Adastra Holdings Ltd 20-F for FY2021
Adastra Holdings Ltd. (XTXXF)
About this 20-F
Adastra Holdings Ltd filed this 20-F on May 17, 2022, covering the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (FY2021).
Headline figures
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Revenue
- 5.63M CAD
- up 125.2% from 2.5M CAD a year earlier
- Net loss
- 2.75M CAD
- compared with a net loss of 7.62M CAD a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OFTHE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of event requiring this shell company report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
For the transition period from_________ to _________
Commission file number:
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not applicable
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(Address of principal executive offices)
Telephone:
Facsimile:
Michael@adastraholdings.ca
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
Common Shares Without Par Value
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.: Not Applicable
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.:
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act:
☐ Yes ☒
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
☐ Yes ☒
Note - Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 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.
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).
☐ Yes ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of "large accelerated filer, "accelerated filer," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Accelerated Filer |
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Emerging Growth Company |
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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. ☐
† The term "new or revised financial accounting standard" refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
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.
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
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Other |
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If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
☐ Item 17 ☐ Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
☐ Yes
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This annual report contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are projections in respect of future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "should", "intend", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential", or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, including the risks in the section entitled "Risk Factors", uncertainties and other factors, which may cause our company's or our industry's actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In particular, the forward-looking statements in this report include, but are not limited to, the following:
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our business plan of operations as a cannabis extraction and processing solutions company; |
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our intention to employ physicians and other healthcare professionals at our clinics related to the operations of PerceiveMD to provide consultations to patients regarding the benefits of using cannabis-based products; |
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our expectation that patients will be seen by a licensed physician and prescribed cannabis-based products; |
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our plan to export cannabis extracts to authorized recipients / countries - initially the EU for medical cannabis extracts once GMP accredited and that there will be no US exports unless there is a change in US federal law; |
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our expectation that we will receive a Controlled Substances Dealer's License which will allow the Company to procure controlled substances, including synthesis, propagation, cultivation, and harvesting of psychedelic mushrooms for Psilocybin extraction, research and manufacture controlled substances such as Psilocybin and Psilocin and business-to-business sale of controlled substances, including by export; |
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our expectation that we will receive a medical sales license which will allow the Company to sell cannabis extracts to medical cannabis patients and licensed health practitioners and to develop products classed as cannabis extracts such as tinctures, oils, capsules, soft gels and sprays; |
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our intention to produce our cannabis extractions for both recreational and medical use; |
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our plan for product development and that products developed by us will be initially limited by those currently permitted in the medicinal market and recreational market; |
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we anticipate having unique extracts for the desire of every consumer on the basis that cannabis is a powerful stimulus that provides a unique experience to each user; |
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our plan to increase our product line offering for additional products to be manufactured per Health Canada regulations as permitted under the Cannabis Act; |
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our plan to develop special product lines, each with its unique identifier and use to allow customers to use cannabis based on why they want to consume it; |
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our expectation that each product line will have a different strain, giving customers the ability to choose the kind of effect they need and want; |
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that each type of strain extract will be derived of a unique blend of premium cannabis plant material and that we will create a line of single-origin and handcrafted cannabis extract products; |
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our planned products, some of which are subject to legalization and/or obtaining necessary additional licenses; |
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our intention to brand our products using proprietary trademarks to be acquired by or developed in house; |
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our expectation that we will provide other Health Canada cannabis license holders in the industry (Standard Cultivators or other Standard Processors) the ability to process cannabis into cannabis oils, distillate or other extract related formulations as a B2B service for a fee; |
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that no part of our business is reasonably expected to be affected in the current financial year by either the renegotiation or termination of any contract; |
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that we do not anticipate that we will declare dividends in the foreseeable future and intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the development of our business |
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our expectation that competition from new participants into the market will increase in the short-to-mid-term, as existing applications in queue with Health Canada are processed and approved; |
1
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our belief that many current and prospective applicants will not be able to obtain the necessary funding to conduct the necessary construction activities necessary to submit an initial application or in the case of current applicants, final application; |
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that industry consolidation will occur and will likely continue and increase as more producers and vendors are licensed by Health Canada under the Cannabis Act; |
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our plan to submit a medical licence application which we expect will be approved in approximately three months; and |
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our expectation that we will be able to generate revenue and/or raise future financing necessary for our continued operations. |
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance. There can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. In particular, you should consider the following factors, as well as those described in "Risk Factors" below:
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changes to existing or new laws or regulations which may negatively impact the Company's operations, any of which may be applied or enforced retroactively; |
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we may be unable to implement our business plan of operations as anticipated; |
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our plans for product development and branding may not result as we anticipate or at all; |
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we may be unable to meet our existing and future financial obligations and we may suffer a significant negative effect on our business plan and operations, including our ability to develop new products and continue our current operations; |
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consumer perceptions of the cannabis industry may change regarding perceived medical benefits, safety, efficacy and quality of the cannabis distributed for medical purposes to such consumers; |
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we may be unable to obtain the licences we have applied for and expect to obtain; and |
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we may be unable to generate sufficient revenue and/or raise adequate future financing necessary for our continued operations. |
These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements in this registration statement speak only as to the date hereof. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and Canada, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.
ABOUT THIS ANNUAL REPORT
As used in this annual report, the terms "we", "us" and "our" refer to Adastra Holdings Ltd., a British Columbia corporation, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified.
Our financial statements and other financial information are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or "IFRS", in Canadian dollars. None of our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, and our financial statements may therefore not be comparable to financial statements of United States companies.
In this annual report, the terms "dollar", "$" or "CAD$" refer to Canadian dollars and the term, "US$" refers to United States dollars.
The share and per share information in this annual report, other than in our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, or where referred to as "pre-consolidated", reflects a consolidation of our issued and outstanding common shares on the basis of one new common share for three old common shares which was completed on April 9, 2021.
2
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
Item 3. Key Information
A. Selected Financial Data
The selected historical information presented in the table below for the years ended December 31, 2021, and 2020 are derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Adastra for such periods and have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. The selected financial information presented below should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto of Adastra filed herewith, and with the information appearing under each of Item 4 - "Information on the Company" and Item 5 - "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" of this Form 20-F. All financial data presented in this Form 20-F are qualified in their entirety by reference to the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto filed with this Form 20-F.
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| Gross Revenue | 5,628,616 | 2,499,355 | ||||
| Cost of Sales | (3,684,925 | ) | (1,713,774 | ) | ||
| Gross Profit | 1,943,691 | 785,581 | ||||
| Operating expenses | (4,335,429 | ) | (7,950,595 | ) | ||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss | (2,749,939 | ) | (7,615,864 | ) | ||
| Total assets | 28,755,450 | 13,736,950 | ||||
| Current liabilities | 5,341,267 | 3,590,794 |
Adastra has never declared or paid any cash or other dividends.
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
An investment in our common shares involves a number of very significant risks. You should carefully consider the following risks and uncertainties in addition to other information in this annual report in evaluating our company and our business before purchasing our common shares. Our business, operating results and financial condition could be seriously harmed due to any of the following risks. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks not presently known to us may also impair our business operations. You could lose all or part of your investment due to any of these risks.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our activities are subject to regulation by governmental authorities.
Our activities are subject to regulation by governmental authorities. Achievement of our business objectives are contingent, in part, upon compliance with regulatory requirements enacted by these governmental authorities and obtaining all regulatory approvals, where necessary, for the sale of our products and services. We cannot predict the time required to secure all appropriate regulatory approvals for our products and services, or the extent of testing and documentation that may be required by governmental authorities. Any delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain regulatory approvals would significantly delay the development of markets and products and services and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
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Doing business in the cannabis industry leaves our company subject to possible regulatory risks.
The cannabis industry is a new industry which is highly regulated, highly competitive and evolving rapidly and psychedelics are illegal substances other than when used for scientific or medical purposes. As such, new risks may emerge, and management may not be able to predict all such risks or be able to predict how such risks may result in actual results differing from the results contained in any forward-looking statements.
Psychedelics are Schedule III substances under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for which the extraction of raw materials from, or involvement in production activities are regulated federally in Canada. In order to develop our business and undertake research and development, the Company is applying for a dealer license for psychedelics which, if obtained, will allow the Company to possess and formulate psychedelics. While we anticipate being successful in this application, there is no guarantee that we will obtain a dealer license to possess and formulate psychedelics. If we are successful in this application there remain uncertainties with respect to how government regulations will impact our business with respect to psychedelics. The Company is in the process of assessing this impact. At present a dealer license holder can only trade with another individual who has the same license. Their activities are limited in trade and they cannot provide substances to individuals or companies as Health Canada has yet to approve psychedelics as a drug and it is currently illegal to possess psychedelics in Canada without a dealer license or other exemption. We are confident that our application will be successful, however, if in the unlikley event we are unable to obtain a dealer license, this will serverly limit our ability to undertake research and development in psychedelics.
These industries are subject to extensive controls and regulations, which may significantly affect the financial condition of market participants. The plain packaging requirements and restrictions on promotion of cannabis and the restrictions on promotion of illegal substances in Canada may limit the ability to effectively advertise and promote our products and business. The marketability of any product may also be affected by numerous factors that are beyond the control of the investee companies and which cannot be predicted, such as changes to government regulations, including those relating to taxes and other government levies which may be imposed. Changes in government levies, including taxes, could reduce the investee companies' earnings and could make future capital investments or the investee companies' operations uneconomic. The cannabis industry is also subject to numerous legal challenges, which may significantly affect the financial condition of market participants, and which cannot be reliably predicted.
The impact of various legislative regimes on our business plans and operations is uncertain. There is no guarantee that the applicable legislation regulating the manufacture, distribution, sale and promotion of cannabis will create or allow for the growth opportunities we currently anticipate.
Acquisitions or other consolidating transactions in our industry could have adverse effects on our company.
Acquisitions or other consolidating transactions in our industry could have adverse effects on our company. We could lose strategic relationships if our partners are acquired by or enter into agreements with a competitor, causing us to lose access to distribution, content and other resources. The relationships between our company and our strategic partners may deteriorate and cause an adverse effect on the business. We could lose customers if competitors or user of competing technology consolidate with our current or potential customers. Furthermore, our current competitors could become larger players in the market or new competitors could form from consolidations. Any of the foregoing events could put our company at a competitive disadvantage, which could cause our company to lose customers, revenue, and market share. Consolidation in the industry could also force our company to divert greater resources to meet new or additional competitive threats, which could harm our operating results.
COVID-19 Pandemic has and will continue to affect our business.
COVID-19 outbreak continues to rapidly evolve and is causing business disruptions across the entire global economy and society. We have taken various measures to prioritize the health and safety of our employees, customers and partners, including restricted work travel and site access; improved safety & hygiene; and the requirement of nonessential staff members to work remotely. As a manufacturer of consumable and medicinal products, our practice is always to operate to global pharma-quality standards to the best of our abilities with strict hygiene practices and mandated personal protective equipment. The extent of the impact on COVID-19 on our operational and financial performance will depend on various developments, including the duration and magnitude of the outbreak, and the impact on customers, employees and vendors, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted at this point.
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We could have issues of conflicts of interest with our directors and officers.
Certain of the directors and officers of our company are also directors and officers of other companies, and conflicts of interest may arise between their duties as officers and directors of our company and as officers and directors of such other companies.
Global economic conditions could materially adversely impact demand for our products and services.
Our operations and performance depend significantly on economic conditions. The COVID-19 global pandemic and resulting government health regulations have resulted in significant reductions in global economic output and have negatively impacted global economic conditions. The ultimate impact and duration of current negative global economic conditions are highly uncertain. Uncertainty about global economic conditions could result in customers postponing purchases of our products and services in response to tighter credit, unemployment, negative financial news and/or declines in income or asset values and other macroeconomic factors, which could have a material negative effect on demand for our products and services and, accordingly, on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
We have ongoing need for financing.
Our ability to continue operations will be largely reliant on our continued attractiveness to equity investors. We are expected to incur operating losses as we continue to expend funds to develop our business operations. Our continued development will require substantial additional financing. The failure to raise such capital could result in the delay or indefinite postponement of current business objectives or the going out of business. The primary source of funding available to our company will consist of equity financing. There can be no assurance that additional capital or other types of financing will be available if needed or that, if available, the terms of such financing will be favorable. In addition, from time to time, we may enter into transactions to acquire assets or the shares of other corporations. These transactions may be financed wholly or partially with debt, which may temporarily increase our debt levels above industry standards.
We lack business diversification.
The prospects for our success are dependent upon the future performance and market acceptance of our facilities, products, processes, and services. Unlike certain entities that have the resources to develop and explore numerous product lines, operating in multiple industries or multiple areas of a single industry, we do not have the ability to immediately diversify or benefit from the possible spreading of risks or offsetting of losses. Again, the prospects for our success are dependent upon the development or market acceptance of a very limited number of facilities, products, processes or services.
We may encounter issues with managing growth.
Any expansion of our business may place a significant strain on our financial, operational and managerial resources. There can be no assurance that we will be able to implement and subsequently improve our operations and financial systems successfully and in a timely manner in order to manage any growth we experience. There can be no assurance that we will be able to manage growth successfully. Any ability of our company to manage growth successfully could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on key consultants.
There can be no assurance that any of our consultants will remain with our company or that, in the future, they will not organize competitive businesses or accept opportunities with companies competitive with us. We depend on a number of key officers and directors the loss of any one of whom could have an adverse effect on our company.
We may become subject to litigation.
We may be forced to litigate, enforce, or defend our intellectual property rights, protect our trade secrets, or determine the validity and scope of other parties' proprietary rights. Such litigation would be a drain on the financial and management resources of our company which may affect our operations and business. Furthermore, because the content of most of our intellectual property concerns cannabis and other activities that are not legal in some state jurisdictions, we may face additional difficulties in defending our intellectual property rights. We may become party to litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business which could adversely affect our business. Should any litigation in which we become involved in be determined against our company such a decision could adversely affect our ability to continue operating and the market price for our common shares and could use significant resources. Even if we are involved in litigation and wins, litigation can redirect significant company resources.
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We may be subject to product recalls.
Manufacturers and distributors of products are sometimes subject to the recall or return of their products for a variety of reasons, including product defects, such as contamination, unintended harmful side effects or interactions with other substances, packaging safety and inadequate or inaccurate labelling disclosure. If any of our products are recalled due to an alleged product defect or for any other reason, we could be required to incur the unexpected expense of the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection with the recall. We may lose a significant amount of sales and may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin or at all. In addition, a product recall may require significant management attention. Although we have detailed procedures in place for testing our products, there can be no assurance that any quality, potency or contamination problems will be detected in time to avoid unforeseen product recalls, regulatory action or lawsuits. Additionally, if we are subject to a recall, the image of our company could be harmed. A recall for any of the foregoing reasons could lead to decreased demand for our products and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Additionally, product recalls may lead to increased scrutiny of our operations by regulatory agencies, requiring further management attention, potential loss of applicable licenses and potential legal fees and other expenses.
We could have issues with product liability due to the nature of the Company's products.
As a distributor of products designed to be ingested by humans, our company faces an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if our products are alleged to have caused significant loss or injury. In addition, the sale of our products involves the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of our products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. We may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that our products caused injury or illness, include inadequate instructions for use or include inadequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. A product liability claim or regulatory action against our company could result in increased costs, could adversely affect our company's reputation with clients and consumers generally, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain or maintain product liability insurance on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities. Such insurance is expensive and may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. The inability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage on reasonable terms or to otherwise protect against potential product liability claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on third party relationships.
We are dependent on several third-party relationships and their related costs, including raw materials and supplies related to their growing operations, as well as electricity, water and other utilities. Any significant interruption or negative change in the availability or economics of the supply chain from third-party relationships could materially impact our financial condition and operating results. Any inability to secure required supplies and services or to do so on appropriate terms could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results.
The third parties with which we do business may perceive that they are exposed to reputational risks as a result of our cannabis business activities, failure to establish or maintain business relationships could have a material adverse effect on our company.
Our advertising and promotional expenditures may not be effective or efficient.
Our future growth and profitability will depend on the effectiveness and efficiency of advertising and promotional expenditures, including our ability to (i) create greater awareness of its products; (ii) determine the appropriate creative message and media mix for future advertising expenditures; and (iii) effectively manage advertising and promotional costs in order to maintain acceptable operating margins. There can be no assurance that advertising and promotional expenditures will result in revenues in the future or will generate awareness of our technologies or services. In addition, no assurance can be given that we will be able to manage our advertising and promotional expenditures on a cost-effective basis.
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Being a public company requires significant obligations.
Our Company incurs significant legal, accounting, insurance and other expenses as a result of being a public Company, which may negatively impact our performance and could cause our results of operations and financial condition to suffer. Compliance with applicable securities laws in Canada and the rules and policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange constitutes a significant expense, including legal and accounting costs, and makes some activities more time-consuming and costly. Reporting obligations as a public company and our anticipated growth may place a strain on our financial and management systems, processes and controls, as well as on personnel.
Our company may rely on intellectual property.
Our success may depend in part on the ability to protect ideas and technology. Even if we move to protect technology with trademarks, patents, copyrights or by other means, we are not assured that competitors will not develop similar technology, business methods or that they will be able to exercise their legal rights. Other countries may not protect intellectual property rights to the same standards as does Canada. Actions taken to protect or preserve intellectual property rights may require significant financial and other resources such that said actions have a meaningfully impact the ability to successfully grow our business.
Fraudulent or illegal activity could occur within our company.
Our Company is exposed to the risk that its employees, independent contractors and consultants may engage in fraudulent or other illegal activity. Misconduct by these parties could include intentional, reckless and/or negligent conduct or disclosure of unauthorized activities to our company that violates: (i) government regulations; (ii) manufacturing standards; (iii) federal and provincial healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations; or (iv) laws that require the true, complete and accurate reporting of financial information or data. It is not always possible for our company to identify and deter misconduct by its employees and other third parties, and the precautions taken by our company to detect and prevent this activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting our company from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to be in compliance with such laws or regulations. If any such actions are instituted against our company, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business, including the imposition of civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, monetary fines, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, and curtailment of the Issuer's operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We cannot ensure product viability.
If the products our company sells are not perceived to have the effects intended by the end user, our business may suffer. Many of our products contain innovative ingredients or combinations of ingredients. There is little long-term data with respect to efficacy, unknown side effects and/or interaction with individual human biochemistry. Moreover, there is little long-term data with respect to efficacy, unknown side effects and/or its interaction with individual animal biochemistry. As a result, our products could have certain side effects if not taken as directed or if taken by an end user that has certain known or unknown medical conditions.
We rely on the success of our quality control systems.
The quality and safety of our products are critical to the success of our business and operations. As such, it is imperative that our (and our service provider's) quality control systems operate effectively and successfully. Quality control systems can be negatively impacted by the design of the quality control systems, the quality training program, and adherence by employees to quality control guidelines. Although we strive to ensure that all of our service providers have implemented and adhere to high caliber quality control systems, any significant failure or deterioration of such quality control systems could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
7
The cannabis industry and market are relatively new in Canada and this industry and market may not continue to exist or grow as anticipated.
Our company operates its business in a relatively new industry and market. In addition to being subject to general business risks, we must continue to build brand awareness in this industry and market through significant investments in its strategy, its production capacity, quality assurance and compliance with regulations. In addition, there is no assurance that the industry and market will continue to exist and grow as currently estimated or anticipated or function and evolve in the manner consistent with management's expectations and assumptions. Any event or circumstance that adversely affects the cannabis industry and market could have a material adverse effect of our business, financial conditions and results of operations.
The cannabis industry is difficult to quantify, and investors will be reliant on their own estimates of the accuracy of market data.
Because the cannabis industry is in an emerging stage with uncertain boundaries, there is a lack of information about comparable companies available for potential investors to review in deciding about whether to invest in our company and, few, if any, established companies whose business model our company can follow or upon whose success our company can build. Accordingly, investors will have to rely on their own estimates in deciding about whether to invest in our company. There can be no assurance that our estimates are accurate or that the market size is sufficiently large for our business to grow as projected, which may negatively impact our financial results.
The cannabis industry is very competitive.
The marijuana production industry is competitive in all of its phases. We face strong competition from other companies in connection with such matters. Many of these companies have greater financial resources, operational experience and technical capabilities than us. As a result of this competition, we may be unable to maintain our operations or develop them as currently proposed, on terms we consider acceptable or at all. Consequently, the revenues, operations and financial condition of our company could be materially adversely affected.
Because of early stage of the industry in which we operate, we may face additional competition from new entrants. If the number of users of marijuana in Canada increases, the demand for products will increase and we expect that competition will become more intense, as current and future competitors begin to offer an increasing number of diversified products. To remain competitive, we will require a continued high level of investment in research and development, marketing, sales and client support. We may not have sufficient resources to maintain research and development, marketing, sales and client support efforts on a competitive basis which could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations.
Consolidation that may intensify competition.
