Canadian National Railway Co 40-F, filed Feb 1, 2021
Canadian National Railway Co (CNI)
About this 40-F
Canadian National Railway Co filed this 40-F on February 1, 2021, covering the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
OR
| For the fiscal year ended: |
Commission File Number: |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
Canada
(
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
(
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service in the United States)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class |
Name of each exchange on which registered Toronto Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
2.85% notes due December 15, 2021
2.25% notes due November 15, 2022
7.63% debentures due May 15, 2023
2.95% notes due November 21, 2024
2.75% notes due March 1, 2026
6.90% notes due July 15, 2028
7.38% debentures due October 15, 2031
6.25% notes due August 1, 2034
6.20% notes due June 1, 2036
6.71% Puttable Reset Securities (PURS)SM due July 15, 2036
6.375% debentures due November 15, 2037
3.50% notes due November 15, 2042
4.50% notes due November 7, 2043
3.20% notes due August 2, 2046
3.65% notes due February 3, 2048
4.45% notes due January 20, 2049
2.45% notes due May 1, 2050
7.70% 100-year debentures due September 15, 2096
For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this Form:
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:
At December 31, 2020, common shares were issued and outstanding.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. x
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CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) defines “disclosure controls and procedures” as controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.
After evaluating the effectiveness of Canadian National Railway Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this report, Canadian National Railway Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”) have concluded that Canadian National Railway Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The report of management on our internal control over financial reporting is located under the heading “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” in our audited consolidated financial statements, which are filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this annual report on Form 40-F, and is incorporated by reference herein.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
The attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting is located under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our audited consolidated financial statements, which are filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this annual report on Form 40-F, and is incorporated by reference herein.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the year ended December 31, 2020, there was no change in Canadian National Railway Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Canadian National Railway Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The Registrant’s board of directors has determined that it has several audit committee financial experts serving on its Audit Committee. Mr. Donald J. Carty has been determined to be an audit committee financial expert and is independent, as that term is defined by the New York Stock Exchange’s listing standards applicable to U.S. Companies. The SEC has indicated that the designation or identification of Mr. Carty as an audit committee financial expert does not deem him an “expert” for any purpose, impose any duties, obligations or liability on Mr. Carty that are greater than those imposed on members of the audit committee and board of directors who do not carry this designation or identification, or affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the audit committee or board of directors.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics (the “Code of Business Conduct”) that applies to all employees and officers, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The Code of Business Conduct is available at the Registrant’s Internet website, www.cn.ca, under the caption “Delivering Responsibly / Governance.” Any amendments to the Code of Business Conduct will be posted at the Registrant’s Internet website at the address listed above.
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PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Information relating to principal accountant fees and services is set forth under the heading “Auditors’ Fees” in Item 9.2 of the Registrant’s 2020 annual information form included in this Form 40-F.
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The information provided under the heading “Off Balance Sheet Arrangements” set forth in the 2020 Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this annual report on Form 40-F is incorporated by reference herein.
TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The information provided under the heading “Contractual Obligations” set forth in the 2020 Management’s Discussion and Analysis filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this annual report on Form 40-F is incorporated by reference herein.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The members of the Audit Committee are set forth under the heading “Composition of the Audit Committee” in Item 9.2 of the Registrant’s 2020 annual information form included in this Form 40-F .
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES
The Registrant’s board of directors has reviewed the Registrant’s corporate governance practices in response to the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, applicable rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards (the “NYSE Standards”). Except as disclosed on its website, the Registrant’s corporate governance practices do not differ significantly from that followed by U.S. domestic companies under the NYSE Standards. A discussion of differences is available at the Registrant’s Internet website, www.cn.ca under the caption “Delivering Responsibly / Governance”.
UNDERTAKING
Registrant undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information relating to the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an annual report on Form 40-F arises; or transactions in said securities
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CANADIAN NATIONAL
RAILWAY COMPANY
2020
ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
February 1, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM |
Management's Discussion & Analysis (as filed on February 1, 2021) |
2020 Annual Information Form
ITEM 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Except as otherwise indicated in this Annual Information Form (AIF), the information contained herein is given as of December 31, 2020. All references in this AIF to “dollars” or “$” are to Canadian dollars and all financial information reflected herein is determined on the basis of, and prepared in accordance with, United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), unless otherwise indicated.
As used herein, the “Company” or “CN” refers to, Canadian National Railway Company and, as the context requires, its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Certain statements included in this AIF or incorporated by reference herein are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business operations, financial results and financial position and on the global supply chain, and statements about the economic recovery and its future impact on CN. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "assumes," "outlook," "plans," "targets" or other similar words.
Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those set forth in the table below, which also presents key assumptions used in determining the forward-looking statements.
| Forward-looking statements | Key assumptions |
| Statements relating to revenue growth opportunities, including those referring to general economic and business conditions |
• North American and global economic growth • Long-term growth opportunities being less affected by current economic conditions • The COVID-19 pandemic gradually diminishing in intensity in the second half of 2021 following increased vaccination • No material increase in disruption of CN’s operations or of the economy’s supply chains as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the shorter term |
| Statements relating to the Company's ability to meet debt repayments and future obligations in the foreseeable future, including income tax payments, and capital spending |
• Adequate credit ratios • Investment-grade credit ratings • Access to capital markets • Adequate cash generated from operations and other sources of financing |
| Statements relating to pension contributions |
• Adequate cash generated from operations and other sources of financing • Adequate long-term return on investment on pension plan assets • Level of funding as determined by actuarial valuations, particularly influenced by discount rates for funding purposes |
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2020 Annual Information Form
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially different from the outlook or any future results or performance implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the duration and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; general economic and business conditions, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic; industry competition; inflation, currency and interest rate fluctuations; changes in fuel prices; legislative and/or regulatory developments; compliance with environmental laws and regulations; actions by regulators; increases in maintenance and operating costs; security threats; reliance on technology and related cybersecurity risk; trade restrictions or other changes to international trade arrangements; transportation of hazardous materials; various events which could disrupt operations, including illegal blockades of rail networks and natural events such as severe weather, droughts, fires, floods and earthquakes; climate change; labor negotiations and disruptions; environmental claims; uncertainties of investigations, proceedings or other types of claims and litigation; risks and liabilities arising from derailments; timing and completion of capital programs; and other risks detailed from time to time in reports filed by CN with securities regulators in Canada and the United States ("U.S."). Reference should be made to the discussion of business risks in CN’s 2020 Management’s Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for detailed information on major risk factors, which may be found online on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at www.sec.gov through EDGAR, and on CN’s website, at www.cn.ca in the Investors section.
Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement.
ITEM 2 INCORPORATION
2.1 INCORPORATION OF THE ISSUER
CN was incorporated in 1919 by special act of the Parliament of Canada with the appointment of its first Board of Directors by Order in Council in 1922. CN’s continuance under the Canada Business Corporations Act was authorized by the CN Commercialization Act and was effected by Certificate of Continuance dated August 24, 1995. On November 9, 1995, CN filed Articles of Amendment in order to subdivide its outstanding common shares (“Common Shares”). As of November 28, 1995, CN ceased to be a Crown corporation and became a publicly held corporation with its Common Shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”). On April 19, 2002, CN filed Articles of Amendment in order to provide that shareholder meetings may be held at certain specified places in the U.S. Pursuant to amendments to CN Commercialization Act, on May 24, 2018, CN filed Articles of Amendment in order to increase the maximum percentage of voting shares of CN that can be owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any one person together with his or her associates to 25%, up from the 15% limit imposed since CN became a public company in 1995. Such constating documents are hereinafter collectively referred to as the Articles.
CN’s Articles provide that the head office of the Company shall be situated in the Montreal Urban Community, Province of Quebec, Canada. The Company’s registered and head office is located at 935 de La Gauchetière Street West, Montreal, Quebec, H3B 2M9, Canada, and its telephone number is 1-888-888-5909.
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2020 Annual Information Form
2.2 SUBSIDIARIES
CN’s principal subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020, all of which are wholly owned (directly or indirectly), and their jurisdiction of incorporation, are indicated below:
| Name | Jurisdiction of Incorporation |
| North American Railways, Inc. | Delaware |
| Grand Trunk Corporation | Delaware |
| Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company | Michigan |
| Illinois Central Corporation | Delaware |
| Illinois Central Railroad Company | Illinois |
| Wisconsin Central Ltd. | Delaware |
The financial statements of each of the above principal subsidiaries are consolidated within CN’s financial statements.
ITEM 3 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
3.1 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS
The initiatives undertaken by CN in the last three years to achieve its growth and profitability goals and to enhance shareholder value can be grouped into a few key areas. These include acquisitions and dispositions, targeted capital investment spending including deployment of advanced technologies, and other initiatives to strengthen the Company’s position in the marketplace, as well as financial management initiatives, as described below.
2020 Highlights
Leadership Changes
On August 26, 2020, CN announced the appointment of Dominique Malenfant as Executive Vice-President and Chief Information and Technology Officer (“CITO”) of the Company. Robert Reilly, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer (“COO”), had assumed these responsibilities on an interim basis since November 2019.
On October 6, 2020, CN announced that Margaret A. McKenzie had been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of CN.
Strategic Initiatives
CN's business strategy is anchored on the continuous pursuit of Operational and Service Excellence, an unwavering commitment to safety and sustainability, and the development of a solid team of motivated and competent railroaders. CN's goal is to deliver valuable transportation services for its customers and to grow the business at a low incremental cost. A clear strategic agenda, driven by a commitment to innovation, productivity, improving supply chains through collaboration, potential acquisitions and other opportunities, running trains safely, and minimizing environmental impact, drives the Company's efforts to create value for customers. CN thereby creates value for its shareholders by striving for sustainable financial performance through profitable top-line growth, adequate free cash flow and return on invested capital. CN is also focused on returning value to shareholders through dividend payments and share repurchases.
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2020 Annual Information Form
CN's success and long-term economic viability depend on the presence of a supportive regulatory and policy environment that drives investment and innovation. CN's success also depends on a stream of capital investments that supports its business strategy. These investments cover a wide range of areas, from track infrastructure and rolling stock, to information and operating technologies, as well as other equipment and assets that improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of CN's service offering. Investments in track infrastructure enhance the productivity and integrity of the plant, increase the capacity and the fluidity of the network, promote service excellence, and support growth at low incremental cost. The acquisition of new locomotives and railcars generates several key benefits. New locomotives increase capacity, fuel productivity and efficiency, and improve the reliability of service. Locomotives equipped with distributed power allow for greater productivity of trains, particularly in cold weather, while improving train handling and safety. Targeted railcar acquisitions aim to tap growth opportunities, complementing the fleet of privately owned railcars that traverse CN's network. CN is also investing in, and deploying, advanced technology. CN pioneered scheduled railroading and its vision is to be the first railroad to take it to the next level, using advanced technology as a driver for safety as well as customer and shareholder value.
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated governments, businesses and communities to take extraordinary actions to mitigate the contagion, resulting in unprecedented uncertainty arising from a severe economic contraction. During the first wave of the pandemic, government-mandated widespread closures of non-essential businesses significantly curbed customer demand for transportation services. Following this first wave, governments gradually reopened most areas of the economy, with some segments of the economy subsequently experiencing a recovery in the second half of the year. A second wave of COVID-19 cases began in late 2020 and some governments mandated business closures and other restrictions again, in addition to continued social distancing measures. The focus for CN has been on nimbly adjusting to the partial economic shutdown, and remaining alert to potential further restrictive measures, as well as the high level of uncertainty with respect to the demand environment. As an essential service provider, CN continued to execute its business continuity plans to keep employees safe and deliver for its customers, the economy and the communities in which it operates, demonstrating its key role in the integrated global supply chain.
As CN is part of an integrated global supply chain, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aspects of the supply chain, including ocean carriers, ports, terminals, trucking firms, and other railroads, has a consequent impact on the Company’s operations.
Starting in late March 2020, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significantly weaker demand for freight transportation services. During the second half of the year, demand partially recovered, with sequential improvements in volumes relative to the initial decline in the second quarter. By the fourth quarter, demand for some commodities had recovered at or above pre-pandemic levels, including intermodal, driven by a shift in consumer spending from services to goods, which CN was well-positioned to capitalize on, leveraging the acquisitions of TransX and H&R; and forest products, reflecting strong demand for lumber and panels used in home renovations and construction of new homes. The demand for less economically-sensitive products, such as export grain and fertilizers continued to remain positive compared to last year. The demand for other commodities that CN transports remained below pre-pandemic levels including finished vehicles and parts, pulp and paper, metals and minerals, plastics, chemicals and energy related commodities including petroleum crude, refined petroleum products and frac sand.
