;
2.2.3 the members of the Brookfield Group carry on a diverse range of businesses worldwide, including the development, ownership and/or management of power, transmission and other infrastructure assets, and investing and advising on investing in any of the foregoing or loans, debt instruments and other securities with underlying infrastructure collateral or exposure including Power Operations, both as principal and through other public companies that are Affiliates of Brookfield or through private investment vehicles and accounts established or managed by Affiliates of Brookfield (each a, “Brookfield Fund”). Except as explicitly provided herein, nothing in this Agreement shall in any way limit or restrict members of the Brookfield Group from carrying on their respective business and in particular:
2.2.3.1 nothing shall limit or restrict the ability of the Brookfield Group from making any investment recommendation or taking any other action in connection with its public securities businesses;
2.2.3.2 nothing herein shall limit or restrict any member of the Brookfield Group from investing in any loans or debt securities outside of its public securities businesses or from taking any action in connection with any loan or debt security notwithstanding that the underlying collateral is comprised of or includes a Power Operation provided that the original purpose of the investment was not to acquire a controlling interest in a Power Operation; and
2.2.3.3 Brookfield has established and manages a number of Brookfield Funds whose investment objectives include the acquisition of Power Operations and may in the future establish similar funds. Nothing herein shall limit or restrict Brookfield from establishing or advising a Brookfield Fund or carrying out any investment, provided that for any investment carried out by a Brookfield Fund
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that involves the acquisition of a Power Operation the BREP Group will be offered the opportunity to take up Brookfield’s share of such acquisition;
2.2.4 in the event that the BREP Group declines any Power Operation acquisition opportunity that Brookfield has made available, the Brookfield Group may pursue such acquisition for its own account, without restriction; and
2.2.5 nothing in this Agreement will restrict the Brookfield Group in connection with its lending, securities management, investment banking services, restructuring businesses or its construction businesses (where such construction is not undertaken with a view to owning the facilities upon completion of the project), including the acquisition or sale of any assets relating to such activities.
| 2.3 | BREP Group Acknowledgements |
Each of the BREP, BRELP and the Holding Entities acknowledges and agrees that Power Operation acquisition opportunities that are offered to the BREP Group pursuant to this Agreement may be carried out through joint ventures, partnerships, investment funds or consortium arrangements in which the BREP Group will not be the sole participant. In addition to third party participants, one or more Brookfield Group members may also participate in such opportunities if (i) the BREP Group does not have the financial capacity, as determined in good faith by Brookfield, in consultation with the BREP Group, to acquire all of the opportunity, or (ii) Brookfield, taking into consideration the purpose of the investment, return characteristics, risk profile, source of the investment opportunity and other such considerations, allocates participation in the investment opportunity available for Brookfield between the BREP Group and one or more other members of the Brookfield Group. Any such allocation or joint participation with one or more member of the Brookfield Group will be made in good faith and after consulting with the BREP Group.
| 2.4 | Reporting |
Subject to confidentiality obligations, Brookfield shall cause the Managers to provide a report to the BREP Group on a quarterly basis of all Power Operations acquired by the Brookfield Group that occurred during the quarter that were not offered to the BREP Group, including details of why such acquisition opportunities were not offered to the BREP Group.
ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
| 3.1 | Representations and Warranties of Brookfield and the Managers |
Each of Brookfield and each of the Managers hereby represents and warrants to each of BREP, BRELP and the Holding Entities that:
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3.1.1 it is validly organized and existing under the relevant laws governing its formation and existence;
3.1.2 it has the power, capacity and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its duties and obligations hereunder;
3.1.3 it has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;
3.1.4 the execution and delivery of this Agreement by it and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder do not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under its articles, by-laws, constituent documents or other organizational documents;
3.1.5 no authorization, consent or approval, or filing with or notice to any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Agreement; and
3.1.6 this Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to: (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other laws of general application limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and remedies generally; and (ii) general principles of equity, including standards of materiality, good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, equitable defenses and limits as to the availability of equitable remedies, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.
| 3.2 | Representations and Warranties of the Holding Entities |
Each of the Holding Entities hereby represents and warrants to each of Brookfield and each of the Managers that:
3.2.1 it is validly organized and existing under the relevant laws governing its formation and existence;
3.2.2 it has the power, capacity and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its duties and obligations hereunder;
3.2.3 it has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;
3.2.4 the execution and delivery of this Agreement by it and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder do not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under its articles, by-laws, constituent documents or other organizational documents;
3.2.5 no authorization, consent or approval, or filing with or notice to any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Agreement; and
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3.2.6 this Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to: (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other laws of general application limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and remedies generally; and (ii) general principles of equity, including standards of materiality, good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, equitable defenses and limits as to the availability of equitable remedies, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.
| 3.3 | Representations and Warranties of BREP |
The Managing General Partner, in its capacity as the general partner of BREP hereby represents and warrants to Brookfield that:
3.3.1 each of BREP and the Managing General Partner is validly organized and existing under the relevant laws governing its formation and existence;
3.3.2 the Managing General Partner has the power, capacity and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its duties and obligations hereunder on behalf of BREP;
3.3.3 the Managing General Partner has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement on behalf of BREP;
3.3.4 the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Managing General Partner on behalf of BREP and the performance by BREP of its obligations hereunder do not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under the organizational documents of the Managing General Partner or BREP, as applicable;
3.3.5 no authorization, consent or approval, or filing with or notice to any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Managing General Partner on behalf of BREP of this Agreement; and
3.3.6 this Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of BREP enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to: (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other laws of general application limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and remedies generally; and (ii) general principles of equity, including standards of materiality, good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, equitable defenses and limits as to the availability of equitable remedies, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.
| 3.4 | Representations and Warranties of BRELP |
The Energy General Partner, in its capacity as the general partner of Energy GP LP, the general partner of BRELP hereby represents and warrants to Brookfield that:
3.4.1 each of the Energy General Partner and BRELP is validly organized and existing under the relevant laws governing its formation and existence;
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3.4.2 the Energy General Partner has the power, capacity and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its duties and obligations hereunder on behalf of BRELP;
3.4.3 the Energy General Partner has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement on behalf of BRELP;
3.4.4 the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Energy General Partner on behalf of BRELP and the performance by BRELP of its obligations hereunder do not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under the organizational documents of the Energy General Partner, Energy GP LP or BRELP, as applicable;
3.4.5 no authorization, consent or approval, or filing with or notice to any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Energy General Partner on behalf of BRELP of this Agreement; and
3.4.6 this Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of BRELP enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to: (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other laws of general application limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and remedies generally; and (ii) general principles of equity, including standards of materiality, good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, equitable defenses and limits as to the availability of equitable remedies, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity.
ARTICLE 4
TERMINATION
| 4.1 | Term |
The term of this Agreement (the “Term”) will begin on the date hereof and will continue in full force and effect until terminated in accordance with Section 4.2.
| 4.2 | Termination |
The rights and obligations of the parties to this Agreement will terminate and no longer be of any effect concurrently with the termination of the Master Services Agreement in accordance with the terms of the Master Services Agreement.
ARTICLE 5
RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES AND ARBITRATION
| 5.1 | Dispute |
Any dispute or disagreement of any kind or nature between the parties arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (a “Dispute”) shall be resolved in accordance with this Article 5, to the extent permitted by applicable law.
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| 5.2 | Arbitration |
5.2.1 Any Dispute shall be submitted to arbitration (the “Arbitration”) by one Arbitrator pursuant to the procedure set forth in this Section 5.2 and pursuant to the arbitration rules set forth in the Arbitration Act, 1991 (Ontario) (the “Act”). If the provisions of this Section 5.2 are inconsistent with the provisions of the Act and to the extent of such inconsistency, the provisions of this Section 5.2 shall prevail in any Arbitration.
5.2.2 Any party may make a demand for Arbitration by sending a notice in writing to any other party, setting forth the nature of the Dispute, the amount involved and the name of the Arbitrator it proposes to be appointed. The demand for Arbitration shall be made no later than thirty (30) days after the event giving rise to the Dispute.
5.2.3 Within thirty (30) days after any demand for Arbitration under Section 5.2.2, the parties shall have agreed on the designation of the Arbitrator or should the parties fail to do so, the Arbitrator may be appointed by a judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice upon motion of any party (in either case, the “Arbitrator”).
5.2.4 The Arbitration hearings shall be held in a location in Ontario specified in the demand for Arbitration and shall commence no later than thirty (30) days after the determination of the Arbitrator under Section 5.2.3. The decision of the Arbitrator shall be made not later than sixty (60) days after its appointment. The decision of the Arbitrator, shall be final without appeal and binding on the parties.
5.2.5 Each party involved in the Dispute shall bear the costs and expenses of all lawyers, consultants, advisors, witnesses and employees retained by it in any Arbitration. The expenses of the Arbitrator shall be paid equally by the parties unless the Arbitrator otherwise provides in its award.
| 5.3 | Confidentiality |
All information disclosed by any party in relation to the resolution of Disputes pursuant to the terms hereof shall be subject to the provisions of Section 6.2 hereof and shall not be used for any purpose other than the resolution of a Dispute pursuant to the terms hereof.
| 5.4 | Continued Performance |
During the conduct of Dispute resolution procedures pursuant to this Article 5, the parties shall continue to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement and no party shall exercise any other remedies to resolve a Dispute.
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ARTICLE 6
GENERAL PROVISIONS
| 6.1 | Assignment |
6.1.1 None of the rights or obligations hereunder shall be assignable or transferable by any party without the prior written consent of the other parties.
6.1.2 Any purported assignment of this Agreement in violation of this Section 6.1 shall be null and void.
| 6.2 | Confidentiality and Disclosure of Material Changes |
Each of the parties hereby agrees that it will not at any time use, disclose or make available to any party, and will take reasonable steps to prevent such disclosure and restrain further disclosure by any other party, and will take reasonable steps to prevent such disclosure and restrain further disclosure by any other party, any information disclosed pursuant to this Agreement (the “Confidential Information”), except:
6.2.1 such use as may be expressly permitted in or necessary or advisable for the performance of this Agreement;
6.2.2 such disclosure as may be required in order to comply with any applicable law, including disclosure obligations of the BREP Group or the Brookfield Group;
6.2.3 such information as comes into the public domain independently where the person disclosing the same is not under an obligation of confidentiality to Brookfield; and
6.2.4 such information as can be demonstrated by the party desiring to disclose such information, to have come into its possession independently of anything done under this Agreement.
| 6.3 | Enurement |
This Agreement will enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
| 6.4 | Notices |
Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder will be in writing and will be given by prepaid first-class mail, by facsimile or other means of electronic communication or by hand-delivery as hereinafter provided. Any such notice or other communication, if mailed by prepaid first-class mail at any time other than during a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lockout or otherwise, will be deemed to have been received on the fourth Business Day after the post-marked date thereof, or if sent by facsimile or other means of electronic communication, will be deemed to have been received on the Business Day following the sending, or if delivered by hand will be deemed to have been received at the
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time it is delivered to the applicable address noted below either to the individual designated below or to an individual at such address having apparent authority to accept deliveries on behalf of the addressee. Notice of change of address will also be governed by this section. In the event of a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lock-out or otherwise, notices or other communications will be delivered by hand or sent by facsimile or other means of electronic communication and will be deemed to have been received in accordance with this section. Notices and other communications will be addressed as follows:
| 6.4.1 | if to BREP : |
2288509 Ontario Inc.
c/o Appleby Corporate Services
Canon’s Court
22 Victoria Street
PO Box HM 1179
Hamilton HM 12
Bermuda
Attention: Secretary
Telecopier number: 441-298-3433
| 6.4.2 | if to BRELP : |
BREP Holding L.P.
c/o Appleby Corporate Services
Canon’s Court
22 Victoria Street
PO Box HM 1179
Hamilton HM 12
Bermuda
Attention: Secretary
Telecopier number: 441-298-3304
| 6.4.3 | if to CanHoldco: |
Brookfield BRP Holdings (Canada) Inc.