The cannabis industry is undergoing rapid growth and substantial change, which has resulted in an increase in competitors, consolidation and formation of strategic relationships. Acquisitions or other consolidating transactions could harm our company in a number of ways, including by losing strategic partners if they are acquired by or enter into relationships with a competitor, losing customers, revenue and market share, or forcing our company to expend greater resources to meet new or additional competitive threats, all of which could harm our operating results.
The processing of cannabis includes risks inherent in an agricultural business including the risk of crop loss, sudden changes in environmental conditions, equipment failure, product recalls and others.
Our business will be subject to the risks inherent in the agricultural business, such as insects, plant diseases and similar agricultural risks. There can be no assurance that natural elements will not have a material adverse effect on our products.
The cannabis industry could be subject to negative customer perception.
We believe the cannabis industry is highly dependent upon consumer perception regarding the medical benefits, safety, efficacy and quality of the cannabis distributed for medical purposes to such consumers. Consumer perception can be significantly influenced by scientific research or findings, regulatory investigations, litigation, political statements both in Canada and in other countries, media attention and other publicity (whether or not accurate or with merit) regarding the consumption of cannabis products for medical or recreational purposes, including unexpected safety or efficacy concerns. There can be no assurance that future scientific research, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other research findings or publicity will be favorable to the medical cannabis market or any particular product, or consistent with earlier publicity. Future research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity that are perceived as less favorable than, or that question, earlier research reports, findings or publicity could have a material adverse effect on the demand for cannabis and the business, results of operations and financial condition of our company. Our dependence upon consumer perceptions means that adverse scientific research reports, findings, regulatory proceedings, litigation, media attention or other publicity (whether or not accurate or with merit), could have an adverse effect on any demand for our services and products which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, adverse publicity reports or other media attention regarding the safety, efficacy and quality of cannabis for medical purposes in general, or associating the consumption of cannabis with illness or other negative effects or events, could have such a material adverse effect. Such adverse publicity reports or other media attention could arise even if the adverse effects associated with such products resulted from consumers' failure to consume such products legally, appropriately or as directed.
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The mushroom and mushroom-derived products could be subject to negative customer perception.
We are dependent upon consumer perception of mushrooms and mushroom-derived products. The public may associate our mushrooms and mushroom-derived products with illegal psychoactive mushrooms, which are prohibited substances, which may negatively impact our future revenues once we obtain the necessary licensing.
General healthcare regulation may affect our businesses.
Healthcare service providers in Canada are subject to various governmental regulation and licensing requirements and, as a result, our businesses operate in an environment in which government regulations and funding play a key role. The level of government funding directly reflects government policy related to healthcare spending, and decisions can be made regarding such funding that are largely beyond the businesses' control. Any change in governmental regulation, delisting of services, and licensing requirements relating to healthcare services, or their interpretation and application, could adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of these business units. In addition, we could incur significant costs in the course of complying with any changes in the regulatory regime. Non-compliance with any existing or proposed laws or regulations could result in audits, civil or regulatory proceedings, fines, penalties, injunctions, recalls or seizures, any of which could adversely affect the reputation, operations or financial performance of our company.
We rely on physicians and other healthcare professionals.
We rely on the availability of physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide services at our facilities. If physicians and other healthcare professionals were unable or unwilling to provide these services in the future due to any sort of reason, this would cause interruptions in our business until mitigated accordingly. As such, vacancies and disabilities relating to our current medical staff may cause interruptions in our business and result in lower revenues.
As we expand our operations, we may encounter difficulty in securing the necessary professional medical and skilled support staff to support our expanding operations. There is currently a shortage of certain medical physicians in Canada and this may affect our ability to hire physicians and other healthcare practitioners in adequate numbers to support our growth plans, which may adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations.
Security breaches and other disruptions to our information technology networks and systems could substantially interfere with our operations and could compromise the confidentiality of our proprietary information.
We rely upon information technology systems and networks, some of which are managed by third parties, to process, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes and activities, including supply chain management, manufacturing, invoicing and collection of payments from our customers. Additionally, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, proprietary business information, the proprietary business information of our suppliers, as well as personally identifiable information of our employees, in data centers and on information technology systems. The secure operation of these information technology systems, and the processing and maintenance of this information, is critical to our business operations and strategy. Despite security measures and business continuity plans, our information technology systems and networks may be vulnerable to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to attacks by hackers or breaches due to errors or malfeasance by employees, contractors and others who have access to our networks and systems, or other disruptions during the process of upgrading or replacing computer software or hardware, hardware failures, software errors, third-party service provider outages, power outages, computer viruses, telecommunication or utility failures or natural disasters or other catastrophic events. The occurrence of any of these events could compromise our systems and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability or regulatory penalties under laws protecting the privacy of personal information, disrupt operations and reduce the competitive advantage we hope to derive from our investment in technology. Our insurance coverage may not be available or adequate to cover all the costs related to significant security attacks or disruptions resulting from such attacks.
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If consumers elect to produce cannabis for their own purposes under the cannabis regulations it could reduce the addressable market for our products.
Under the Cannabis regulations, three options are available for an individual to obtain cannabis for medical purposes: (i) registering with a holder of a license to sell for medical purposes and purchasing products from that entity; (ii) register with Health Canada to produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes; or (iii) designate someone else to produce cannabis for them. In addition, the Cannabis Act (as defined herein) permits households to grow a maximum of four cannabis plants for recreational purposes. Subject to further regulation by provincial and municipal governments it is possible that production of cannabis by consumers for medical or recreational purposes could significantly reduce the addressable market for our products and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We face competition from illicit dispensaries and the illicit market.
We also face competition from illicit dispensaries and the illicit market more broadly. Participants in these markets are unlicensed and unregulated. They may be selling cannabis and cannabis products with higher concentrations of active ingredients and using classes of cannabis that are not yet regulated for sale in Canada. Various Canadian cities have seen an influx in the number of illicit dispensaries. Any inability or unwillingness of law enforcement authorities to enforce existing laws prohibiting the unlicensed cultivation and sale of cannabis and cannabis products could result in the perpetuation of the illicit market for cannabis and/or have a material adverse effect on the perception of cannabis use. Any or all these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Company
We may need to raise additional funds to support our business operations or to finance future acquisitions, including through the issuance of equity or debt securities, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to grow our business.
If we do not generate sufficient cash from operations or do not otherwise have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to support our business operations or to finance future acquisitions, we may need to raise additional capital through the issuance of debt or equity securities. We may not be able to raise cash in future financing on terms acceptable to us, or at all.
Financings, if available, may be on terms that are dilutive to our shareholders, and the prices at which new investors would be willing to purchase our securities may be lower than the current price of our common shares. The holders of new securities may also receive rights, preferences or privileges that are senior to those of existing holders of our common shares. If new sources of financing are required but are insufficient or unavailable, we would be required to modify our plans to the extent of available funding, which could harm our ability to grow our business.
The report of our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2021 includes a "going concern" explanatory paragraph.
The report of our independent registered public accounting firm on our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021 includes an explanatory paragraph indicating that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital when needed, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and adversely affected, and we will need to significantly modify our operational plans to continue as a going concern. If we are unable to continue as a going concern, we might have to liquidate our assets and the values we receive for our assets in liquidation or dissolution could be significantly lower than the values reflected in our consolidated financial statements. The inclusion of a going concern explanatory paragraph by our auditors, our lack of cash resources and our potential inability to continue as a going concern may materially adversely affect our share price and our ability to raise new capital or to enter into critical contractual relations with third parties.
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We have no operating experience as a publicly traded company in the U.S.
We have no operating experience as a publicly traded company in the U.S. Although the individuals who now constitute our management team have experience managing a publicly traded company, there is no assurance that the past experience of our management team will be sufficient to operate our company as a publicly traded company in the United States, including timely compliance with the disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These requirements will place significant strain on our management team, infrastructure and other resources. In addition, our management team may not be able to successfully or efficiently manage our company as a U.S. public reporting company that is subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations.
We lack operating history.
We have only started to carry on our current business since 2019. We are therefore subject to many of the risks common to early-stage enterprises, including under-capitalization, cash shortages, limitations with respect to personnel, financial, and other resources. Our failure to meet any of these conditions could have a materially adverse effect on our company and may force us to reduce, curtail, or discontinue operations. There is no assurance that we will be successful in achieving a return on shareholders' investment and the likelihood of success must be considered in light of the early stage of operations. We may not successfully address all of the risks and uncertainties or successfully implement our existing and new products and services. If we fail to do so, it could materially harm our business and impair the value of our common shares, resulting in a loss to shareholders. Even if we accomplish these objectives, we may not generate the anticipated positive cash flows or profits. No assurance can be given that we can or will ever be successful in our operations and operate profitably.
It may be difficult for non-Canadian investors to obtain and enforce judgments against us because of our Canadian incorporation and presence.
We are a corporation existing under the laws of British Columbia, Canada. Some of our directors and officers, and the experts named in this annual report, are residents of Canada, and all or a substantial portion of their assets, and a substantial portion of our assets, are located outside the United States. Consequently, it may be difficult for holders of our common shares who reside in the United States to effect service within the United States upon our directors and officers who are not residents of the United States. It may also be difficult for holders of our common shares who reside in the United States to realize in the United States upon judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon our civil liability and the civil liability of our directors and officers under the United States federal securities laws. Investors should not assume that Canadian courts (i) would enforce judgments of United States courts obtained in actions against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws or the securities or "blue sky" laws of any state within the United States or (ii) would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against us or our directors or officers predicated upon the United States federal securities laws or any such state securities or "blue sky" laws.
As a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to certain United States securities law disclosure requirements that apply to a domestic United States issuer, which may limit the information that would be publicly available to our shareholders.
As a foreign private issuer, we will be exempt from certain rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that impose disclosure requirements as well as procedural requirements for proxy solicitations under Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, our officers, directors and principal shareholders will be exempt from the reporting and "short-swing" profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Moreover, we are not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission as frequently or as promptly as a company that files as a U.S. domestic issuer whose securities are registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor are we generally required to comply with the Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation FD, which restricts the selective disclosure of material non-public information. For as long as we are a "foreign private issuer" we intend to file our annual financial statements on Form 20-F and furnish our quarterly interim financial statements on Form 6-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission. However, the information we file or furnish is not the same as the information that is required in annual and quarterly reports on Form 10-K or Form 10-Q for U.S. domestic issuers. Accordingly, there may be less information publicly available concerning us than there is for a company that files as a U.S. domestic issuer.
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Risks Related to Our Common Shares
Because we can issue additional common shares, our shareholders may experience dilution in the future.
We are authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares without par value. Our board of directors has the authority to cause us to issue additional common shares without consent of our shareholders. The issuance of any such securities may result in a reduction of the book value or market price of our common shares. Given the fact that we have not achieved profitability or generated positive cash flow historically, and we operate in a capital-intensive industry with significant working capital requirements, we may be required to issue additional common equity or securities that are dilutive to existing common shares in the future in order to continue its operations. Our efforts to fund our intended business plan may result in dilution to existing shareholders. Further, any such issuances could result in a change of control or a reduction in the market price for our common shares.
Volatility in our common share price may subject us to securities litigation.
The market for our common shares may have, when compared to seasoned issuers, significant price volatility, and we expect that our share price may continue to be more volatile than that of a seasoned issuer for the foreseeable future. In the past, plaintiffs have often initiated securities class action litigation against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We may, in the future, be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and liabilities and could divert management's attention and resources away from the day-to-day business operations.
The market price of our common shares may be volatile and may fluctuate in a way that is disproportionate to our operating performance.
Our common shares are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Trading of shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange is often characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors that may have little to do with our operations or business prospects.
The volume of trading in our common shares has been low and the share price has fluctuated significantly. This volatility could depress the market price of our common shares for reasons unrelated to operating performance. The market price of our common shares could decline due to the impact of any of the following factors upon the market price of our common shares:
• sales or potential sales of substantial amounts of our common shares;
• announcements about us or about our competitors;
• litigation and other developments relating to our company or those of our suppliers or our competitors;
• conditions in the automobile industry;
• governmental regulation and legislation;
• variations in our anticipated or actual operating results;
• change in securities analysts' estimates of our performance, or our failure to meet analysts' expectations;
• change in general economic conditions or trends;
• changes in capital market conditions or in the level of interest rates; and
• investor perception of our industry or our prospects.
Many of these factors are beyond our control. The stock markets in general, and the market price of shares of companies in the cannabis industries, have historically experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. These broad market and industry factors could reduce the market price of our common shares, regardless of our actual operating performance.
A prolonged and substantial decline in the price of our common shares could affect our ability to raise further working capital, thereby adversely impacting our ability to continue operations.
A prolonged and substantial decline in the price of our common shares could result in a reduction in the liquidity of our common shares and a reduction in our ability to raise capital. Because we plan to acquire a significant portion of the funds, we need in order to conduct our planned operations through the sale of equity securities, a decline in the price of our common shares could be detrimental to our liquidity and our operations because the decline may cause investors not to choose to invest in our shares. If we are unable to raise the funds, we require for all our planned operations and to meet our existing and future financial obligations, we may be forced to reallocate funds from other planned uses and may suffer a significant negative effect on our business plan and operations, including our ability to develop new products and continue our current operations. As a result, our business may suffer, and we may go out of business.
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Because we do not intend to pay any cash dividends on our common shares in the near future, our shareholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them.
We intend to retain any future earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common shares in the near future. The declaration, payment and amount of any future dividends will be made at the discretion of our board of directors, and will depend upon, among other things, the results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, operating and capital requirements, and other factors as the board of directors considers relevant. There is no assurance that future dividends will be paid, and if dividends are paid, there is no assurance with respect to the amount of any such dividend. Unless we pay dividends, our shareholders will not be able to receive a return on their shares unless they sell them.
Our common shares are subject to penny stock rules. Trading of our common shares may be restricted by the Securities and Exchange Commission's penny stock regulations, which may limit a shareholder's ability to buy and sell our common shares.
Our common shares are penny stock. The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted Rule 15g-9 which generally defines "penny stock" to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than US$5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than US$5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our securities are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and "accredited investors". The term "accredited investor" refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of US$5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of US$1,000,000 or annual income exceeding US$200,000 or US$300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer's account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer's confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser's written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the common shares that are subject to these penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker-dealers to trade our securities. We believe that the penny stock rules discourage investor interest in, and limit the marketability of, our common shares.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority sales practice requirements may also limit a shareholder's ability to buy and sell our common shares.
In addition to the "penny stock" rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or FINRA has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer's financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common shares, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our shares.
We may be classified as a "passive foreign investment company," which may have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. shareholders.
Generally, for any taxable year in which 75% or more of our gross income is passive income, or at least 50% of the average quarterly value of our assets (which may be determined in part by the market value of our common shares, which is subject to change) are held for the production of, or produce, passive income, we would be characterized as a passive foreign investment company ("PFIC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our status as a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination made on an annual basis, and we cannot provide any assurance regarding our PFIC status for the taxable year ending December 31, 2021 or for future taxable years.
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A U.S. shareholder may avoid these adverse tax consequences by making a timely and effective "qualified electing fund" election ("QEF election"). A U.S. shareholder who makes a QEF election generally must report, on a current basis, its share of our ordinary earnings and net capital gains, whether or not we distribute any amounts to our shareholders. The QEF election is available only if our company characterized as a PFIC provides a U.S. shareholder with certain information regarding its earnings and capital gains as required under applicable U.S. Treasury regulations. In the event we become a PFIC, U.S. Holders should be aware that we might not satisfy the recordkeeping requirements that apply to a QEF or supply U.S. Holders with information such U.S. Holders require to report under the QEF rules in the event that our company is a PFIC for any tax year.
A U.S. shareholder may also mitigate the adverse tax consequences by timely making a mark-to-market election. A U.S. shareholder who makes the mark-to-market election generally must include as ordinary income each year the increase in the fair market value of the common shares and deduct from gross income the decrease in the value of such shares during each of its taxable years. A mark-to-market election may be made and maintained only if our common shares are regularly traded on a qualified exchange. Whether our common shares are regularly traded on a qualified exchange is an annual determination based on facts that, in part, are beyond our control. Accordingly, a U.S. shareholder might not be eligible to make a mark-to-market election to mitigate the adverse tax consequences if we are characterized as a PFIC.
Each U.S. shareholder should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the possibility of making these elections and the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares. This paragraph is qualified in its entirety by the discussion in the section of this annual report entitled "Certain Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations." In addition, our PFIC status may deter certain U.S. investors from purchasing our common shares, which could have an adverse impact on the market price of our common shares.
Item 4. Information on the Company
A. History and Development of the Company
We are a corporation incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) in British Columbia, Canada under the name "Adastra Holdings Ltd." with an authorized share structure of unlimited number of common shares without par value. Our principal place of business is located at 5451 - 275 Street, Langley, British Columbia V4W 3X8, Canada and our telephone number is (778) 715-5011. Our registered and records office is located at 800 - 885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3H1, Canada.
We are an extraction and processing solutions company. Our mission is to develop and deploy large-scale cannabis and hemp extraction technologies and provide turn-key processing solutions to help licensed standard and micro-cultivators maximize the value of every harvest. We are also applying for a dealers licence for mushroom and mushroom-derived products in preparation for licencing of psychedelics in Canada, and operate a research-based multidisciplinary centre with physicians and healthcare professionals providing medical cannabis therapies.
History of the Company
Our Company was incorporated under the laws of the province of British Columbia on October 14, 1987. On December 19, 2019, our company changed its name to "Adastra Labs Holdings Ltd." from "Arrowstar Resources Ltd." (our company prior to this change of name, "Arrowstar"). On March 19, 2021, our company changed its name to "Phyto Extractions Inc." from "Adastra Labs Holdings Ltd.". On April 9, 2021, our company completed a consolidation of its common shares (on the basis of one (1) post consolidated common share for every three (3) pre-consolidation shares). On September 1, 2021, our company changed its name to "Adastra Holdings Ltd." from "Phyto Extractions Inc.".
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On December 20, 2019, Arrowstar acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Adastra Labs Holdings (2019) Ltd. ("Adastra"), a private British Columbia cannabis extraction and processing solutions company incorporated on June 18, 2018. The transaction was accounted for as a reverse acquisition, with Adastra being identified as the accounting acquirer and the net assets of Arrowstar at the date of the transaction are deemed to have been acquired by Adastra. At the time of the transaction, we changed our financial year end from April 30 to December 31.
On August 31, 2021, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of 1225140 B.C. Ltd., doing business as PerceiveMD, ("PerceiveMD"), pursuant to the terms of a share purchase agreement dated August 10, 2021. PerceiveMD owns a private British Columbia research-based multidisciplinary center for medical cannabis and other therapies. We intend to employ physicians and other healthcare professionals at our clinics related to the operations of PerceiveMD will provide consultations to patients regarding the benefits of using cannabis-based products. Patients will be seen by a licensed physician and prescribed cannabis-based products.
At this time, we cannot fulfill any prescriptions ourselves as we do not hold the medical licence required from Health Canada and the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Instead, the prescription will be fulfilled by a licensed producer. We are preparing documents for the medical licence application, which will be submitted shortly, and we expect this to be approved in approximately three months. We are confident that our application will be successful, however, if, in the unlikely event, we are unsuccessful in this application we will continue to operate under our current model with prescriptions fulfilled by a licensed producer.
On September 17, 2021, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of 1204581 B.C. Ltd. ("1204581BC") pursuant to the terms of a share purchase agreement dated September 15, 2021. 1204581BC is the owner of intellectual property rights for the Phyto Extractions Brand.
Development of the Company
On October 18, 2018, Adastra submitted applications with Health Canada for the licenses under "An Act respecting cannabis and to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Criminal Code and other Acts" (the "Cannabis Act"), which licenses will designate Adastra and Chemia Analytics Inc. ("Chemia"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Adastra, as a licensed processor and a licensed cannabis tester, respectively.
On January 9, 2019, Adastra entered into a lease agreement with 1178562 B.C. Ltd., the holder of the property. On June 12, 2019, Adastra acquired all of the shares of 1178562 B.C. Ltd.
In mid-February 2019, Adastra finalized its plans for the retrofit of the building located at 5451 275th Street, Langley, British Columbia V4W 3X8, Canada (the "Facility"). In late February/early March 2019, Adastra submitted materials to the Township of Langley for re-zoning and commenced the retrofit of the Facility. On March 15, 2019, Adastra completed demolition and re-insulation of the Facility. On April 14, 2019, Adastra received unanimous Township of Langley Council approval to proceed with rezoning of the Facility. On May 10, 2019, Adastra received a status letter from Health Canada advising that there are no critical concerns at this time. On May 27, 2019, Adastra received final approval from the Township of Langley for re-zoning of the Facility. On June 10, 2019, Adastra had commenced the post-demolition portion of the retrofit of the Facility. In late November 2019, Adastra completed the retrofit of the Facility and on December 2, 2019, Adastra submitted its evidence package for its Cannabis (processing, sales) license application to Health Canada.