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2020 Annual Information Form
In response to the rapid partial economic shutdown faced earlier in the year, CN undertook various actions to quickly adapt, significantly increasing its liquidity as well as enhancing its overall financial and operational resilience:
| • | CN adjusted its resources and costs to align with the rapid and significant reduction in demand for rail transportation services, including temporarily storing locomotives and railcars, as well as reducing headcount, and rationalizing certain local yards and mechanical shops; |
| • | In the second half of the year, CN added resources back into the business as volumes began recovering; |
| • | In light of anticipated lower volumes for the year, the 2020 capital expenditure program was reduced in the first quarter by a net amount of $0.1 billion from $3.0 billion to $2.9 billion; |
| • | CN paused its share repurchases between the end of March 2020 and January 2021 due to the economic circumstances; and |
| • | CN secured $390 million of one-year supplementary revolving credit facilities, closed a second tranche of a variable rate, 20-year term loan for US$310 million and issued US$600 million 30-year 2.45% Notes in the U.S. debt capital markets. |
CN's focus on sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of how the Company is building for the future; CN calls this Delivering Responsibly. It means moving customer goods safely and efficiently, being environmentally responsible, attracting and developing the best diverse team of railroaders, helping build safer and stronger communities, while adhering to the highest ethical standards. CN is proud of its Delivering Responsibly philosophy – it drives how the Company conducts its business and supports its continuing transformational journey.
An unwavering commitment to safety
CN is committed to the safety of its employees, the communities in which it operates and the environment. Safety consciousness permeates every aspect of CN's operations. The Company's long-term safety improvement is driven by continued significant investments in infrastructure, rigorous safety processes and a focus on employee training and safety awareness. CN continues to strengthen its safety culture by investing significantly in training, coaching, recognition and employee involvement initiatives. In September 2020, CN established a new conductor training curriculum with a strong emphasis on commitment to safety. Additionally, in 2020, CN provided a year long safety leadership program to over 300 of its leaders in operating functions, with plans to provide the training to another 250 in 2021.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CN deployed its multi-phase Pandemic Plan in March and continued to institute various measures to protect its employees, customers, and the communities in which CN operates:
| • | CN's medical team and occupational health department, who are members of the Association of American Railroads Health Committee, have played a pivotal role in CN's pandemic planning, taking direction from the World Health Organization, as well as provincial, state and federal authorities, as required, and offering best practices shared amongst North American railroads. |
| • | CN implemented preventative measures to ensure the safety of its employees and by extension, of its customers and communities. These measures included a work from home policy for employees not required on site, restriction of employee travel, social distancing measures at CN locations, segregating mission critical rail traffic control employees, and amplifying cleaning regimens on trains, in terminals, in crew accommodation facilities, and in offices. |
| • | Understanding the importance of timely and reliable information, CN increased employee communications by providing frequent updates on the state of the Company’s operations, as well as employee support for any questions or concerns. |
| • | With operations spanning eight provinces, 16 states and over 2,000 communities across the Company's network, CN continued to play an important role in the communities in which it operates. CN donated over $1 million to charities directly or indirectly affected by the economic impacts of the pandemic, such as food banks, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, healthcare centers, and anti-poverty organizations. |
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2020 Annual Information Form
Capital Spending
In 2020, the Company completed a capital expenditure program, investing approximately $2.9 billion, with $1.6 billion invested to maintain the safety and integrity of the network, particularly track infrastructure. CN's capital spending also included $0.8 billion on strategic initiatives to increase capacity, enable growth and improve network resiliency, including line capacity upgrades and information technology initiatives, $0.4 billion on equipment capital expenditures, including the acquisition of 41 new high-horsepower locomotives and 1449 new grain hopper cars, and $0.1 billion on implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC), the safety technology system mandated by the U.S. Congress.
Acquisitions and Dispositions
In the second quarter of 2020, the Company committed to a plan and is actively marketing for sale for on-going rail operations, certain non-core lines in Wisconsin, Michigan and Ontario representing approximately 850 miles and has met the criteria for classification of the related assets as assets held for sale. Accordingly, a $486 million loss ($363 million after-tax) was recorded to adjust the carrying amount of these track and roadway assets to their estimated selling price.
On April 6, 2020, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) issued its decision conditionally approving the acquisition of the Massena rail line from CSX Corporation ("CSX"), which the Company announced its agreement to purchase on August 29, 2019. On June 6, 2020, CN and CSX sought reconsideration asking the STB to remove its condition which requires the parties to propose a change to the line sale agreement for the STB's review. The petitions for reconsideration remain pending for the STB's decision. The acquisition represents more than 220 miles of track between Valleyfield, Quebec, and Woodard, New York, and will allow CN to continue to expand its network and foster additional supply chain solutions.
Financial Management Initiatives
On January 28, 2020, the Company's Board of Directors approved a new Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) that allows for the repurchase of up to 16 million common shares between February 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021. CN paused its share repurchases between the end of March 2020 and January 2021 due to the economic circumstances resulting from the pandemic.
The Company has a commercial paper program in Canada and in the U.S. Both programs are backstopped by the Company's revolving credit facility. The maximum aggregate principal amount of commercial paper that could be issued is $2.0 billion, or the US dollar equivalent, on a combined basis.The commercial paper programs, which are subject to market rates in effect at the time of financing, provide the Company with a flexible financing alternative, and can be used for general corporate purposes. As at December 31, 2020, the Company had total commercial paper borrowings of $56 million (U.S. $44 million). The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 0.13%.
The Company has an agreement to sell an undivided co-ownership interest in a revolving pool of accounts receivable to unrelated trusts for maximum cash proceeds of $450 million. On February 27, 2020, the Company extended the term of its agreement by two years to February 1, 2023. The accounts receivable securitization program provides the Company with readily available short-term financing for general corporate use. As at December 31, 2020, the Company had no borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization program.
The Company has an unsecured revolving credit facility with a consortium of lenders, which is available for general corporate purposes, including backstopping the Company's commercial paper programs. The Company's revolving credit facility of $2.0 billion consists of a $1.0 billion tranche maturing on May 5, 2022 and a $1.0 billion tranche maturing on May 5, 2024. Subject to the consent of the individual lenders, the Company has the option to increase the facility by an additional $500 million during its term and to request an extension once a year to maintain the tenors of three years and five years of the respective tranches. The credit facility provides for borrowings at various benchmark interest rates, plus applicable margins, based on CN's debt credit ratings. In 2020, the Company borrowed $100 million and repaid $100 million on this facility. As at December 31, 2020, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under this revolving credit facility.
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2020 Annual Information Form
On March 27, 2020, the Company entered into a $250 million one year revolving credit facility agreement. The credit facility is available for working capital and general corporate purposes and provides for borrowings at various interest rates, plus a margin. On May 19, 2020, the Company entered into a supplement to the original agreement to increase the credit facility to $390 million. As at December 31, 2020, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under this revolving credit facility and there were no draws in 2020.
Both credit facility agreements have one financial covenant, which limits debt as a percentage of total capitalization, and with which the Company is in compliance.
The Company has a US$300 million, non-revolving term loan credit facility agreement for financing or refinancing the purchase of equipment, which was available to be drawn upon through March 31, 2020. On March 27, 2020, the Company entered into loan supplements to the original agreement for an additional principal amount of US$310 million, which is available to be drawn through March 31, 2021.Term loans made under this facility have a tenor of 20 years, bear interest at a variable rate, are repayable in equal quarterly instalments, are prepayable at any time without penalty, and are secured by rolling stock. On February 3, 2020, the Company issued a US$300 million ($397 million) equipment loan under this facility and repaid US$11 million ($15 million) in 2020. As at December 31, 2020, the Company had outstanding borrowings of US$289 million ($368 million), at an interest rate of 0.87% and had US$310 million available under this non-revolving term loan facility.
The Company has a series of committed and uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facility agreements. On June 11, 2020, the Company extended the maturity date of certain committed bilateral letter of credit facility agreements to April 28, 2023. The agreements are held with various banks to support the Company's requirements to post letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. Under these agreements, the Company has the option from time to time to pledge collateral in the form of cash or cash equivalents, for a minimum term of one month, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. As at December 31, 2020, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $421 million under the committed facilities from a total available amount of $492 million and $165 million under the uncommitted facilities. As at December 31, 2020, included in Restricted cash and cash equivalents was $424 million and $100 million pledged as collateral under the committed and uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facilities, respectively.
On May 1, 2020, under its current shelf prospectus and registration statement, the Company issued US$600 million ($837 million) 2.45% Notes due 2050 in the U.S. capital markets, which resulted in net proceeds of $810 million.
On January 26, 2021, the Company's Board of Directors approved a new normal course issuer bid, which allows for the repurchase of up to 14 million common shares, over a twelve-month period, between February 1, 2021 and January 31, 2022 . The Company expects to resume its share repurchases in the first quarter of 2021 under the new NCIB.
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2020 Annual Information Form
Significant Collective Agreements
Canadian workforce
There are no material collective agreements in Canada that are open for negotiation at this time. The Company's collective agreements remain in effect until the bargaining process outlined under the Canada Labour Code has been exhausted.
U.S. workforce
As of February 1, 2021, collective agreements covering all non-operating and operating craft employees at Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company (GTW), companies owned by Illinois Central Corporation (ICC), companies owned by Wisconsin Central Ltd. (WC) and Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad Company (BLE), and all employees at Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company (PCD) were ratified. The agreements in place have various moratorium provisions, which preserve the status quo with respect to the given collective agreement during the terms of such moratoriums. Where negotiations are ongoing, the terms and conditions of existing agreements generally continue to apply until new agreements are reached or the processes of the Railway Labor Act have been exhausted.
The general approach to labor negotiations by U.S. Class I railroads is to bargain on a collective national basis with the industry, which GTW, ICC, WC and BLE currently participate in, for collective agreements covering all non-operating and operating employees, with the exception of two employee groups working at PCD covering fewer than 35 employees. The next national bargaining round has commenced.
2019 Highlights
Leadership Changes
On May 21, 2019, CN announced the retirement of Mike Cory from his role as Executive Vice-President and COO of the Company and that Robert Reilly had been appointed as Executive Vice-President and COO.
On November 19, 2019, CN announced that Michael Foster would leave the Company on November 29, 2019, and that Robert Reilly, Executive Vice-President and COO, would assume interim responsibility for the Company’s Information and Technology function, while the Company carried out a global search for a chief information and technology officer.
Strategic Initiatives and Capital Spending
In 2019, the Company completed a record capital expenditure program, investing approximately $3.9 billion, with $1.6 billion invested to maintain the safety and integrity of the network, particularly track infrastructure. CN's capital spending also included $1.2 billion on strategic initiatives to increase capacity, enable growth and improve network resiliency, including line capacity upgrades and information technology initiatives, $0.9 billion on equipment capital expenditures, including the acquisition of 154 new high-horsepower locomotives and 560 new grain hopper cars, and $0.2 billion on implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC), the safety technology system mandated by the U.S. Congress.
The Company views technology as a key driver of its strategic agenda. In 2019, the Company initiated the deployment of several technology initiatives to CN's network, including automated railcar inspection, automated track inspection and mobile digital toolkits for field employees.
CN is committed to the safety of its employees, the communities in which it operates and the environment. Safety consciousness permeates every aspect of CN's operations. The Company's long-term safety improvement is driven by continued significant investments in infrastructure, rigorous safety processes and a focus on employee training and safety awareness. CN continues to strengthen its safety culture by investing significantly in training, coaching, recognition and employee involvement initiatives.
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2020 Annual Information Form
Acquisitions and Dispositions
On December 2, 2019, following satisfaction of all closing conditions, the Company acquired the intermodal temperature-controlled transportation division of the Alberta-based H&R Transport Limited ("H&R"). The acquisition positions CN to expand its presence in moving customer goods by offering more end to end rail supply chain solutions to a wider range of customers. H&R results of operations have been included in the Company's results of operations since the acquisition date, December 2, 2019. H&R revenues are included as freight revenues in the intermodal commodity group.