1700-180 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 0B6
Attention: Secretary
Telecopier number: 819-561-7188
| 6.4.4 | if to Bermuda Holdco: |
BRP Bermuda Holdings I Limited
c/o Appleby Corporate Services
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Canon’s Court
22 Victoria Street
PO Box HM 1179
Hamilton HM EX
Bermuda
Attention: Secretary
Telecopier number: 441-298-3304
| 6.4.5 | if to Brookfield: |
Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
Suite 300, Brookfield Place
181 Bay Street, Box 762,
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2T3
Attention: General Counsel
Telecopier number: 416-365-9642
| 6.4.6 | if to the Canadian Manager: |
BRP Energy Group L.P.
Suite 300, Brookfield Place
181 Bay Street, Box 762
Toronto, Ontario
M5J 2T3
Attention: Chief Executive Officer
Telecopier number: 416-363-2856
| 6.4.7 | if to the International Manager: |
Brookfield Renewable Energy Group (Bermuda) Limited
Cedar Court, 2nd Floor
Wildey Business Park
St. Michael, Barbados
Attention: Secretary
Telecopier number: 246-436-6967
| 6.4.8 | if to the US Manager: |
Brookfield Renewable Energy Group LLC
Three World Financial Center
200 Vesey Street, 11th Floor
New York, New York
10281-1021
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Attention: President
Telecopier number: 212-417-7196
or to such other addresses or facsimile numbers as a party may from time to time notify the other in accordance with this Section 6.4.
| 6.5 | Further Assurances |
Each of the parties hereto will promptly do, make, execute or deliver, or cause to be done, made, executed or delivered, all such further acts, documents and things as the other parties hereto may reasonably require from time to time for the purpose of giving effect to this Agreement and will use reasonable efforts and take all such steps as may be reasonably within its power to implement to their full extent the provisions of this Agreement.
| 6.6 | Counterparts |
This Agreement may be signed in counterparts and each of such counterparts will constitute an original document and such counterparts, taken together, will constitute one and the same instrument.
| 6.7 | Other Holding Entities |
The parties acknowledge that any Holding Entity that is not a party to this Agreement will execute a counterpart of this Agreement agreeing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.
[NEXT PAGE IS SIGNATURE PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
| BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. | ||
| By: |
/s/ Joseph Freedman | |
| Name: Joseph Freedman | ||
| Title: Senior Managing Partner | ||
| BRP ENERGY GROUP L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP G.P. INC. | ||
| By: |
/s/ Patricia Bood | |
| Name: Patricia Bood | ||
| Title: Authorized Signatory | ||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP LLC | ||
| By: |
/s/ David A. Bono | |
| Name: David A. Bono | ||
| Title: Vice President of Law and General Counsel, U.S. Operations | ||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP (BERMUDA) LIMITED | ||
| By: |
/s/ Jane Sheere | |
| Name: Jane Sheere | ||
| Title: Secretary | ||
[BREP RELATIONSHIP AGR]
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY PARTNERS L.P. by its general partner, 2288509 ONTARIO INC. | ||
| By: |
/s/ Jane Sheere | |
| Name: Jane Sheere | ||
| Title: Authorized Signatory | ||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY L.P. by its general partner, BREP HOLDING L.P. by its general partner, 2288508 ONTARIO INC. | ||
| By: |
/s/ Jane Sheere | |
| Name: Jane Sheere | ||
| Title: Authorized Signatory | ||
| BROOKFIELD BRP HOLDINGS (CANADA) INC. | ||
| By: |
/s/ Patricia Bood | |
| Name: Patricia Bood | ||
| Title: Authorized Signatory | ||
| BRP BERMUDA HOLDINGS I LIMITED | ||
| By: |
/s/ Jane Sheere | |
| Name: Jane Sheere | ||
| Title: Secretary | ||
[BREP RELATIONSHIP AGR]
COUNTERPART AGREEMENT
The undersigned hereby agrees, from and after the date hereof, to be bound as a party to the relationship agreement dated November 28, 2011 by and among Brookfield Asset Management Inc., BRP Energy Group L.P., Brookfield Renewable Energy Group LLC, Brookfield Renewable Energy Group (Bermuda) Limited, Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P., Brookfield Renewable Energy L.P., Brookfield BRP Holdings (Canada) Inc. and BRP Bermuda Holdings I Limited, as from time to time amended and in effect (the “Relationship Agreement”), and further agrees to, and does hereby, assume the obligations of a Holding Entity under the Relationship Agreement. The undersigned acknowledges and confirms that it has received a copy of the Relationship Agreement.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
Dated as of the 21st day of May, 2014.
| BROOKFIELD BRP EUROPE HOLDINGS | ||
| (BERMUDA) LIMITED | ||
| by: |
/s/ Jane Sheere | |
| Name: Jane Sheere | ||
| Title: Secretary | ||
| by: |
/s/ Gregory E.A. Morrison | |
| Name: Gregory E.A. Morrison | ||
| Title: President | ||
[COUNTERPART AGREEMENT TO RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENT]
AMENDING AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDING AGREEMENT is made as of the 26th day of February, 2015 (this “Amending Agreement”)
AMONG:
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC., a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario
(“BAM”)
-and-
BRP ENERGY GROUP L.P., a limited partnership existing under the laws of Manitoba
(the “Canadian Service Provider”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE INSTITUTIONAL CAPITAL ADVISER (CANADA), L.P., a limited partnership existing under the laws of the Province of Manitoba
(the “Canadian Service Provider II”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP (BERMUDA) LIMITED, an exempted company existing under the laws of Bermuda
(the “International Service Provider”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD GLOBAL RENEWABLE ENERGY ADVISOR LIMITED, a company existing under the laws of England
(the “UK Service Provider”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY PARTNERS L.P., a limited partnership existing under the laws of Bermuda
(“BREP”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY L.P., a limited partnership existing under the laws of Bermuda
(“BRELP”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD BRP HOLDINGS (CANADA) INC., a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario
(“CanHoldco”)
-and-
BRP BERMUDA HOLDINGS I LIMITED, an exempted company existing under the laws of Bermuda
(“Bermuda Holdco”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD BRP EUROPE HOLDINGS (BERMUDA) LIMITED, an exempted company existing under the laws of Bermuda
(“Europe Holdco”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE INVESTMENTS LIMITED, an exempted company existing under the laws of Bermuda
(“Investco”)
WHEREAS BAM, the Canadian Service Provider, the International Service Provider, BREP, BRELP, CanHoldco and Bermuda Holdco (together, the “Original Parties”), together with Brookfield Renewable Energy Group LLC (the “US Service Provider”), entered into a relationship agreement dated November 28, 2011 (the “Relationship Agreement”);
AND WHEREAS the Canadian Service Provider II, the UK Service Provider, Europe Holdco and Investco (together with the Original Parties, the “Parties”) have each executed a counterpart agreement, agreeing to be a party to the Relationship Agreement;
AND WHEREAS the Parties wish to amend the Relationship Agreement to reflect the removal of the US Service Provider as a party thereto effective as of the date hereof;
AND WHEREAS the US Service Provider has executed an acknowledgement dated the date hereof acknowledging that it will no longer be a party to the Relationship Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Parties hereto, the Parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
| 1.1 | Removal of the US Service Provider. The Parties hereby agree to amend the terms of the Relationship Agreement by: |
| 1.1.1 | removing the US Service Provider as a party thereto; and |
| 1.1.2 | deleting Sections 1.1.34 and 6.4.8 in their entirety. |
| 1.2 | Effectiveness. This Amending Agreement shall be effective as of the date hereof. |
| 1.3 | Ratification. Except as amended hereby, the Relationship Agreement and all of its terms, conditions and obligations are ratified and confirmed. |
| 1.4 | Enurement. This Amending Agreement and all of the provisions of this Amending Agreement shall be binding upon and enure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. |
| 1.5 | Headings. The inclusion of headings in this Amending Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation hereof. |
| 1.6 | Governing Law. This Amending Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein. |
| 1.7 | Counterparts. This Amending Agreement may be signed in counterparts and each of such counterparts will constitute an original document and such counterparts, taken together, will constitute one and the same instrument. |
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Amending Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.
| BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Dinaz Dadyburjor | |
| Name: Dinaz Dadyburjor Title: Managing Partner | ||
| BRP ENERGY GROUP L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP G.P. INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Jennifer Mazin | |
| Name: Jennifer Mazin Title: Authorized Signatory | ||
| BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE INSTITUTIONAL CAPITAL ADVISER (CANADA), L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD PRIVATE FUNDS HOLDINGS INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Dinaz Dadyburjor | |
| Name: Dinaz Dadyburjor Title: Director | ||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP (BERMUDA) LIMITED | ||
| By: | /s/ Jane Sheere | |
| Name: Jane Sheere Title: Secretary | ||
[Amendment to Relationship Agreement]
| BROOKFIELD GLOBAL RENWABLE ENERGY ADVISOR LIMITED | ||
| By: | /s/ Ralf Rank | |
| Name: Ralf Rank Title: Director | ||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY PARTNERS L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS LIMITED | ||
| By: | /s/ Jane Sheere | |
| Name: Jane Sheere Title: Secretary | ||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY L.P., by its general partner, BREP HOLDINGS L.P., by its general partner, BRP BERMUDA GP LIMITED | ||
| By: | /s/ Jane Sheere | |
| Name: Jane Sheere Title: Secretary | ||
| BROOKFIELD BRP HOLDINGS (CANADA) INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Jennifer Mazin | |
| Name: Jennifer Mazin Title: Authorized Signatory | ||
[Amendment to Relationship Agreement]
| BRP BERMUDA HOLDINGS I LIMITED | ||
| By: | /s/ Jane Sheere | |
| Name: Jane Sheere Title: Secretary | ||
| BROOKFIELD BRP EUROPE HOLDINGS (BERMUDA) LIMITED | ||
| By: | /s/ Jane Sheere | |
| Name: Jane Sheere Title: Secretary | ||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE INVESTMENTS LIMITED | ||
| By: | /s/ Jane Sheere | |
| Name: Jane Sheere Title: Secretary | ||
[Amendment to Relationship Agreement]
COUNTERPART AGREEMENT
The undersigned hereby agrees, from and after the date hereof, to be bound as a party to the relationship agreement dated November 28, 2011 by and among Brookfield Asset Management Inc., BRP Energy Group L.P., Brookfield Renewable Energy Group LLC, Brookfield Renewable Energy Group (Bermuda) Limited, Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P., Brookfield Renewable Energy L.P., Brookfield BRP Holdings (Canada) Inc. and BRP Bermuda Holdings I Limited, as from time to time amended and in effect (the “Relationship Agreement”), and further agrees to, and does hereby, assume the obligations of a Manager under the Relationship Agreement. The undersigned acknowledges and confirms that it has received a copy of the Relationship Agreement.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
Dated as of the 26th day of February, 2015.
| BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE INSTITUTIONAL CAPITAL ADVISER (CANADA), L.P. by its general partner, BROOKFIELD PRIVATE FUNDS HOLDINGS INC. | ||
| by: | /s/ Dinaz Dadyburjor | |
| Name: Dinaz Dadyburjor | ||
| Title: Director | ||
[COUNTERPART AGREEMENT TO RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENT]
COUNTERPART AGREEMENT
The undersigned hereby agrees, from and after the date hereof, to be bound as a party to the relationship agreement dated November 28, 2011 by and among Brookfield Asset Management Inc., BRP Energy Group L.P., Brookfield Renewable Energy Group LLC, Brookfield Renewable Energy Group (Bermuda) Limited, Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P., Brookfield Renewable Energy L.P., Brookfield BRP Holdings (Canada) Inc. and BRP Bermuda Holdings I Limited, as from time to time amended and in effect (the “Relationship Agreement”), and further agrees to, and does hereby, assume the obligations of a Manager under the Relationship Agreement. The undersigned acknowledges and confirms that it has received a copy of the Relationship Agreement.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
Dated as of the 26th day of February, 2015.
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE INVESTMENTS LIMITED | ||
| by: |
/s/ Jane Sheere | |
| Name: |
Jane Sheere | |
| Title: |
Secretary | |
[COUNTERPART AGREEMENT TO RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENT]
SECOND AMENDMENT TO RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDING AGREEMENT is made as of the 30th day of July, 2020 (this “Second Amendment Agreement”)
AMONG:
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC., a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario
(“BAM”)
-and-
BRP ENERGY GROUP L.P., a limited partnership existing under the laws of the Province of Manitoba
(the “Canadian Service Provider”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE INSTITUTIONAL CAPITAL ADVISER (CANADA), L.P., a limited partnership existing under the laws of the Province of Manitoba
(the “Canadian Service Provider II”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP (BERMUDA) LIMITED, an exempted company existing under the laws of Bermuda
(the “International Service Provider”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD GLOBAL RENEWABLE ENERGY ADVISOR LIMITED, a company existing under the laws of England
(the “UK Service Provider”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD PRIVATE CAPITAL (DIFC) LIMITED, a private company existing under the laws of Dubai International Financial Centre
(the “Dubai Service Provider”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS L.P. (formerly Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P.), an exempted partnership existing under the laws of Bermuda
(“BEP”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY L.P., an exempted partnership existing under the laws of Bermuda
(“BRELP”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD BRP HOLDINGS (CANADA) INC., a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario
(“CanHoldco”)
-and-
BRP BERMUDA HOLDINGS I LIMITED, an exempted company existing under the laws of Bermuda
(“Bermuda Holdco”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD BRP EUROPE HOLDINGS (BERMUDA) LIMITED, an exempted company existing under the laws of Bermuda
(“Europe Holdco”)
-and-
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE INVESTMENTS LIMITED, an exempted company existing under the laws of Bermuda
(“Investco”)
WHEREAS BAM, the Canadian Service Provider, the International Service Provider, BEP, BRELP, CanHoldco and Bermuda Holdco (together, the “Original Parties”) entered into a relationship agreement dated November 28, 2011 (the “Original Relationship Agreement”);
AND WHEREAS the Original Parties, the Canadian Service Provider II, the UK Service Provider, Europe Holdco and Investco (together with the Original Parties, the “Parties”) entered into an amending agreement to the Relationship Agreement dated February 26, 2015 (the Original Relationship Agreement as so amended is referred to herein as the “Relationship Agreement”);
AND WHEREAS the Parties wish to amend the Relationship Agreement to reflect the addition of the Dubai Service Provider as a party thereto effective as of the date hereof;
NOW THEREFORE for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by the Parties hereto, the Parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
| 1.1 | Addition of the Dubai Service Provider. The Parties hereby agree to amend the terms of the Relationship Agreement by: |
| 1.1.1 | deleting Sections 1.1.16 and 1.1.24 in their entirety; and |
| 1.1.2 | deleting the definition of “Managers” in Section 1.125 in its entirety and replacing it with the following: |
““Managers” means the Canadian Service Provider, the Canadian Service Provider II, the International Service Provider, the UK Service Provider and the Dubai Service Provider.”
| 1.1.3 | adding the following provision after Section 13.5.13: |
| “13.5.14 | if to the Dubai Service Provider: |
Brookfield Private Capital (DIFC) Limited
Unit 45, Level 15
Gate Building
DIFC
PO Box 507234
Dubai
United Arab Emirates”
| 1.2 | Effectiveness. This Second Amendment Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above. |
| 1.3 | Ratification. Except as amended hereby, the Relationship Agreement and all of its terms, conditions and obligations are ratified and confirmed. |
| 1.4 | Enurement. This Second Amendment Agreement and all of the provisions of this Second Amendment Agreement shall be binding upon and enure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. |
| 1.5 | Headings. The inclusion of headings in this Second Amendment Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation hereof. |
| 1.6 | Governing Law. This Second Amendment Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein. |
| 1.7 | Counterparts. This Second Amendment Agreement may be signed in counterparts and each of such counterparts will constitute an original document and such counterparts, taken together, will constitute one and the same instrument. |
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Second Amendment Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.
| BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. | ||
| By: |
/s/ Kathy Sarpash | |
| Name: Kathy Sarpash | ||
| Title: Senior Vice-President | ||
| BRP ENERGY GROUP L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP G.P. INC. | ||
| By: |
/s/ Jennifer Mazin | |
| Name: Jennifer Mazin | ||
| Title: Senior Vice President and Secretary | ||
| BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE INSTITUTIONAL CAPITAL ADVISER (CANADA), L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD PRIVATE FUNDS HOLDINGS INC. | ||
| By: |
/s/ Kathy Sarpash | |
| Name: Kathy Sarpash | ||
| Title: Senior Vice-President | ||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP (BERMUDA) LIMITED | ||
| By: |
/s/ Anna Knapman-Scott | |
| Name: Anna Knapman-Scott | ||
| Title: Assistant Secretary | ||
| BROOKFIELD GLOBAL RENEWABLE ENERGY ADVISOR LIMITED | ||
| By: |
/s/ Philippa Elder | |
| Name: Philippa Elder | ||
| Title: Director | ||
| BROOKFIELD PRIVATE CAPITAL (DIFC) LIMITED | ||
| By: |
/s/ Anuj Ranjan | |
| Name: Anuj Ranjan | ||
| Title: Director | ||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS LIMITED | ||
| By: |
/s/ Anna Knapman-Scott | |
| Name: Anna Knapman-Scott | ||
| Title: Assistant Secretary | ||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY L.P., by its general partner, BREP HOLDING L.P., by its general partner, BRP BERMUDA GP LIMITED | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Anna Knapman-Scott | |||
| Name: Anna Knapman-Scott | ||||
| Title: Assistant Secretary | ||||
| BROOKFIELD BRP HOLDINGS (CANADA) INC. | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Jennifer Mazin | |||
| Name: Jennifer Mazin | ||||
| Title: Senior Vice President and Secretary | ||||
| BRP BERMUDA HOLDINGS I LIMITED | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Anna Knapman-Scott | |||
| Name: Anna Knapman-Scott | ||||
| Title: Assistant Secretary | ||||
| BROOKFIELD BRP EUROPE HOLDINGS (BERMUDA) LIMITED | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Anna Knapman-Scott | |||
| Name: Anna Knapman-Scott | ||||
| Title: Assistant Secretary | ||||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE INVESTMENTS LIMITED | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Anna Knapman-Scott | |||
| Name: Anna Knapman-Scott | ||||
| Title: Assistant Secretary | ||||
Exhibit 99.5
EQUITY COMMITMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made as of the 30th day of July, 2020.
B E T W E E N:
BROOKFIELD BRP HOLDINGS (CANADA) INC.
(“Canada HoldCo”), a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario
- and -
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE CORPORATION
(“BEPC”), a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of British Columbia
- and –
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS L.P.