On October 25, 2019, Chemia received its analytical testing license from Health Canada. On March 16, 2020, Health Canada issued a Standard Processing License on the Facility to Adastra. Health Canada issued an Analytical Testing License to our facility owned by Chemia. The license became effective March 17, 2020. We received an amendment to our Standard Processing License authorizing the sale of cannabis extract, cannabis edibles and cannabis topicals on March 13, 2021, and our research license for organoleptic testing on April 16, 2021.
On December 16, 2021 the Company received its Flower Sales License from Health Canada ("Flower License"), this will allow the Company to sell dried cannabis flower products provincially and territorially in Canada.
On March 23, 2022 the Company submitted its application for a Controlled Substances Dealer's License (the "Dealer's License") which will allow the Company to procure controlled substances, including synthesis, propagation, cultivation, and harvesting of psychedelic mushrooms for Psilocybin extraction, research and manufacture controlled substances such as Psilocybin and Psilocin and business-to-business sale of controlled substances, including by export. The Dealer's License application was originally filed in September, 2021 with a Health Canada audit performed on March 9, 2022. The Company responded to Health Canada's request for more information and successfully submitted its Dealer's License application on March 23, 2022. Unless Health Canada comes back with an additional request for information, the Company expects the Dealer's License to be received in May 2022.
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On April 11 2022 the Company submitted its application for a medical sales license (the "Medical Sales License") which will allow the Company to sell cannabis extracts to medical cannabis patients and licensed health practitioners and to develop products classed as cannabis extracts such as tinctures, oils, capsules, soft gels and sprays. The Company expects this license to be received in 6 to 8 weeks following the submission on April 11, 2022.
Takeover Offers
We are not aware of any indication of any public takeover offers by third parties in respect of our common shares during our last and current financial years.
B. Business Overview
We are an integrated Canadian cannabis company focused on extraction and associated analytical testing. We, through one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, have a license to produce cannabis extracts under the Cannabis Act (LIC-SRIM66H586-2020). In addition, we, through one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, have been granted a license by Health Canada to conduct analytical testing for the cannabis industry (LIC-WOUX7802CE-2019). The Facility is a purpose-built facility with a view to be in compliance with European Union ("EU") Good Manufacturing Practices ("GMP") standards, which will allow us, subject to obtaining any necessary permits to export the products from the Facility to international destinations where cannabis is nationally legal for medical or adult usage purposes. We intend to export only to authorized recipients / countries - initially the EU for medical cannabis extracts once GMP accredited. There will be no US exports unless there is a change in US federal law. The Facility was completed in the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and became operational in April 2020.
Cannabis
The terms cannabis and marijuana are used interchangeably in Canada. The two main types of cannabis/marijuana are the Sativa and Indica plants, with hybrid strains being created when the genetics of each are crossed. Within each type of cannabis, there are hundreds of different phytochemical compounds, including many different cannabinoids (the most common being detla-9-tetrahydrocannabinol ("THC"), which is the psychoactive ingredient, and cannabidiol ("CBD"), which is responsible for many of the non-psychoactive effects of medical marijuana.
Cannabis can be used for either recreational or medicinal purposes and typically comes in the form of dried plant, powder form, resin or oil. Cannabis for medical use was legalized in Canada in 2001. Cannabis for recreational use was legalized in Canada in 2018.
Regulatory Framework
Cannabis was legalized in Canada for medicinal use in 2001 and has been a commonly prescribed medication since then. The production, distribution and sale of medicinal and adult-use cannabis is tightly controlled by the Canadian federal government. In 2013, Health Canada introduced the commercial cannabis licensed producer program under the Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations ("MMPR") program. In 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada found certain elements of the MMPR unconstitutional which led to the development of the "ACMPR" (Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations), specifically medical cannabis patients having the right to use oils and derivative forms of cannabis. In August 2016, the MMPR was replaced by the ACMPR. The ACMPR program as it relates to commercial production is very similar to the MMPR.
The Canadian federal Cannabis Act came into force on October 17, 2018, to create a new legal regime for non-medicinal, or recreational, cannabis and to continue the legal regime for medicinal cannabis. Medicinal cannabis continues to be subject to different rules than recreational cannabis. The production and sale of medicinal cannabis is governed strictly by the federal government, whereas the regime for recreational cannabis is created by federal, provincial and municipal regulations.
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The federal government regulates cannabis through the Cannabis Act, and governs the rules and regulations regarding:
• Minimum legal age requirement for recreational cannabis customers.
• Types of cannabis products available for sale. The sale of certain amounts of dried cannabis, fresh cannabis, cannabis oils, cannabis plants and cannabis plant seeds are legal as of October 17, 2018. Edibles containing cannabis and cannabis concentrates became legally available for sale October 17, 2019.
• Packaging and labelling requirements for products.
• Restrictions on promotional activities, displays and dispensing.
• Legalization of possession in public of 30 grams or less of dried cannabis, or the equivalent amount of other legal types of cannabis products, for someone 18 years of age or older, while maintaining a criminal offence for possession of more than that amount.
• Legalization of growing up to four cannabis plants in a private residence, while maintaining offences for having more than that or having them in a public place.
• Creating a licensing regime and requirements for the commercial production of cannabis and its wholesale sale to provincial and territorial distributors.
• Authorizing the provinces and territories to each legislate to create a new regulatory regime in their respective jurisdictions for the distribution and sale of recreational cannabis to persons 18 years of age or older.
• Maintaining offences for production, distribution or selling of cannabis outside of the newly regulated cannabis industry (with some exceptions).
• Continuing the separate legal regime for growing and selling medicinal cannabis to medical patients.
Under the regime created by the Cannabis Act, the federal government licenses and regulates the growing, processing and production of cannabis products for commercial purposes, and each province and territory controls the distribution and sale of recreational cannabis in their jurisdiction. Each jurisdiction is adopting unique legislation to address these issues. Only cannabis products that are grown or produced by a federally licensed producer may be sold or purchased in the provinces and territories. The distribution model of each province will not adversely affect our company as a business-to-business provider.
Each provincial or territorial government is responsible for its own regime for the distribution and sale of recreational cannabis in its jurisdiction. For example, in Saskatchewan, retail cannabis is sold by private retailers, in Quebec, by a government-operated public entity and, in British Columbia, by a combination of public and private retailers. Each province and territory also has the power to add, within its jurisdiction, more restrictive regulations from some of those in the federal legislation, including:
• Lowering the limit of cannabis permissible for personal recreational possession and consumption.
• Adding any rules and regulations to those for home grown recreational cannabis.
• Restricting the consumption of recreational cannabis in public spaces.
• Raising the minimum age for possession and consumption of cannabis.
Municipalities have the powers given to them by provincial statutes. Municipalities are given some authority over land use regulation and have the power to prohibit and regulate certain uses through zoning by-laws. Generally, the use carried out at any commercial real property must fit within the applicable zoning by-laws or the municipality can stop or prevent the use from being carried out on that real property.
Psychedelics are Schedule III substances under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for which the extraction of raw materials from, or involvement in production activities are regulated federally in Canada. In order to develop our business and undertake research and development, the Company is applying for a dealer license for psychedelics which, if obtained, will allow the Company to possess and formulate psychedelics. At present a dealer license holder can only trade with another individual who has the same license. Their activities are limited in trade and they cannot provide substances to individuals or companies as Health Canada has yet to approve psychedelics as a drug and it is currently illegal to possess psychedelics in Canada without a dealer license or other exemption. While we anticipate being successful in this application, there is no guarantee that we will obtain a dealer license to possess and formulate psychedelics. If we are successful in this application there remain uncertainties with respect to how government regulations will impact our business with respect to psychedelics. The Company is in the process of assessing this impact.
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Current Status of Cannabis License Applications
The ACMPR was repealed when the Cannabis Act and the cannabis regulations came into effect on October 17, 2018. Under the new regime, when an applicant applies for a license there are four sub-categories to choose from:
(a) Cannabis (cultivation, processing, sales);
(b) Industrial Hemp;
(c) Research; and
(d) Analytical Testing.
On October 18, 2018, Adastra submitted two applications with Health Canada for the licences under the Cannabis Act. This included an application for Adastra under the first category: Cannabis (cultivation, processing, sales) and an application for Chemia under the fourth category: (Analytical Testing). The Cannabis license that Adastra has applied for permit it to process and sell its products for either medical or recreational use. Chemia has been granted an Analytical Testing license by Health Canada effective October 25, 2019. Adastra has been granted a Standard Processing License for production of cannabis extracts and sale of cannabis extracts to other Health Canada licensed companies) by Health Canada on March 13, 2020. Adastra has also been granted a Research License for organoleptic testing on April 16, 2021 from Health Canada.
On December 16, 2021 the Company received its Flower Sales License from Health Canada ("Flower License"), this will allow the Company to sell dried cannabis flower products provincially and territorially in Canada.
On April 11 2022 the Company submitted its application for a medical sales license (the "Medical Sales License") which will allow the Company to sell cannabis extracts to medical cannabis patients and licensed health practitioners and to develop products classed as cannabis extracts such as tinctures, oils, capsules, soft gels and sprays. The Company expects this license to be received in 6 to 8 weeks following the submission on April 11, 2022.
Our business depends on these three licenses and the loss of any one of them could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Other Intellectual Property
Pursuant to the acqusition of 1204581BC the Company becames the owner of intellectual property rights for the Phyto Extractions Brand. The Company benefits from the brand awareness of the Phyto Extractions Brand to market both the current and potential future cannabis products.
Facility
On January 9, 2019, Adastra entered into a lease agreement with 1178562 B.C. Ltd., the holder of the property. Adastra has subsequently acquired all the common shares of 1178562 B.C. Ltd. The Facility is a 13,035 square foot building that was a former food manufacturing facility.
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Existing Facility Floorplan 13,035 sq. ft.
The site was chosen with two important considerations in mind. First, the current design and use of the facility as a food manufacturing facility for 20 years ensures the infrastructure and familiarity of Health Canada regulators with the Facility are optimal for conversion to a GMP cannabis extraction and analytical testing operation. Second, the strategic location in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia allows Adastra and Chemia to service licensed producers and other cannabis industry operations with easy access.
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Proposed Facility Layout
The Facility modifications are under design with a cross-functional team of cannabis industry consultants, equipment manufacturer design input, and construction and design contractors.
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Revised Floorplan
Adastra and Chemia operate together at the Facility. Some portions of the Facility restrict access to Adastra or Chemia.
We completed renovation of the Facility during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 at a cost of $3,900,000.
Extraction Equipment
Adastra has selected Supercritical CO2 extraction equipment and has agreed to purchase an extraction system that includes the ExtraktLAB Series 140 CO2 extractor along with the necessary additional equipment and software required for its operation of the extractor for an agreed price of $756,900. These units have a capacity of processing 422 pounds of cannabis biomass per day with a crude cannabis oil yield of 11-19% based on the cannabis flower/trim combinations intended to be used as extraction biomass.
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We purchased and setup extraction, processing and testing equipment during the quarter ended March 31, 2020. We fully outfitted our centralized facility with equipment necessary to process cannabis at cost of $1,200,000.
The ability to further process cannabis crude to distillate, a high potency cannabinoid product containing over 90% active ingredient was contingent on the purchase of distillation equipment. Adastra purchased two Germany made wiped-film short path distillation units, one for $362,950 from Root Sciences, paid in cash, and the other for $386,215 from CapSure Consulting Ltd., paid through the issuance of 471,685 shares at a fair value price of $0.84 per common share. The common shares issued were subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. Together these machines refine cannabis crude a rate of 6.61 lbs per minute and provide a bulk salable product or the input into consumer-packaged goods such as edibles, topical and vaporizer cartridges.
Adastra also invested in two RoboCap RL-300s from ATG Pharma. Both filling machines were purchased for a total of $114,470 and commissioned in June 2020. These assets fill vaporizer cartridges, small bottles and candy molds. Together the two machines are capable of producing 45,000 vaporizer cartridges per day.
Adastra expanded its operational capabilities in October 2020 through the purchase of a high-capacity EV-Mass 30 Cryogenic Ethanol Extraction system from Evolved Extractions for $760,440. This extraction system can process more than 900 lbs of cannabis biomass per day with a yield of 11-19% to crude with fewer post-processing steps than Supercritical CO2 extraction.
Beginning in December 2020 Adastra began to retrofit the Facility to allow for the use of butane and propane. This construction, completed in February 2021, permitted the installation of MeP70XT Hydrocarbon Extractor from ExtractionTek Solutions LLC. This extractor and ancillary equipment was purchased for a total of $284,010 and has allowed for the production of rare, high margin Butane Hash Oil products including shatter, waxes, crumble, live resin, diamonds & sauce and more. This extractor can extract over 400 kgs of cannabis biomass per day.
Laboratory Equipment
Chemia will be required to perform all cannabis testing specified in the Cannabis Act regulations. Chemia expects to require the following specific equipment in addition to other miscellaneous equipment:
• 1x LCMS-8060 Triple Quadrupole Detector Package
• 1x GCMS-TQ8050 w/EI ion source Smart PackGE
• 1x ICPMS-2030 Mass Spectrometer
• 1x Multiwave GO Microwave Digestion System
• 1x Cannabis Analyzer Base Package: LC-2030C
Operations
Principal Products
We are a health and wellness company focused on the processing of cannabis and cannabis analytical testing. We provide processing solutions to licensed cultivators of cannabis and hemp, and supply cannabis extracts to qualified Canadian and international business-to-business partners under their own brand.
To meet growing requirements, we intend to produce our cannabis extractions for both recreational and medical use.
In addition to providing at-cost analytical testing services to Adastra, Chemia provides full-suite cannabis analytical testing services to 3rd parties throughout the Province of British Columbia lower mainland.
Our team can provide consulting and testing services for product formulation and development for cannabis product developers.
Our revenue is generated through bulk cannabis extracts sales, processed cannabis extract wholesales and toll processing contracts within Canada. Revenues of $5,628,616 for the year ended December 31, 2021 consisted of bulk distillate sales of $2,188,924, packaged shatter sales of $1,709,990, vape cartridge sales of $1,050,235, licensing revenue of $385,119, toll processing revenue of $40,283 and other revenue of $254,065. Revenues of $2,499,355 for the year ended December 31, 2020 consisted of bulk distillate sales of $1,974,908, and toll processing revenue of $524,447.
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Extraction
To meet growing requirements, we intend to produce our cannabis extractions for both recreational and medical use:
• Indica and Sativa strains and combinations of both - for various medicinal purposes including anxiety, insomnia, pain, nausea and cancer treatment.
• Premium extracts are expected to have a higher market value but only when they provide a truly unique experience.
Specific products developed by us will be initially limited by those currently permitted in the medicinal market and recreational market.
Cannabis is a powerful stimulus that provides a unique experience to each user. With each variation comes a completely different experience. We understand the power that cannabis can have over people and the difference each strain can make. From pain-relief strains to euphoric "outer" body experiences, we anticipate having unique extracts for the desire of every consumer.
We plan to process, sell and distribute high quality cannabis extracts currently permitted by Health Canada under the Cannabis Act. We plan to increase our product line offering for additional products to be manufactured per Health Canada regulations as permitted under the Cannabis Act.
We plan to develop special product lines, each with its unique identifier and use to allow customers to use cannabis based on why they want to consume it. We expect that each product line will have a different strain, giving customers the ability to choose the kind of effect they need and want.
Indica, Sativa and Hybrid strains are used to treat a wide variety of ailments. Each type of strain extract will be derived of a unique blend of premium cannabis plant material. We also intend to create a line of single-origin and handcrafted cannabis extract products.
Our planned products, some of which are subject to legalization and/or obtaining necessary additional licenses (noted with "*"), are projected to include:
• Bulk Low THC Cannabis Oil for tinctures;
• Bulk CBD Oil without THC*;
• Consumer packaged Low THC Cannabis Oil*;
• Consumer packaged CBD Oil without THC*;
• Bulk High THC Cannabis Oil (distillate);
• Bulk Vaporizing pen formulations;
• Bulk water-soluble (nano-emulsion) cannabis oils and distillate;
• Bulk THC distillate Cannabis Gel Capsules (two-part);
• Consumer packaged THC Cannabis Oil Tinctures;
• Consumer packaged Vaporizing pens;
• Consumer packaged THC distillate Cannabis Gel Capsules;
• Bulk and consumer packaged hydrocarbon extracts;
• Bulk and consumer packaged Cannabis infused cosmetics and topics*; and
• Bulk and consumer dried flower*.
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We depend on the brand licensing agreement to CannMart Labs Inc. to bring our products to market in Canada. Per this agreement, CannMart Labs Inc. has an exclusive license to use the Company's brands in association with development, manufacture, production, promotion, marketing, packaging, distribution and sale of the following types of products:
• Cannabis vaporizing pen cartridges and batteries;
• Cannabis capsules;
• Cannabis tincture bottles and tincture jars;
• Cannabis syringes;
• Cannabis terpene extracts (terp sauce); and
• Cannabis concentrates in solid form such as shatter, wax, live resin, crystals (diamonds) produced with Butane Hash Oil (BHO) or Propane Hash Oil (PHO) processes.
Per this brand licensing agreement, CannMart Labs Inc. fulfills sales orders of the Company's products across Canada and pays the Company 50% of gross profits earned from these sales on a quarterly basis. In return, CannMart Labs Inc. assists in the marketing of the Company's products to increase sales. This agreement is set to terminate during 2023 and since the acquisition of Phyto BrandCo, the Company has earned over $385,000 from the agreement. We also intend to brand our products using proprietary trademarks to be acquired by or developed in house.
In addition, we anticipate we will provide other Health Canada cannabis license holders in the industry (Standard Cultivators or other Standard Processors) the ability to process cannabis into cannabis oils, distillate or other extract related formulations as a B2B service for a fee.
No part of our business is reasonably expected to be affected in the current financial year by either the renegotiation or termination of any contract.
Cannabis and hemp biomass is widely available in the Canadian market, noting that there can be raw material price volality, with prices also varying depending on strain as well as quantity and quality of product available. Overall, due to certain oversupply of non-craft cannabis and hemp biomass in the Canadian markets, the price of cannabis and hemp biomass has generally reduced over the last couple years.
Production Flow
The production flow of the Facility was designed to maximize the use of the existing production area layout while meeting all the requirements for Cannabis regulations.
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Super Critical CO2 Production Flow Path
The flow path above depicts the receiving process whereby dried cannabis flower and trim is brought into our extraction facility for supercritical CO2 extraction, cryogenic ethanol extraction and hydrocarbon extraction. The first step involves a receipt moisture test, weighing and input into the inventory control system.
Following successful receipt, dried cannabis is then transferred into a temperature and humidity controlled secure vault until it is withdrawn for extraction. During the production process, dried cannabis is checked out of the secured vault (15) and enters production.
When CO2 extraction is to be performed, cannabis is transported to one of two grinding stations where it is milled to a fine consistency (2) to maximize surface area and compactness to improve extraction efficiency.
Following grinding the cannabis biomass is transferred to the Decarboxylation room (3) where it is heated in a vacuum and terpenes are extracted by a cold trap. These terpenes will be re-introduced to the extracted cannabis oil. The cannabis biomass is then extracted with supercritical CO2 (5) where crude cannabis oil is produced.
The cannabis crude oil is then mixed with ethanol and stored for 24-48 hours during winterization (4) after which it is filtered using large stainless-steel filters under a vacuum to remove waxes and lipids (6,7,8).
The remaining cannabis oil-ethanol mixture is processed through a rotary evaporator to remove and recycle all ethanol (8). The remaining cannabis oil then undergoes another distillation process in the Short Path Distillation equipment to further refine the oil to its purest form (10,11). If required, the cannabis distillate can be formulated to meet Cannabis Act regulations. Finally, the refined and properly dosed cannabis oil is filled into bottles (8) and packaged (9) for sale. The cannabis product can be sent to shipping (10A) or secure storage (10B).
Spent biomass is removed from the CO2 extraction equipment (1) and transported to a caged storage area (2). Spent biomass is THC- and cannabinoid-free and will be disposed of through 3rd party composting (3).
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Cryogenic Ethanol Extraction Production Workflow
When Cryogenic Ethanol extraction is to be performed, cannabis is transported to the Grinding room (2) to be filled into extraction bags. No milling is required.
Once filled into bags, the cannabis moves into the Winterization Room (23) for ethanol extraction. Cannabis crude is generated and flows into the Filtration room (9) for secondary decarboxylation and devolatilization.
The decarboxylated cannabis crude then undergoes another distillation process in the Short Path Wiped Film Distillation equipment to further refine the oil to its purest form (10,11). If required, the cannabis distillate oil can be formulated diluted to meet Cannabis Act regulations. Finally, the refined and properly dosed cannabis oil is filled into bottles (8) and packaged (9) for sale. The cannabis product can be sent to shipping (10A) or secure storage (10B).
Spent biomass is removed from the Cryogenic Ethanol Extraction equipment (23) and transported to a caged storage area (2). Spent biomass is THC- and cannabinoid-free and will be disposed of through 3rd party composting (3).
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Hydrocarbon Extraction Production Flow
When Hydrocarbon extraction is to be performed, cannabis is transported to the HAL booth (25) for extraction.
Once filled into bags, the cannabis is extracted (25) and a cannabis extract is produced.