On August 29, 2019, the Company announced it had reached an agreement to acquire the Massena rail line from CSX Corporation, which represents more than 220 miles of track between Valleyfield, Quebec, and Woodard, New York. The acquisition allows CN to continue to expand its network and foster additional supply chain solutions. The acquisition remains subject to regulatory review.
On March 20, 2019, following satisfaction of all closing conditions, the Company acquired the Manitoba-based TransX Group of Companies ("TransX"). TransX provides various transportation and logistics services, including intermodal, truckload, less than truckload and specialized services. The acquisition positions CN to strengthen its intermodal business, and allows the Company to expand capacity and foster additional supply chain solutions, to continue to create value for customers. TransX's results of operations have been included in the Company's results of operations, since the acquisition date, March 20, 2019. TransX’s revenues are included as freight revenues in the intermodal commodity group.
Financial Management Initiatives
On January 29, 2019, the Board of Directors approved a new normal course issuer bid, which allowed for the repurchase of up to 22 million Common Shares, over a twelve-month period, between February 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020, at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such other prices as may be permitted by the TSX.
The Company has a commercial paper program in Canada and in the U.S. Both programs are backstopped by the Company's revolving credit facility. As of May 5, 2019, the maximum aggregate principal amount of commercial paper that could be issued increased from $1.8 billion to $2.0 billion, or the U.S. dollar equivalent, on a combined basis. The commercial paper programs, which are subject to market rates in effect at the time of financing, provide the Company with a flexible financing alternative, and can be used for general corporate purposes. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had total commercial paper borrowings of $1,277 million (U.S. $983 million). The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 1.77%.
The Company has an agreement, expiring on February 1, 2021, to sell an undivided co-ownership interest in a revolving pool of accounts receivable to unrelated trusts for maximum cash proceeds of $450 million. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had accounts receivable securitization borrowings of $200 million, secured by and limited to $224 million of accounts receivable.The accounts receivable securitization program provides the Company with readily available short-term financing for general corporate use.
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The Company has an unsecured revolving credit facility with a consortium of lenders, which is available for general corporate purposes, including backstopping the Company's commercial paper programs. On March 15, 2019, the Company's revolving credit facility agreement was amended, which extended the term of the credit facility by one year and increased the credit facility from $1.8 billion to $2.0 billion, effective May 5, 2019. The amended credit facility of $2.0 billion consists of a $1.0 billion tranche maturing on May 5, 2022 and a $1.0 billion tranche maturing on May 5, 2024. Under the amended credit facility, the Company has the option to request an extension once a year to maintain the tenors of three years and five years of the respective tranches subject to the consent of the individual lenders. The accordion feature, which provides for an additional $500 million of credit under the facility, remains unchanged. The credit facility agreement contains customary terms and conditions, which were substantially unchanged by the amendment. The credit facility provides for borrowings at various benchmark interest rates, plus applicable margins, based on CN's debt credit ratings. The credit facility agreement has one financial covenant, which limits debt as a percentage of total capitalization, and with which the Company is in compliance. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility and there were no draws during the year ended December 31, 2019.
On July 25, 2019, the Company entered into an agreement for a non-revolving term loan credit facility in the principal amount of up to US$300 million, secured by rolling stock, which may be drawn upon during the period from July 25, 2019 to March 31, 2020. Term loans made under the facility have a tenor of 20 years, bear interest at a variable rate, and are prepayable at any time without penalty. The credit facility is available for financing or refinancing the purchase of equipment. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its non-revolving credit facility and there were no draws during the year ended December 31, 2019. On January 24, 2020, the Company requested a borrowing of US$300 million under its non-revolving credit facility. The funds are expected to be received on February 3, 2020.
The Company has a series of committed and uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facility agreements. On March 15, 2019, the Company extended the maturity date of the committed bilateral letter of credit facility agreements to April 28, 2022. The agreements are held with various banks to support the Company's requirements to post letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. Under the agreements, the Company has the option from time to time to pledge collateral in the form of cash or cash equivalents, for a minimum term of one month, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. As at December 31, 2019, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $424 million under the committed facilities from a total available amount of $459 million and $149 million under the uncommitted facilities. As at December 31, 2019, included in Restricted cash and cash equivalents was $429 million and $90 million pledged as collateral under the committed and uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facilities, respectively.
On February 8, 2019, under its current shelf prospectus and registration statement, the Company issued $350 million 3.00% Notes due 2029 and $450 million 3.60% Notes due 2049 in the Canadian capital markets, which resulted in total net proceeds of $790 million.
On November 1, 2019, under its current shelf prospectus and registration statement, the Company issued $450 million 3.05% Notes due 2050 in the Canadian capital markets, which resulted in net proceeds of $443 million.
Significant Collective Agreements
Canadian workforce
On February 5, 2019, the collective agreement with the United Steelworkers governing track and bridge workers was ratified by its members, renewing the collective agreement for a five-year term expiring on December 31, 2023.
On January 31, 2020, the collective agreements with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) were ratified by its members, renewing the collective agreements for a three-year term, retroactive from July 23, 2019.
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On May 10, 2019, the collective agreements with Unifor for three bargaining units covering clerical and intermodal employees, and other classifications, were ratified by its members, renewing the collective agreements for a 45-month term expiring on December 31, 2022. On October 2, 2019, subsequent to the tentative agreement reached with Unifor to renew the collective agreement governing owner-operator truck drivers which was rejected by the membership on May 10, 2019, a revised agreement was ratified by its members, renewing that collective agreement through December 31, 2023.
On June 14, 2019, the collective agreement with the TCRC governing rail traffic controllers was ratified by its members, renewing the collective agreements for a four-year term expiring on December 31, 2022.
The Company's collective agreements remain in effect until the bargaining process outlined under the Canada Labour Code has been exhausted.
U.S. workforce
As of January 31, 2020, collective agreements covering all non-operating and operating craft employees at Grand Trunk Western Railroad Company (GTW), companies owned by Illinois Central Corporation (ICC), companies owned by Wisconsin Central Ltd. (WC) and Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad Company (BLE), and all employees at Pittsburgh and Conneaut Dock Company (PCD) were ratified. The tentative agreement covering the laborers represented by the United Steelworkers at PCD was reached on December 23, 2019 and was ratified by its members on December 27, 2019. Agreements in place have various moratorium provisions, which preserve the status quo in respect of the given collective agreement during the terms of such moratoriums. Where negotiations are ongoing, the terms and conditions of existing agreements generally continue to apply until new agreements are reached or the processes of the Railway Labor Act have been exhausted.
The general approach to labor negotiations by U.S. Class I railroads is to bargain on a collective national basis with the industry, which GTW, ICC, WC and BLE currently participate in, for collective agreements covering all non-operating and operating employees. The next national bargaining round has commenced.
2018 Highlights
Leadership Changes
On March 5, 2018, CN announced the departure of Luc Jobin from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Company, as well as the appointment of Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer Jean-Jacques Ruest to Interim President and CEO. On July 24, 2018, the Company announced that Jean-Jacques Ruest had been appointed as President and CEO and a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Strategic Initiatives and Capital Spending
Extensive reinvestment in CN's business resulted in a record $3.5 billion 2018 capital expenditure program, including $1.6 billion invested to maintain the safety and integrity of the network, particularly track infrastructure. CN's capital spending also included $1.0 billion on strategic initiatives to increase capacity, enable growth and improve network resiliency, including line capacity upgrades and information technology initiatives, $0.5 billion on equipment capital expenditures, including the acquisition of 500 new centerbeam cars and 65 new high-horsepower locomotives, and $0.4 billion on implementation of PTC, the safety technology mandated by the U.S. Congress.
As part of its 2018 capital expenditure program, CN completed significant initiatives to increase capacity and improve network resiliency, such as track infrastructure expansion projects and investments in yards. With expanded infrastructure that came into full service, mainly in the second half of the year, CN added capacity to support volume growth on its key corridors between the West Coast and Chicago. The Company improved network fluidity with the completion of these projects as well as the qualification of new train crews and the addition of new locomotives and equipment.
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Driven by solid demand across multiple commodity groups and the Company's increased capacity, in 2018 CN added approximately $1.3 billion in top-line growth with revenues up 10% and volumes up 5% in terms of revenue ton miles (RTMs), compared to the prior year.
Acquisitions and Dispositions
On April 6, 2018, the Company completed the sale of land located in Calgary, Alberta, excluding the rail fixtures, for cash proceeds of $39 million. The transaction resulted in a gain of $39 million ($34 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income on that date.
On April 9, 2018, the Company completed the transfer of its capital lease in the passenger rail facilities in Montreal, Quebec, together with its interests in related railway operating agreements, for cash proceeds of $115 million. The transaction resulted in a gain of $184 million ($156 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income on that date. The gain included the difference between the net book value of the asset and the cash proceeds, the extinguishment of the capital lease obligation, and the recognition of a gain previously deferred from a sale-leaseback transaction.
On September 5, 2018, the Company completed the sale of property located in Montreal, Quebec for cash proceeds of $40 million. The transaction resulted in a gain of $36 million ($32 million after-tax) that was recorded in Other income on that date.
On October 30, 2018, the Company announced it had reached an agreement to acquire TransX. TransX provides various transportation and logistics services, including intermodal, truckload, less than truckload and specialized services. The acquisition positions CN to strengthen its intermodal business and provide transportation options that bring supply chain flexibility to its customers.
Financial Management Initiatives
On October 23, 2018, the Board of Directors approved a normal course issuer bid which allowed for the repurchase of up to 5.5 million Common Shares, over a three-month period, between October 30, 2018 and January 31, 2019, at prevailing market prices plus brokerage fees, or such other prices as may be permitted by the TSX. CN implemented a three-month normal course issuer bid in order to co-ordinate all capital allocation decisions, including dividends and capital expenditures, to allow the Company to provide comprehensive guidance in January 2019. A total of 4.1 million Common Shares were repurchased under that program.
The Company has a commercial paper program in Canada and in the U.S. Both programs are backstopped by the Company's revolving credit facility. As of May 5, 2018, the maximum aggregate principal amount of commercial paper that could be issued increased from $1.3 billion to $1.8 billion, or the U.S. dollar equivalent, on a combined basis. The commercial paper programs, which are subject to market rates in effect at the time of financing, provide the Company with a flexible financing alternative, and can be used for general corporate purposes. As at December 31, 2018, the Company had total commercial paper borrowings of $1,175 million (US$862 million). The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 2.47%.
The Company has an agreement to sell an undivided co-ownership interest in a revolving pool of accounts receivable to unrelated trusts for maximum cash proceeds of $450 million. On April 30, 2018, the Company extended the term of its agreement by two years to February 1, 2021. As at December 31, 2018, the Company had accounts receivable securitization borrowings of $nil. The accounts receivable securitization program provides the Company with readily available short-term financing for general corporate use.
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The Company has an unsecured revolving credit facility with a consortium of lenders, which is available for general corporate purposes, including back stopping the Company's commercial paper programs. On March 15, 2018, the Company's revolving credit facility agreement was amended, which extended the term of the credit facility by one year and increased the credit facility from $1.3 billion to $1.8 billion, effective May 5, 2018. The amended credit facility of $1.8 billion consists of a $900 million tranche maturing on May 5, 2021 and a $900 million tranche maturing on May 5, 2023. The accordion feature, which provides for an additional $500 million of credit under the facility, as well as the option to extend the term by an additional year at each anniversary date, subject to the consent of individual lenders, remained unchanged. The credit facility agreement contains customary terms and conditions, which were substantially unchanged by the amendment. The credit facility provides for borrowings at various interest rates, including the Canadian prime rate, bankers' acceptance rates, the U.S. federal funds effective rate and the London Interbank Offered Rate, plus applicable margins, based on CN's debt credit ratings. The credit facility agreement has one financial covenant, which limits debt as a percentage of total capitalization, and with which the Company is in compliance. As at December 31, 2018, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility and there were no draws during the year ended December 31, 2018.
The Company has a series of committed and uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facility agreements. On March 15, 2018, the Company extended the maturity date of the committed bilateral letter of credit facility agreements to April 28, 2021. The agreements are held with various banks to support the Company's requirements to post letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. Under the agreements, the Company has the option from time to time to pledge collateral in the form of cash or cash equivalents, for a minimum term of one month, equal to at least the face value of the letters of credit issued. As at December 31, 2018, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $410 million under the committed facilities from a total available amount of $447 million and $137 million under the uncommitted facilities. As at December 31, 2018, included in Restricted cash and cash equivalents was $408 million and $80 million pledged as collateral under the committed and uncommitted bilateral letter of credit facilities, respectively.