(“BEP Partnership”), a limited partnership existing under the laws of Bermuda
RECITALS:
| A. | WHEREAS Canada HoldCo will subscribe for, or cause one of its Affiliates (as defined below) to subscribe for, Class C Shares of BEPC, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Equity Commitment Agreement and, as applicable, the articles of incorporation of BEPC, as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time; |
| B. | WHEREAS BEPC intends to call on Canada HoldCo’s Commitment, from time to time and as necessary, to fund growth capital investments and acquisitions, or for working capital purposes; and |
| C. | WHEREAS BEP Partnership intends to covenant not to declare or pay any distributions on its limited partnership units if certain conditions are met. |
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the parties hereto agree as follows:
| 1. | Interpretation |
| 1.1 | Definitions. In this Equity Commitment Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings: |
| 1.1.1 | “Affiliate” means, with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by such Person, or is under common Control of a third Person; |
| 1.1.2 | “BEP Group” means the BEP Partnership, the Renewable Partnership, the Holding Entities, the Operating Entities and any other direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Holding Entity, other than any member of the BEPC Group; |
| 1.1.3 | “BEPC” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble; |
| 1.1.4 | “BEPC Group” means BEPC and any of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries; |
| 1.1.5 | “BEP Partnership” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble; |
| 1.1.6 | “BEP Unit” means a limited partnership unit in the BEP Partnership; |
| 1.1.7 | “Business Day” means any day that the Principal Stock Exchange is open for trading, other than any legal holiday recognized as such in the Province of Ontario or the Province of British Columbia; |
| 1.1.8 | “Canada HoldCo” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble; |
| 1.1.9 | “Class A Shares” means the class A exchangeable subordinate voting shares in the capital of BEPC; |
| 1.1.10 | “Class C Shares” means the class C non-voting shares in the capital of BEPC; |
| 1.1.11 | “Commitment” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.1; |
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| 1.1.12 | “Commitment Period” means the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the tenth anniversary following the Effective Date; |
| 1.1.13 | “Control” means the control of one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of B by contract or status (for example the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of beneficial ownership of a majority of the voting interests in B; and for certainty and without limitation, if A owns shares to which more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors to the board of B or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A Controls B for this purpose; |
| 1.1.14 | “Draw-Down Notice” means a notice to Canada HoldCo of a draw-down on the Commitment; |
| 1.1.15 | “Effective Date” means the date hereof; |
| 1.1.16 | “Equity Commitment Agreement” means this equity commitment agreement as it may be amended or restated from time to time; |
| 1.1.17 | “Holding Entity” has the meaning assigned thereto in the BEP Partnership Agreement; |
| 1.1.18 | “Operating Entity” has the meaning assigned thereto in the BEP Partnership Agreement; |
| 1.1.19 | “Person” means any individual, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, syndicate, sole proprietorship, company or corporation with or without share capital, unincorporated association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other legal personal representative, regulatory body or agency, government or governmental agency, authority or entity however designated or constituted; |
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| 1.1.20 | “Principal Stock Exchange” means the New York Stock Exchange or if the Class A Shares are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the principal stock exchange on which the Class A Shares are listed; |
| 1.1.21 | “Renewable Partnership” means Brookfield Renewable Energy L.P.; |
| 1.1.22 | “Subscriber” means Canada HoldCo or any other member of the BEP Group that Canada HoldCo causes to subscribe for Class C Shares pursuant to this Equity Commitment Agreement; |
| 1.1.23 | “Subscription Payment” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.2; |
| 1.1.24 | “Subscription Payment Date” means a date specified in a Draw-Down Notice on which a Subscription Payment is to be made to BEPC; |
| 1.1.25 | “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any other Person that is directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, (ii) any trust in which such Person holds all of the beneficial interests or (iii) any partnership, limited liability company or similar entity in which such Person holds all of the interests other than the interests of any general partner, managing member or similar Person; and |
| 1.1.26 | “US$” means United States dollars. |
| 1.2 | Headings. The inclusion of headings and a table of contents in this Equity Commitment Agreement are for convenience of reference only and will not affect the construction or interpretation hereof. |
| 1.3 | Gender and Number. In this Equity Commitment Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa, words importing gender include all genders or the neuter, and words importing the neuter include all genders. |
| 1.4 | Invalidity of Provisions. Each of the provisions contained in this Equity Commitment Agreement is distinct and severable and a declaration of invalidity |
-4-
| or unenforceability of any such provision or part thereof by a court of competent jurisdiction will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties waive any provision of law which renders any provision of this Equity Commitment Agreement invalid or unenforceable in any respect. The parties will engage in good faith negotiations to replace any provision which is declared invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid or unenforceable provision which it replaces. |
| 1.5 | Currency. Except where otherwise expressly provided, all amounts in this Equity Commitment Agreement are stated and shall be paid in US$. BEPC shall call all Subscription Payments in US$. Canada HoldCo shall make all Subscription Payments in US$ or in the equivalent amount of Canadian Dollars on the basis of rates quoted by appropriate financial institutions of repute or by internationally recognized financial publications or news services. If it is necessary for any amounts to be converted from another currency into US$, then BEPC will convert the amount using rates quoted by appropriate financial institutions of repute or by internationally recognized financial publications or news services. |
| 1.6 | Waiver, Amendment. |
Any amendment, modification or waiver to this Equity Commitment Agreement that would reasonably be expected to impact the economic equivalence of a Class A Share with a BEP Unit shall require (i) at a duly called annual or special meeting of BEPC’s shareholders, the affirmative consent or vote, as applicable, of holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A Shares not held by Brookfield Asset Management Inc., the BEP Partnership or their controlled Affiliates, voting as a class, or (ii) in the event that there is more than one independent director of BEPC (within the meaning of sections 1.4 and 1.5 of National Instrument 52-110 – Audit Committees of the Canadian Securities Administrators, as such provisions may be amended from time to time and, if applicable, the listing standards of the securities exchange(s) on which the
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Class A Shares may then be listed) who does not also serve on the board of the general partner of the BEP Partnership (each a “non-overlapping director”), the approval of a majority of such non-overlapping directors. Except as expressly provided in this Equity Commitment Agreement, no amendment, modification or waiver of this Equity Commitment Agreement will be binding unless executed in writing by the party to be bound thereby. No waiver of any provision of this Equity Commitment Agreement will constitute a waiver of any other provision nor will any waiver of any provision of this Equity Commitment Agreement constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided.
| 1.7 | Governing Law |
This Equity Commitment Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
| 2. | The Commitment |
| 2.1 | The aggregate commitment of Canada HoldCo to subscribe for Class C Shares of BEPC pursuant to this Equity Commitment Agreement is $1 billion (the “Commitment”). |
| 2.2 | Each draw-down shall not exceed $250,000,000, unless Canada HoldCo otherwise agrees, and each subsequent draw-down shall be made a minimum of 120 days after the receipt of the last Draw-Down Notice from BEPC. |
| 2.3 | Subject to Sections 3 and 4, on each Subscription Payment Date, the Subscriber shall pay to BEPC an amount of cash set out in a Draw-Down Notice (the “Subscription Payment”) in exchange for the issuance of Class C Shares pursuant to Section 6. |
| 2.4 | The amount of the Commitment shall be permanently reduced by the amount of any Subscription Payment made to BEPC. |
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| 3. | Subscription Payments on Draw-Downs |
| 3.1 | Canada HoldCo shall cause one or more Subscribers to make a Subscription Payment to BEPC following receipt of a Draw-Down Notice from BEPC and in such amount as BEPC shall specify in the Draw-Down Notice; provided that no Subscription Payment shall be less than $10 million or in excess of the undrawn amount of the Commitment at the time the Subscription Payment is to be made. |
| 3.2 | BEPC shall give the Draw-Down Notice to Canada HoldCo in the manner specified in Section 12 hereof. The Draw-Down Notice shall: |
| 3.2.1 | specify (i) the place at which such Subscription Payment is to be made, including, if applicable, the account of BEPC or one or more of its subsidiaries to which such Subscription Payment should be made, (ii) the security to be issued, (iii) the amount of such Subscription Payment to be made, and (iv) the Subscription Payment Date and time at which such Subscription Payment is to be made, which shall not be earlier than 12:00 p.m., Toronto time, generally on the tenth Business Day, but in no event earlier than the fifth Business Day, after the giving of the Draw-Down Notice; and |
| 3.2.2 | confirm that (i) BEPC is able to pay its liabilities as they become due; and (ii) there has been no material adverse effect with respect to BEPC or its affairs or financial condition. |
| 3.3 | If BEPC deems it advisable, BEPC may reduce the amount of or cancel any call for a Subscription Payment by giving notice to Canada HoldCo in accordance with Section 12, subject to Section 3.1. |
| 4. | Conditions Precedent |
Canada HoldCo’s obligations pursuant to Section 3.1 are subject to compliance, as of the Subscription Payment Date, with each of the following conditions precedent which are for the
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sole and exclusive benefit of Canada HoldCo and may be waived by Canada HoldCo in its sole discretion:
| 4.1 | a member of the BEP Group shall Control BEPC and a member of the BEP Group shall have the ability to elect a majority of the directors of BEPC; |
| 4.2 | a Draw-Down Notice shall have been provided to Canada HoldCo in accordance with Section 3.2; |
| 4.3 | a majority of the directors of BEPC shall have authorized the issuance of Class C Shares pursuant to Section 6; and |
| 4.4 | on each of the five Business Days immediately preceding the Subscription Payment Date, Class A Shares shall have traded on the Principal Stock Exchange. |
| 5. | Expiration of the Commitment Period |
Upon the earlier of (i) the expiration of the Commitment Period, subject to the ongoing obligation to satisfy a previously issued Draw-Down Notice, and (ii) the making of Subscription Payments equal to the full amount of the Commitment, no Subscriber shall be required to make Subscription Payments pursuant to this Equity Commitment Agreement.
| 6. | Issuance of Class C Shares |
Upon making a Subscription Payment to BEPC, BEPC shall issue a number of Class C Shares equal to the cash amount of the Subscription Payment divided by the volume-weighted average of the trading price for one Class A Share on the Principal Stock Exchange for the five trading days immediately preceding the Subscription Payment Date.
| 7. | Representations and Warranties |
| 7.1 | Canada HoldCo hereby represents and warrants to BEPC and the BEP Partnership that: |
| 7.1.1 | it is validly organized and existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario; |
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| 7.1.2 | it has the power, capacity and authority to enter into this Equity Commitment Agreement and to perform its duties and obligations hereunder; |
| 7.1.3 | it has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Equity Commitment Agreement; |
| 7.1.4 | the execution and delivery of this Equity Commitment Agreement by it and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder do not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under its articles, by-laws, constituent documents or other organizational documents; |
| 7.1.5 | no authorization, consent or approval, or filing with or notice to any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Equity Commitment Agreement; and |
| 7.1.6 | this Equity Commitment Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other laws of general application limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and remedies generally and (ii) general principles of equity, including standards of materiality, good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, equitable defenses and limits as to the availability of equitable remedies, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity. |
| 7.2 | BEPC hereby represents and warrants to Canada HoldCo and the BEP Partnership that: |
| 7.2.1 | it is validly organized and existing under the laws of the Province of British Columbia; |
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| 7.2.2 | it has the power, capacity and authority to enter into this Equity Commitment Agreement and to perform its duties and obligations hereunder; |
| 7.2.3 | it has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Equity Commitment Agreement; |
| 7.2.4 | the execution and delivery of this Equity Commitment Agreement by it and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder do not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under its articles, by-laws, constituent documents or other organizational documents; |
| 7.2.5 | no authorization, consent or approval, or filing with or notice to any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Equity Commitment Agreement; and |
| 7.2.6 | this Equity Commitment Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other laws of general application limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and remedies generally and (ii) general principles of equity, including standards of materiality, good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, equitable defenses and limits as to the availability of equitable remedies, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity. |
| 7.3 | The BEP Partnership hereby represents and warrants to BEPC and Canada HoldCo that: |
| 7.3.1 | it is validly organized and existing under the laws of Bermuda; |
| 7.3.2 | it has the power, capacity and authority to enter into this Equity Commitment Agreement and to perform its duties and obligations hereunder; |
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| 7.3.3 | it has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Equity Commitment Agreement; |
| 7.3.4 | the execution and delivery of this Equity Commitment Agreement by it and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder do not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under its limited partnership agreement, constituent documents or other organizational documents; |
| 7.3.5 | no authorization, consent or approval, or filing with or notice to any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Equity Commitment Agreement; and |
| 7.3.6 | this Equity Commitment Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other laws of general application limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and remedies generally and (ii) general principles of equity, including standards of materiality, good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, equitable defenses and limits as to the availability of equitable remedies, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity. |
| 8. | Covenants of the BEP Partnership |
The BEP Partnership covenants and agrees that, from the date of this Equity Commitment Agreement until the termination of this Equity Commitment Agreement:
(a) it will not declare any distribution on the BEP Units if on such date BEPC does not have sufficient money or other assets to enable the declaration and payment, in accordance with applicable law (including directors’ fiduciary duties) and all contracts to which BEPC is a party, of the equivalent (calculated per Class A Share) dividend on the Class A Shares; and
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(b) it will not pay any declared distribution if on such payment date BEPC does not have sufficient money or other assets to enable the payment, in accordance with applicable law (including directors’ fiduciary duties) and all contracts to which BEPC is a party, of the equivalent (calculated per Class A Share) dividend on the Class A Shares.