The cannabis extract flows into Product Development (26) for hydrocarbon purge using vacuum ovens. Bulk purged extract can then be packaged (9) for sale. The cannabis product can be sent to shipping (10A) or secure storage (10B).
Spent biomass is removed from the Hal Booth (25) and transported to a caged storage area (2). Spent biomass is THC- and cannabinoid-free and will be disposed of through 3rd party composting (3).
Testing
Chemia provides QA/QC and compliance testing services for licensed producers of cannabis and cannabis products under Health Canada regulations. Chemia also provides in-process testing services to help cultivators and processors optimize their processes. For QA/QC and compliance testing, any company holding a valid Health Canada cultivation or micro-cultivation, or processing license can send Chemia their sample. In addition to that, any dispensary representative, independent patient, and anyone else who wants to learn the chemistry and composition of their cannabis products can send samples for testing.
Chemia expects to provide the following testing services:
- Potency Testing
o Fast, high sensitivity testing to determine the potency of cannabis products. Chemia's tests will determine the levels of THCA/THC and CBDA/CBD and their total equivalency. Potency can be determined on fresh/dried flower, oils, extracts and concentrates.
- Microbial Contamination
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o Chemia will be outfitted to complete all Health Canada mandated microbial tests on fresh/dried flower, oils, extracts and concentrates. Including amounts of total yeast and mold, total aerobic microbial counts, bile-tolerant gram-negative bacteria, E. coli, and Salmonella. Upon request testing for S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa will be conducted.
- Aflatoxins Analysis
o Chemia's method is capable of fulfilling Health Canada requirements for the analysis of aflatoxins on dried cannabis flower, oils and extracts. Chemia will test for aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2.
- Heavy Metal Analysis
o Cannabis is known to accumulate heavy metals in its tissues. As required by Health Canada, its lab can efficiently and accurately test dried flower, oil and extracts for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As). Additional metal screening for trace elements can also be performed as needed.
- Pesticide Screening
o Regulations for pesticide use on cannabis are strict. Chemia will use a combination of high-tech analytical techniques for pesticides screening. This screening can be done for fresh/dried flower, oils, extracts and concentrates.
- Residual Solvent Analysis
o To ensure the safety of customer's products and maintain compliance with Health Canada regulations, Chemia has developed tests to determine the quantity of residual solvents in cannabis oils, extracts and concentrates. Chemia can determine the quantity of methanol, ethanol, acetone, isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol), acetonitrile, hexane, heptane and pentane.
- Loss On Drying
o Before sale in Canada the moisture content of all dried cannabis flower must be reported. Chemia's tests will provide a customer with the percent moisture of customer's products.
- Foreign Matter
o As per Health Canada regulations Chemia will visually inspect customer's cannabis products for the presence of foreign material.
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- Cannabinoid Profiling
o In addition to potency testing, Chemia can quantify 14 unique cannabinoids in cannabis products. The list of cannabinoids includes Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), Cannabigerol (CBG), (±)-Cannabichromenic acid (CBCA), (±)-Cannabichromene (CBC), Tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA), Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), Cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA), Cannabidivarin (CBDV) and Cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA).
- Terpene Analysis
o Flavour and aroma of cannabis come from its terpene profile. That's why Chemia can quantify 39 terpenes commonly detected in cannabis. Chemia's tests can determine the quantities of the monoterpenes, alpha-Pinene, Camphene, Sabinene, beta-Pinene, beta-Myrcene, alpha-Phellandrene, (1S)-(+)-3-Carene, alpha-Terpinene, (R)-(+)-Limonene, Eucalyptol, Ocimene, gamma-Terpinene, Sabinene Hydrate, L-(-)-Fenchone, Terpinolene, Linalool, (1R)-Endo-(+)-Fenchyl Alcohol, (1S)-(-)-Camphor, (-)-Isopulegol, Isoborneol, (+/-)-Borneol, Hexahydrothymolalpha-Terpineol,gamma-Terpineol, Geranyl Acetate, (+)-Pulegone, Geraniol, Nerol. CAI can also test for sesquiterpenes including, alpha-Cedrene, trans-Caryophyllene, (-)-Caryophyllene Oxide, alpha-Humulene, Valencene, cis-Nerolidol, trans-Nerolidol, Guaiol, (+)-Cedrol and (-)-Alpha-Bisabolol.
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Although Chemia will be required to perform all cannabis testing specified in the Cannabis Act regulations, it is permitted to stage purchase of expensive analytical equipment and certify the various tests in a staggered manner as a way of reducing capital expenditures. Further, Chemia plans to finance used equipment that has been certified from the manufacturer to reduce the overall cost and allow for the 3rd party testing revenue to reduce the cost of equipment financing.
Principal Markets
There are two broad segments, medical use and recreational. There is growth and greater acceptance in the medical use of CBD products for pain management, appetite control and cell generation involved in the treatment of cancer, MS, epilepsy and AIDS.
Clients are to include direct retail as well as wholesaling to distributors. The regulations also allow the export of products, subject to obtaining the necessary permitting. To maintain a stable supply in the market that meets the demand level, we expect to utilize a variety of distribution channels. Our online presence will also help to connect with the B2B customers. We will also be targeting other businesses that are licensed by Health Canada for product testing, white labelling products and toll processing.
The retail market for cannabis products is still developing and there is a need for more participants within the industry. Health practitioners and doctors play a key role by introducing their patients to cannabis as an alternative treatment. We anticipate designing marketing campaigns to create relationships with health care professionals including education, forums, training, printed literature, and media. Healthcare professionals employed at our clinics will provide consultations to patients and may market our products to them depending on the patients' needs. The Company aims to create relationships with healthcare professionals to support the marketing of our products, mainly through the use of social media. In April 2021, the Company also entered into a marketing services agreement with Hybrid Financial Ltd. to assist in all aspects of a marketing campaign for the Company.
Within the recreational use segment, we view the following areas where there are potential growth opportunities:
• 25-to-35-YEAR-OLD URBAN PROFESSIONALS: The 25-to-35 "yuppie" market prefer the upscale branding approach.
• ATHLETES: This target group is a blend of medical and recreational use, seeking CBD products for cell generation and healing properties.
• BABY BOOMERS: This was the original "hippie" generation who likely experimented in their youth. Now, largely with grown children, not needing to set moral standards, or frankly seeing the benefits of legalizing an industry to protect users from indiscriminate processors, they have become more accepting of legalization.
Competitive Conditions
We compete with other licensed cannabis processors and cannabis testers in Canada. We anticipate that competition from new participants into the market will increase in the short-to-mid-term, as existing applications in queue with Health Canada are processed and approved. However, we also believe that many current and prospective applicants will not be able to obtain the necessary funding to conduct the necessary construction activities necessary to submit an initial application or in the case of current applicants, final application. Consolidation in this industry has already started, and management of our company believes that it will likely continue and increase as more producers and vendors are licensed by Health Canada under the Cannabis Act.
Seasonality
Our business is not subject to seasonality fluctuations.
Employees
We have 29 employees as of the date of this annual report.
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We have one direct wholly owned subsidiary, Adastra, a British Columbia corporation. Adastra has six wholly owned direct and indirect subsidiaries incorporated in British Columbia, Canada: (1) Adastra Labs Inc., for the extraction and concentrates production facility; (2) Chemia Analytics Inc., for a cannabis testing and analysis laboratory; (3) 1178562 B.C. Ltd., the owner of the Facility; (4) Adastra Brands Inc., a holding company for future branding of cannabis products which has no activities to date; (5) PerceiveMD, a direct subsidiary of Adastra Labs Inc. and the owner of a multidisciplinary medical clinic focusing on treatments with cannabis and psychedelics; and (6) 1204581, a direct subsidiary of Adastra Labs Inc. and the owner of intellectual property rights for the Phyto Extractions brand.
Although Adastra and Chemia are co-located at the Facility in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, they are separate legal entities to allow Chemia to provide objective production testing for Adastra at cost and keep these analytical testing activities separate from Adastra production. We through Adastra and Chemia have acquired two licenses from Health Canada to become a legal processor of cannabis in Canada through Adastra and to be a licensed cannabis analytical testing laboratory with Chemia.
C. Property and Equipment
Through our wholly owned subsidiary, 1178562 B.C. Ltd., we own the Facility. See "Item 4.B Business Overview - Facility."
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and related notes, included in this Form 20-F annual report. Our audited consolidated financial statements included in this annual report were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board.
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with these accounting principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent liabilities at the financial statement date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. On an on-going basis we review our estimates and assumptions. The estimates were based on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results are likely to differ from those estimates or other forward-looking statements under different assumptions or conditions, but we do not believe such differences will materially affect our financial position or results of operations. Our actual results may differ materially as a result of many factors, including those set forth under the headings entitled "Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" herein.
All monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares or as otherwise indicated.
A. Operating Results
Overall Performance
Total revenue of $5,628,616 for YTD 2021 compared to $2,499,355 for YTD 2020.
Net loss of $2,749,939 for YTD 2021 compared to $7,615,864 for YTD 2020.
Cash used in operating activities was $1,054,093 for YTD 2021 compared to $2,807,720 for YTD 2020.
Cash as at December 31, 2021 of $744,541 compared to $1,145,461 as at December 31, 2020
Working capital deficit as at December 31, 2021 of $1,120,613 compared to working capital surplus of $105,093 as at December 31, 2020.
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Mortgage payable as at December 31, 2021 $3,501,554 compared to $2,442,830 as at December 31, 2020.
The Company has a single reportable segment: the provision of goods and services to the cannabis industry in Canada. All the Company's revenues are generated in Canada, and its non-current assets are located in Canada.
Operations and Facility
The Company's focus for the year ended December 31, 2021, included the expansion of its centralized processing facility in Langley, BC. On March 13, 2021, the Company received an amendment to its Processing License authorizing the sale of cannabis extract, cannabis edibles, and cannabis topicals. On April 16, 2021, the Company received an amendment to its Analytical Testing License allowing for organoleptic testing of its products. In April 2021, the Company commissioned its hydrocarbon extraction line and in August 2021, it submitted a further sales licence amendment for dried flower and a controlled substance dealer's licence for cannabis products.
As of the date of this annual report, the Company is focused on generating revenue from four primary verticals: wholesale activities; service fees for cannabis consultations; educational fees for clients referral to licensed cannabis producers; and the licensing of cannabis trademarks.
As of April 23, 2020 the Company has completed the commissioning and commencement of operations at its 13,000 square feet facility in Langley, British Columbia (the "Langley Facility"). It currently operates a primary supercritical CO2 extraction line for the production of crude cannabis/hemp extracts, wiped film short path distillation plant for the production of high potency cannabis distillate, a formulation, filling line and packaging line for the manufacture of tincture bottles and vaporizer products and shatter as consumer-packaged goods.
During September 2020, the Company installed and commissioned its cryo-ethanol extraction production line that triples the Company's cannabis oil production capacity while reducing overall costs. This production line allows the re-purposing of the CO2 supercritical extraction line for other cannabis concentrate products such as high terpene full spectrum extracts.
During April 2021, the Company completed the installation of its hydrocarbon extraction line, allowing it to produce Shatter products for the Canadian Market. This high performance hydrocarbon extractor will allow the Company to process over 400 kg per day of dried cannabis into a variety of shatter cannabis products.
Wholesale Bulk Extracts Production
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company continued processing its own inventory of dried cannabis through supercritical CO2, cryo-ethanol and hydrocarbon extraction lines and distillation lines for the purpose of selling the resulting bulk cannabis concentrates to licensed clients or using it to fulfill contract manufacturing orders, primarily for vape cartridges. The Company has procured all of its bulk shipments of dried cannabis for its wholesale production lines from various licensed cultivators under the Cannabis Act During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized revenue of $5,628,616.
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SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Results of Operations
Consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.
| FYE 2021 (IFRS) |
FYE 2020 (IFRS) |
|||||
| $ | $ | |||||
| Gross Revenue | 5,628,616 | 2,499,355 | ||||
| Cost of Sales | (3,684,925 | ) | (1,713,774 | ) | ||
| Gross Profit | 1,943,691 | 785,581 | ||||
| Operating expenses | (4,335,429 | ) | (7,950,595 | ) | ||
| Net (loss) income and comprehensive (loss) income | (2,749,939 | ) | (7,615,864 | ) | ||
| Total assets | 28,755,450 | 13,736,950 | ||||
| Current liabilities | 5,341,267 | 3,590,794 |
Revenues increased to $5,628,616 during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $2,499,355 during the year ended December 31, 2020, from increased processing of cannabis biomass for third party licensed producers and in-house distillate production, hydrocarbon extraction and licensing revenues from the acquisition of Phyto BrandCo.
Cost of sales increased to $3,684,925 during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $1,713,774 during the year ended December 31, 2020, and consists of biomass, labour, solvents and an allocation of production overheads such as facility costs and amortization of production equipment.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company had operating expenses of $4,335,429 and loss and comprehensive loss of $2,749,939, compared to operating expenses of $7,950,595 and loss and comprehensive loss of $7,615,864 during the year ended December 31, 2020.
The decrease in operating expenses and loss and comprehensive loss were the result of the Company's expenses with respect to advertising and promotion, professional fees and consulting, and share-based payments having decreased as the Company moved from its startup phase into production and expansion of its business during the year ended December 31, 2021, offset by a rise in wages and salary costs. The most significant changes in operating expenses and other expenses were as follows:
| • |
Advertising and promotion decreased to $455,090 during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $749,258 during the year ended December 31, 2020, due to the Company developing a more focused investor awareness campaign and being more established in the market. |
|
|
• |
Professional fees and consulting decreased to $585,908 during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $704,297 during the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due to the decrease of consultants needed to prepare the extraction process, commissioning of equipment and testing. |
|
| • |
Share-based payments decreased to $890,523 during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $5,332,500 during the year ended December 31, 2020, as a result of 1,148,333 stock options granted during YTD 2021 (YTD 2020 - 4,206,667); all granted options vest immediately. |
|
|
• |
Wages and salaries increased to $1,128,610 during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $526,327 during the year ended December 31, 2020, due to increased hiring activity and production output related to the Langley Facility. |
|
| • |
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company incurred impairment of property and equipment of $150,000 related to an ERP software in software in development that the Company determined would not be completed. No impairment of property and equipment was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2020. |
|
| • |
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized a provision for expected credit losses of $134,083 (Q4 2020 - $nil) related to a significantly aged account receivable which management deemed to have uncertain collectability. |
32
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's objectives when managing its liquidity and capital structure are to support further advancement of the Company's business objectives and existing service offerings, as well as to ensure that the Company is able to meet its financial obligations as they come due.
Cash and working capital
As at December 31, 2021 the Company has working capital deficit of $1,120,613 (December 31, 2020 - working capital surplus of $105,093).
As at December 31, 2021, the Company had a current mortgage payable liability of $3,501,554 this mortgage matures on July 1, 2022.
Cash flow activity
Consolidated cashflows for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.
| FYE 2021 (IFRS) |
FYE 2020 (IFRS) |
|||||
| $ | $ | |||||
| Cash used in operating activities | (1,054,093 | ) | (2,807,720 | ) | ||
| Cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 915,984 | 3,395,096 | ||||
| Cash provided used in investing activities | (262,811 | ) | (1,818,741 | ) | ||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash | (400,920 | ) | (1,231,365 | ) | ||
| Cash, beginning of the year | 1,145,461 | 2,376,826 | ||||
| Cash, end of the year | 744,541 | 1,145,461 |
Cash used in operating activities of $1,054,093 (YTD 2020 - $2,807,720) was the result significant addition to amounts receivable and cash spent on inventory. During the prior year there was a significant cash outflows from cash spend on operating expenses such as advertising and promotion and professional fees in addition to cash spent on inventory.
Cash provided by financing activities of $915,984 (YTD 2020 - $3,395,096) was the result of cash received from mortgage refinancing and units issued for cash offset by interest payments of the mortgage payable. During the prior period cash was provided by the issuance of unit financing, warrants exercised and proceeds from the government loan offset by interest payments of the mortgage payable.
Cash used in investing activities of $262,811 (YTD 2020 - $1,818,741) was the result of cash payments made for the purchase of property and equipment offset by net cash received from the acquisitions of Perceive MD and Phyto BrandCo. In the prior period cash used in investing activities was due to cash payments made for the purchase of property and equipment.
Capital resource management
The Company defines capital as the components of shareholders' equity. The Company's objectives when managing capital are to support further advancement of the Company's business objectives, as well as to ensure that the Company is able to meet its financial obligations as they come due.
The Company manages its capital structure to maximize its financial flexibility making adjustments to it in response to changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets and business opportunities. The Company relies on the expertise of the Company's management to sustain the future development of the business. Management reviews its capital management approach on an ongoing basis and believes that this approach, given the relative size of the Company, is reasonable.There were no changes in the Company's approach to capital management during the years ended December 31, 2021. The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.
33
As of December 31, 2021, we had the following contractual obligations and commitments:
| Payments due by period | |||||||||||||||
| Contractual obligations | Total | Less than 1 year |
1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years |
||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 1,829,025 | 1,829,025 | - | - | - | ||||||||||
| Mortgage payable | 3,500,000 | 3,500,000 | - | - | - | ||||||||||
| Lease liability | 36,912 | 13,423 | 23,489 | - | - | ||||||||||
| Government loan | 60,000 | - | 60,000 | - | - | ||||||||||
| Total | 5,425,937 | 5,342,448 | 83,489 | - | - | ||||||||||
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements such as obligations under guarantee contracts, a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity, any obligation under derivative instrument or any obligation under a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to our company or engages in leasing or hedging services with our company.
C. Research and Development
We do not currently have any patents or intellectual property arising from research and development, although we do own intellectual property rights including the Phyto Extractions brand.
D. Trend Information
We do not know of any trends, commitments, events, or uncertainty that are expected to have a material effect on our company's business, financial condition, or results of operations other than as described in the section "Risk Factors" and in the section entitled "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk".
E. Critical accounting estimates
The preparation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates based on assumptions about future events that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis of making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
The areas which require management to make critical judgments include:
Going concern
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. The assessment of the Company's ability to source future operations and continue as a going concern involves judgment. Estimates and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. If the going concern assumption were not appropriate for the financial statements, then adjustments to the carrying value of assets and liabilities, the reported expenses and the statement of financial position would be necessary.
34
Impairment of property and equipment
Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment at each reporting period end or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value, less costs to sell, and its value in use. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment charge is recognized immediately in profit or loss by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the recoverable amount. If an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the lesser of the revised estimate of recoverable amount, and the carrying amount that would have been recorded had no impairment loss been recognized previously.
Assessment of the transactions as asset acquisitions or business combinations
Determination of whether a set of assets acquired and liabilities assumed constitute the acquisition of a business or asset requires the Company to make certain judgments as to whether or not the assets acquired and liabilities assumed include the inputs, processes and outputs necessary to constitute a business as defined in IFRS 3 - Business Combinations. If an acquired set of assets and liabilities includes goodwill, the set is presumed to be a business. The values assigned to common shares and the allocation of the purchase price to the net assets in the acquisition are based on numerous estimates and judgements of the relative fair values of net assets.
Business combinations
Judgement was used in determining whether the acquisitions of PerceiveMD and Phyto BrandCo were a business combination or an asset acquisition. Estimates were made as to the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired. In certain circumstances, such as the valuation of equipment, intangible assets and goodwill acquired, the Company may rely on independent third-party valuators. The Company measured all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair values. The excess of the consideration paid over the acquisition-date fair values of the net assets acquired, was recognized as goodwill as of the acquisition date in business combination.
In a business combination, all identifiable assets and liabilities acquired are recorded at their fair values, including the total consideration paid by the Company. One of the most significant estimates relates to the determination of the fair value of these assets and liabilities including assessing the fair value of any identifiable intangible assets. For any intangible asset identified, due to the complexity of determining its fair value, an independent valuation expert may be engaged to measure the fair value, using appropriate valuation techniques, which are generally based on a forecast of the total expected future net cash flows. The evaluations are linked closely to the assumptions made by management regarding the future performance of the assets concerned and any changes in the discount rate applied. For any form of consideration paid by the Company, depending on the type of consideration paid and the complexity of determining its fair value, an independent valuation expert may be engaged to measure the fair value. In the event that there is contingent consideration in an acquisition management makes assumptions as to the probability of the consideration being paid.
The information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty considered by management in preparing these financial statements is as follows:
COVID-19 estimation uncertainty
The coronavirus pandemic continues to have global impacts on workforces, economies, and financial markets. It is not possible for the Company to predict the duration or magnitude of any adverse effects that the pandemic may have on the Company's business or ability to raise funds. As of the date of these financial statements, COVID-19 has had minimal impact on the Company's ability to conduct its operations but may impact the Company's ability to raise funding should restrictions related to COVID-19 be expanded in scope.
Inventory
The Company reviews the net realizable value of, and demand for, its inventory regularly to provide assurance that recorded inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Factors that could impact estimated demand and selling prices include competitor actions, supplier prices and economic trends.