On February 13, 2018, the Company filed a new shelf prospectus with Canadian securities regulators and a registration statement with the SEC, pursuant to which CN may issue up to $6.0 billion of debt securities in the Canadian and U.S. capital markets over the 25 months from the filing date. This shelf prospectus and registration statement replaced CN's previous shelf prospectus and registration statement that expired on February 6, 2018. The net proceeds from the sale of debt securities under the shelf prospectus and registration statement were for general corporate purposes, including the redemption and refinancing of outstanding indebtedness, share repurchases, acquisitions, and other business opportunities.
On February 6, 2018, under its previous shelf prospectus and registration statement dated January 5, 2016, the Company issued US$300 million ($374 million) 2.40% Notes due 2020 and US$600 million ($749 million) 3.65% Notes due 2048 in the U.S. capital markets, which resulted in total net proceeds of $1,106 million.
On July 31, 2018, under its shelf prospectus and registration statement dated February 13, 2018, the Company issued $350 million 3.20% Notes due 2028 and $450 million 3.60% Notes due 2048 in the Canadian capital markets, which resulted in total net proceeds of $787 million.
On August 30, 2018, the Company redeemed its US$550 million 5.55% Notes due 2019 for US$558 million ($720 million), which resulted in a loss of US$8 million ($10 million) that was recorded in Other income.
On November 7, 2018, under its shelf prospectus and registration statement dated February 13, 2018, the Company issued US$650 million ($854 million) 4.45% Notes due 2049 in the U.S. capital markets, which resulted in net proceeds of $845 million.
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The proceeds from the debt issuances were used for general corporate purposes, including the redemption and refinancing of outstanding indebtedness and share repurchases.
Significant Collective Agreements
Canadian workforce
On May 23, 2018, the collective agreement with the TCRC governing approximately 1,800 locomotive engineers was ratified by its members, renewing the collective agreement for a five-year term expiring on December 31, 2022.
In September 2018, notices were served to commence bargaining for the renewal of the collective agreements with the TCRC governing approximately 200 rail traffic controllers, with the United Steelworkers governing approximately 2,900 track and bridge workers and with Unifor governing approximately 2,100 shopcraft employees, which expired on December 31, 2018.
The collective agreement with Unifor was renewed for a four-year term, expiring December 31, 2022, and was ratified by its members on January 30, 2019.
On December 19, 2018, CN reached a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers to renew that collective agreement and was ratified by its members on February 5, 2019.
Under the Canada Labour Code, the law governing labor relations for the Canadian railroad industry, collective agreements remain in force until such time as the parties have either reached a renewed agreement or the dispute resolution mechanisms in the Code have been exhausted.
U.S. workforce
As of February 1, 2019, the Company had in place agreements with bargaining units representing the entire unionized workforce at GTW, companies owned by ICC, companies owned by WC, BLE and PCD. Agreements in place have various moratorium provisions, which preserve the status quo in respect of the given collective agreement during the terms of such moratoriums. Where negotiations are ongoing, the terms and conditions of existing agreements generally continue to apply until new agreements are reached or the processes of the Railway Labor Act have been exhausted.
The general approach to labor negotiations by U.S. Class I railroads is to bargain on a collective national basis with the industry, which GTW, ICC, WC and BLE participated in, for collective agreements covering non-operating employees. This national bargaining concluded in 2018 with successor collective bargaining agreements in place for all railroad unions, including all of CN’s non-operating craft employees. Collective agreements covering operating employees at GTW, ICC, WC and BLE, and all employees at PCD continue to be bargained on a local (corporate) basis. CN had ratified agreements with 12 of 18 bargaining units covering approximately 1,600 of CN’s operating craft employees. The remaining six collective agreements, covering approximately 1,750 operating craft employees and the employees at PCD represented by United Steelworkers, were all subsequently ratified by December 27, 2019.
3.2 STRATEGY OVERVIEW
For a discussion of the Company’s business strategy and anticipated developments for 2020, please see the section entitled “Strategy overview” on pages 4 to 9 of the MD&A, which are incorporated by reference herein. The MD&A may be found online on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov through EDGAR, and on the Company’s website at www.cn.ca in the Investors section.
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ITEM 4 DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
4.1 OVERVIEW
CN is engaged in the rail and related transportation business. CN's network of 19,500 route miles of track spans Canada and the United States of America (U.S.), the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South. CN's extensive network and efficient connections to all Class I railroads provide CN customers access to Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports every year more than 300 million tons of cargo, serving exporters, importers, retailers, farmers and manufacturers. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
CN's freight revenues are derived from seven commodity groups representing a diversified and balanced portfolio of goods transported between a wide range of origins and destinations. This product and geographic diversity better positions the Company to face economic fluctuations and enhances its potential for growth opportunities. For the year ended December 31, 2020, CN's largest commodity group accounted for 27% of total revenues. From a geographic standpoint, 16% of revenues relate to U.S. domestic traffic, 31% transborder traffic, 17% Canadian domestic traffic and 36% overseas traffic. The Company is the originating carrier for over 85%, and the originating and terminating carrier for over 65%, of traffic moving along its network, which allows it both to capitalize on service advantages and build on opportunities to efficiently use assets.
Revenues generated by the Company during the year are influenced by seasonal weather conditions, general economic conditions, cyclical demand for rail transportation, and competitive forces in the transportation marketplace. Operating expenses reflect the impact of freight volumes, seasonal weather conditions, labor costs, fuel prices, and the Company’s productivity initiatives.
4.2 COMMODITY GROUPS
For a description of the various commodity groups transported by CN, their principal markets, as well as select revenue, revenue ton miles and carload information, please see pages 15 to 19 of the MD&A, which are incorporated by reference herein.
4.3 COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS
For a discussion of the competitive conditions under which CN operates, please see the section entitled “Competition” in the Business risks discussion located on pages 48 to 49 of the MD&A, which is incorporated by reference herein.
4.4 LABOR
As at December 31, 2020, CN employed a total of 24,381 employees, of which 18,209 were unionized employees.
For a discussion of CN’s labour negotiations, please see the section entitled “Labor negotiations” in the Business risks discussion located on page 50 of the MD&A, which are incorporated by reference herein.
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4.5 SOCIAL POLICIES
In addition to its Employment Equity Policy (for Canadian employees) and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy (for U.S. employees), CN maintains a comprehensive Human Rights Policy and a Harassment Free Environment Policy for its Canadian employees and a Prohibited Harassment, Discrimination and Anti-Retaliation Policy for its U.S. employees. These policies affirm CN’s commitment to ensuring that there is no harassment nor discrimination against any employee or applicant based on grounds of religion, race, sex, nationality, disability or any other basis protected by law, ordinance or regulation. The policies extend to recruitment, selection and compensation practices, as well as to working conditions and the work environment. All Company vice-presidents have been mandated with the responsibility of implementing these policies and ensuring that all work practices are in compliance. Internal complaint procedures have been established whereby any person covered by the Harassment Free Environment Policy and the Employment Equity Policy (for Canadian employees) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and Prohibited Harassment, Discrimination and Anti-Retaliation Policy (for U.S. employees) can contact his or her human resources director or human resources manager who will address his or her complaint. The employee can also call either the Human Resources Center, which will forward the complaint to the appropriate human resources manager for further handling, or the CN Ombudsman directly, who can be contacted on a confidential basis. As part of CN’s commitment to providing a safe, healthy and violence-free workplace for all employees, CN has in place a Workplace Violence Prevention Policy which applies to all employees. The objective of this policy is to reiterate the prohibition of workplace violence at CN and set out how threats, acts or risks of workplace violence are to be reported and addressed.
4.6 REGULATION
The Company’s operations are subject to regulations both in Canada and in the U.S. A summary of such regulations is provided below. For a complete discussion of recent and pending legislative and other regulatory developments both in Canada and in the U.S., see the section entitled “Regulation” in the Business risks discussion located on pages 50 to 53 of the MD&A, which are incorporated by reference herein.
In order to facilitate the continued movement of goods during the COVID-19 pandemic, regulatory agencies in the U.S. and Canada have issued waivers or exemptions to railway companies providing relief from the strict application of some regulations. These reliefs were provided to facilitate social distancing and compliance with other constraints associated with the COVID-19 pandemic that would prevent railways from complying with requirements in a manner consistent with existing provisions.
Economic regulation - Canada
The Company's rail operations in Canada are subject to economic regulation by the Canadian Transportation Agency (“Agency”) under the Canada Transportation Act (“CTA”). The CTA provides rate and service remedies, including final offer arbitration (“FOA”), long-haul interswitching rates and mandatory interswitching. It also regulates the maximum revenue entitlement for the movement of regulated grain, charges for railway ancillary services and noise-related disputes. In addition, various Company business transactions must gain prior regulatory approval, with attendant risks and uncertainties, and the Company is subject to government oversight with respect to rate, service and business practice issues.
FOA is used in cases of rate disputes between a shipper and a railway company and involves the selection by an arbitrator of either the shipper’s or the carrier’s rate and service offer. Long haul interswitching provisions can be invoked to require an originating railway company to issue to a shipper with access to a single rail carrier a rate covering the movement to the nearest interchange with another railroad determined by the CTA on the basis of comparable commercial rates. In addition, certain rail shipments of export grain are subject to a government-established revenue cap, which effectively specifies a maximum revenue entitlement that railways can earn.
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In addition to public rates issued under tariffs, the CTA permits confidential contracts to be negotiated between rail carriers and shippers to govern the terms, conditions and rates for service. Furthermore, railway companies are subject to service level obligations and, in case of breach, shippers may seek redress from the Agency. Railway companies are also required to enter into an agreement, at the request of a shipper, respecting the manner in which they intend to fulfill their service obligations. In the absence of an agreement, the shipper may submit the matter for determination by an arbitrator.
When a railway company wants to sell or abandon lines, the CTA encourages their sale to other railway companies for continued operations and provides the framework for line discontinuance. The railway companies are required to publish a plan for lines they intend to discontinue within the next three years. Prior to discontinuance, the line must be advertised as being for sale for continued rail operation and, if no interest is shown, must be offered specifically for sale to applicable federal, provincial and municipal governments as well as urban transit authorities. The entire process typically takes less than 24 months. The Company’s operations are also subject to safety and environmental provisions relating to track standards, equipment standards, transportation of hazardous materials, environmental assessments and certain labor regulations, which are in many respects similar when comparing Canadian and U.S. regulations.
Economic regulation - U.S.
The Company's U.S. rail operations are subject to economic regulation by the Surface Transportation Board ("STB"). The STB serves as both an adjudicatory and regulatory body and has jurisdiction over certain railroad rate and service issues, and carrier practices. It also has jurisdiction over the situations and terms under which one railroad may gain access to another railroad’s traffic or facilities, the construction, acquisition or abandonment of rail lines, railroad consolidations, and labor protection provisions in connection with the foregoing. As such, various Company business transactions must gain prior regulatory approval and aspects of its pricing and service practices may be subject to challenge, with attendant risks and uncertainties. Recent proposals in proceedings undertaken by the STB in a number of significant matters remain pending. For further details on such proceedings, see the section entitled “Regulation - Economic regulation - U.S.” in the Business risks discussion located on pages 50 to 51 of the MD&A, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Government regulation of the railroad industry is a significant determinant of the competitiveness and profitability of railroads. Deregulation of certain rates and services, plus the ability to enter into confidential contracts, pursuant to the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 (“Staggers Act”), has substantially increased the flexibility of railroads to respond to market forces and has resulted in highly competitive rates. Various interests have sought and continue to seek reimposition of government controls on the railroad industry in areas deregulated in whole or in part by the Staggers Act. Additional regulation, changes in regulation and re-regulation of the industry through legislative, administrative, judicial or other action could materially affect the Company.
Safety regulation - Canada
The Company's rail operations in Canada are subject to safety regulation by the Minister under the Railway Safety Act as well as the rail portions of other safety-related statutes, which are administered by Transport Canada. The Company may be required to transport toxic inhalation hazard materials as a result of its common carrier obligations and, as such, is also subject to additional regulatory oversight in Canada. The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, also administered by Transport Canada, establishes the safety requirements for the transportation of goods classified as dangerous and enables the adoption of regulations for security training and screening of personnel working with dangerous goods, as well as the development of a program to require a transportation security clearance for dangerous goods, the tracking of dangerous goods during transport and the development of an emergency response plan.