| 9. | Termination |
This Equity Commitment Agreement shall terminate and no longer be of any effect in the event that all of the outstanding Class A Shares are held by Brookfield Asset Management Inc., the BEP Partnership or their controlled Affiliates.
| 10. | Further Assurances |
Each of the parties hereto shall promptly do, make, execute or deliver, or cause to be done, made, executed or delivered, all such further acts, documents and things as the other party hereto may reasonably require from time to time for the purpose of giving effect to this Equity Commitment Agreement and shall use reasonable efforts and take all such steps as may be reasonably within its power to implement to their full extent the provisions of this Equity Commitment Agreement.
| 11. | Successors and Assigns |
No party may assign its right or benefits under this Equity Commitment Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto provided that Canada HoldCo may assign its rights and benefits under this Equity Commitment Agreement to any member of the BEP Group without obtaining the prior written consent of the other parties. This provision of this Equity Commitment Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding on the parties to this Equity Commitment Agreement and their respective successors and assigns.
| 12. | Notice |
Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by prepaid mail, by facsimile or other means of electronic communication or by delivery as hereafter provided. Any such notice or other communication, if
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mailed by prepaid mail at any time other than during a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lockout or otherwise, shall be deemed to have been received on the fourth Business Day after the post-marked date thereof, or if sent by facsimile or other means of electronic communication, shall be deemed to have been received on the Business Day following the sending, or if delivered by hand shall be deemed to have been received at the time it is delivered to the applicable address noted below either to the individual designated below or to an individual at such address having apparent authority to accept deliveries on behalf of the addressee. Notice of change of address shall also be governed by this section. In the event of a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lock-out or otherwise, notices or other communications shall be delivered by hand or sent by facsimile or other means of electronic communication and shall be deemed to have been received in accordance with this section. Notices and other communications shall be addressed as follows:
| (a) | if to Canada HoldCo: |
Brookfield Place, Suite 300
181 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
| (b) | if to BEPC: |
Brookfield Renewable Corporation
Brookfield Place
250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor
New York NY 10281
| (c) | if to the BEP Partnership: |
Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P.
73 Front Street, 5th Floor
Hamilton
HM12
Bermuda
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| 13. | Benefits of this Equity Commitment Agreement |
Except for the rights of Non-Affiliated Holders (as defined in the Articles of BEPC) to enforce the provisions in Section 8, nothing in this Equity Commitment Agreement shall be construed to give to any Person other than the parties hereto any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Equity Commitment Agreement.
| 14. | Counterparts |
This Equity Commitment Agreement may be signed in counterparts and each of such counterparts shall constitute an original document and such counterparts, taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[NEXT PAGE IS THE SIGNATURE PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this agreement as of the date first written above.
| BROOKFIELD BRP HOLDINGS (CANADA) INC. | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Adrienne Moore | |||
| Name: |
Adrienne Moore | |||
| Title: |
Vice-President | |||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE CORPORATION | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Jennifer Mazin | |||
| Name: |
Jennifer Mazin | |||
| Title: |
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary | |||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS L.P., by its general partner BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS LIMITED | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Jane Sheere | |||
| Name: |
Jane Sheere | |||
| Title: |
Secretary | |||
[Equity Commitment Agreement – Signature Page]
Exhibit 99.6
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS L.P.
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT (the “Amendment”) to the Third Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2020 (the “Agreement”) among Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“BAM”), Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. (“BEP”) and others is made as of the 30th day of July, 2020 by the undersigned. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.
WHEREAS, on July 16, 2020, the board of directors of the general partner of BEP approved a special distribution (the “Special Distribution”) of class A exchangeable subordinate voting shares (“BEPC Shares”) of Brookfield Renewable Corporation (“BEPC”) to the holders of limited partnership units (“Units”) and general partner units of BEP to be completed on the date hereof;
AND WHEREAS, the BEPC Shares will be structured with the intention of providing holders with an economic return equivalent to the Units, including identical distributions, and be exchangeable for Units on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustment) (or for the cash equivalent, at the election of BEPC) in accordance with the terms of the BEPC Shares;
AND WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Agreement in connection with the Special Distribution to reflect the addition of BEPC as a Holding Entity and make certain other amendments to the terms and conditions of the Agreement as set out herein;
NOW THEREFORE,
| 1. | Amendments to Article 1 |
Section 1.1 is hereby amended by adding the following definitions:
1.1.15.1 “BEPC” means Brookfield Renewable Corporation;
1.1.31.1 “Exchangeable Shares” means exchangeable subordinate voting shares of BEPC;
1.1.65.1 “Rights Agreement” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 7.5.3;
Section 1.1.39 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
“Holding Entities” means Brookfield BRP Holdings (Canada) Inc., BRP Bermuda Holdings I Limited, Brookfield BRP Canada Corp., Brookfield BRP Holdings (US) Inc., Brookfield BRP Europe Holdings (Bermuda) Limited, Brookfield Renewable Investments Limited, Brookfield Renewable Power Preferred Equity Inc., Brookfield Renewable Partners ULC, BEPC and any direct wholly-owned Subsidiary of BRELP created or acquired on or after the date of the Agreement, excluding, for greater certainty, any Operating Entities;
| 2. | Amendments to Article 7 |
Article 7 is hereby amended by adding the following provision after Section 7.5.2:
7.5.3 BEP will reimburse Brookfield for any and all amounts actually paid to the rights agent (i) pursuant to the Rights Agreement between Brookfield and Wilmington Trust, National Association, dated as of July 30, 2020 (the “Rights Agreement”), including, but not limited to, in respect of services rendered, out-of-pocket expenses, counsel fees and other disbursements incurred in the administration and execution of the Rights Agreement and the exercise and performance of the rights agent’s duties thereunder, and (ii) in respect of any indemnification provided to the rights agent pursuant to the Rights Agreement.
| 3. | Amendments to Article 8 |
Article 8 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
ARTICLE 8
BROOKFIELD’S OBLIGATION AND CONSENT RIGHT
8.1 Provision of Services to the Service Recipients
Brookfield’s sole obligation pursuant to this Agreement shall be to cause the members of the Service Provider Group to provide Services to the Service Recipients in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
8.2 Consent to Issuance of Class A Shares
8.2.1 Except as set forth in Section 8.2.2, prior to the issuance by BEPC of any Exchangeable Shares, BEPC shall obtain the written consent of Brookfield, which consent shall be provided or withheld in Brookfield’s sole discretion, provided that Brookfield shall deliver its written decision on whether or not to provide such consent within 10 Business Days of receiving a written request from BEPC, in respect of such issuance. Brookfield shall be entitled to such consent right for as long as Brookfield is a party to the Rights Agreement.
8.2.2 Notwithstanding Section 8.2.1, Brookfield’s consent right does not apply to the issuance by BEPC of any Exchangeable Shares in satisfaction of BEPC’s restricted stock unit awards.
| 4. | Amendments to Article 13 |
Article 13 is hereby amended by adding the following provision after Section 13.5.1:
13.5.1.1 if to BEPC:
Brookfield Renewable Corporation
Brookfield Place
-2-
250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10281-1023 USA
Attention: Secretary
Telecopier number: 212-417-7196
| 5. | Effective Date |
This Amendment shall be effective upon the date first written above.
| 6. | Governing Law |
This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
| 7. | General |
| (a) | Except as modified herein, all terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
| (b) | This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which shall be construed together as one agreement. |
[Remainder of this page left blank intentionally.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the date first above written.
| BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Jessica Diab | |||
| Name: |
Jessica Diab | |||
| Title: |
Vice President | |||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS LIMITED | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Jane Sheere | |||
| Name: |
Jane Sheere | |||
| Title: |
Secretary | |||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY L.P., by its general partner, BREP HOLDING L.P., by its general partner, BRP BERMUDA GP LIMITED | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Jane Sheere | |||
| Name: |
Jane Sheere | |||
| Title: |
Secretary | |||
| BRP ENERGY GROUP L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP G.P. INC. | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Jennifer Mazin | |||
| Name: |
Jennifer Mazin | |||
| Title: |
Senior Vice President and Secretary | |||
| BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE INSTITUTIONAL CAPITAL ADVISER (CANADA), L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD PRIVATE FUNDS HOLDINGS INC. | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Kathy Sarpash | |||
| Name: |
Kathy Sarpash | |||
| Title: |
Vice-President | |||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP (BERMUDA) LIMITED | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Jane Sheere | |||
| Name: |
Jane Sheere | |||
| Title: |
Secretary | |||
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| BROOKFIELD GLOBAL RENEWABLE ENERGY ADVISOR LIMITED | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Philippa Elder | |||
| Name: |
Philippa Elder | |||
| Title: |
Director | |||
| BROOKFIELD PRIVATE CAPITAL (DIFC) LIMITED | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Anuj Ranjan | |||
| Name: |
Anuj Ranjan | |||
| Title: |
Director | |||
| BROOKFIELD BRP HOLDINGS (CANADA) INC. | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Adrienne Moore | |||
| Name: |
Adrienne Moore | |||
| Title: |
Vice President | |||
| BRP BERMUDA HOLDINGS I LIMITED | ||||
| By: |
/s/ Jane Sheere | |||
| Name: |
Jane Sheere | |||
| Title: |
Secretary | |||
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| BROOKFIELD BRP CANADA CORP. | ||||
| By: | /s/ Walter Di Cesare | |||
| Name: | Walter Di Cesare | |||
| Title: | Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary | |||
| By: | /s/ Bernard Cardinal | |||
| Name: | Bernard Cardinal | |||
| Title: | Vice President | |||
| BROOKFIELD BRP HOLDINGS (US) INC. | ||||
| By: | /s/ Jacob Pollack | |||
| Name: | Jacob Pollack | |||
| Title: | Senior Vice President & Secretary | |||
| By: | /s/ Stephen Gallagher | |||
| Name: | Walter Di Cesare | |||
| Title: | Vice President & Treasurer | |||
| BROOKFIELD BRP EUROPE HOLDINGS (BERMUDA) LIMITED | ||||
| By: | /s/ Jane Sheere | |||
| Name: | Jane Sheere | |||
| Title: | Secretary | |||
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| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE INVESTMENTS LIMITED | ||||
| By: | /s/ Jane Sheere | |||
| Name: | Jane Sheere | |||
| Title: | Secretary | |||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE POWER PREFERRED EQUITY INC. | ||||
| By: | /s/ Jennifer Mazin | |||
| Name: | Jennifer Mazin | |||
| Title: | Senior Vice President and Secretary | |||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS ULC | ||||
| By: | /s/ Jennifer Mazin | |||
| Name: | Jennifer Mazin | |||
| Title: | Senior Vice President and Secretary | |||
| BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE CORPORATION | ||||
| By: | /s/ Jennifer Mazin | |||
| Name: | Jennifer Mazin | |||
| Title: | General Counsel and Corporate Secretary | |||
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Exhibit 99.7
Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P.