Useful lives and depreciation of property and equipment and intangible assets
The depreciation methods and useful lives reflect the pattern in which management expects the assets' future economic benefits to be consumed by the Company. Judgments are required in determining these expected useful lives.
35
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is reviewed for impairment at each reporting period end or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the underlying goodwill exceeds its recoverable amount of the associated CGU. The recoverable amount of a CGU is the estimate of future cashflows generated by the CGU, based on management's assumptions. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the recoverable amount of the CGU, an impairment charge is recognized immediately in profit or loss by the amount by which the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the recoverable amount.
Valuation of receivables
The Company recognizes an impairment loss allowance for expected credit losses on trade accounts receivable using a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. In its assessment, management estimates the expected credit losses based on actual credit loss experience and informed credit assessment, taking into consideration forward-looking information. If actual credit losses differ from estimates, future earnings would be affected.
Valuation of share-based compensation
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model for valuation of share-based compensation. Option pricing models require the input of subjective assumptions including expected price volatility, risk-free interest rate, and forfeiture rate. Changes in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate and the Company's earnings and equity reserves.
Income taxes
In assessing the probability of realizing income tax assets, management makes estimates related to expectation of future taxable income, applicable tax opportunities, expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences and the likelihood that tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by applicable tax authorities. In making its assessments, management gives additional weight to positive and negative evidence that can be objectively verified.
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A. Directors and Senior Management
The following table sets forth the name, office held, age, and functions and areas of experience in our company of each of our directors and senior management:
|
Name, |
Area of Experience and Functions in Our Company |
|
Michael Forbes Chief Executive Officer and Director Age: 41 |
As our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors, Mr. Forbes is responsible for strategic planning and operations, as well as managing our relations with our lawyers, regulatory authorities and investor community; as a director, Mr. Forbes supervises our management and helps to ensure compliance with our corporate governance policies and standards. Mr. Forbes is a member of our audit committee. |
|
Oliver Foeste Chief Financial Officer Age: 45 |
As our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Foeste is responsible for the management and supervision of all of the financial aspects of our business. Mr. Foeste assists in strategic planning, oversees capital planning and capital raising, budgeting, financial reporting and risk management. In performing his duties, Mr. Foeste maintains relationships with our auditors, legal counsel, banks, and other stakeholders. |
|
George Routhier Director Age: 68 |
As an independent director, Mr. Routhier supervises our management and helps to ensure compliance with our corporate governance policies and standards. Mr. Routhier is a member of our audit committee. |
|
Paul Morgan Director Age: 40 |
As an independent director, Mr. Morgan supervises our management and helps to ensure compliance with our corporate governance policies and standards. Mr. Morgan is a member of our audit committee. |
36
The following is a brief account of the business experience of each of our directors and senior management.
Michael Forbes, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Michael Forbes became a director effective April 29, 2021 and our Chief Executive Officer effective May 3, 2021. Mr. Forbes is a registered pharmacist. Mr. Forbes has founded five cannabis medical clinics under the Concord Medical Clinic umbrella, built Clarity Cannabis and Honeycomb Cannabis to over 10 locations, and also founded the cannabis licensed production facility, Sitka Weed Works, in Canada. Having medical experience of over 16 years, Mr. Forbes has also built and operated pharmacy chains across British Columbia and Alberta, and founded a dozen medical clinics, including 3 methadone clinics in order to protect the public from drug diversion and increase accessibility to medicine. Mr. Forbes graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2002 with a BSc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, also achieving additional certification in Hormone Restoration, Age Management Medicine, and more recently, Cannabis Plant Production and Facility Management from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. He was elected to attend the Ivey School of Business for Canada's Top 40 under 40 in 2017 where he received an honorary MBA.
Oliver Foeste, Chief Financial Officer
Oliver Foeste, CPA, CA became our Chief Financial Officer effective July 13, 2021.
Mr. Foeste is the founder and Managing Partner of Invictus Accounting Group LLP and has significant executive, director, finance, and restructuring experience across a number of industry sectors. Prior to founding Invictus Accounting Group LLP, Mr. Foeste was in senior finance and accounting roles at Toronto Stock Exchange, TSX Venture Exchange, and New York Stock Exchange listed issuers, and earned his CPA at Deloitte and a boutique tax advisory firm.
George Routhier, Director
George Routhier became a director of our company effective December 19, 2019. Mr. Routhier is the CEO of Pipedreemz Inc., a cannabis licensing regulations consulting company responsible for the successful licensing of approximately 30 percent of cannabis Licensed Producers across Canada over the past six years.
Paul Morgan, Director
Paul Morgan became a director of our company effective July 13, 2021. Mr. Morgan is a corporate / commercial lawyer located in Victoria, British Columbia and has been actively practicing in British Columbia since 2013. Mr. Morgan's legal practice has included a particular focus on various segments of the cannabis industry including, but not limited to, retailers and licensed producers of cannabis since approximately 2016.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships between any of our directors and senior management.
B. Compensation
The following table sets forth all direct and indirect compensation paid, payable, awarded, granted, given or otherwise provided, directly or indirectly, by our company or any subsidiary thereof to members of our management and directors of our company, in any capacity, including, for greater certainty, all plan and non-plan compensation, direct and indirect pay, remuneration, economic or financial award, reward, benefit, gift or perquisite paid, payable, awarded, granted, given or otherwise provided to the members of our management or directors of our company for services provided and for services to be provided, directly or indirectly, to our company or any subsidiary thereof for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, other than stock options and other compensation securities:
37
|
Table of Compensation Excluding Compensation Securities |
|||||||
|
Name and position |
|
Salary, |
Bonus |
Committee |
Value of |
Value of all |
Total |
|
|
|
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
Andrew Hale2 |
2021 2020 |
134,666 180,091 |
- - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
134,666 180,091 |
|
Stephen Brohman3 |
2021 2020 |
61,0914 150,9004 |
- - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
61,091 150,900 |
|
Blaine Blaney5 |
2021 2020 |
- - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
|
Georges Routhier6 |
2021 2020 |
- 2,5007 |
- - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
- 2,5007 |
|
Michael Forbes8 Chief Executive Officer, President and Director |
2021 2020 |
40,0009 - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
40,0009 - |
|
Donald Dinsmore10 Former Chief Operating Officer |
2021 2020 |
122,535 - |
50,000 - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
172,535 - |
|
Oliver Foeste11 Chief Financial Officer |
2021 2020 |
74,51812 - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
74,51812 - |
|
Paul Morgan13 Director |
2021 2020 |
- - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
- - |
Notes:
1 "Perquisites" include perquisites provided to an officer or director that are not generally available to all employees and that, in aggregate, are: (a) C$15,000, if the officer or director's total salary for the financial year is C$150,000 or less, (b) 10% of the officer or director's salary for the financial year if the officer or director's total salary for the financial year is greater than C$150,000 but less than C$500,000, or (c) C$50,000 if the officer or director's total salary for the financial year is C$500,000 or greater.
2 Andrew Hale was appointed Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of our company on December 19, 2019. Mr. Hale resigned from all positions with our company on February 26, 2021.
3 Stephen Brohman was appointed as a director of our company on September 2, 2014, and Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of our company on December 19, 2019. Mr. Brohman resigned on July 13, 2021.
4 We were charged by Donaldson Brohman Martin CPA Inc., a firm in which Mr. Brohman is a principal, for accounting and tax services, in the amount of $61,091 in 2021 and $150,900 in 2020.
5 Blaine Baily was appointed Chief Financial Officer of our company on June 21, 2005, Secretary of our company on April 5, 2007, and a director of our company on February 3, 2014. Mr. Bailey resigned as Secretary of our company on August 20, 2007, Chief Financial Officer of our company on December 19, 2019, and as a director of our company on March 26, 2021.
38
6 George Routhier was appointed as a director of our company on December 19, 2019.
7 We were charged by Pipedreemz Inc., a company controlled by Mr. Routhier, for consulting services, in the amount of $2,500 in 2020 and $17,500 in 2019.
8 Michael Forbes was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, President and a director of our company on April 29, 2021.
9 We were charged by MDC Forbes Inc., a company controlled by Mr. Forbes, for consulting services, in the amount of $40,000 in 2021.
10 Donald Dinsmore was appointed as Chief Operating Officer on April 29, 2021. Mr. Dinsmore resigned on February 22, 2022.
11 Oliver Foeste was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of our company on April 29, 2021.
12 We were charged by Invictus Accounting Group LLP, a company controlled by Mr. Foeste, for consulting services, in the amount of $74,518 in 2021.
13 Paul Morgan was appointed as a director of our company on July 14, 2021.
Employment, Consulting and Management Agreements
Other than as set out herein, we do not have any employment, consulting or management agreements or arrangements with any of our directors or senior management.
Stephen Brohman, Former Chief Financial Officer and Director
Donaldson Brohman Martin, CPA Inc. ("DBM CPA"), Chartered Professional Accountants, provided accounting services to our company during the year ended December 31, 2021. Our former Chief Financial Officer and director, Stephen Brohman, is a principal of DBM CPA.
Andrew Hale, Former Chief Executive Officer and Director
Our former Chief Executive Officer and director, Andrew Hale received a fee of $180,000 per annum for providing services as Chief Executive Officer of our company. Mr. Hale resigned as our Chief Executive Officer and director effective February 26, 2021.
Michael Forbes, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Michael Forbes is a Director and the Company's President and CEO. He was appointed on April 29, 2021 and is the owner of MDC Forbes, which provides CEO services to the Company.
Oliver Foeste Chief Financial Officer
Invictus Accounting Group LLP. ("Invictus"), provided accounting, financial reporting and CFO services to our company during the year ended December 31, 2021. He was appointed on July 13, 2021 and is the founder and Managing Partner of Invictus Accounting Group LLP.
Benefits Upon Termination
We have no contract, agreement, plan or arrangement, whether written or unwritten, that provides for benefits to our directors or members of our management upon termination of employment of our directors or members of our management.
39
Stock Options and Other Compensation Securities
The following table sets out all compensation securities granted or issued to members of our management and directors of our company during the year ended December 31, 2021 for services provided, or to be provided, directly or indirectly, to our company or any subsidiary thereof:
|
Compensation Securities |
|||||||
|
Name and |
|
Number of |
Date of |
Issue, |
Closing |
Closing |
Expiry Date |
|
|
|
# |
|
$ |
$ |
$ |
|
|
Andrew Hale |
Stock options |
666,666 / 666,666 / 18.0% |
January 30, 2020 |
1.35 |
1.35 |
0.89 |
January 30, 2025 |
|
|
Stock options |
33,333 / 33,333 / 1.0% |
August 4, 2021 |
1.35 |
0.86 |
0.89 |
August 5, 2026 |
|
Georges Routhier |
Stock options |
83,333 / 83,333 / 2.2% |
January 30, 2020 |
1.35 |
1.35 |
0.89 |
January 30, 2025 |
|
|
Stock options |
33,333 / 33,333 / 1.0% |
August 4, 2020 |
2.34 |
2.34 |
0.89 |
August 4, 2025 |
|
Michael Forbes Chief Executive Officer, President and Director |
Stock options |
300,000 / 300,000 / 8.1% |
October 25, 2021 |
1.06 |
1.07 |
0.89 |
October 25, 2026 |
|
Donald Dinsmore Former Chief Operating Officer |
Stock options |
166,667 / 166,667 / 4.5% |
January 30, 2020 |
1.35 |
1.35 |
0.89 |
January 30, 2025 |
|
|
Stock options |
66,667 / 66,667 / 1.8% |
August 4, 2020 |
2.34 |
2.34 |
0.89 |
August 4, 2025 |
|
Oliver Foeste Chief Financial Officer |
Stock options |
300,000 / 300,000 / 8.1% |
October 25, 2021 |
1.06 |
1.07 |
0.89 |
October 25, 2026 |
|
Paul Morgan Director |
Stock options |
300,000 / 300,000 / 8.1% |
October 25, 2021 |
1.06 |
1.07 |
0.89 |
October 25, 2026 |
Pension, Retirement or Similar Benefits
We have not set aside or accrued any amounts to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for our directors or members of our management during the year ended December 31, 2020.
40
C. Board Practices
Term of Office
Each director of our company holds office until the next annual general meeting of our company or until his successor is elected or appointed, unless his office is earlier vacated in accordance with the articles of our company or the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). Each officer of our company is appointed to serve at the discretion of our board of directors.
Committees
We have one committee: the audit committee.
Audit Committee
We have an audit committee comprised of Michael Forbes, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer and George Routhier, and Paul Morgan, both of whom are independent directors.
We have adopted a charter for our audit committee. According to our audit committee charter, the mandate of our audit committee is to assist our board of directors in fulfilling its financial oversight responsibilities. According to our audit committee charter, our audit committee will review and consider, in consultation with our auditors, the financial reporting process, the system of internal control over financial reporting and the audit process. In performing its duties, our audit committee will maintain effective working relationships with our board of directors, management and external auditors. To effectively perform his or her role, each committee member must obtain an understanding of the principal responsibilities of committee membership as well as our company's business, operations and risks.
Our audit committee has roles and responsibilities including:
• being directly responsible for overseeing the work of external auditors in preparing or issuing the auditor's report, including the resolution of disagreements between management and the external auditors regarding financial reporting and audit scope or procedures;
• considering whether controls are in place over annual and interim financial reporting as well as controls over assets, transactions and the creation of obligations, commitments and liabilities of our company;
• reviewing the financial statements and financial information of our company prior to their release to the public; and
• considering and pre-approving any non-audit services (being services other than services rendered for the audit and review of the financial statements or services that are normally provided by the external auditor in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements) which are proposed to be provided by the external auditors to our company or any subsidiary of our company.
Compensation Committee
We do not have a separately constituted compensation or remuneration committee. Our entire board of directors acts as the compensation committee. Our board of directors is solely responsible for determining the compensation to be paid to our executive officers and evaluating their performance. In addition, our board of directors reviews annually the total compensation package of each of our executives on an individual basis.
Our board of directors has not adopted any specific policies or objective for determining the amount or extent of compensation for directors or officers. There is no policy or target regarding allocation between cash and non-cash elements of our compensation program.
D. Employees
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had 22 and 27 employees, respectively. Our employees are not members of a labor union.
Our workforce is based out of our corporate office and Facility in Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
41
The breakdown of full-time employees by main category of activity and geographic location, as at December 31, 2021 is as follows:
|
Activity |
Number of Full-Time |
Location |
|
Research & Development |
0 |
Langley, British Columbia, Canada |
|
Production |
12 |
Langley, British Columbia, Canada |
|
Sales & Marketing |
6 |
Langley, British Columbia, Canada |
|
General & Administration |
3 |
Langley, British Columbia, Canada |
|
Executives |
1 |
Langley, British Columbia, Canada |
E. Share Ownership
As of December 31, 2021, our directors and management beneficially owned the following common shares and options of our company:
|
Name and Office |
Number of Common Shares |
Common Shares that the individual has the right to |
|||
|
# of Shares |
% of Class1 |
Stock Options |
Warrants |
Convertible Debentures |
|
|
Michael Forbes |
1,256,8602 |
1.91% |
300,0005 |
- |
- |
|
Oliver Foeste |
- |
* |
300,0006 |
- |
- |
|
Donald Dinsmore Former Chief Operating Officer |
- |
* |
233,3343 |
- |
- |
|
Paul Morgan |
|
|
300,0005 |
|
|
|
Georges Routhier |
- |
* |
116,6664 |
- |
- |
* denotes less than 1% of class of shares owned.
Notes:
1 Based on 65,970,547 common shares of our company issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2021.
2 These common shares are held by MDC Forbes, a private company owned by Mr. Forbes.
3 Consists of 166,667 stock options exercisable at a price of $1.35 per share, for a period expiring on January 30, 2025, and 66,667 stock options exercisable at a price of $2.34 per share for a period expiring on August 4, 2025.
4 Consists of 83,333 stock options exercisable at $1.35 per share, for a period expiring on January 30, 2025, and 33,333 stock options exercisable at a price of $2.34 for a period expiring on August 4, 2025.
5 Consists of 300,000 stock options exercisable at a price of $1.06 per share, for a period expiring on October 25, 2026.
6 Consists of 300,000 stock options exercisable at a price of $1.06 per share, for a period expiring on October 25, 2026. These stock options are held by 1180777 B.C.Ltd, a private company influenced by Mr. Foeste.
Stock Option Plan
We have a stock option plan, which is a "rolling" stock option plan whereby a maximum of 10% of the issued shares of our company, from time to time, may be reserved for issuance pursuant to the exercise of options. The principal purposes of our stock option plan are to provide our company with the advantages of the incentive inherent in share ownership on the part of directors, employees, consultants of our company and our subsidiaries responsible for the continued success of our company and subsidiaries; to create in such persons a proprietary interest in, and a greater concern for, the welfare and success of our company and subsidiaries; to encourage such persons to remain with our company and subsidiaries; and to attract new directors, employees and consultants to our company and our subsidiaries.
42
A. Major Shareholders
To the best of our knowledge, there are no shareholders that are beneficial owners of 5% or more of our common shares.
B. Related Party Transactions
Other than as disclosed below, since the beginning of our preceding three financial years ended December 31, 2021 there have been no transactions or loans between our company and:
(a) enterprises that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control or are controlled by, or are under common control with, our company;
(b) associates, meaning unconsolidated enterprises in which we have a significant influence or which have significant influence over our company;
(c) individuals owning, directly or indirectly, an interest in the voting power of our company that gives them significant influence over our company, and close members of any such individual's family (close members of an individual's family are those that may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that person in their dealings with our company);
(d) key management personnel, that is, those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of our company, including directors and senior management of our company and close members of such individuals' families; and
(e) enterprises in which a substantial interest in the voting power is owned, directly or indirectly, by any person described in (c) or (d) or over which such a person is able to exercise significant influence, including enterprises owned by directors or major shareholders of our company and enterprises that have a member of key management in common with our company.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we granted the stock options to the following people who were management personnel or directors as of the date of grant or who are currently management personnel or directors:
| Granted to | Grant date | Expiry date | Exercise price | Stock options granted | ||||
| $ | # | |||||||
| Andrew Hale | August 4, 2021 | August 4, 2026 | 1.35 | 33,333 | ||||
| Paul Morgan | October 25,2021 | October 25,2026 | 1.06 | 300,000 | ||||
| Michael Forbes | October 25,2021 | October 25,2026 | 1.06 | 300,000 | ||||
| 1180777 B.C. Ltd | October 25,2021 | October 25,2026 | 1.06 | 300,000 |
43
The aggregate value of transactions and outstanding balances with key management personnel and directors and entities over which they have control or significant influence were as follows:
| Transactions for the years ended December 31, |
Balances outstanding December 31, |
|||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Andrew Hale | 134,666 | 180,091 | - | - | ||||||||
| DBM CPA | 61,091 | 150,900 | - | 12,915 | ||||||||
| Donald Dinsmore | 172,535 | - | 50,000 | - | ||||||||
| Invictus Accounting Group LLP | 74,518 | - | 8,933 | - | ||||||||
| MDC Forbes | 40,000 | - | 11,688 | - | ||||||||
| Pipedreemz | - | 2,500 | - | - | ||||||||
| 482,810 | 333,491 | 70,621 | 12,915 | |||||||||
All related party balances are unsecured and are due within thirty days without interest.
The above transactions with the key management personnel and directors are included in operating expenses as follows:
Donaldson Brohman Martin CPA Inc.
The amounts consist of the professional fees charged by DBM CPA for the accounting and tax services of Stephen Brohman, our former Chief Financial Officer and director. Mr. Brohman is a principal of DBM CPA, a firm in which he has significant influence.
Andrew Hale
The amounts consist of charges by Andrew Hale, our former Chief Executive Officer and director, for salaries paid.
Pipedreemz Inc.
The amounts consist of the consulting fees charged to our company by Pipedreemz Inc. for advisory services to our company. George Routhier, a director of our company, is the owner of Pipedreemz Inc.
Invictus Accounting Group LLP
The amounts consist of the professional fees charged by Invictus Accounting Group LLP for the accounting and tax services of Oliver Foeste, our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Foeste is the Managing Partner of Invictus Accounting Group LLP, a firm in which he has significant influence.
Cannabis Supply agreement with Sitka Weed Works Inc
On October 7, 2021 the Company entered into a supply and purchase agreement with Sitka Weed Works. This is a related party transaction because Michael Forbes is a director and controlling shareholder of Sitka Weed Works Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Sitka Weed Works Inc. will supply cannabis products to the Company on a non-exclusive basis and the Company shall purchase the cannabis products on a non-exclusive basis. These cannabis products will be used by the Company as raw materials for its production lines.
C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
44
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
The consolidated financial statements of the Company included with this annual report on Form 20-F have been prepared in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board. See "Item 18. Financial Statements".
Export Sales
None.
Legal Proceedings
None.
Dividends
We have not declared any dividends since our inception and do not anticipate that we will do so in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the development of our business. Any future payment of dividends or distributions will be determined by our board of directors on the basis of our earnings, financial requirements and other relevant factors.
B. Significant Changes
The management of our company is not aware of any significant changes since the date of our most recent annual financial statements that have not been disclosed elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F.