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In 2014, Transport Canada's new Grade Crossings Regulations under the Railway Safety Act came into force, which establish specific standards for new grade crossings and requirements that existing crossings be upgraded to basic safety standards by November 2021, as well as safety related data that must be provided by railway companies on an annual basis. The Company has complied with the information requirements by providing road authorities with specific information respecting public grade crossings. The Company has also initiated the work required to have grade crossings on its network to meet the new standards. On January 4, 2021, Transport Canada informed the public that it intends to modify the Grade Crossings Regulations so that low-risk crossings do not need to meet all requirements. Transport Canada also intends to extend the November 2021 deadline by one year for high-risk grade crossings and by three years for all other crossings.
On April 26, 2017, the Minister initiated the review of the Railway Safety Act, which was initially scheduled for 2018, and a panel of three persons was appointed to proceed with the review. On May 31, 2018, the Minister tabled in the House of Commons the report of the three-person panel.
Transport Canada's new regulations aimed at lowering the risk of terrorism on the Canadian rail system, entitled Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Rail Security Regulations, were adopted on May 6, 2019 and are coming into force in sequence. The provisions under which rail carriers have to conduct security inspections of certain railway vehicles containing dangerous goods, report potential security threats and concerns to the Canadian Transport Emergency Centre, and employ a rail security coordinator came into force on August 6, 2019. The requirements that all rail carriers proactively engage in security planning processes and manage security risks, by introducing security awareness training for employees, security plans that include measures to address assessed risks, and security plan training for employees with duties related to the security plan or security sensitive dangerous goods came into force on June 1, 2020. CN is in compliance with these requirements.
Bill C-49, which came into force on May 23, 2018, contains provisions that amend the Railway Safety Act to prohibit a railway company from operating railway equipment unless it is fitted with prescribed recording instruments and the prescribed information is recorded, collected and preserved. These changes are not yet in force as the Locomotive Voice and Video Recorder Regulations ("LVVR Regulations") detailing their conditions were published by Transport Canada on September 2, 2020 but will only come into force two years later on September 2, 2022. The LVVR Regulations require railway companies to procure and install LVVR equipment within two years of coming into force. The LVVR Regulations also set out the technical specifications of the equipment, deal with record keeping, provide for privacy protection and detail how railway companies can access the information on a random basis. LVVR technology will assist in preventing accidents and facilitate investigations to better understand the circumstances of accidents.
On December 20, 2018, the Minister issued an order requesting Canadian railway companies to revise the Work/Rest Rules under the Railway Safety Act to reflect the latest fatigue science and fatigue management practices and address a series of related elements. The draft rules proposed by the Canadian rail industry were filed with the Minister on September 11, 2020. On November 25, 2020, the Minister approved the new Duty and Rest Period Rules for Operating Employees subject to conditions which clarified some aspects of the Rules. The majority of the provisions applicable to CN will come into effect on May 25, 2023.
On October 6, 2020, Transport Canada issued new Passenger Rail Security Regulations, with their provisions coming into force in sequence. These regulations require passenger railway and host companies to effectively manage their security risks by implementing risk-based security practices, including security awareness training, security risk assessments, security plans and security inspections by July 6, 2021, the designation of a rail security coordinator and security incident reporting by October 6, 2021 and security plan training and security exercises by January 6, 2022.
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On November 6, 2020, the Minister issued a new order restricting the speed of key trains carrying dangerous goods based on cold temperature conditions, instead of restricting their speed based on a winter date range as stated in the previously issued order on April 1, 2020. The maximum speed of the trains also depend on the safety measures implemented by railway companies to be detailed into a Winter Operation Risk Mitigation Plan and on the type of railway signal and traffic control systems present on the railway networks which take into account the substantial investments made to equip main line tracks with automated signaling technology, on which the vast majority of CN's traffic is handled. Considering that speed restrictions applicable to a single category of trains nevertheless affect the speed of all trains operating on a rail network, this revised approach will enable CN to maintain normal speed operations unless the conditions require speed restrictions in the interest of safety.
Safety regulation - U.S.
The Company's U.S. rail operations are subject to safety regulation by the FRA under the Federal Railroad Safety Act as well as rail portions of other safety statutes, with the transportation of certain hazardous commodities also governed by regulations promulgated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”). PHMSA requires carriers operating in the U.S. to report annually the volume and route-specific data for cars containing these commodities; conduct a safety and security risk analysis for each used route; identify a commercially practicable alternative route for each used route; and select for use the practical route posing the least safety and security risk. In addition, the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) requires rail carriers to provide upon request, within five minutes for a single car and 30 minutes for multiple cars, location and shipping information on cars on their networks containing toxic inhalation hazard materials and certain radioactive or explosive materials; and ensure the secure, attended transfer of all such cars to and from shippers, receivers and other carriers that will move from, to, or through designated high-threat urban areas.
The FRA also has jurisdiction over railroad safety and equipment standards, and most rail safety regulation is handled at the federal level. In contrast, however, to the exclusive role of the STB over railroad economic regulation, state and local regulatory agencies have jurisdiction over certain local safety and operating matters unless FRA has regulated the matter and these agencies are becoming more aggressive in their exercise of jurisdiction. State legislatures have also recently enacted new laws in this regard that are intended to regulate railroads more extensively.
On October 16, 2008, the U.S. Congress enacted the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which required all Class I railroads and intercity passenger and commuter railroads to implement a PTC system by December 31, 2015 on mainline track where intercity passenger railroads and commuter railroads operate and where toxic inhalation hazard materials of certain thresholds are transported. PTC is a collision avoidance technology designed to override locomotive controls and prevent train-to-train collisions, overspeed derailments, misaligned switch derailments, and unauthorized incursions onto established work zones. In 2019, CN initiated PTC revenue operation on its remaining subdivisions where PTC is required and began interoperability testing with tenant railroads. In 2020, the Company completed interoperability testing with tenant railroads that operate on the Company’s PTC-equipped tracks pursuant to regulations. On June 29, 2020, CN submitted its Request for Amendment to the PTC Safety Plan. On November 18, 2020, CN submitted its Request for Amendment to its PTC Implementation Plan, as per FRA’s request. On December 11, 2020, FRA approved CN's request and certified CN's PTC system. CN has completed the federal requirements to implement PTC by the deadline of December 31, 2020. Noncompliance with these or other laws and regulations may subject the Company to fines, penalties and/or service interruptions. PTC may result in reduced operational efficiency and service levels.
On February 18, 2020, the FRA issued a final rule that requires each Class I railroad and certain shortline railroads to develop a Railroad Risk Reduction Program in a written plan that will be reviewed and approved by the FRA and will be subject to audit. Written plans must be submitted by August 2021. On April 10, 2020, the AAR sought reconsideration from the FRA on certain aspects of the final rule. On May 8, 2020, the FRA denied AAR's request for reconsideration of the implementation deadlines. On November 16, 2020, the FRA decided the remaining issues in the requests for reconsideration and agreed to reconsider provisions of the rules relating to whether contractors would be deemed directly affected employees.
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Other regulations - Canada and U.S.
Vessels
The Company's vessel operations are subject to regulation by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, which regulate the ownership and operation of vessels operating on the Great Lakes and in U.S. coastal waters. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency has authority to regulate air emissions from these vessels.
Security
The Company is subject to statutory and regulatory directives in the U.S. addressing homeland security concerns. In the U.S., safety matters related to security are overseen by the TSA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") and PHMSA, which, like the FRA, is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Border security falls under the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection ("CBP"), which is part of the DHS. In Canada, the Company is subject to regulation by the Canada Border Services Agency ("CBSA"). Matters related to agriculture-related shipments crossing the Canada/U.S. border also fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture ("USDA") and the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") in the U.S. and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ("CFIA") in Canada.
More specifically, the Company is subject to:
| • | border security arrangements, pursuant to an agreement the Company and CP entered into with the CBP and the CBSA; |
| • | the CBP's Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program and designation as a low-risk carrier under CBSA's Customs Self-Assessment (CSA) program; |
| • | regulations imposed by the CBP requiring advance notification by all modes of transportation for all shipments into the U.S. The CBSA is also working on similar requirements for Canada-bound traffic; |
| • | inspection for imported fruits and vegetables grown in Canada and the agricultural quarantine and inspection (AQI) user fee for all traffic entering the U.S. from Canada; and |
| • | gamma ray screening of cargo entering the U.S. from Canada, and potential security and agricultural inspections at the Canada/U.S. border. |
Transportation of hazardous materials
As a result of its common carrier obligations, the Company is legally required to transport toxic inhalation hazard materials regardless of risk or potential exposure or loss. A train accident involving the transport of these commodities could result in significant costs and claims for personal injury, property damage, environmental penalties and remediation in excess of insurance coverage for these risks, which may materially adversely affect the Company's results of operations, or its competitive and financial position.
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4.7 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Regulatory Compliance
A risk of environmental liability is inherent in railroad and related transportation operations; real estate ownership, operation or control; and other commercial activities of the Company with respect to both current and past operations. As a result, the Company incurs significant operating and capital costs, on an ongoing basis, associated with environmental regulatory compliance and clean-up requirements in its railroad operations and relating to its past and present ownership, operation or control of real property. In as much as such liability is inherent to railroad and transportation operations, CN is in all material aspects similarly situated relative to its competitors and thus the resulting environmental protection requirements and expenditures are not expected to have a material adverse effect on CN’s competitive position. Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations, or to an existing condition caused by past operations, are expensed as incurred. Environmental expenditures that provide a future benefit are capitalized.
In Canada, the matter of environmental permits for the Company is complex because of an overlap between federal and provincial jurisdictions. When projects trigger an environmental assessment, CN proceeds in accordance with the Impact Assessment Act, s.c. 2019, c.28. Provincial and municipal environmental legislation may be applicable to CN if such legislation does not aim to regulate the management or operations of railways. Therefore, the Company does not apply systematically for provincial, municipal or local environmental permits for its railway operations in Canada. Because of the multiple jurisdictions, there can be no assurance that additional provincial, municipal or local environmental permits will not be required in the future. The Company may incur additional expenses or changes in its operations if such additional permits were to be required in the future.
See Note 21 - Major commitments and contingencies, to CN’s 2020 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements (Financial Statements) for a further discussion of environmental matters, as well as the section entitled “Environmental matters” in the Critical accounting estimates discussion located on page 47 of the MD&A, and the section entitled “Environmental matters” in the Business risks discussion located on page 49 of the MD&A, which are incorporated by reference herein.
Environmental Policy
CN is committed to conducting its operations and activities in a manner that protects the natural environment. CN considers protecting the environment a fundamental corporate social responsibility governing its activities. Consequently, CN has implemented comprehensive environmental management programs. The Company's programs aim to minimize the impact of the Company's activities on the environment. The Company strives to contribute to the protection of the environment by integrating environmental priorities into the Company’s overall business plan and through the specific monitoring and measurement of such priorities against historical performance and, in some cases, specific targets.
The Environment, Safety and Security Committee of the Board of Directors has the responsibility of overseeing the Company's environmental programs. The Environment, Safety and Security Committee is composed of CN directors and its responsibilities, powers and operation are further described in the charter of such committee, which is included in the Company’s Corporate Governance Manual available on CN’s website. Certain risk mitigation strategies, such as periodic audits, employee training programs and emergency plans and procedures, are in place to minimize the environmental risks to the Company. The Company’s CDP report, its Sustainability Report entitled “Delivering Responsibly” and the Company’s Corporate Governance Manual, are available on CN’s website www.cn.ca in the Delivering Responsibly section.
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4.8 LEGAL MATTERS
Legal Proceedings
As of the date hereof, there are no legal proceedings to which CN is a party involving claims for damages, exclusive of interest and costs, in excess of 10% of its current assets. The Company will regularly assess its position as events progress.
See Note 21 - Major commitments and contingencies to the Financial Statements, for further discussion of legal actions, if any, as well as pages 45 to 46 of the MD&A, for a general discussion of personal injury and other claims, which are incorporated by reference herein.