CODE OF
BUSINESS
CONDUCT AND
ETHICS
MESSAGE FROM
THE CEO AND CFO
To All Directors, Officers and Employees of Brookfield Renewable Partners
As a growing global organization with over a 100-year history of owning and operating renewable power assets, one thing that has not changed is Brookfield Renewable’s commitment to operating with the highest ethical standards. It has always been and remains our policy that all of our activities must be conducted with the utmost honesty and integrity and in full compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
The enclosed Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) has been endorsed by the Board of Directors.
The Code does not cover every situation you may encounter while at Brookfield Renewable and that is not its purpose. Rather the Code sets forth basic principles which should guide your behavior and sets standards that you must adhere to. It also acts as a “road map” to other policies of Brookfield Renewable that will provide you with more detailed guidance on specific topics.
The Code sets out the commitments that we all must make as part of the Brookfield Renewable team. We urge you to read it carefully. When in doubt, please refer any questions to your supervisor or internal legal counsel.
Thank you for your continued dedication to Brookfield Renewable and for your commitment to upholding the principles and standards set forth in the Code.
Yours truly,
| /s/ Sachin Shah |
/s/ Wyatt Hartley | |||
| Sachin Shah |
Wyatt Hartley | |||
| Chief Executive Officer |
Chief Financial Officer |
| Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. | Code of Business Conduct and Ethics May 2020 |
||
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| WHO WE ARE |
1 | |||||
| 1. APPLICATION & COMMUNICATION OF THE CODE |
2 | |||||
| 1.1 |
Who the Code applies to | 2 | ||||
| 1.2 |
The Code and related policies | 2 | ||||
| 1.3 |
Staying up to date with the Code | 2 | ||||
| 1.4 |
Seeking advice | 2 | ||||
| 1.5 |
Reporting violations | 2 | ||||
| 2. BUSINESS ETHICS AND PRACTICES |
3 | |||||
| 2.1 |
Ethical standards | 3 | ||||
| 2.2 |
Personal and professional behavior | 3 | ||||
| 2.3 |
Electronic communications | 3 | ||||
| 2.4 |
Integrity guide | 3 | ||||
| 2.5 |
Conflicts of interest | 4 | ||||
| 2.6 |
Fair dealing | 4 | ||||
| 2.7 |
Safeguarding the Organization’s property and assets | 4 | ||||
| 2.8 |
Protect confidential information concerning Brookfield Renewable | 5 | ||||
| 2.9 |
Social license to operate | 5 | ||||
| 2.10 |
Financial and business records | 5 | ||||
| 3. A POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT |
6 | |||||
| 3.1 |
Our work environment | 6 | ||||
| 3.2 |
Zero tolerance for discrimination and harassment | 6 | ||||
| 3.3 |
Setting the tone | 7 | ||||
| 3.4 |
World class safety culture | 7 | ||||
| 3.5 |
Corporate social responsibility | 7 | ||||
| 4. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES |
8 | |||||
| 4.1 |
General principles | 8 | ||||
| 4.2 |
Scope of Applicable Laws, Regulations, Compliance and Governance | 8 | ||||
| 4.3 |
Market rules and commercial obligations | 8 | ||||
| 4.4 |
Operational rules, regulations and licenses | 8 | ||||
| 4.5 |
Securities laws and insider trading | 9 | ||||
| 4.6 |
Anti-bribery and anti-corruption | 9 | ||||
| 4.7 |
Anti-money laundering | 9 | ||||
| 5. COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE |
10 | |||||
| 5.1 |
Certification | 10 | ||||
| 5.2 |
Third Parties | 10 | ||||
| 5.3 |
Reporting violations of the Code | 10 | ||||
| 5.4 |
Ethics reporting channels | 11 | ||||
| 5.5 |
Disciplinary action for Code violations | 11 | ||||
| APPENDIX A – List of Key Policies |
12 | |||||
| APPENDIX B – Statement of Compliance |
13 | |||||
| APPENDIX C – Contact Information for Policy |
14 | |||||
| Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. | Code of Business Conduct and Ethics May 2020 |
| 1 | |
WHO WE ARE
Brookfield Renewable is one of the largest publicly-traded renewable power businesses in the world with over 100 years of experience in power generation. We invest in renewable assets directly, as well as with institutional partners, joint venture partners and through other arrangements. To our investors, we represent a stable, high quality, global investment opportunity in renewable energy with a strong track record in total returns to investors. To the residents of areas where we operate, we are trusted community partners and reliable stewards of the environment.
Our renewable power facilities are primarily hydro-electric and represent one of the longest life, lowest cost and most environmentally preferred forms of power generation. Our portfolio also includes wind, solar, biomass and energy storage assets.
We employ approximately 2,900 people who are an important component of our continued success. We highly value their safety as well as the safety of the communities in which we work. We are stewards of the assets we operate and the environments in which they reside. We take these responsibilities seriously and are respectful of local communities. We live and work by the highest standards of honesty and integrity and expect the same from all those who work with us and represent us.
We understand that the culture that fills our corridors is not unlike the electricity that flows through our power stations. We may not see it directly, but we know it by its impact. We see and feel its effects all around us. Prudently managed with the right standards and safeguards, it has the power to truly transform people’s lives for the better. We therefore strive to achieve the highest standards in all that we do in the knowledge that by doing so we increase value and truly make a difference.
The accompanying Code of Business Conduct and Ethics sets out the business conduct and ethical standards that we have set for ourselves. While no one document can address every situation, this document provides a framework for our decisions and behavior in representing Brookfield Renewable.
| Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. | Code of Business Conduct and Ethics May 2020 |
| 2 | |
| 1 | APPLICATION & COMMUNICATION OF THE CODE |
| 1.1 | Who the Code applies to |
This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) applies to all directors, officers, employees, and temporary workers1 (collectively “personnel”) of Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P., its general partner and all of its controlled subsidiaries (collectively, “Brookfield Renewable”, “we”, “us”, “our” or “the Organization”), unless such a controlled subsidiary has adopted its own Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is consistent with the provisions of this Code.
The Code is the cornerstone by which all of our activities on behalf of the Organization are guided, and to which we refer when in doubt as to the right thing to do. In particular for new employees, it should be the first thing you read about the Organization and will form the foundational philosophy of your work with us.
| 1.2 | The Code and related policies |
The Code is an important part of our business culture and operations and also an important part of our governance structure, foundational to our business processes and relevant to all aspects of the work that we do. We have adopted the Code and related policies and procedures in order to preserve our culture and to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our activities. We expect and require that you meet the letter and spirit of the Code (and related policies and procedures). References are provided to our specific policies and practices, which the Code incorporates by reference, where more detail can be found regarding specific issues that the Code covers at a high level. A list of these policies can be found in the attached Appendix “A”. We invite all those who work with us around the globe to read the Code and relevant policies, to understand the way that we would like you to engage with and represent us in our business.
| 1.3 | Staying up to date with the Code |
We operate in a unique and dynamic environment where change is a constant. While our core beliefs and values will not change, elements of our business and operations may change and as such, the Code will be periodically updated as required. It is important therefore that our personnel refresh themselves with the contents of the Code on a regular basis and remain current on what is expected of them. Compliance with the Code is mandatory, and the consequences of non-compliance can be serious. These are outlined in more detail in Section 5 of the Code.
| 1.4 | Seeking advice |
When in doubt as to the interpretation or application of this Code, speak to your supervisor, internal legal counsel as listed in Appendix “C” or to the Chief Risk Officer of Brookfield Renewable as outlined in Section 5.3.
| 1.5 | Reporting violations |
If you suspect or know of a violation of this Code, you must report it to the Chief Risk Officer, internal legal counsel as listed in Appendix “C”, your supervisor or through the Ethics Reporting Line or Website as outlined in Sections 5.3 and 5.4.
| 1 | For purposes of the Code, “temporary workers” include non-full-time employees and consultants and contractors etc. that work on our premises. The business group retaining a temporary worker is responsible for ensuring that the temporary worker certifies their commitment to comply with the Code. |
| Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. | Code of Business Conduct and Ethics May 2020 |
| 3 | |
| 2 | BUSINESS ETHICS AND PRACTICES |
| 2.1 | Ethical standards |
Brookfield Renewable requires honesty, integrity and the highest moral and ethical standards from its personnel. The Organization’s leaders are expected to clearly demonstrate these standards at all times, in all that they do, and to provide a strong example for others to follow. By providing leadership in this way, they will reinforce the business ethics and practices that are expected and promote the business culture that we encourage from our personnel. These standards of behavior apply to everything that we do that is related to our Organization and its business affairs.
| 2.2 | Personal and professional behavior |
It is important to remember that our personal and professional behavior should be consistent with and reinforce a positive public image of the Organization. It is essential that you use good judgment in all your personal and business dealings both inside and outside your role with the Organization when such dealings are linked to, are in respect of or could reflect on the Organization. You should refrain from activities at work and outside of work that could hurt the Organization’s reputation and that could undermine the relationship of trust between you and the Organization. This includes appropriate professional behavior when using email, the internet, social media, etc. as more specifically set out in our Personal Conflicts of Interest Policy and Disclosure Policy.
| 2.3 | Electronic communications |
All business matters that involve electronic, written communication must be conducted by employees on the Organization’s email system or through other systems provided and approved by the Organization. You must at all times use your e-mail, Internet, telephones and other forms of communication appropriately and professionally. While we appreciate the need for limited use of these tools for personal purposes, your use should not be excessive or detract from your work. Personnel should not email business information to their personal email accounts or maintain a copy of business information on their personal computers or other non-work electronic devices. When using Organization-provided technologies such as computers, cell phones and voicemail, you should not expect that the information you send or receive is private. Your activity may be monitored to ensure these resources are used appropriately. The Organization’s social media policy is that, unless you are expressly authorized, you are strictly prohibited from commenting, or posting about, or otherwise discussing the Organization, its customers and partners, its employees, and its securities, investments and other business matters on all social media forums, including, but not limited to, social networks, chat rooms, wikis, virtual worlds and blogs (collectively, “social media”). You are a representative of the Organization when engaging in online activities and you must ensure that your behavior online, including on social media, is appropriate and consistent with our values.
| 2.4 | Integrity guide |
In most situations, honesty and integrity will guide our decisions and actions, but the Code and our policy framework cannot cover every situation or dilemma you could face. When you are not sure of the ethical action or inaction to take in the context of your work, role or with respect to the Organization, always act in the best interests of the Organization and ask yourself the following questions:
| • | Is it illegal? |
| • | Does it conflict with the best interests of the Organization? |
| • | Would you feel uncomfortable if your actions became public knowledge? |
| • | Do you have a personal interest that has the potential to conflict with the Organization’s interest? |
If you think that the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, you should consider whether your proposed conduct is appropriate and seek advice from the Chief Risk Officer, internal legal counsel as listed in Appendix “C” or your supervisor.