Item 9. The Offer and Listing.
A. Offer and Listing Details
Principal Market
Our common shares are listed for trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "XTRX". Our common shares also trade on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "D2EP".
Our common shares are in registered form and the transfer of our common shares is managed by our transfer agent, National Securities Administrators Ltd., located at Suite 702, 777 Hornby Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 1S4, Canada.
B. Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
C. Markets
See "Item 9.A Offer Listing and Details".
On July 15, 2013, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued an order pursuant to Section 12(j) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") revoking registration of common shares of Gulfside Industries Ltd. (n/k/a Consolidated Gulfside Resources, Ltd.) registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act. Gulfside Industries Ltd. was a former name of our company at that time. The registration was revoked because we were delinquent in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission having not filed any periodic reports since we filed a Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 1995.
45
D. Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
E. Dilution
Not applicable.
F. Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
Item 10. Additional Information.
A. Share Capital
We are authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares without par value.
On December 31, 2021, we had 65,970,547 common shares outstanding, subsequent to the issuance of 2,513,720 common shares for the acquisition of PerceiveMD, 20,000,000 common shares for the acquisition of 1204581 and 122,727 common shares from a non-brokered private placement.
Subsequent to the closing of the acquisition, the Company renegotiated terms of the acquisition with the former shareholders of Phyto BrandCo due to certain conditions in the acquisition agreement not being met. It was resolved that the consideration be amended from $24,000,000 to $12,000,000 by a voluntary return to treasury of 10,000,000 common shares.
All of our common shares issued and outstanding were fully paid and non-assessable. There are no shares not representing capital. Our Company or subsidiaries do not own any shares of our company.
On December 31, 2020, we had 43,334,100 common shares outstanding.
On December 31, 2019, we had 36,228,941 common shares issued and outstanding. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we issued a total of 7,105,159 common shares so that we had 43,334,100 common shares issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2020.
More than 10% of our capital has not been paid for with assets other than cash within the past five years.
46
Warrants
As at December 31, 2021, we had the following outstanding warrants to purchase our common shares:
|
Expiry date |
Exercise price |
Warrants outstanding and exercisable |
|
|
$ |
# |
|
January 17, 2022 |
2.25 |
189,934 |
|
January 27, 2022 |
2.25 |
266,760 |
|
July 10, 2022 |
2.25 |
200,589 |
|
July 13, 2022 |
1.50 |
3,882,667 |
|
July 16, 2022 |
2.25 |
759,605 |
|
July 28, 2022 |
2.25 |
953,564 |
|
August 5, 2022 |
2.25 |
161,688 |
|
December 19, 2022 |
1.80 |
1,921,185 |
|
October 18, 2023 |
1.75 |
122,727 |
|
Total outstanding |
|
8,458,719 |
As at December 31, 2020, we had the following outstanding warrants to purchase our common shares:
|
Expiry date |
Exercise price |
Warrants outstanding and exercisable |
|
|
$ |
# |
|
January 17, 2022 |
2.25 |
189,934 |
|
January 27, 2022 |
2.25 |
266,760 |
|
July 10, 2022 |
2.25 |
200,589 |
|
July 13, 2022 |
1.50 |
3,882,667 |
|
July 16, 2022 |
2.25 |
759,605 |
|
July 28, 2022 |
2.25 |
953,564 |
|
August 5, 2022 |
2.25 |
161,688 |
|
December 19, 2022 |
1.80 |
1,921,185 |
|
Total outstanding |
|
8,335,992 |
Stock Options
As at December 31, 2021, we had the following outstanding stock options to purchase our common shares:
|
Expiry date |
Exercise price |
Stock options outstanding and exercisable |
|
|
$ |
# |
|
June 1, 2022 |
1.35 |
66,667 |
|
January 30, 2025 |
1.35 |
1,750,001 |
|
August 5, 2025 |
2.34 |
750,000 |
|
August 4, 2026 |
1.35 |
33,333 |
|
October 25, 2026 |
1.06 |
900,000 |
|
October 28, 2026 |
0.95 |
215,000 |
|
Total outstanding |
|
3,715,001 |
As at December 31, 2020, we had the following outstanding stock options to purchase our common shares:
|
Expiry date |
Exercise price |
Stock options outstanding and exercisable |
|
|
$ |
# |
|
June 1, 2022 |
1.35 |
66,667 |
|
January 30, 2025 |
1.35 |
2,483,333 |
|
August 5, 2025 |
2.34 |
1,616,667 |
|
Total outstanding |
|
4,166,667 |
47
Other Convertible Obligations or Other Outstanding Equity-Linked Securities, or Subscription Rights
Other than the warrants and stock options described above, as at December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had no outstanding convertible obligations or other outstanding equity-linked securities.
Issuances of Securities
During the last three years, we have issued the following securities:
Since the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2021
On January 6, 2022, 1,300,000 shares were released from escrow.
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2021
On October 28, 2021, we granted an aggregate of 215,000 stock options to certain employees and a consultant for the purchase of up to 215,000 common shares at a price of $0.95 per share. Each stock option is exercisable for a period of five years.
On October 25, 2021, we granted an aggregate of 900,000 stock options to certain directors and officers for the purpose of up to 900,000 common shares at a price of $1.06 per share. Each stock option is exercisable for a period of five years.
On October 18, 2021, we completed a non-brokered private placement whereby we issued 122,727 units at a price of $1.10 per unit for gross proceeds of $135,000. Each unit was comprised of one common share and one transferrable common share purchase warrant with each warrant entitling the holder thereof to acquire one common share at a price of $1.75 per share for two years from the date of the closing. The warrants are subject to an acceleration provision whereby if the daily closing price of the common shares as quoted on the Canadian Securities Exchange closes at or above $2 per share for 50 consecutive trading days, then we may accelerate the expiration date of the warrants to the date that is 30 trading days from the date that notice of such acceleration is given via news release. From and after the new accelerated expiration date, no warrants may be exercised, and all unexercised warrants will be void.
On September 17, 2021, we issued an aggregate of 20,000,000 common shares to the former shareholders of 1204581 in consideration for their respective shares of 1204581. Subsequent to the closing of the acquisition, the Company renegotiated terms of the acquisition with the former shareholders of Phyto BrandCo due to certain conditions in the acquisition agreement not being met. It was resolved that the consideration be amended from $24,000,000 to $12,000,000 by a voluntary return to treasury of 10,000,000 common shares.
On August 31, 2021, we issued an aggregate of 2,513,720 common shares to the former shareholders of PerceiveMD in consideration for their respective shares of PerceiveMD.
On August 4, 2021, we granted an aggregate of 33,333 stock options to a consultant for the purchase of up to 33,333 common shares at a price of $1.35 per share. Each stock option is exercisable for a period of five years.
On April 9, 2021, the Company consolidated its issued share capital on a ratio of three (3) old common shares for every one (1) new post-consolidated common share. All current and comparative references to the number of common shares, weighted average number of common shares, loss per share, stock options and warrants have been restated to give effect to this share consolidation.
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020
On August 5, 2020, we issued 161,688 units on conversion of $200,000 of principal and $18,279 of accrued interest of the convertible debenture. Each unit consisted of one common share of our company and one share purchase warrant exercisable at $2.25 for two years from the date of conversion. No value was attributed to the warrant component of the units issued.
On August 5, 2020, the Company granted 1,616,667 stock options with exercise price of $2.34 to certain Directors, Officers, employees, and consultants. The options expire in five years from the date of grant and vest immediately. The fair value of these options was $2,813,800 ($1.74 per option) and was recognized as a share-based payments.
48
On July 28, 2020, we issued 953,564 units on conversion of $1,182,000 of principal and $105,311 of accrued interest of the convertible debenture. Each unit consisted of one common share of our company and one share purchase warrant exercisable at $2.25 for two years from the date of conversion. No value was attributed to the warrant component of the units issued.
On July 16, 2020, we issued 759,605 units on conversion of $945,000 of principal and $80,467 of accrued interest of the convertible debenture. Each unit consisted of one common share of our company and one share purchase warrant exercisable at $2.25 for two years from the date of conversion. No value was attributed to the warrant component of the units issued.
On July 13, 2020, we completed a non-brokered private placement whereby 3,882,667 units were issued at a price of $0.90 per unit for gross proceeds of $3,494,400. Each unit consisted one common share and one common share purchase warrant with each warrant exercisable into one common share at an exercise price of $1.50 until July 13, 2022. Additionally, we settled services and outstanding indebtedness of $543,715 through the issuance of 647,385 common shares at a fair value price of $0.84 per share.
On July 10, 2020, we issued 200,589 units on conversion of $250,000 of principal and $20,795 of accrued interest of the convertible debenture. Each unit consisted of one common share of our company and one share purchase warrant exercisable at $2.25 for two years from the date of conversion. No value was attributed to the warrant component of the units issued
On June 1, 2020, the Company granted 66,667 stock options with exercise price of $1.35 to an employee. The options expire two years from the date of grant and vest immediately. The fair value of these options was $22,200 ($0.33 per option) and was recognized as share-based payments.
On January 30, 2020, the Company granted 2,523,333 stock options with exercise price of $1.35 to certain Directors, Officers, employees, and consultants. The options expire in five years from the date of grant and vest immediately. The fair value of these options was $2,537,300 ($1.02 per option) and was recognized as a share-based payments.
On January 27, 2020, we issued 266,760 units on conversion of $350,000 of principal and $10,126 of accrued interest of the convertible debenture. Each unit consisted of one common share of our company and one share purchase warrant exercisable at $2.25 for two years from the date of conversion. No value was attributed to the warrant component of the units issued.
On January 17, 2020, we issued 189,934 units on conversion of $250,000 of principal and $6,411 of accrued interest of the convertible debenture. Each unit consisted of one common share of our company and one share purchase warrant exercisable at $2.25 for two years from the date of conversion. No value was attributed to the warrant component of the units issued.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we issued 42,967 common shares related to the exercise of 42,967 warrants at an exercise price of $1.80 per share.
Fiscal Year from June 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019
On December 20, 2019, we completed a non-brokered private placement whereby 1,964,152 units were issued at a price of $1.35 per unit for gross proceeds of $2,651,605. Each unit consisted of one common share and one common share purchase warrant with each warrant exercisable into one common share at an exercise price of $0.60 for three years from the date of closing December 20, 2022.
On December 20, 2019, we issued 7,218,678 common shares at a price of $0.15 per share to the shareholders of Arrowstar as consideration for the RTO of Arrowstar by Adastra.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
Our Company was incorporated on October 14, 1987 under the laws of the Province of British Columbia. Our corporation number is BC0334777. Our Company is governed by the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA"), and its Notice of Articles (which sets forth the name and authorized share structure of our company), and its Articles (which sets forth rules for our company's conduct) are described below.
49
Objects and Purposes
Our Articles do not contain, and are not required under the laws of British Columbia, to contain a description of the our company's objects or purposes. There are no restrictions in our Notice of Articles or Articles on the business that we may carry on.
Powers of Directors
Our directors are responsible for managing and supervising the management of the affairs and business of our Company and have authority to exercise all such powers of our company that are not required by the BCBCA or our Articles, to be exercised by our shareholders.
Each director holds office until our next annual general meeting or until he or she is removed, dies or his or her office is earlier vacated in accordance with our Articles or with the provisions of the BCBCA. A director appointed or elected to fill a vacancy on our board holds office until our next annual general meeting. Under our Articles, a director is not required to hold any shares of our company to qualify as a director or officer.
The directors are entitled to the remuneration, if any, for acting as directors as the directors may from time to time determine. If the directors so decide, the remuneration of the directors will be determined by the shareholders. That remuneration may be in addition to any salary or other remuneration paid to a director in such director's capacity as an officer or employee of our company. Our Articles do not contain any requirements with respect to the determination of remuneration of the directors in the absence of an independent quorum.
Pursuant to our Articles, any director that holds a material interest in any contract or transaction that is material to our company (a "disclosable interest") must disclose that interest to the board, and abstain from voting to approve such contract or transaction, unless all of our directors have a disclosable interest in that contract or transaction, in which case any or all of the directors may vote. Interested directors may, however, be counted for purposes of determining if a quorum is present at a meeting of the directors at which such contract or transaction is to be considered. Directors or officers with a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction is not liable to account for any profits if the disclosable interest is disclosed and the transaction is approved by the disinterested directors or by our shareholders by way of a special resolution approved by a 2/3 majority of the votes cast. Transactions or contracts in which a director or officer has a disclosable interest are not invalid or void as a result of the interest, even if the necessary disclosures are not made or the approvals are not obtained.
Our Articles provide that our company, if authorized by its directors, may:
• borrow money in the manner and amount, on the security, from the sources and on the terms and conditions that the directors consider appropriate;
• issue bonds, debentures and other debt obligations either outright or as security for any liability or obligation of our company or any other person and at such discounts or premiums and on such other terms as the directors consider appropriate;
• guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any obligation of any other person; and
• mortgage, charge, whether by way of specific or floating charge, grant a security interest in, or give other security on, the whole or any part of the present and future assets and undertaking of our company.
Our Articles and the BCBCA do not provide for any mandatory retirement age for directors.
Common Shares
We are authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares without par value. The holders of our common shares are entitled to vote at all meetings of our shareholders, to receive dividends if, as and when declared by our board of directors and to participate ratably in any distribution of property or assets upon the liquidation, winding-up or other dissolution of our company. Our common shares carry no pre-emptive rights, conversion or exchange rights, redemption, retraction, repurchase, sinking fund or purchase fund provisions. There are no provisions requiring the holders of our common shares to contribute additional capital and there are no restrictions on the issuance of additional securities by our company. There are no restrictions on the repurchase or redemption of our common shares, or the declaration of any dividends or distributions, by our company except to the extent that any such repurchase, redemption, dividend or distribution would render our company insolvent pursuant to the BCBCA.
50
Any alteration or variation to the special rights and restrictions attached to any class or series of any of our issued and outstanding shares will require approval by a separate resolution passed by a 2/3 of the holders of that class or series.
Meetings of the Shareholders
Meetings of our shareholders may be located anywhere in British Columbia or, if approved by the Issuer's directors, any location outside of British Columbia.
Our Articles and the BCBCA provide that our annual meetings of shareholders must be held at least once in each calendar year and not more than 15 months after the last annual general meeting at such time and place as our directors may determine.
Our directors may, at any time, call a meeting of shareholders. Under the BCBCA, the holders of not less than 5% of the Issuer's issued shares that carry the right to vote at a meeting may requisition our directors to call a meeting of shareholders for the purposes of transacting any business that may be transacted at a general meeting.
Shareholders entitled to vote at meetings are entitled to attend any meeting of shareholders. In addition, the directors, the president, if any, the secretary, if any, and any lawyer or auditor for the Issuer are entitled to attend any meeting of shareholders, but if any of those persons do attend a meeting of shareholders, that person is not to be counted in the quorum, and is not entitled to vote at the meeting, unless that person is a shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the meeting.
Under our Articles, the quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of our shareholders is two persons that are, or who represent by proxy, shareholders holding at least 5% of the shares entitled to vote at the meeting.
Limitations on Share Ownership
There are no limitations under the BCBCA or our Articles with respect to the rights of non-Canadians to own or vote shares of our company. The Investment Canada Act (Canada) provides for the review of certain significant transactions in Canada by non-Canadians that could be injurious to national security.
Changes in Control
There are no provisions in our Article that would have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company, and that would operate only with respect to a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring involving our company or our subsidiaries.
Disclosures of Share Ownership
There are no provisions in our Articles requiring the disclosure of an ownership interest in our shares above any threshold. In general, under applicable securities regulation in Canada, a person or company who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, voting securities of an issuer or who exercises control or direction over voting securities of an issuer or a combination of both, carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all the issuer's outstanding voting securities is an insider and must, within 10 days of becoming an insider, file a report in the required form effective the date on which the person became an insider. The report must disclose any direct or indirect beneficial ownership of, or control or direction over, securities of the reporting issuer. Additionally, securities regulation in Canada provides for the filing of a report by an insider of a reporting issuer whose holdings change, which report must be filed within five days from the day on which the change takes place.
The rules in the U.S. governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed are more stringent than those discussed above. Section 13 of the Exchange Act imposes reporting requirements on persons who acquire beneficial ownership (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of more than 5% of a class of an equity security registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. In general, such persons must file, within 10 days after such acquisition, a report of beneficial ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission containing the information prescribed by the regulations under Section 13 of the Exchange Act. This information is also required to be sent to the issuer of the securities and to each exchange where the securities are traded.
51
Upon the effectiveness of this annual report, United States federal securities laws will require our company to disclose, in its annual reports on Form 20-F, holders who own 5% or more of our issued and outstanding voting shares.
C. Material Contracts
There are no other contracts, other than those disclosed below and those entered into in the ordinary course of our business, that are material to our company and which were entered into in the last two completed fiscal years or which were entered into before the two most recently completed fiscal years but are still in effect as of the date of this annual report:
| • |
On May 14, 2019, we entered into an agreement with United Science, LLC for the purchase of various equipment necessary for our business. The total equipment costs totaled $756,900. |
|
| • |
On March 12, 2020, we entered into a supply agreement with CannMart Labs Inc. to supply certain cannabis and marijuana extract and concentrate products to CannMart Labs. This agreement is subject to the condition that both parties receive the required approvals from Health Canada. |
|
| • |
On April 3, 2020, we entered into a toll processing agreement with Acreage Pharms Ltd. Pursuant to this agreement, we agreed to provide standard processing services to Acreage Pharms Ltd. Standard processing, in this agreement, means altering the physical or chemical properties of cannabis and/or hemp by the use of a solvent to produce cannabis or hemp products. This agreement is subject to the condition that both parties receive the required approvals from Health Canada. |
|
| • |
On May 6, 2020, we entered into a toll processing agreement with Muskoka Grown Ltd. Pursuant to this agreement, we agreed to provide standard processing services to Muskoka Grown Ltd. Standard processing, in this agreement, means altering the physical or chemical properties of cannabis and/or hemp by the use of a solvent to produce cannabis or hemp products. This agreement is subject to the condition that both parties receive the required approvals from Health Canada. |
|
| • |
On June 1, 2020, we entered into a toll processing agreement with BC Hop Company Ltd. Pursuant to this agreement, we agreed to provide standard processing services to BC Hop Company Ltd. Standard processing, in this agreement, means altering the physical or chemical properties of cannabis and/or hemp by the use of a solvent to produce cannabis or hemp products. This agreement is subject to the condition that both parties receive the required approvals from Health Canada. |
|
| • |
On August 5, 2020, we entered into an agreement with Evolved Extraction Solutions Ltd. for the purchase of various equipment necessary for our business. The total equipment costs totaled $760,440. |
|
| • |
On August 17, 2020, we entered into a supply agreement with Pure Sunfarms Corp for cannabis products. We agreed to purchase a minimum of 6,000 Kilograms of cannabis product from Pure Sunfarms at a price of $0.20 per gram. This agreement had a term of 6 months. |
|
| • |
On September 4, 2020, we entered into an agreement with ExtractionTek Sales LLC for the purchase of various equipment necessary for our business. The total equipment costs totaled $284,010. |
|
|
• |
On October 15, 2020, we entered into a letter of engagement with Proactive Investors Canada who agreed to provide investor relation services involving media promotion and coverage of our company. The letter of engagement contemplates a one year term and we agreed to pay Proactive $22,501 for their services. |
|
| • |
On January 15, 2021, we entered into a toll processing agreement with SynerGenetics Bioscience Inc. Pursuant to this agreement, we agreed to provide standard processing services to SynerGenetics Bioscience Inc. Standard processing, in this agreement, means altering the physical or chemical properties of cannabis and/or hemp by the use of a solvent to produce cannabis or hemp products. This agreement is subject to the condition that both parties receive the required approvals from Health Canada. |
52
| • |
On April 13, 2021, we entered into a marketing services agreement with Hybrid Financial Ltd. Hybrid Financial has agreed to assist in all aspects of a marketing campaign for our company. Hybrid Financial will, among other things, contact investment professionals and provide updates on their marketing services to garner interest in our securities. Hybrid Financial will be paid a cash sum for their services. |
|
| • |
On June 9, 2021, we, Adastra Labs Inc. as purchaser and Phyto Extractions Inc. as guarantor, entered into a supply agreement with Pure Sunfarms Corp. Pursuant to this agreement we agreed to purchase bulk amounts of cannabis-related products from Pure Sunfarms at various price points depending on the amount of products purchased. |
|
| • |
On August 10, 2021, we, Adastra Labs Inc. as purchaser and Adastra Holdings Ltd. as a contributor towards the purchase price, entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Jean Paul Lim and MDC Forbes Inc. for the purchase of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Perceive MD. Pursuant to this agreement, we agreed to pay the shareholders of Perceive MD an amount of Shares equal to $2,290,000.00 as calculated on the basis of the daily volume weighted average of actual trading prices (measured in hundredths of cents) for 10 consecutive trading days immediately prior to the closing date of the acquisition. |
|
| • |
On September 15, 2021, we, Adastra Labs Inc. as purchaser and Adastra Holdings Ltd., entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with the shareholders of 1204581 for the purchase of all the issued and outstanding shares of 1204581. Pursuant to this agreement, we agreed to pay 1204581 shareholders 20,000,000 common shares equal to $24,000,000. Subsequent to the closing of the acquisition, the Company renegotiated terms of the acquisition with the former shareholders of Phyto BrandCo due to certain conditions in the acquisition agreement not being met. It was resolved that the consideration be amended from $24,000,000 to $12,000,000 by a voluntary return to treasury of 10,000,000 common shares. |
D. Exchange Controls
There are no government laws, decrees or regulations in Canada that restrict the export or import of capital or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our common shares. However, the remittance of dividends or other payments to United States residents or other non-residents of Canada may be subject to withholding taxes or may be required to be reported under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act.