Aboriginal Claims
The Company believes that it possesses unrestricted and absolute title to its lands. However, in recent years, some Aboriginal communities have claimed to have a continuing legal interest in certain lands. They allege this interest prohibits the Company from disposing of the lands when they are no longer needed for railway purposes, except by allowing them to revert to the Crown for the benefit of Aboriginals. This issue is one which will ultimately be decided by the courts; however, regardless of the outcome, there is no perceived material adverse effect, as the right of the Company to continue to occupy and operate over such lands is not being called into question.
As the issues surrounding Aboriginal claims are complex and involve not only private interests but fiduciary and other obligations of the Crown in the right of Canada, CN has agreed not to sell or otherwise dispose of land which is not essential to its rail operations and which is located in, or adjacent to, an Aboriginal reserve, unless each of CN and the Government of Canada is satisfied that no legitimate Aboriginal claim exists with respect to such land. In addition, CN has agreed to convey to the Government of Canada, for no consideration, any land not integral to its rail operations that may be necessary to settle legitimate Aboriginal claims with respect to such land, or lands which were formerly reserve lands and have become non-rail assets. The Government of Canada, for its part, has agreed that it will provide the necessary compensation for settlement of legitimate Aboriginal claims which would otherwise result in CN having to relinquish land essential to its rail network, unless such claims arise out of, or are substantially based upon, willful, known, negligent or fraudulent acts or omissions of CN which adversely affected the rights or interests of Aboriginal people.
4.9 INTANGIBLE PROPERTIES
CN uses various works protected by intellectual property rights to which the Company owns or for which it has been granted rights to use. These works include customers’ lists, copyrights, patents, trademarks, logos and trade names. This intellectual property is important to the Company’s operations and its success.
4.10 RISK FACTORS
A description of risks affecting CN and its business appears under the heading “Business risks” located on pages 48 to 56 of the MD&A, and under the heading “Financial Instruments” for risks associated with the Company’s use of financial instruments located on pages 37 to 39 of the MD&A, which pages are incorporated by reference herein. See Item 1 of this AIF for a further discussion of risks associated with forward-looking statements.
ITEM 5 DIVIDENDS
The Company has declared dividends in line with its overall financial performance and cash flow generation. The Board of Directors makes decisions on dividend levels on an annual basis and on dividend payout on a quarterly basis. Consistent with this practice, the quarterly rate of $0.4550 per share, starting with the first quarter of 2018 was increased to $0.5375 per share, starting with the first quarter of 2019, and increased to $0.5750 per share, starting with the first quarter of 2020, and increased to $0.6150 per share, starting with the first quarter of 2021. There can be no assurance as to the amount or timing of such dividends in the future.
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ITEM 6 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
6.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The authorized share capital of CN consists of an unlimited number of Common Shares, an unlimited number of Class A Preferred Shares issuable in series and an unlimited number of Class B Preferred Shares issuable in series, all without par value.
There are no Class A Preferred Shares or Class B Preferred Shares currently issued and outstanding.
Common Shares
The Common Shares carry and are subject to the following rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions described below:
Voting: Each Common Share entitles its holder to receive notice of and to attend all general and special meetings of shareholders of CN, other than meetings at which only the holders of a particular class or series of shares are entitled to vote, and each such Common Share entitles its holder to one vote.
Dividends: The holders of Common Shares are, at the discretion of the directors, entitled to receive, out of any amounts applicable to the payment of dividends, and after the payment of any dividends payable on any Preferred Shares, any dividends declared and payable by CN on the Common Shares.
Dissolution: The holders of Common Shares shall be entitled to share equally in any distribution of the assets of CN upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of CN or other distribution of its assets among its shareholders. Such participation is subject to the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to any issued and outstanding Preferred Shares or shares of any other class ranking prior to the Common Shares.
Preferred Shares
The Class A Preferred Shares and the Class B Preferred Shares are issuable in series and, subject to CN’s Articles, the Board of Directors is authorized to fix, before issuance, the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the shares of each series. The holders of Class A Preferred Shares or Class B Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to vote at meetings of shareholders otherwise than as provided by law and holders of Class A Preferred Shares or Class B Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to vote separately as a class except as provided by law.
6.2 SHARE OWNERSHIP CONSTRAINTS
CN’s Articles provide that where the total number of voting shares held, beneficially owned, or controlled, directly or indirectly, by any one person together with his or her associates exceed 25%, no person shall exercise the voting rights attached to the voting shares held, beneficially owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such person or his or her associates. Furthermore, all dividends attributable to the percentage of voting shares held by such persons in excess of 25% shall be forfeited, including any cumulative dividend. However, CN’s Articles provide that in the event where the 25% limit is exceeded solely as a result of share buybacks conducted by CN, the only consequence to the relevant shareholder under CN’s Articles is that the shareholder shall not be entitled to exercise the voting rights attached to the common shares held by such shareholder that are in excess of the 25% limit.
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CN’s Articles confer on the Board of Directors all powers necessary to give effect to the ownership restrictions, including the ability to pay dividends or to make other distributions which would otherwise be prohibited if the event giving rise to the prohibition was inadvertent or of a technical nature or it would otherwise be inequitable not to pay the dividends or make the distribution. CN’s Articles provide that the Board of Directors may adopt by-laws concerning the administration of the constrained share provisions described above, including by-laws requiring a shareholder to furnish a declaration indicating whether he or she is the beneficial owner of the shares and whether he or she is an associate of any other shareholder.
In addition, CN is also authorized to refuse to recognize the ownership rights that would otherwise be attached to any voting shares held, beneficially owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, contrary to the share ownership constraint. Finally, CN has the right, for the purpose of enforcing any constraint imposed pursuant to its Articles, to sell, as if it were the owner thereof, any voting shares that are owned or that the directors determine may be owned, by any person or persons contrary to such share ownership constraint.
6.3 RATINGS OF DEBT SECURITIES
The Company’s access to long-term funds in the debt capital markets depends on its credit rating and market conditions. The Company believes that it continues to have access to the long-term debt capital markets. Rating downgrades could limit the Company’s access to the credit markets, or increase its borrowing costs. Various classes of CN’s outstanding securities have been rated by several rating organizations as described in detail below, as of the date hereof.
| DBRS | Moody’s Investors Service | Standard & Poor’s | |
| Long-Term Debt | A | A2 | A |
| Commercial Paper | R-1 (low) | P-1 | A-1 |
The above-noted ratings are given the following credit characteristics by the various rating agencies:
DBRS Limited (“DBRS”)
| • | Long-term debt rated A is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of financial obligations is substantial, but of lesser quality than AA. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable. This rating falls within the third highest of DBRS’s ten long-term debt rating categories which range from “AAA” to “D”. |
| • | Commercial paper rated R-1 (low) is of good credit quality. The capacity for the payment of short-term financial obligations as they fall due is substantial. Overall strength is not as favourable as higher rating categories. May be vulnerable to future events, but qualifying negative factors are considered manageable. This rating falls within the third highest of DBRS’s ten short-term debt rating categories which range from “R-1 (high)” to “D”. |
Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”)
| • | Long-term debt obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. This rating falls within the third highest of Moody’s nine generic long-term obligation rating categories which range from “Aaa” to “C”. The modifier “2” indicates a ranking in the mid-range of that generic rating category. |
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| • | Commercial paper rated P-1 indicates that CN has a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. This rating falls within the highest of Moody’s four generic short-term debt rating categories which range from “P-1” to “NP”. |
Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”)
| • | Long-term debt obligations rated A are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligations is still strong. This rating falls within the third highest of S&P’s ten major long-term credit rating categories which range from “AAA” to “D”. |
| • | A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong. |
The ratings of CN’s securities described above should not be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold CN securities and do not address the market price or suitability of a specific security for a particular investor. Ratings may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the rating agencies.
As is common practice, during the last two years, each of the above-noted credit rating agencies charged CN for their rating services which include annual surveillance fees covering CN’s outstanding long-term and short-term debt securities, in addition to one-time rating fees when debt is initially issued. CN reasonably expects that such payments will continue to be made for rating services in the future.
ITEM 7 TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
In Canada, the transfer agent and registrar for each class of CN’s publicly issued securities is Computershare Trust Company of Canada and, in the U.S., the co-transfer agent and co-registrar is Computershare Trust Company, N.A., both of which maintain registers of transfers for CN’s securities at the locations specified below:
Computershare Trust Company of Canada
100 University Avenue, 8th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2Y1
Toll Free Tel: 1-800-564-6253
Toll Free Fax: 1-888-453-0330
Email: service@computershare.com
Web: www.investorcentre.com\service
Co-transfer agent and co-registrar:
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
Att: Stock Transfer Department
Overnight Mail Delivery: 462 South 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Regular Mail Delivery: P.O. Box 505005, Louisville, KY 40233-5005
Telephone: (303) 262-0600 or 1-800-962-4284
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| ITEM | 8 MARKET FOR SECURITIES |
| 8.1 | TRADING PRICE AND VOLUME |
CN’s Common Shares are listed on both the TSX and the NYSE under the stock symbols CNR and CNI, respectively. The following table sets forth the price ranges and aggregate trading volumes of the Common Shares on the TSX for each month of 2020:
| Month | High | Low | Volume | |||
| January | 126.95 | 116.70 | 24,024,888 | |||
| February | 127.79 | 111.41 | 27,569,322 | |||
| March | 118.01 | 92.01 | 61,725,120 | |||
| April | 118.98 | 104.31 | 26,428,762 | |||
| May | 120.24 | 108.78 | 22,402,609 | |||
| June | 124.02 | 115.63 | 34,841,629 | |||
| July | 132.17 | 119.05 | 22,976,546 | |||
| August | 140.87 | 129.24 | 29,292,622 | |||
| September | 143.71 | 133.94 | 32,840,805 | |||
| October | 149.11 | 131.44 | 22,314,140 | |||
| November | 144.98 | 132.77 | 29,760,944 | |||
| December | 142.71 | 136.45 | 30,593,187 | |||
| 8.2 | PRIOR SALES |
On May 1, 2020, under its current prospectus and registration statement, the Company issued $US600 million ($837 million) 2.45% Notes due 2050 in the U.S. capital markets, detailed in the following table:
| Security | Notes due 2050 |
| Size of Offering: | US$600,000,000 |
| Maturity Date: | May 1, 2050 |
| Coupon Rate: | 2.45% |
| Net Proceeds of Issue (before expenses): | US$581,976,000 |
| Public Offering Price: | 97.871% |
| Application of Proceeds: | General corporate purposes, including the redemption and refinancing of outstanding indebtedness, share repurchases, acquisitions and other business opportunities. |
In addition, in the ordinary course of business, the Company has the capability to issue commercial paper with maturities of less than 12 months. As at December 31, 2020, the Company had total commercial paper borrowings of $56 million (US$44 million). The weighted-average interest rate on these borrowings was 0.13%.
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| ITEM | 9 DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS |
| 9.1 | DIRECTORS |
The directors of the Company are elected by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of the Company, and hold office until their term expires at the following Annual General Meeting, subject to resignation, retirement, or re-election. The following table lists the directors of the Company as of the date hereof:
| Name Province or State of Residence and Date of First Election/Appointment to Board |
Current Principal Occupation | Past Principal Occupations held in the Preceding Five Years |
| Shauneen Bruder Ontario, Canada April 25, 2017 |
Corporate Director | Executive Vice-President, Operations, Royal Bank of Canada |
| Donald J. Carty, O.C., LL. D. Texas, U.S.A. January 1, 2011 |
Corporate Director | |
| Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin Georgia, U.S.A. May 1, 2001 |
Partner, Dentons U.S. LLP (law firm) | |
| Julie Godin Quebec, Canada April 25, 2017 |
Co-Chair of the Board and Executive Vice-President, Strategic Planning and Corporate Development, CGI Inc. (Information Technology consulting company) | Vice-Chair of the Board, Chief Planning and Administration Officer; Executive Vice-President, Global Human Resources and Strategic Planning, and Vice-Chair of the Board, CGI Inc.; and Executive Vice-President, Human Resources and Strategic Planning |
| Edith E. Holiday Florida, U.S.A. June 1, 2001 |
Corporate Director and Trustee | |
| V. Maureen Kempston Darkes, O.C., D. COMM., LL.D. Ontario, Canada Florida, U.S.A. March 29, 1995 |
Corporate Director | |
| The Hon. Denis Losier, P.C., LL.D., C.M. New Brunswick, Canada October 25, 1994 |
Corporate Director | |
| The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch, P.C., O.C., PH. D., LL.D. Ontario, Canada April 23, 2014 |
Corporate Director | Vice-Chair, BMO Financial Group (bank) |
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| Name Province or State of Residence and Date of First Election/Appointment to Board |
Current Principal Occupation | Past Principal Occupations held in the Preceding Five Years |
| Margaret A. McKenzie Alberta, Canada October 6, 2020 |
Corporate Director | |
| James E. O’Connor Florida, U.S.A. April 27, 2011 |
Corporate Director | |
| Robert Pace, D. COMM., C.M. Nova Scotia, Canada October 25, 1994 |
Chair of the Board of Directors, CN President and Chief Executive Officer, The Pace Group (radio broadcasting, real estate and environmental services) |
|
| Robert L. Phillips British Columbia, Canada April 23, 2014 |
President, R.L. Phillips Investments Inc. | |
| Jean-Jacques Ruest Quebec, Canada July 24, 2018 |
President and Chief Executive Officer | Interim President and Chief Executive Officer; Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer |
| Laura Stein California, U.S.A. April 23, 2014 |
Executive Vice-President - General Counsel, Corporate & Legal Affairs, Mondelez International (consumer products company) | Executive Vice-President - General Counsel & Corporate Affairs; Senior Vice-President, General Counsel, The Clorox Company |
Committee Membership
As of the date hereof, the membership of each Board committee is composed of the following directors:
Audit Committee
Shauneen Bruder (chair), Donald J. Carty, Edith E. Holiday, V. Maureen Kempston Darkes, the Hon. Kevin G. Lynch, James E. O'Connor, Laura Stein.