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Any concerns about potential or suspected unethical, unprofessional, illegal, fraudulent or other questionable behavior must be reported according to the process outlined at Section 5.3.
| 2.5 | Conflicts of interest |
Conflicts of interest should be avoided or resolved as they undermine our ability to act in the best interests of the Organization. A conflict of interest occurs when a person’s private interest inclines the person, consciously or unconsciously, or incline the person to act in a manner which is not in the interests of the Organization. Further details and examples of potential conflicts of interest and how to address them can be found in the Organization’s Personal Conflicts of Interest Policy. We expect that all personnel will act honestly and ethically and in the best interests of the Organization by avoiding actual and perceived conflicts of interest in their personal and professional relationships, which includes competing with the Organization’s business. While we respect your right to manage your personal affairs and investments and we do not wish to intrude on your personal life, you should place the Organization’s interest in any business transaction ahead of any personal interest.
“Other Business Activities,” otherwise known as “OBAs” include any business activities outside the scope of one’s role with the Organization, including any activity as an employee, independent contractor, sole proprietor, officer, director, or partner of another business organization, regardless of whether compensation is involved. Personnel must receive approval from the CEO and the Organization’s internal legal counsel prior to accepting an OBA. Directors of the Organization must advise the Chair of the Board of Directors prior to taking on any OBAs.
Prior approval is not required to serve on boards of charities or small, private family holding companies that have no relation to the Organization. For greater clarity, approval is not needed to serve on the board of a family holding company which is an extension of one’s personal business affairs; however, it is needed to serve on the board of a private operating business with significant operations. When in doubt as to whether you need to obtain permission, ask the Organization’s internal legal counsel.
| 2.6 | Fair dealing |
We must always deal fairly with the Organization’s security holders, partners, customers, clients, suppliers and personnel, without taking an unfair p through manipulation, concealment, abuse, improper use of confidential information, misrepresentation of facts or any other unfair dealing practice.
| 2.7 | Safeguarding the Organization’s property and assets |
We are the stewards of the assets and resources of Brookfield Renewable and we must at all times act in a manner which protects, enhances and safeguards these resources and shall not do anything that may harm them. The Organization’s property and assets may only be used for the benefit of the Organization’s operations and may not be utilized for personal gain or the benefit of others. This includes not only our power generating assets and other tangible goods such as office supplies, furniture, computers and information technology devices, but also intangible items such as the Organization’s name, logo, intellectual property, applications and other proprietary assets. Similarly, the Organization’s assets must not be used for illegal purposes and if you become aware of any such improper use, you must report it according to the process outlined at Section 5.3. Also, you should not expect that your use of the Organization’s information technology is private, as at any time we may monitor any and all activity to ensure these assets are being appropriately used.
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| 2.8 | Protect confidential information concerning Brookfield Renewable |
Our information and records are also valuable corporate assets that must be managed with due care and kept confidential. We must each take steps to protect the Organization’s proprietary and confidential information as well as similar information of others, whether third parties or our personnel, that in many cases we are contractually or legally bound to keep confidential. Our Disclosure Policy outlines specific guidelines on the maintenance of confidentiality and controls around disclosure of the Organization’s confidential information, including rules around communications with the media or the public.
The Organization collects personal data regarding individuals both inside and outside the Organization where we have the lawful basis for doing so in the ordinary course of our business. Personal data includes, among other things, sensitive personal, medical and financial information. In general, personal data will only be held by the Organization for as long as we have a need to retain it.
Collection and use of personal data are subject to various legal and regulatory requirements. You must take all reasonable steps to ensure that personal data is kept confidential and accessed only by those individuals at the Organization that have a need to know this information to carry out their duties. In addition, if it is necessary to the conduct of business to disclose personal data to a third party (e.g., so that a third party may provide services to the Organization) then you must ensure that such transfer complies with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. This may include ensuring the third party is subject to a written agreement which contains confidentiality obligations and, where relevant, other obligations which must be included under the data protection laws of certain jurisdictions in which we operate or have clients or investors. In all other cases, you may only disclose personal data pursuant to a legal or regulatory requirement.
| 2.9 | Social license to operate |
We understand that our operations depend upon the support of local communities and the networks of other stakeholders in the areas where we own and operate assets. Our activities taken as a whole contribute to forming the beliefs, perceptions and opinions of these communities and enable us to earn their trust by establishing our credibility over time. This credibility and legitimacy is usually developed on a site by site basis and is not permanent, as opinions can change based upon our actions. Building strong partnerships with communities where we operate and develop projects is critical to the success of our Organization.
A key element of our development strategy is to involve the public and stakeholders, including any Indigenous communities, early on in the process.
We expect all personnel at all times to act in a manner that will enhance this credibility and trust and thus ensure that the social license we have to operate our business or successfully develop projects can be maintained and strengthened.
| 2.10 | Financial and business records |
Ensuring accurate and complete financial and business records is important to our business. The books and records of the Organization must reflect in reasonable detail all the transactions of the Organization in a timely and accurate manner in order to allow the preparation of financial statements. Further, we have the responsibility to ensure that public disclosures of our information are made honestly and accurately. The Disclosure Policy sets standards pertaining to public disclosures. We must also comply with any document retention policies and with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to document retention, especially in the event of imposed legal holds relating to litigation. Document retention is dealt with in the various policies of the Organization. If in doubt as to their application, you should seek advice from the Chief Risk Officer, internal legal counsel as listed in Appendix “C” or your supervisor.
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| 3 | A POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT |
| 3.1 | Our work environment |
Brookfield Renewable provides a dynamic work environment that fosters a team approach to achieving results. We encourage open and transparent communications amongst team members to work together toward the business goals of the Organization, and value people who demonstrate a commitment to our shared success above any personal accomplishment. This requires humility and the ability to deal with others across all levels of the Organization in a respectful way in order to facilitate the exchange of different views and ideas.
Accountability is a key characteristic of our culture; we value people who take ownership of their work and drive results through practical approaches that meet business needs. We strive to create a working environment that allows employees to be effective and nimble.
Brookfield Renewable always puts safety first and places great importance on our working environment and culture. We continuously strive to achieve excellence in safety, security, and environmental performance and to be industry leaders in accident prevention and security risk management. The management of safety and our performance is a shared responsibility and extends through to all of our personnel. We are also committed to being a good corporate citizen and maintaining a leadership position in sustainable development while managing a successful business. We have a common responsibility to live and uphold our values every day.
The overall objective of Brookfield Renewable is to provide a work environment where people feel they can participate fully in the success of the business, and are recognized for their contribution, which allows us to attract and retain the very best talent for the Organization. We are aligned by the culture and values that we share across our global organization and we believe that these are the foundation of our success.
| 3.2 | Zero tolerance for discrimination and harassment |
Brookfield Renewable has zero tolerance for workplace violence, discrimination, harassment and bullying. Details are contained in our Positive Work Environment Policy. Any indication that such behavior is taking place must be reported according to the process set out at Section 5.3. Further, we will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who makes a good faith report of violence, discrimination, harassment or bullying or any report of any nature, or who cooperates with the investigation of a report.
We are committed to conducting business in an ethical and responsible manner, including by carrying out our activities in a manner that respects and supports the protection of human rights through:
| a) | the elimination of discrimination in employment; |
| b) | the prohibition of child and forced labour; and |
| c) | the eradication of harassment and physical or mental abuse in the workplace. |
We strive to embed these standards into all our core business activities, including training, communications, contracts and due diligence processes as appropriate. These interactions extend to interactions with our key suppliers and partners.
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| 3.3 | Setting the tone |
Our culture and values are derived from the direction and example set by our leaders but they permeate the whole Organization and all personnel should be aligned with and living the values of the Organization in everything we do. Brookfield Renewable has an environment that recognizes people who act like owners and make confident, practical decisions that drive results. We take our direction from leaders who build strong teams, inspire confidence and respect; these traits are promoted and rewarded across the Organization. We expect our leaders to always act ethically and lead by example, demonstrating our corporate values with humility and always placing our shared success above personal accomplishment.
| 3.4 | World class safety culture |
We are committed to protecting our personnel and all people who access our facilities. We meet and often exceed legislative and regulatory requirements as well as industry standards. Our practices are laid out in our health and safety policy framework and our Health, Safety, Security and Environmental Policy. Compliance with such policy, practices and framework is mandatory
and we continuously strive to achieve excellence in managing safety and to be industry leaders in the prevention of high risk incidents. Our safety culture is built on the following principles:
| • | We care about the safety of all people who access our assets; |
| • | We believe safety management and performance is a shared responsibility; |
| • | We believe that every accident should be preventable and we seek to promote transparency and to continuously improve performance; |
| • | We use a managed system integrated with all of our business practices with a greater focus on: |
| • | Achieving zero high risk safety events; |
| • | Promoting the use of barriers to prevent serious safety incidents; and |
| • | Aggressively and continuously improving performance. |
| 3.5 | Corporate social responsibility |
We are an active partner in the communities in which we operate and develop projects. We are committed to understanding, minimizing, and managing the potential environmental impacts and public safety hazards associated with our operations and activities. We strive to protect and enhance the ecosystems near our assets, and to be a strong corporate presence in the communities affected by our activities, while managing a successful and sustainable business.
We operate in sensitive environments such as river systems where we continuously strive to reduce and mitigate the impact and risks that our operations can create. Our business principles reflect the Organization’s commitment to sustainable development; it drives our business model, measures our performance and ensures that we take a comprehensive approach in delivering results to our stakeholders.
Our environmental performance forms part of our social license; environmental considerations are included in all operational decisions with related risks identified and reported. We also take into account the expectations of stakeholders and especially the impact that our operations may have on affected communities. We give back to the communities in which we live and work and work hard to maintain and enhance our reputation as a good corporate citizen.
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| 4 | COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES |
| 4.1 | General principles |
It is expected that all personnel of the Organization know and comply with all laws, rules and regulations (collectively the “Laws”) applicable to their position. Many of the Organization’s activities are subject to specific, complex and changing Laws. All personnel must make every reasonable effort to have a working knowledge, at a level appropriate to their position, of the Laws affecting our activities and to exert due diligence in complying with the Laws.
If there is any real or apparent conflict between the Code (and other policies of the Organization) and the Laws, you should comply with the Laws. If you have any doubts as to the applicability of any Law, you should obtain advice from your supervisor or the Organization’s internal legal counsel as listed in Appendix “C”.
| 4.2 | Scope of Applicable Laws, Regulations, Compliance and Governance |
As a global organization, Brookfield Renewable operates in a wide range of legal jurisdictions and regulatory environments. This means that we have an obligation to strictly comply with all Laws.
that apply to the geographic areas in which we operate. In addition to geographic scope, the nature of our operations also exposes us to differing kinds of Laws, some generic, and some of which are specific to our industry. For example, given the importance that many countries place on the need for reliable and dependable sources of electricity, governments have implemented specific Laws, and created regulatory authorities, to better manage the energy industry. Thus, businesses like ours are required to comply with Laws specific to the energy industry as well as rules implemented by these regulatory authorities.