E. Taxation
Certain Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations for United States Residents
The following is a summary of certain Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable to the holding and disposition of our securities acquired by a holder who, at all relevant times, (a) for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (i) is not resident, or deemed to be resident, in Canada, (ii) deals at arm's length with us, and is not affiliated with us, (iii) holds our common shares as capital property, (iv) does not use or hold the common shares in the course of carrying on, or otherwise in connection with, a business carried on or deemed to be carried on in Canada and (v) is not a "registered non-resident insurer" or "authorized foreign bank" (each as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)), or other holder of special status, and (b) for the purposes of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention (the "Tax Treaty"), is a resident of the United States, has never been a resident of Canada, does not have and has not had, at any time, a permanent establishment or fixed base in Canada, and who otherwise qualifies for the full benefits of the Tax Treaty. Holders who meet all the criteria in clauses (a) and (b) above are referred to herein as "U.S. Holders", and this summary only addresses such U.S. Holders.
This summary does not deal with special situations, such as the particular circumstances of traders or dealers, tax exempt entities, insurers or financial institutions, or other holders of special status or in special circumstances. Such holders, and all other holders who do not meet the criteria in clauses (a) and (b) above, should consult their own tax advisors.
This summary is based on the current provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada), the regulations thereunder in force at the date hereof, the current provisions of the Tax Treaty, and our understanding of the administrative and assessing practices of the Canada Revenue Agency published in writing prior to the date hereof. This summary takes into account all specific proposals to amend the Income Tax Act (Canada) and regulations thereunder publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof (the "Proposed Amendments") and assumes that such Proposed Amendments will be enacted in the form proposed. However, such Proposed Amendments might not be enacted in the form proposed, or at all. This summary does not otherwise take into account or anticipate any changes in law or administrative or assessing practices, whether by legislative, governmental or judicial decision or action, nor does it take into account tax laws of any province or territory of Canada or of any other jurisdiction outside Canada, which may differ significantly from those discussed in this summary.
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For the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada), all amounts relating to the acquisition, holding or disposition of our securities must generally be expressed in Canadian dollars. Amounts denominated in United States currency generally must be converted into Canadian dollars using the rate of exchange that is acceptable to the Canada Revenue Agency.
This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any particular U.S. Holder, and no representation with respect to the Canadian federal income tax consequences to any particular U.S. Holder or prospective U.S. Holder is made. This summary is not exhaustive of all Canadian federal income tax considerations. Accordingly, all prospective purchasers (including U.S. Holders as defined above) should consult with their own tax advisors for advice with respect to their own particular circumstances.
Withholding Tax on Dividends
Amounts paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited as, on account or in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of, dividends on our common shares to a U.S. Holder will be subject to Canadian withholding tax. Under the Tax Treaty, the rate of Canadian withholding tax on dividends paid or credited by us to a U.S. Holder that beneficially owns such dividends and substantiates eligibility for the benefits of the Tax Treaty is generally 15% (unless the beneficial owner is a company that owns at least 10% of our voting stock at that time, in which case the rate of Canadian withholding tax is generally reduced to 5%).
Dispositions
A U.S. Holder will not be subject to tax under the Income Tax Act (Canada) on a capital gain realized on a disposition or deemed disposition of a security, unless the security is "taxable Canadian property" to the U.S. Holder for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the U.S. Holder is not entitled to relief under the Tax Treaty.
Generally, our common shares will not constitute "taxable Canadian property" to a U.S. Holder at a particular time unless, at any time during the 60 month period immediately preceding the disposition, more than 50% of the fair market value of such security was derived, directly or indirectly, from one or any combination of: (i) real or immoveable property situated in Canada, (ii) "Canadian resource properties" (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)), (iii) "timber resource properties" (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)), and (iv) options in respect of, or interests in, or for civil law rights in, property described in any of the foregoing whether or not the property exists. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in certain other circumstances set out in the Income Tax Act (Canada), common shares could also be deemed to be "taxable Canadian property".
If our common shares become listed on a "designated stock exchange" as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) and are so listed at the time of disposition, our common shares generally will not constitute "taxable Canadian property" of a U.S. Holder at that time unless, at any time during the 60 month period immediately preceding the disposition, the following two conditions are met: (i) the U.S. Holder, persons with whom the U.S. Holder did not deal at arm's length, partnerships in which the U.S. Holder or such non-arm's length person holds a membership interest (either directly or indirectly through one or more partnerships), or the U.S. Holder together with all such persons, owned 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of shares of our company; and (ii) more than 50% of the fair market value of the shares of our company was derived directly or indirectly from one or any combination of real or immovable property situated in Canada, Canadian resource properties (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)), timber resource properties (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) or options in respect of, or interests in, or for civil law rights in, property described in any of the foregoing whether or not the property exists. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in certain other circumstances set out in the Income Tax Act (Canada), common shares could also be deemed to be "taxable Canadian property".
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U.S. Holders who may hold common shares as "taxable Canadian property" should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the application of Canadian capital gains taxation, any potential relief under the Tax Treaty, and special compliance procedures under the Income Tax Act (Canada), none of which is described in this summary.
Certain Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a general summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to a U.S. Holder (as defined below) arising from the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares. This summary applies only to U.S. Holders that acquire our common shares pursuant to this prospectus and does not apply to any subsequent U.S. Holder of our common shares.
This summary is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all potential U.S. federal income tax considerations that may apply to a U.S. Holder as a result of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares. In addition, this summary does not take into account the individual facts and circumstances of any particular U.S. Holder that may affect the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such U.S. Holder, including specific tax consequences to a U.S. Holder under an applicable tax treaty. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or U.S. federal income tax advice with respect to any particular U.S. Holder. In addition, this summary does not address the U.S. federal alternative minimum, net investment income, U.S. federal estate and gift, U.S. Medicare contribution, U.S. state and local, or non-U.S. tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of our common shares. Except as specifically set forth below, this summary does not discuss applicable tax reporting requirements.
Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding all U.S. federal, U.S. state and local and non-U.S. tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common shares.
No opinion from U.S. legal counsel or ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") has been requested, or will be obtained, regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of our common shares. This summary is not binding on the IRS, and the IRS is not precluded from taking a position that is different from, or contrary to, any position taken in this summary. In addition, because the authorities upon which this summary is based are subject to various interpretations, the IRS and the U.S. courts could disagree with one or more of the positions taken in this summary.
Scope of This Disclosure
Authorities
This summary is based on the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury Regulations (whether final, temporary, or proposed), published rulings of the IRS, published administrative positions of the IRS, the Convention Between Canada and the United States of America with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, signed September 26, 1980, as amended (the "Canada-U.S. Tax Convention"), and U.S. court decisions that are applicable and, in each case, as in effect and available, as of the date hereof. Any of the authorities on which this summary is based could be changed in a material and adverse manner at any time, and any such change could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis, which could affect the U.S. federal income tax considerations described in this summary. This summary does not discuss the potential effects, whether adverse or beneficial, of any proposed legislation that, if enacted, could be applied on a retroactive or prospective basis.
U.S. Holders
For purposes of this summary, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of our common shares that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
• an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S.;
• a corporation (or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S., any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
• an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
• a trust that
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a. is subject to the primary supervision of a court within the U.S. and the control of one or more U.S. persons for all substantial decisions; or
b. has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
U.S. Holders Subject to Special U.S. Federal Income Tax Rules Not Addressed
This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of our common shares by U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including, but not limited to, the following: (a) tax-exempt organizations, qualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, or other tax-deferred accounts; (b) financial institutions, underwriters, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, or regulated investment companies; (c) broker-dealers, dealers, or traders in securities or currencies that elect to apply a "mark-to-market" accounting method; (d) U.S. Holders that have a "functional currency" other than the U.S. dollar; (e) U.S. Holders that own our common shares as part of a straddle, hedging transaction, conversion transaction, constructive sale, or other arrangement involving more than one position; (f) U.S. Holders that acquire our common shares in connection with the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation for services; (g) U.S. Holders that hold our securities other than as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment purposes); and (h) U.S. Holders that own directly, indirectly, or by attribution, 10% or more, by voting power, of our outstanding stock.
This summary also does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to U.S. Holders who are: (a) U.S. expatriates or former long-term residents of the U.S.; (b) persons that have been, are, or will be a resident or deemed to be a resident in Canada for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada); (c) persons that use or hold, will use or hold, or that are or will be deemed to use or hold our securities in connection with carrying on a business in Canada; (d) persons whose securities in our company constitute "taxable Canadian property" under the Income Tax Act (Canada); or (e) persons that have a permanent establishment in Canada for purposes of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention. U.S. Holders that are subject to special provisions under the Code, including U.S. Holders described immediately above, should consult their own tax advisors regarding all U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax consequences (including the potential application and operation of any income tax treaties) relating to the acquisition, ownership or disposition of our common shares.
If an entity or arrangement that is classified as a partnership (or other "pass-through" entity) for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common shares, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to such partnership and the partners (or other owners) of such partnership of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of our common shares generally will depend on the activities of the partnership and the status of such partners (or other owners). This summary does not address the U.S. federal income tax considerations for any such partner or partnership (or other "pass-through" entity or its owners). Owners of entities and arrangements that are classified as partnerships (or other "pass-through" entities) for U.S. federal income tax purposes should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership or disposition of our common shares.
Ownership and Disposition of Our Common Shares
Distributions on Our Common Shares
Subject to the "passive foreign investment company" ("PFIC") rules discussed below (see "Tax Consequences if Our Company is a PFIC"), a U.S. Holder that receives a distribution, including a constructive distribution, with respect to our common shares will be required to include the amount of such distribution in gross income as a dividend (without reduction for any Canadian income tax withheld from such distribution) to the extent of the current or accumulated "earnings and profits" of our company, as computed for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To the extent that a distribution exceeds the current and accumulated "earnings and profits" of our company, such distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of a U.S. Holder's tax basis in our common shares and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of such common shares (see "Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Common Shares" below). However, we may not maintain calculations of earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income tax principles, and each U.S. Holder should therefore assume that any distribution by our company with respect to our common shares will constitute a dividend. Dividends received on our common shares generally will not be eligible for the "dividends received deduction" available to U.S. corporate shareholders receiving dividends from U.S. corporations. If our company is eligible for the benefits of the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention or our common shares is readily tradable on an established securities market in the U.S., dividends paid by our company to non-corporate U.S. Holders generally will be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to long-term capital gains, provided certain holding period and other conditions are satisfied, including that our company not be classified as a PFIC in the tax year of distribution or in the preceding tax year. The dividend rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the application of such rules.
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Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Our Common Shares
Subject to the PFIC rules discussed below, upon the sale or other taxable disposition of our common shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received and such U.S. Holder's tax basis in the common shares sold or otherwise disposed of. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the sale or other taxable disposition, the U.S. Holder's holding period for such security is more than one year. Preferential tax rates apply to long-term capital gains of non-corporate U.S. Holders. There are currently no preferential tax rates for long-term capital gains of a U.S. Holder that is a corporation. Deductions for capital losses are subject to significant limitations under the Code.
PFIC Status of Our Company
If our company is or becomes a PFIC, the preceding sections of this summary may not describe the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders of the ownership and disposition of our common shares. The U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of our common shares if our company is or becomes a PFIC are described below under the heading "Tax Consequences if Our Company is a PFIC."
A non-U.S. corporation is a PFIC for each tax year in which (i) 75% or more of its gross income is passive income (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) (the "income test") or (ii) on average for such tax year, 50% or more (by value) of its assets either produces or is held for the production of passive income (the "asset test"). For purposes of the PFIC provisions, "gross income" generally includes sales revenues less cost of goods sold, plus income from investments and from incidental or outside operations or sources, and "passive income" generally includes dividends, interest, certain rents and royalties, and certain gains from commodities or securities transactions. In determining whether or not it is a PFIC, a non-U.S. corporation is required to take into account its pro rata portion of the income and assets of each corporation in which it owns, directly or indirectly, at least a 25% interest (by value).
Under certain attribution and indirect ownership rules, if our company is a PFIC, U.S. Holders will generally be deemed to own their proportionate shares of our company's direct or indirect equity interest in any company that is also a PFIC (a "Subsidiary PFIC").
Our Company does not know if it currently is a PFIC or was a PFIC in a prior year and, based on current business plans and financial projections, does not know if it will be a PFIC in subsequent tax years. The determination of PFIC status is inherently factual, is subject to a number of uncertainties, and can be determined only annually after the close of the tax year in question. Additionally, the analysis depends, in part, on the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules, which are subject to differing interpretations. We might be determined to be a PFIC for the current tax year or any prior or future tax year, and no opinion of legal counsel or ruling from the IRS concerning the status of our company as a PFIC has been obtained or will be requested. U.S. Holders should consult their own U.S. tax advisors regarding the PFIC status of our company.
Tax Consequences if Our Company is a PFIC
If our company is a PFIC for any tax year during which a U.S. Holder owns our common shares, special rules may increase such U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability with respect to the ownership and disposition of such common shares. If our company meets the income test or the asset test for any tax year during which a U.S. Holder owns our common shares, our company will be treated as a PFIC with respect to such U.S. Holder for that tax year and for all subsequent tax years, regardless of whether our company meets the income test or the asset test for such subsequent tax years, unless the U.S. Holder elects to recognize any unrealized gain in such common shares or makes a timely and effective QEF Election or, if applicable, Mark-to-Market Election.
Under the default PFIC rules:
• any gain realized on the sale or other disposition (including dispositions and certain other events that would not otherwise be treated as taxable events) of our common shares (including an indirect disposition of the stock of any Subsidiary PFIC) and any "excess distribution" (defined as a distribution to the extent it, together with all other distributions received in the relevant tax year, exceeds 125% of the average annual distribution received during the preceding three years) received on our common shares or with respect to the stock of a Subsidiary PFIC will be allocated ratably to each day of such U.S. Holder's holding period for our common shares;
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• the amount allocated to the current tax year and any year prior to the first year in which our company was a PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income in the current year;
• the amount allocated to each of the other tax years (the "Prior PFIC Years") will be subject to tax at the highest ordinary income tax rate in effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that year;
• an interest charge will be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each Prior PFIC Year, which interest charge is not deductible by non-corporate U.S. Holders; and
• any loss realized on the disposition of our common shares generally will not be recognized.
A U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective "mark-to-market" election under Section 1296 of the Code (a "Mark-to-Market Election") or a timely and effective election to treat our company and each Subsidiary PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" (a "QEF") under Section 1295 of the Code (a "QEF Election") may generally mitigate or avoid the PFIC consequences described above with respect to our common shares.
If a U.S. Holder makes a timely and effective QEF Election, the U.S. Holder must include currently in gross income each year its pro rata share of our company's ordinary income and net capital gains, regardless of whether such income and gains are actually distributed. Thus, a U.S. Holder could have a tax liability with respect to such ordinary income or gains without a corresponding receipt of cash from our company. If our company is a QEF with respect to a U.S. Holder, the U.S. Holder's basis in our common shares will be increased to reflect the amount of the taxed but undistributed income. Distributions of income that had previously been taxed will result in a corresponding reduction of basis in our common shares and will not be taxed again as a distribution to a U.S. Holder. Taxable gains on the disposition of our common shares by a U.S. Holder that has made a timely and effective QEF Election are generally capital gains. A U.S. Holder must make a QEF Election for our company and each Subsidiary PFIC if it wishes to have this treatment. To make a QEF Election, a U.S. Holder will need to have an annual information statement from our company setting forth the ordinary income and net capital gains for the year. U.S. Holders should be aware that we might not satisfy the recordkeeping requirements that apply to a QEF or supply U.S. Holders with information such U.S. Holders require to report under the QEF rules in the event that our company is a PFIC for any tax year.
In general, a U.S. Holder must make a QEF Election on or before the due date for filing its income tax return for the first year to which the QEF Election applies. Under applicable Treasury Regulations, a U.S. Holder will be permitted to make retroactive elections in particular circumstances, including if it had a reasonable belief that our company was not a PFIC and filed a protective election. If a U.S. Holder owns PFIC stock indirectly through another PFIC, separate QEF Elections must be made for the PFIC in which the U.S. Holder is a direct shareholder and the Subsidiary PFIC for the QEF rules to apply to both PFICs. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the availability and desirability of, and procedure for, making a timely and effective QEF Election for our company and any Subsidiary PFIC.
A Mark-to-Market Election may be made with respect to stock in a PFIC if such stock is "regularly traded" on a "qualified exchange or other market" (within the meaning of the Code and the applicable Treasury Regulations). A class of stock that is traded on one or more qualified exchanges or other markets is considered to be "regularly traded" for any calendar year during which such class of stock is traded in other than de minimis quantities on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter. If our common shares are considered to be "regularly traded" within this meaning, then a U.S. Holder generally will be eligible to make a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to such security but not with respect to a Subsidiary PFIC.
When these securities become "regularly traded," a U.S. Holder that makes a timely and effective Mark-to-Market Election with respect to such securities generally will be required to recognize as ordinary income in each tax year in which our company is a PFIC an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of such stock as of the close of such taxable year over the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in such stock as of the close of such taxable year. A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in our securities generally will be increased by the amount of ordinary income recognized with respect to such stock. If the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in our securities as of the close of a tax year exceeds the fair market value of such stock as of the close of such taxable year, the U.S. Holder generally will recognize an ordinary loss, but only to the extent of net mark-to-market income recognized with respect to such stock for all prior taxable years. A U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in our securities generally will be decreased by the amount of ordinary loss recognized with respect to such stock. Any gain recognized upon a disposition of our common shares or warrants generally will be treated as ordinary income, and any loss recognized upon a disposition generally will be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of the net mark-to-market income recognized for all prior taxable years. Any loss recognized in excess thereof will be taxed as a capital loss. Capital losses are subject to significant limitations under the Code. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the availability and desirability of, and procedure for, making a timely and effective Mark-to-Market Election with respect to our common shares.
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Foreign Tax Credit
A U.S. Holder that pays (whether directly or through withholding) Canadian income tax in connection with the ownership or disposition of our common shares may be entitled, at the election of such U.S. Holder, to receive either a deduction or a credit for such Canadian income tax paid. Generally, a credit will reduce a U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis, whereas a deduction will reduce a U.S. Holder's income subject to U.S. federal income tax. This election is made on a year-by-year basis and applies to all creditable foreign taxes paid (whether directly or through withholding) by a U.S. Holder during a year.
Complex limitations apply to the foreign tax credit, including the general limitation that the credit cannot exceed the proportionate share of a U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability that such U.S. Holder's "foreign source" taxable income bears to such U.S. Holder's worldwide taxable income. In applying this limitation, a U.S. Holder's various items of income and deduction must be classified, under complex rules, as either "foreign source" or "U.S. source." Generally, dividends paid by a non-U.S. corporation should be treated as foreign source for this purpose, and gains recognized on the sale of securities of a non-U.S. corporation by a U.S. Holder should be treated as U.S. source for this purpose, except as otherwise provided in an applicable income tax treaty, and if an election is properly made under the Code. However, the amount of a distribution with respect to our common shares that is treated as a "dividend" may be lower for U.S. federal income tax purposes than it is for Canadian federal income tax purposes, resulting in a reduced foreign tax credit allowance to a U.S. Holder. In addition, this limitation is calculated separately with respect to specific categories of income. The foreign tax credit rules are complex, and each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax advisor regarding the foreign tax credit rules.
Special rules apply to the amount of foreign tax credit that a U.S. Holder may claim on a distribution, including a constructive distribution, from a PFIC. Subject to such special rules, non-U.S. taxes paid with respect to any distribution in respect of stock in a PFIC are generally eligible for the foreign tax credit. The rules relating to distributions by a PFIC and their eligibility for the foreign tax credit are complicated, and a U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding their application to the U.S. Holder.
Receipt of Foreign Currency
The amount of any distribution or proceeds paid in Canadian dollars to a U.S. Holder in connection with the ownership, sale or other taxable disposition of our common shares, will be included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder as translated into U.S. dollars calculated by reference to the exchange rate prevailing on the date of actual or constructive receipt of the payment, regardless of whether the Canadian dollars are converted into U.S. dollars at that time. If the Canadian dollars received are not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of receipt, a U.S. Holder will have a basis in the Canadian dollars equal to their U.S. dollar value on the date of receipt. Any U.S. Holder who receives payment in Canadian dollars and engages in a subsequent conversion or other disposition of the Canadian dollars may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be treated as ordinary income or loss, and generally will be U.S. source income or loss for foreign tax credit purposes. Different rules apply to U.S. Holders who use the accrual method with respect to foreign currency. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own U.S. tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving, owning, and disposing of Canadian dollars.