Finance Committee
Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin (chair), Julie Godin, The Hon. Denis Losier, Edith E. Holiday, V. Maureen Kempston Darkes, Margaret A. McKenzie, James E. O'Connor, Robert L. Phillips, Laura Stein.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
Robert L. Phillips (chair), Julie Godin, the Hon. Kevin G. Lynch, Margaret A. McKenzie, Robert Pace, James E. O'Connor.
Donations and Sponsorships Committee
Robert Pace (chair), Shauneen Bruder, Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin, Edith E. Holiday, the Hon. Denis Losier.
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Environment, Safety and Security Committee
Laura Stein (chair), Shauneen Bruder, Donald J. Carty, Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin, Margaret A. McKenzie, James E. O'Connor, Robert Pace, Robert L. Phillips.
Human Resources and Compensation Committee
The Hon. Kevin G. Lynch (chair), Shauneen Bruder, Donald J. Carty, Julie Godin, Margaret A. McKenzie, Robert L. Phillips, Laura Stein.
Pension and Investment Committee
Edith E. Holiday (chair), Donald J. Carty, V. Maureen Kempston Darkes, Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin, the Hon. Denis Losier, the Hon. Kevin G. Lynch.
Strategic Planning Committee
V. Maureen Kempston Darkes (chair), Donald J. Carty, Julie Godin, the Hon. Denis Losier, the Hon. Kevin G. Lynch, Margaret A. McKenzie, Robert Pace.
| 9.2 | AUDIT COMMITTEE DISCLOSURE |
The Audit Committee Charter is reproduced in its entirety at Schedule A of this AIF.
Composition of the Audit Committee
As of the date hereof, the Audit Committee is composed of seven independent directors, namely, Shauneen Bruder (Chair of the Audit Committee), Donald J. Carty, Edith E. Holiday, V. Maureen Kempston Darkes, the Hon. Kevin G. Lynch, James E. O'Connor and Laura Stein.
Education and Relevant Experience of the Audit Committee Members
The Board of Directors believes that the composition of the Audit Committee reflects a high level of financial literacy and experience. Each member of the committee has been determined by the Board of Directors to be financially literate, as such term is defined under Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations and the NYSE Corporate Governance Standards. The Board of Directors has made such determination based on the education and experience of each committee member. The following is a description of the education and experience of each member of the Audit Committee that is relevant to the performance of his responsibilities as a member of the committee:
Ms. Bruder, Chair of the Audit Committee since April 28, 2020, is the retired Executive Vice-President, Operations at the Royal Bank of Canada (“RBC”) where she was responsible for overseeing operations related to all personal and business clients in Canada. She previously served for RBC as Executive Vice-President of Business and Commercial Banking, Chief Operating Officer of the Global Wealth Management division and President of RBC Centura Banks, Inc. in North Carolina. Ms. Bruder is a director and a member of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee of Andrew Peller Limited. Ms. Bruder is also a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors and is Chair of the Board of Governors for the University of Guelph. Previously, she was appointed as the Chairperson of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian American Business Council. She serves as Honorary Consul for Luxembourg in Toronto. Ms. Bruder holds a B.A. from the University of Guelph and an MBA from Queen’s University.
Mr. Carty, was the Chair of the Audit Committee from April 23, 2014 to April 27, 2020, is the retired Vice-Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of Dell, Inc., a position he assumed from January 2007 until June 2008. Before joining Dell, Mr. Carty retired in June 2003 as Chairman and CEO of AMR Corporation and American Airlines. He had previously served as President, Executive Vice-President - Finance and Planning and Senior Vice-President and Controller of AMR Airline Group and American Airlines. He was President and CEO of CP Air from 1985 to 1987. Mr. Carty is chairman of the board of directors of Porter Airlines, Inc. and is serving as a director and member of the audit committees of VMWare, Inc. and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. Mr. Carty holds a Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Business School.
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Ms. Holiday is a Corporate Director and Trustee and a former General Counsel, U.S. Treasury Department and former Secretary of the Cabinet, The White House. Ms. Holiday serves on the board of directors of Hess Corporation and serves as director and member of the audit committee of White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. She is also a director or trustee and member of the audit committee of various investment companies of the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds and a director of Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. Ms. Holiday holds a B.S. and a J.D. from the University of Florida, and she was admitted to the bars of the states of Florida, Georgia and the District of Columbia.
Ms. Kempston Darkes is the retired Group Vice-President and President Latin America, Africa and Middle East, General Motors Corporation. In 2009 she ended a 35-year career at GM during which she attained the highest operating position ever held by a woman at GM. From 1994 to 2001, she was President and General Manager of General Motors of Canada Limited and Vice-President of General Motors Corporation. Ms. Kempston Darkes is Lead Director and chair of the audit committee of Irving Oil Co. Ltd (private company) and serves on the board of directors of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and Enbridge Inc. Ms. Kempston Darkes holds a B.A. in history and political science from Victoria University and the University of Toronto and an LL.B. from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law.
The Honorable Kevin G. Lynch is the retired Vice-Chair, BMO Financial Group. In this role, Dr. Lynch was a key strategic advisor to senior management and represented BMO in domestic and international markets. Prior to joining BMO, Dr. Lynch built a distinguished public service career in the Government of Canada. Before his retirement in 2009, he served as Clerk of the Privy Council, Secretary to the Cabinet, and Head of the Public Service of Canada. Dr. Lynch began his public service career at the Bank of Canada in 1976 and has held a number of senior positions in the Government of Canada. These included the post of Deputy Minister of Industry, from 1995 to 2000, and Deputy Minister of Finance, from 2000 to 2004. From 2004 to 2006, he served as Executive Director (for the Canadian, Irish and Caribbean constituency) at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C. Dr. Lynch was the Chair of SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. The Honorable Kevin G. Lynch earned his master’s in Economics from the University of Manchester and a doctorate in Economics from McMaster University.
Mr. O’Connor is the retired Chair of the board of directors of Republic Services, Inc., a leading provider of non-hazardous solid waste collection, recycling and disposal services in the U.S. From 1998 to 2011, Mr. O’Connor was Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Republic Services, Inc. Prior to 1998, he had held various management positions at Waste Management, Inc. He was named to the list of America’s Best CEOs each year between 2005 and 2010. In 2011, Mr. O’Connor was named to the Institutional Investors’ All American Executive Team. He is Lead Director of Casella Waste Systems, Inc. and past director of Clean Energy Fuels Corp. Mr. O’Connor holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce (concentration in accounting) from DePaul University.
Ms. Stein is the Executive Vice-President - General Counsel, Corporate & Legal Affairs, Mondelez International since January 11, 2021 and prior to that role she was the Executive Vice-President - General Counsel & Corporate Affairs of The Clorox Company, where she served on the executive committee. From 2000-2005, Ms. Stein was Senior Vice-President, General Counsel of the H.J. Heinz Company. She was also previously a corporate lawyer with Morrison & Foerster in San Francisco and Hong Kong. Ms. Stein is a director and member of the audit committee of Franklin Resources, Inc. Ms. Stein received her J.D. from Harvard Law School, and is a graduate of Dartmouth College where she earned an undergraduate and master’s degrees.
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2020 Annual Information Form
Auditors’ Fees
KPMG LLP has served as the Company’s auditors since 1992. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the fees for audit, audit related, tax and other services provided to the Company by KPMG LLP were the following:
| Fees (1) | 2020 | 2019 | ||
| Audit | $2,778,000 | $2,718,000 | ||
| Audit-related | $1,122,000 | $1,234,000 | ||
| Tax | $1,205,000 | $1,288,000 | ||
| All Other | $42,000 | $50,000 | ||
| Total Fees | $5,147,000 | $5,290,000 | ||
| 1. | Fees rounded to the nearest thousand. |
Pursuant to the terms of its charter, the Audit Committee approves all audit and audit-related services, audit engagement fees and terms and all non-audit engagements with the independent auditor. The Audit Committee pre-approved all the services performed by CN’s independent auditors for audit-related and non-audit related services for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
A discussion of the nature of the services under each category is described below.
Audit fees
Consists of fees incurred for professional services rendered by the auditors in relation to the audit of the Company’s consolidated annual financial statements and those of its subsidiaries and the audit relating to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Audit-related fees
Audit-related fees were incurred for professional services rendered by the auditors in relation to the audit of the financial statements for the Company’s pension plans, and for attestation services in connection with reports required by statute or regulation and due diligence and other services, including comfort letters, in connection with the issuance of securities and other related audit fees.
Tax fees
Fees consist of compliance related services associated to cross-border employee tax filings, for assistance related to the preparation of Canadian and U.S. research and development tax credit filings and other tax compliance services.
All Other fees
Consists of fees related to cybersecurity services and for services related to a foreign subsidiary.
Non-Audit Services
The mandate of the Audit Committee, attached as Schedule A to this AIF, provides that the Audit Committee determines which non-audit services the external auditors are prohibited from providing, approves audit services and pre-approves permitted non-audit services to be provided by the external auditors. CN’s Audit Committee and the Board of Directors have adopted resolutions prohibiting the Company from engaging KPMG LLP to provide certain non-audit services to the Company and its subsidiaries, including bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements, financial information systems design and implementation, appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions, or contribution in-kind reports, actuarial services, internal audit outsourcing services, management functions or human resources functions, broker or dealer, investment adviser, or investment banking services and legal services and expert services unrelated to the audit. Pursuant to such resolutions, the Company may engage KPMG LLP to provide non-audit services, including tax services, other than the prohibited services listed above, but only if the services have specifically been pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
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2020 Annual Information Form
| 9.3 | EXECUTIVE OFFICERS |
The following table lists the executive officers of the Company as of the date hereof:
| Name and Province or State of Residence |
Current Principal Occupation | Past Principal Occupations held in the Preceding Five Years |
| Jean-Jacques Ruest Quebec, Canada |
President and Chief Executive Officer | Interim President and Chief Executive Officer; Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer |
| James Cairns Alberta, Canada |
Senior Vice-President, Rail Centric Supply Chain | Vice-President Petroleum and Chemicals |
| Janet Drysdale Quebec, Canada |
Vice-President, Financial Planning | Vice-President, Corporate Development and Sustainability; Vice-President, Corporate Development; Vice-President, Investor Relations |
| Sean Finn Quebec, Canada |
Executive Vice-President Corporate Services and Chief Legal Officer |
|
| Ghislain Houle Quebec, Canada |
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer | Vice-President and Corporate Comptroller; Vice-President, Financial Planning |
| Dorothea Klein Quebec, Canada |
Senior Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer |
Senior Vice-President, Human Resources, Electrification Business, ABB Inc.; Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Americas, ABB Inc.; Chief Human Resources Officer and Secretary of the Nomination and Compensation Committee, Lonza AG |
| Doug MacDonald Quebec, Canada |
Senior Vice-President, Office of the President and CEO, Special Projects | Senior Vice-President, Information & Technology, Vice-President, Eastern Region; Senior Vice-President, Rail Centric Supply Chain; Vice-President, Bulk; Vice-President Industrial Products |
| Dominique Malenfant Quebec, Canada |
Executive Vice-President and Chief Information and Technology Officer | Senior Vice-President, Engineering and Chief Technology Officer, Wabtec Corporation; Vice President, Global Technologies and Chief Technology Officer, GE transportation |
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2020 Annual Information Form
| Name and Province or State of Residence |
Current Principal Occupation | Past Principal Occupations held in the Preceding Five Years |
| Keith Reardon Ontario, Canada |
Senior Vice-President, Consumer Product Supply Chain | Vice-President, Intermodal and Automotive; Vice-President, Intermodal |
|
Robert Reilly Quebec, Canada |
Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer | Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Information & Technology Officer, CN; Vice-President Operations, BNSF |
|
Doug Ryhorchuk Alberta, Canada |
Senior Vice-President, Network Operations | Vice-President, Network Operations; Vice-President, Western Region; General Manager - West |
The executive officers are appointed by the Board of Directors and hold office until their successors are appointed subject to resignation, retirement or removal by the Board of Directors.