In addition, because the Organization’s contracts and agreements govern our business relationships, we have put in place a Delegation of Authority Policy to ensure that any contract entered into or commitment of funds for capital or operational expenditures by the Organization has the appropriate level of approval. As a result, personnel who enter into contracts or commitments on behalf of the Organization must have proper authorization, including internal legal review.
| 4.3 | Market rules and commercial obligations |
In certain jurisdictions where we operate, we have established Power Marketing Groups that are responsible for selling the energy and related products, including renewable attributes, generated by our assets. The principal marketing strategies of the Organization are designed to achieve stable cash flows. This is primarily achieved by entering into long term power sales agreements. Our obligations are clearly defined in these power sales agreements and compliance with the terms of these agreements is mandatory, subject to applicable Laws.
From time to time, power that is uncontracted will be sold in short term markets, subject to the Organization’s risk management policies specific and applicable to those activities and markets. Compliance with such policies is mandatory.
| 4.4 | Operational rules, regulations and licenses |
In addition to the market rules for our energy trading operation, our activities are also regulated by a complex array of Laws which frames the operation of the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Brookfield Renewable personnel are required to strictly adhere to all of these various Laws.
The power facilities owned and operated by the Organization are often subject to licensing processes in each jurisdiction. The operating groups are required to have a working knowledge of the licenses and permits and to comply with their terms.
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| 4.5 | Securities laws and insider trading |
Brookfield Renewable’s limited partnership units are publicly traded on both the Toronto and New York Stock exchanges. The Organization is bound by the securities legislation and legal and regulatory requirements for the public disclosure of information, including insider trading Laws (which affect the ability to trade securities of the Organization, public affiliates of the Organization or unrelated publicly-traded entities in certain circumstances). Strict adherence to these Laws is expected by personnel to the extent that they apply to their role in the Organization. Suspected breaches of these Laws must be reported according to the process outlined at Section 5.3. Further information and obligations on insider trading and tipping can be found in the Organization’s Disclosure Policy and Personal Trading Policy.
| 4.6 | Anti-bribery and anti-corruption |
Brookfield Renewable strictly prohibits any and all forms of bribery and/or corruption and we are subject to various Laws with respect to bribery and corruption in all countries where we operate. In recent years, regulators have enacted more stringent Laws with respect to bribery in business transactions and notably those involving public or government officials. Complying with these Laws is mandatory and is consistent with our commitment to conducting transactions with honesty and integrity.
Given the nature of our business, and the regulated energy environment that we operate in, we do have regular contact with various government agencies and their representatives. Thus in order to ensure that we remain compliant with the relevant Laws, the Organization has adopted an Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy where specific information is provided about i) the prohibition and prevention of bribery and corruption, ii) dealings with public officials, iii) the due diligence steps when retaining contractors and suppliers, iv) giving or receiving gifts, v) the treatment of political and charitable donations, vi) the requirement for all transactions to be recorded accurately and completely and vii) other important matters.
| 4.7 | Anti-money laundering |
The Organization is strongly committed to preventing the use of its operations for money laundering or any activity that facilitates money laundering, the financing of terrorism, or other criminal activities. Accordingly, the Organization will take such actions as it deems appropriate from time to time in order to comply with applicable anti-money laundering Laws, such as the Bank Secrecy Act (U.S.), the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (U.S.), the regulations administered by U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada), Proceeds of Crime Act (U.K.), Law 9613/1998 and Decree No. 5,640/2005 (Brazil) and Law 526 of 1999 (Colombia) and those of any other applicable jurisdiction.
Jurisdictions may publish lists of individuals, entities and organizations that the Organization is prohibited from accepting funds from or distributing funds to under applicable anti-money laundering laws. Employees are expected to use reasonable care to verify that counterparties are not owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf of, sanctioned governments, groups, individuals or others. This includes requiring counterparties to make anti-money laundering representations in transactional and other documents with the Organization. Internal legal counsel can, upon request, provide anti-money laundering provisions to be inserted into documents with counterparties.
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| 5 | COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE |
| 5.1 | Certification |
As outlined at the beginning of the Code, all personnel must be familiar with its content and will be provided with a copy of the Code (or with electronic access to the Code via the Organization’s intranet) upon commencement of employment. On joining the Organization and upon request from time to time, personnel will be required to sign an acknowledgement regarding the Code as outlined at Appendix “B”. Further to this process all personnel are required to keep up to date with changes to the Code and related policies over time. Management level personnel must also fulfill the requirements of an annual re-certification process as determined by the Organization.
| 5.2 | Third Parties |
The Code will also apply to, where necessary and appropriate, outside parties working for or acting on behalf of the Organization including but not limited to, business associates, partners, agents, intermediaries, representatives, suppliers, contractors, third party service providers and consultants (collectively “Third Parties”). Internal legal counsel or the Chief Risk Officer can assist in any determination of whether any such Third Parties should be required to be pre-qualified and periodically re-certified to ensure that they will comply with the Code and that they are suitably qualified to operate in our environment.
| 5.3 | Reporting violations of the Code |
Brookfield Renewable’s personnel have an obligation to adhere to the ethical standards in the Code. If you witness behavior on the part of the Organization’s personnel or any Third Party that
you believe is suspect or unethical, or that may represent a violation of the Code you must promptly report it. Internal reporting is important to the Organization and it is both expected and valued.
Brookfield Renewable takes all reports seriously, and every report received will be assessed and where necessary, appropriate investigation will be undertaken. The confidentiality of reported violations will be maintained where possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate review and subject to applicable Laws.
No retribution or retaliation will be taken against any person who has made a report based on the reasonable good faith belief that a member of the personnel or any of our Third Parties has engaged, or is about to engage, in criminal conduct or conduct in violation of the Code, other policies and procedures of the Organization, or any applicable Laws. Your report will be accepted as good faith compliance with the Code, but does not necessarily absolve you (if you are involved) or anyone else of the breach or suspected breach of the Code.
The Organization reserves the right to discipline you if you make an accusation without a good faith, reasonable belief in the truth and accuracy of the information or if you knowingly provide false information or make false accusations. “Reasonable belief” does not mean that the information that you provide has to be correct, but it does mean that you must reasonably believe that the information is truthful and demonstrates at least a possible violation of the Code. If an employee believes that they have been unfairly or unlawfully retaliated against, they are encouraged to make a report as described below.
Reports should in the first instance be made to the Chief Risk Officer, internal legal counsel as listed in Appendix “C” or your supervisor who will ensure that the information is properly handled and escalated as necessary. In the event that this does not appear to be an appropriate avenue because of the nature or the content of the report, it should be made to the Ethics Reporting Line or Website.
Please see Appendix “C” for the ways in which you can contact the Chief Risk Officer or internal legal counsel.
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| 5.4 | Ethics reporting channels |
The Ethics Reporting Line is managed by an independent third party called the Network and allows anyone to anonymously report suspected unethical, illegal or unsafe behavior, in English, French, Portuguese and other languages, toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anonymous reports can also be made online using the Ethics Reporting Website, which is also managed by the Network and is offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the same languages as the telephone line. Please see Appendix “C” for the contact details of the Ethics Reporting channels.
| 5.5 | Disciplinary action for Code violations |
Brookfield Renewable will impose discipline on individuals found to have breached the Code or other policies in a manner that is fair, consistent and that reflects the nature and facts of the violation. Anyone, subject to the Code who violates it, may face disciplinary actions up to and including termination of his or her employment for cause and without notice. The violation of this Code may also violate certain applicable Laws. If the Organization discovers a violation of any Laws, it may refer the matter to the appropriate authorities, which could lead to penalties, fines or imprisonment and other liability.
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APPENDIX A
LIST OF KEY POLICIES
| • | Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy |
| • | Disclosure Policy |
| • | Delegation of Authority and Commitment Policy |
| • | Health, Safety, Security and Environmental Policy |
| • | Personal Conflicts of Interest Policy |
| • | Personal Trading Policy |
| • | Positive Work Environment Policy |
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APPENDIX B
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
All directors, officers, employees, appropriate agents and third parties must complete this Statement of Compliance or otherwise certify electronically as directed by the Organization from time to time.
I have reviewed and understand the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) of Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. (the “Organization”) for personnel and certain third parties.
I hereby agree to comply with the Code, including its provisions for non-disclosure of information both during and after appointment or employment.
To the best of my knowledge, I am not involved in any situation that conflicts or might appear to conflict with the Code.
I also agree to notify the Organization by one of the methods outlined at Section 5.3 of the Code immediately of any change that might adversely affect my compliance with the Code.
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APPENDIX C
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR POLICY
| INTERNAL LEGAL COUNSEL | ||||||
| Jennifer Mazin | 416-369-3369 | jennifer.mazin@brookfield.com | ||||
| Adrienne Moore | 416-369-4912 | adrienne.moore@brookfield.com | ||||
| Andrea Rocheleau | 819-561-8648 | andrea.rocheleau@brookfield.com | ||||
| Walter Di Cesare | 819-561-8995 | walter.dicesare@brookfieldrenewable.com | ||||
| Jacob Pollack | 646-992-2363 | jacob.pollack@brookfieldrenewable.com | ||||
| Carlos Gustavo Andrioli | +55 (21) 2439 5156 | gustavo.andrioli@brookfieldenergia.com | ||||
| Emmanuelle Rouchel | +44 (20) 7408 8470 | emmanuelle.rouchel@brookfield.com | ||||
| Wayne Su | +86 21 2306 0743 | wayne.su@brookfield.com | ||||
| Tanya Mehta | +91 22 6600 0716 | tanya.mehta@brookfield.com | ||||
| Fernando Arbelaez Soto | farbelaez@isagen.com.co | |||||
| CHIEF RISK OFFICER | ||||||
| Brian Cook | 819-639-8441 | brian.cook@brookfield.com | ||||
| ETHICS REPORTING LINE | ||||||
| North America | 800-665-0831 | Portugal | ###-##-#### | |||
| Japan | 012-099-3307 | Colombia | 01-8000-1-10149 | |||
| Australia | 1800-152-863 | South Korea | 0809-080-895 | |||
| Mexico | 01800-436-0065 | France | 0800-91-2964 | |||
| Brazil | 0800-777-0772 | Spain | 900-810-305 | |||
| 0800-891-3867 | Hong Kong | 800-960-631 | ||||
| New Zealand | 0800-443-938 | Switzerland | 0800-225-163 | |||
| China | 400-8-801-042 | Ireland | 1800-946-551 | |||
| Singapore | 1800-622-7248 | United Kingdom | 0808-234-2210 | |||
| Two-Stage Dialing: | ||||||
| India | 000-117, then 800-795-2716 | |||||
| Peru | 0-800-70-088, 0-800-50-000 or 0-800-50-288, then 800-795-2716 | |||||
| United Arab Emirates | 8000-021, 8000-051 or 8000-061, then 800-795-2716 | |||||
| Collect Worldwide | 770-613-6339 | |||||
ETHICS REPORTING WEBSITE
https://brookfieldrenewable.tnwreports.com/
Note: The type of reports that can be made to the Ethics Reporting Line and Website may be restricted in certain jurisdictions under applicable local law. Please contact The Network for further details on such restrictions.