As at December 31, 2020, the directors and the executive officers mentioned above of the Company, as a group, beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or exercised control or direction over an aggregate of approximately 1,137 thousand Common Shares of the Company, representing approximately 0.16% of the outstanding Common Shares.
| 9.4 | CEASE TRADE ORDERS, BANKRUPTCIES, PENALTIES OR SANCTIONS |
To the knowledge of the Company and based upon information provided to it by the Company’s directors and executive officers, none of such directors or executive officers is or has been, in the last 10 years, a director or executive officer of any company that, while such person was acting in that capacity: (a) was the subject of a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days; (b) was subject to an event that resulted, after that person ceased to be a director or executive officer, in the company being the subject of a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the relevant company access to any exemption under securities legislation, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days; or (c) within a year of that person ceasing to act in that capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets, except for Mr. Losier, a director of the Company, who was a director of XL-ID Solutions Inc. (formerly Excellium Inc.) (XL-ID) from July 23, 2013 until August 29, 2013. On January 3, 2014, XL-ID announced that it had submitted a proposal to its creditors under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada). On February 13, 2014, XL-ID announced that it had received a final order from the Superior Court of Quebec approving the proposal approved by its creditors.
| ITEM | 10 INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS |
To the knowledge of the Company and based upon information provided to it by the Company’s directors and executive officers, there were no (i) directors or executive officers, (ii) persons that beneficially own, or control or direct, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of CN Common Shares, or (iii) any associate or affiliate of persons referred to in (i) and (ii), with a material interest in any transaction within the three most recently completed financial years that has materially affected the Company or is reasonably expected to materially affect the Company.
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2020 Annual Information Form
| ITEM | 11 INTEREST OF EXPERTS |
KPMG LLP is the external auditor who prepared the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to the Board of Directors and shareholders of CN relating to the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting and relating to the audit of the 2020 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. KPMG LLP have confirmed with respect to CN that they are independent within the meaning of the relevant rules and related interpretations prescribed by the relevant professional bodies in Canada and any applicable legislation or regulations and also that they are independent accountants with respect to CN under all relevant U.S. professional and regulatory standards.
| ITEM | 12 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
Additional information regarding CN can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Additional financial information is provided in CN’s Annual Consolidated Financial Statements and MD&A for its most recently completed financial year. Additional information, including directors’ and officers’ remuneration and securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans, is contained in the Company’s Management Information Circular prepared in respect of its annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 27, 2021 (Circular). The Circular will become available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov through EDGAR, and on the Company’s website at www.cn.ca on or about March 23, 2021.
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2020 Annual Information Form
SCHEDULE A - CHARTER OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
| 1. | Membership and Quorum |
| • | a minimum of five directors appointed by the Board, one of whom must be the chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee; |
| • | only Independent directors, as determined by the Board of Directors and following the Canadian and U.S. securities’ legislation and regulations, may be appointed. A member of the Audit Committee may not, other than in his or her capacity as a director or member of a board committee and subject to the exceptions provided in Canadian and U.S. laws and regulations, accept directly or indirectly any fee from CN or any subsidiary of CN nor be an affiliated person of CN or any subsidiary of CN; |
| • | each member must be “financially literate” (as determined by the Board); |
| • | at least one member must be an “audit committee financial expert” (as determined by the Board); |
| • | quorum of majority of members. |
| 2. | Frequency and Timing of Meetings |
| • | normally one day prior to CN board meetings; |
| • | at least five times a year and as necessary; |
| • | committee members meet before or after every meeting without the presence of management. |
| 3. | Mandate |
The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include the following:
| A. | Overseeing financial reporting |
| • | monitoring the quality and integrity of CN’s accounting and financial reporting process through discussions with management, the external auditors and the internal auditors; |
| • | reviewing with management and the external auditors, the annual audited financial statements to be included in the annual report of CN, including CN’s MD&A disclosure and earnings press releases prior to their release, filing and distribution; |
| • | reviewing with management and the external auditors, quarterly consolidated financial statements of CN and accompanying information, including CN’s MD&A disclosure and earnings press releases prior to their release, filing and distribution, and reviewing the level and type of financial information provided, from time to time, to financial markets; |
| • | reviewing the financial information contained in the annual information form and other reports or documents, financial or otherwise, requiring Board approval; |
| • | reviewing the procedures in place for the review of CN’s disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from CN’s financial statements and periodically assessing the adequacy of those procedures; |
| • | reviewing with the external auditors and management, the quality, appropriateness and disclosure of CN’s accounting principles and policies, underlying assumptions and reporting practices, and any proposed changes thereto; |
| • | reviewing any analysis or other written communications prepared by management, the internal auditors or external auditors setting forth significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the financial statements, including analyses of the effect of alternative generally accepted accounting principles methods; |
| • | reviewing the external auditors’ report on the consolidated financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting of CN and on the financial statements of CN’s Pension Trust Funds; |
| • | reviewing the external auditors’ quarterly review engagement report; |
| • | reviewing the compliance of management certification of financial reports with applicable legislation; |
| • | reviewing any litigation, claim or other contingency and any regulatory or accounting initiatives that could have a material effect upon the financial position or operating results of CN and the appropriateness of the disclosure thereof in the documents reviewed by the Committee; |
| • | reviewing the results of the external audit, any significant problems encountered in performing the audit, and management’s response and/or action plan related to any Management Letter issued by the external auditors and any significant recommendations contained therein. |
| B. | Monitoring risk management and internal controls |
| • | receiving periodically management’s report assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of CN’s disclosure controls and procedures and systems of internal control; |
| • | reviewing CN’s risk assessment and risk management policies, including CN’s insurance coverage (annually and as otherwise may be appropriate); |
| • | assisting the Board with the oversight of CN’s compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements; |
| • | reviewing CN’s delegation of financial authority; |
| • | making recommendations with respect to the declaration of dividends; |
| • | while ensuring confidentiality and anonymity, establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by CN regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters or employee concerns regarding accounting or auditing matters; |
| • | requesting the performance of any specific audit as required. |
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2020 Annual Information Form
| C. | Monitoring internal auditors |
| • | ensuring that the chief internal auditor reports directly to the Audit Committee; |
| • | regularly monitoring the internal audit function’s performance, its responsibilities, staffing, budget and the compensation of its members; |
| • | reviewing annually the internal audit plan; |
| • | ensuring that the internal auditors are accountable to the Audit Committee and to the Board. |
| D. | Monitoring external auditors |
| • | recommending to the Board and CN’s shareholders the retention and, if appropriate, the removal of external auditors, evaluating and remunerating them, and monitoring their qualifications, performance and independence; |
| • | approving and overseeing the disclosure of all audit, review and attest services provided by the external auditors, determining which non-audit services the external auditors are prohibited from providing, and pre-approving and overseeing the disclosure of permitted non-audit services by the external auditors to CN or any of its subsidiaries, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations; |
| • | reviewing recommendations to shareholders on the continued engagement or replacement of external auditors, for CN and CN’s Pension Trust Funds; |
| • | ensuring that the external auditors are accountable to the Audit Committee and to the Board; |
| • | discussing with the external auditors the quality and not just the acceptability of CN’s accounting principles, including (i) all critical accounting policies and practices used, (ii) any alternative treatments of financial information that have been discussed with management, the ramification of their use and the treatment preferred by the external auditors, as well as (iii) any other material written communications between CN and the external auditors (including a disagreement, if any, with management and any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response); |
| • | reviewing at least annually, a report by the external auditors describing their internal quality-control procedures; any material issues raised by their most recent internal quality-control review of their firm, or peer review, or by any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting one or more audits carried out by them, to the extent available, and any steps taken to deal with any such issues; |
| • | reviewing at least annually, the formal written statement from the external auditors stating all relationships the external auditors have with CN and confirming their independence, and holding discussions with the external auditors as to any relationship or services that may impact their objectivity or independence; |
| • | reviewing hiring policies for employees or former employees of CN’s firm of external auditors; |
| • | ensuring the rotation of lead, concurring and other audit partners, to the extent required by Canadian Corporate Governance Standards and U.S. Corporate Governance Standards. |
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2020 Annual Information Form
| E. | Evaluating the performance of the Audit Committee |
| • | ensuring that processes are in place to annually evaluate the performance of the Audit Committee. |
In addition to the above responsibilities, the Audit Committee may discharge the responsibilities of the Finance Committee if no meeting of the Finance Committee is scheduled to be held in the immediate future.
Because of the Audit Committee’s demanding role and responsibilities, the Board chair, together with the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee chair, reviews any invitation to Audit Committee members to join the audit committee of another entity. Where a member of the Audit Committee simultaneously serves on the audit committee of more than three public companies, including CN, the Board determines whether such simultaneous service impairs the ability of such member to effectively serve on the Audit Committee and either requires a correction to the situation or discloses in CN’s Management Information Circular that there is no such impairment.
As appropriate, the Audit Committee may retain independent advisors to help it carry out its responsibilities, including fixing such advisors’ fees and retention terms, subject to advising the Board chair; the Audit Committee makes arrangements for the appropriate funding for payment of the external auditors and any advisors retained by it. The Board also makes arrangements for the appropriate funding for all administrative expenses necessary or appropriate to allow the Audit Committee to carry out its duties.
The Audit Committee has direct communication channels with the internal and external auditors to discuss and review specific issues, as appropriate. In addition, each must meet separately with the Audit Committee, without management, twice a year, and more frequently as required; the Audit Committee must also meet separately with management twice a year, and more frequently as required.
The Audit Committee shall report to the Board regularly on its deliberations and annually on the adequacy of its mandate.
Nothing contained in the above mandate is intended to assign to the Audit Committee the Board’s responsibility to ensure CN’s compliance with applicable laws or regulations or to expand applicable standards of liability under statutory or regulatory requirements for the directors or the members of the Audit Committee. Even though the Audit Committee has a specific mandate and its members may have financial experience and expertise, it is not the duty of the Audit Committee to plan or conduct audits, or to determine that the Company’s financial statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Such matters are the responsibility of management, the internal auditors and the external auditors.
Members of the Audit Committee are entitled to rely, absent knowledge to the contrary, on (i) the integrity of the persons and organizations from whom they receive information, (ii) the accuracy and completeness of the information provided, and (iii) representations made by management as to the non-audit services provided to the Company by the external auditors.
The Audit Committee’s oversight responsibilities are not established to provide an independent basis to determine that (i) management has maintained appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles or appropriate internal controls and procedures, or (ii) the Company’s financial statements have been prepared and, if applicable, audited in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or generally accepted auditing standards.
| 37 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.
| CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY COMPANY | ||
| /s/ Sean Finn | ||
| Name: | Sean Finn | |
| Title: | Executive Vice-President Corporate Services and Chief Legal Officer | |
| Date: | February 1, 2021 | |
EXHIBIT INDEX
| Exhibit No. | Description | |
| 99.1 | Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2020* | |
| 99.2 | Audited Annual Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2020* | |
| 99.3 | Consent of KPMG LLP | |
| 99.4 | CEO Section 302 Certification | |
| 99.5 | CFO Section 302 Certification | |
| 99.6 | CEO and CFO Section 906 Certification | |
| 101 | Interactive Data File* | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |
*Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 6-K dated February 1, 2021.