Information Reporting; Backup Withholding
Under U.S. federal income tax law, certain categories of U.S. Holders must file information returns with respect to their investment in, or involvement in, a non-U.S. corporation. For example, U.S. return disclosure obligations (and related penalties) are imposed on individuals who are U.S. Holders that hold certain specified foreign financial assets in excess of certain threshold amounts. The definition of "specified foreign financial assets" includes not only financial accounts maintained in non-U.S. financial institutions, but also, if held for investment and not in an account maintained by certain financial institutions, any stock or security issued by a non-U.S. person, any financial instrument or contract that has an issuer or counterparty other than a U.S. person and any interest in a non-U.S. entity. A U.S. Holder may be subject to these reporting requirements unless such U.S. Holder's shares of our common shares are held in an account at certain financial institutions. Penalties for failure to file certain of these information returns are substantial. U.S. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the requirements of filing information returns on IRS Form 8938 for specified foreign financial assets, filing obligations relating to the PFIC rules including possible reporting on IRS Form 8621, and any other applicable reporting requirements.
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Payments made within the U.S. or by a U.S. payor or U.S. middleman of (a) distributions on our common shares, and (b) proceeds arising from the sale or other taxable disposition of our common shares generally will be subject to information reporting. In addition, backup withholding, currently at a rate of 24%, may apply to such payments if a U.S. Holder (a) fails to furnish such U.S. Holder's correct U.S. taxpayer identification number ("TIN") (generally on Form W-9), (b) furnishes an incorrect U.S. TIN, (c) is notified by the IRS that such U.S. Holder has previously failed to properly report items subject to backup withholding, or (d) fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that such U.S. Holder has furnished its correct U.S. TIN and that the IRS has not notified such U.S. Holder that it is subject to backup withholding. Certain exempt persons generally are excluded from these information reporting and backup withholding rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the U.S. backup withholding rules are allowed as a credit against a U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or will be refunded, if such U.S. Holder furnishes required information to the IRS in a timely manner. The information reporting and backup withholding rules may apply even if, under the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention, payments are exempt from dividend withholding tax or otherwise eligible for a reduced withholding rate.
The discussion of reporting requirements set forth above is not intended to constitute an exhaustive description of all reporting requirements that may apply to a U.S. Holder. A failure to satisfy certain reporting requirements may result in an extension of the time period during which the IRS can assess a tax, and, under certain circumstances, such an extension may apply to assessments of amounts unrelated to any unsatisfied reporting requirement. Each U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the information reporting and backup withholding rules.
Certain Reporting Requirements
A U.S. Holder that acquires common shares generally will be required to file Form 926 with the IRS if (1) immediately after the acquisition such U.S. Holder, directly or indirectly, owns at least 10% of the common shares, or (2) the amount of cash transferred in exchange for common shares during the 12-month period ending on the date of the acquisition exceeds US$100,000. Significant penalties may apply for failing to satisfy these filing requirements. U.S. Holders are urged to contact their tax advisors regarding these filing requirements.
THE ABOVE SUMMARY IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF ALL TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO U.S. HOLDERS WITH RESPECT TO THE ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP OR DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON SHARES. U.S. HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE TAX CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO THEM IN THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
There is no dividend restriction; however, we have not declared any dividends since our inception and do not anticipate that we will do so in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance
the development of our business. Any future payment of dividends or distributions will be determined by our board of
directors on the basis of our earnings, financial requirements and other relevant factors. There is no special procedure for non-resident holders to claim dividends. Any remittances of dividends to United States residents and to other non-residents are, however, subject to withholding tax. See "Taxation" above.
G. Statement by Experts
The financial statements of our company as of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 included in this registration statement have been audited by Davidson & Company LLP, located at 1200 - 609 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V7Y 1G6, Canada, as stated in their reports appearing in this registration statement and have been so included in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
H. Documents on Display
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, as applicable to "foreign private issuers" as defined in Rule 3b-4 under the Exchange Act and applicable Canadian securities legislation and, in accordance therewith, are required to file certain reports with, and furnish other information to, each of the Securities and Exchange Commission and certain securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities of Canada.
60
As a foreign private issuer, we file our annual financial statements on Form 20-F and furnish our quarterly interim financial statements on Form 6-K to the Securities and Exchange Commission. However, the information we file or furnish is not the same as the information that is required in annual and quarterly reports on Form 10-K or Form 10-Q for U.S. domestic issuers. Accordingly, there may be less information publicly available concerning us than there is for a company that files as a U.S. domestic issuer.
The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such filings are available to the public over the internet at the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov.
Our corporate website address is https://phytoextractions.ca. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our corporate website is not part of, and is not incorporated into, this annual report.
I. Subsidiary Information
See Item 4.C - "Organizational Structure" of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
61
Investing in the common shares of our company involves risk. Prospective investors should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus before making an investment decision. If any of the following risks actually occurs, the business, financial condition or results of operations of our company could be harmed. In such an event, the trading price of the common shares could decline and prospective investors may lose part or all of their investment.
Financial instruments - fair value
The Company's financial instruments consist of cash, trade receivables, deposits, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, mortgage payable, lease liability and loan payable.
As at December 31, 2021, the carrying values of cash, receivables and prepayments, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and loan payable approximated their fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The mortgage payable and lease liability approximate fair value due to its market rates of interest charged.
Financial instruments measured at fair value on the condensed interim consolidated statements of financial position are summarized into the following fair value hierarchy levels:
Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
Financial instruments - risk
The Company's financial instruments are exposed to certain financial risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk.
Credit risk
Counterparty credit risk is the risk that the financial benefits of contracts with a specific counterparty will be lost if a counterparty defaults on its obligations under the contract. This includes amounts owed to the Company by these counterparties, less any amounts owed to the counterparty by the Company where a legal right of offset exists and also includes the fair values of contracts with individual counterparties which are recorded in the consolidated financial statements.
The Company's credit risk is predominantly related to cash balances held in financial institutions and accounts receivable. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of such financial assets. At December 31, 2021, the Company expects to recover the full amount of such assets having already incurred a bad debt expense in relation to accounts receivable during the year.
The objective of managing counterparty credit risk is to minimize potential losses in financial assets. The Company assesses the quality of its counterparties, taking into account their credit worthiness and reputation, past performance and other factors.
Cash is only deposited with or held by major financial institutions where the Company conducts its business.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations associated with financial liabilities as they come due. The Company manages its liquidity risk by reviewing on an ongoing basis its capital requirements.
As at December 31, 2021, the Company had a cash balance of $744,541 and current liabilities of $5,341,267 (December 31, 2020 - $1,145,461 and $3,590,794 respectively).
62
Interest rate risk is the risk that future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates. The Company's mortgage payable, and lease liability carry fixed interest rates and as such, the Company is not exposed to interest rate risk.
Foreign currency risk
Foreign currency risk derives from fluctuations in exchange rates between currencies when transacting business in multiple currencies. The Company's business is substantially all conducted in Canadian dollars so it is not subject to any significant foreign currency risk.
Economic dependence
Economic dependence risk is the risk of reliance upon a select number of customers which significantly impact the financial performance of the Company. During the year ended December 30, 2021, two customers represented approximately 99% of the Company's revenue (2020 - three customers' representing 79%,16% and 5% of revenue).
Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities.
Not applicable.
63
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies.
Not applicable.
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds.
Not applicable.
Item 15. Controls and Procedures.
This annual report does not include a report of management's assessment regarding internal control overfinancial reporting or an attestation report of the company's registered public accounting firm due to a transition period established by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission for newly public companies.
Item 16 [Reserved]
Not applicable.
Item 16A Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Board has determined that Paul Morgan qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" and is "independent", as such term is used in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2).
Item 16B. Code of Ethics.
The Company adopted a Code of Conduct on February 26, 2020, that applies to all of the Company's directors and employees, including the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The full text of the Company's Code of Conduct is attached as an exhibit to this annual report.
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The following table sets forth information regarding the amount billed to us by our principal independent auditors, Davidson & Company LLP and other public accounting firms for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| $ | $ | |||||
| Audit fees | 87,225 | 88,848 | ||||
| Accounting fees | 128,185 | 130,900 | ||||
| Tax fees | 5,400 | - | ||||
| Total | 220,810 | 219,748 |
Audit fees
This category includes the aggregate fees billed by our independent auditor for the audit of our consolidated annual financial statements and attestation services that are provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
Accounting fees
This category includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by public accounting firms for accounting services.
Tax fees
This category includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by public accounting firms for tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice.
64
Not applicable.
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable.
Item 16F. Change in Registrant's Certifying Accountant.
Not applicable.
Item 16G. Corporate Governance.
Not applicable.
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
65
Item 17. Financial Statements.
In lieu of responding to this item, we have responded to Item 18 of this annual report.
Item 18. Financial Statements.
Adastra Holdings Inc.
|
|
Page |
|
Consolidated Financial Statements for the Year Ended December 31, 2021 and Period Ended December 31, 2020 |
|
| Independent Auditor's Report | F-2 |
| Consolidated Statements of Financial Position | F-4 |
| Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity | F-6 |
| Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss | F-5 |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | F-7 |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | F-8 |
Item 19. Exhibits.
Exhibit Number
66
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Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.* |
|
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(13) |
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
*Previously filed
**Filed herewith
67
SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
|
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ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. /s/ Michael Forbes |
|
|
Name: Michael Forbes Title: Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Adastra Holdings Ltd.
(formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Consolidated Financial Statements
For the years ended
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Directors of
Adastra Holdings Ltd. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Adastra Holdings Ltd. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.) (the "Company"), as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of loss and comprehensive loss, changes in equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and eight months ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and eight months ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company had a working capital deficiency of $1,120,613 and had incurred losses since inception. These events and conditions indicate a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
2
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatements of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2019.
| /s/ |
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Chartered Professional Accountants |
| May 2, 2022 |
3
|
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position As at December 31, 2021 and 2020 (Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
| Note | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| $ | $ | ||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Cash | |||||||
| Amounts receivable | 7 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and deposits | 8 | ||||||
| Inventory | 9 | ||||||
| Long-term deposits | 8 | ||||||
| Property and equipment | 10 | ||||||
| Intangible assets | 11 | ||||||
| Goodwill | 12 | ||||||
| Total assets | |||||||
| LIABILITIES | |||||||
| Current liabilities | |||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 13 | ||||||
| Current portion of lease liability | 14 | ||||||
| Mortgage payable | 15 | ||||||
| Deferred tax liability | 19 | ||||||
| Lease liability | 14 | ||||||
| Government loan | 3(h) | ||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||
| EQUITY | |||||||
| Share capital | 17 | ||||||
| Shares to be cancelled | 6, 17 | ( |
) | ||||
| Reserves | |||||||
| Deficit | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||
| Total equity | |||||||
| Total liabilities and equity |
Nature of operations and going concern (Note 1)
Commitments and contingencies (Note 22)
Subsequent events (Note 24)
Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors on May 02, 2022:
|
"Michael Forbes" |
|
"Paul Morgan" |
|
Director |
|
Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4
|
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and the eight months ended December 31, 2019 (Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares) |
| Note | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| $ | $ | $ | ||||||||
| Revenue | ||||||||||
| Cost of sales | 9, 10 | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||
| Gross profit | ||||||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||||
| Advertising and promotion | ||||||||||
| Automobile expenses | ||||||||||
| Data program expenses | ||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 10, 11 | |||||||||
| Insurance | ||||||||||
| Office expenses | ||||||||||
| Professional fees and consulting | 18 | |||||||||
| Provision for expected credit losses | 7 | |||||||||
| Rent | ||||||||||
| Research expenses | ||||||||||
| Share-based payments | 17 | |||||||||
| Travel | ||||||||||
| Wages and salaries | ||||||||||
| Write-down of inventory | 9 | |||||||||
| Total operating expenses | ||||||||||
| Loss from operations | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Other income (expense) | ||||||||||
| Accretion expense | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||
| Gain on settlement of accounts payable | ||||||||||
| Interest expense | 14, 15, 16 | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||
| Interest income | ||||||||||
| Listing expense | 4 | ( |
) | |||||||
| Loss on disposal of capital assets | 10 | ( |
) | |||||||
| Realized loss on marketable securities | ( |
) | ||||||||
| Loss before income taxes | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Income tax expense | 19 | ( |
) | |||||||
| Deferred income tax recovery | 19 | |||||||||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Net loss per share | ||||||||||
| Basic and diluted | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | ||||||||||
| Basic and diluted | ||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5
|
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares) |
| Common shares |
Share capital | Shares to be cancelled |
Debenture reserves |
Reserves | Deficit | Total equity | |||||||||||||||
| # | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| May 1, 2019 | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Convertible debenture - pre-RTO | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued pursuant to the reverse acquisition | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued pursuant to the private placement | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss the period | - | - | - | - | - | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2019 | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Convertible debentures - settlement | - | ( |
) | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Units issued for cash | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Share issue cost | - | ( |
) | - | - | - | ( |
) | |||||||||||||
| Shares issued for cash - warrants | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued - services | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued - debt settlement | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payment | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss for the year | - | - | - | - | - | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on acquisition of PerceiveMD | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued on acquisition of Phyto BrandCo | ( |
) | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued pursuant to the private placement | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based payments | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss for the year | - | - | - | - | - | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||
| December 31, 2021 | ( |
) | ( |
) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
6
|
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and the eight months ended December 31, 2019 (Expressed in Canadian dollars) |
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| $ | $ | $ | |||||||
| Operating activities | |||||||||
| Net loss for the year | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||
| Adjustments for non-cash items: | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||
| Depreciation - cost of sales | |||||||||
| Services paid in shares | |||||||||
| Provision for expected credit losses | |||||||||
| Share-based payments | |||||||||
| Accretion | |||||||||
| Gain on settlement of accounts payable | ( |
) | |||||||
| Interest expense | |||||||||
| Interest income | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||
| Listing expense | |||||||||
| Loss on disposal of capital assets | |||||||||
| Realized loss on marketable securities | |||||||||
| Deferred income tax recovery | ( |
) | |||||||
| Net change in non-cash working capital items: | |||||||||
| Amounts receivable | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||
| Prepaid expenses and deposits | ( |
) | |||||||
| Marketable securities | ( |
) | |||||||
| Inventory | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | |||||||||
| Cash used in operating activities | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||
| Financing activities | |||||||||
| Proceeds on private placement of units, net of share issue costs | |||||||||
| Proceeds from warrants exercise | |||||||||
| Proceeds from mortgage renegotiation, net of transaction costs | |||||||||
| Borrowing costs mortgage | ( |
) | |||||||
| Interest paid - mortgage | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||
| Interest paid - lease liability | ( |
) | |||||||
| Principal repaid - lease liability | ( |
) | |||||||
| Proceeds from convertible debenture | |||||||||
| Proceeds from loan | |||||||||
| Cash provided by financing activities | |||||||||
| Investing activities | |||||||||
| Consideration paid on acquisition of Perceive MD | ( |
) | |||||||
| Cash received from the acquisition of PerceiveMD | |||||||||
| Cash received from the acquisition of Phyto BrandCo Ltd.) | |||||||||
| Cash received from the reverse acquisition | |||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||
| Interest income | |||||||||
| Cash used in investing activities | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||
| Cash, beginning of year | |||||||||
| Cash, end of year |
Supplemental cash flow information (Note 20)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
7
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 1 - NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND GOING CONCERN
Adastra Holdings Ltd. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.) (the "Company") was incorporated under the laws of the province of British Columbia on October 14, 1987. The Company is an extraction and processing solutions company. The Company's mission is to develop and deploy large-scale cannabis and hemp extraction technologies and provide turn-key processing solutions to help licensed standard and micro-cultivators maximize the value of every harvest. The Company is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") under the symbol "XTRX". The Company's registered and records office is 5451 275th Street, Langley City, British Columbia, V4W 3X8.
On October 19, 2019, Health Canada issued an Analytical testing license on the Company's facility to Chemia Analytics Inc., ("Chemia"). Chemia is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. On March 13, 2020, Health Canada issued a Standard Processing License to the Company's facility to Adastra labs Inc., ("Labs"). Labs is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
On December 20, 2019, Arrowstar Resources Ltd. ("Arrowstar") acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Adastra Labs Holdings (2019) Ltd. ("Adastra") a private British Columbia cannabis extraction and processing solutions company incorporated on June 18, 2018. The acquisition was completed by entering into a share exchange agreement whereby the parties completed a business combination by way of a transaction that constituted a reverse takeover ("RTO") of the Company by Adastra (the "Transaction"). The Transaction was accounted for as an RTO of Arrowstar by Adastra for accounting purposes, with Adastra being identified as the accounting acquirer, and accordingly, these financial statements are a continuation of Adastra. The net assets of Arrowstar at the date of the RTO are deemed to have been acquired by Adastra (note 4). These consolidated financial statements include the results of operations of Arrowstar since December 20, 2019. The comparative figures are those of Adastra prior to the RTO. At the time of the transaction the Company changed its fiscal year end from April 30 to December 31.
On April 9, 2021, the Company consolidated its issued share capital on a ratio of three (3) old common shares for every one (1) new post-consolidated common share. All current and comparative references to the number of common shares, weighted average number of common shares, loss per share, stock options and warrants have been restated to give effect to this share consolidation.
On August 10, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of 1225140 B.C. Ltd., doing business as PerceiveMD ("PerceiveMD") from the shareholders of PerceiveMD, pursuant to the terms of a share purchase agreement dated August 10, 2021 (see note 5).
On September 1, 2021, the Company changed its name to Adastra Holdings Ltd. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.). Trading of the Company's common shares resumed under the new name and under the same ticker symbol "XTRX" on the Canadian Securities Exchange as market opened on September 1, 2021. Prior to this on April 9, 2021 the Company changed its name from Adastra Labs Holdings Ltd. to Phyto Extractions Inc. and on December 19, 2019 from Arrowstar Resources Ltd to Adastra Labs Holdings Ltd.
On September 15, 2021, the Company completed its previously-announced acquisition of privately held 1204581 B.C. Ltd., doing business as Phyto Extractions ("Phyto BrandCo"), the owner of the intellectual property rights for the Phyto Extractions brand (see note 6).
These consolidated financial statements ("financial statements) are prepared on the basis that the Company will continue as a going concern, which assumes that the Company will be able to continue its operations for the foreseeable future and will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities and commitments in the normal course of operations. These financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of assets and liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue in existence. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on its ability to generate positive cash flows from operations, complete additional financings, and/or extend or modify its mortgage payable (note 15).
8
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 1 - NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND GOING CONCERN (continued)
As at December 31, 2021, the Company had a working capital deficiency of $
NOTE 2 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION
(a) Statement of compliance
These financial statements, including comparatives, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC"). These consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorized for issue on May 02, 2022.
(b) Basis of measurement
These financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for those financial instruments which have been classified at fair value through profit or loss. In addition, except for cash flow information, these financial statements have been prepared using the accrual method of accounting.
All amounts on these financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars which is the functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries.
(c) Reclassification of prior amounts
The Company has reclassified certain items on the consolidated statements of cash flows to conform with current year presentation.
(d) Principles of consolidation
These financial statements include the financial information of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated on consolidation. Control exists where the parent entity has power over the investee and is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. These consolidated financial statements incorporate the accounts of the Company and the following subsidiaries:
|
|
Functional |
Ownership |
|
Adastra Labs Holdings (2019) Ltd. (formerly Adastra Labs Holdings Ltd.) |
CAD |
|
|
Adastra Labs Inc. |
CAD |
|
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1178562 B.C. Ltd. |
CAD |
|
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Adastra Brands Inc. |
CAD |
|
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Chemia Analytics Inc. |
CAD |
|
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1225140 B.C. Ltd (PerceiveMD) |
CAD |
|
|
1204581 B.C. Ltd. (Phyto BrandCo) |
CAD |
|
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company and are included in the financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. The accounting policies of subsidiaries are changed where necessary to align them with the policies adopted by the Company.
9
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 3 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Significant accounting judgements and key sources of estimate uncertainty
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make judgements, and estimates that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses. Management continually evaluates these judgements, estimates and assumptions based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates and judgements which may cause a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities.
The areas which require management to make critical judgments include:
Going concern
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Company will be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. The assessment of the Company's ability to source future operations and continue as a going concern involves judgment. Estimates and assumptions are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. If the going concern assumption were not appropriate for the financial statements, then adjustments to the carrying value of assets and liabilities, the reported expenses and the statement of financial position would be necessary.
Impairment of property and equipment
Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment at each reporting period end or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value, less costs to sell, and its value in use. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment charge is recognized immediately in profit or loss by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the recoverable amount. If an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the lesser of the revised estimate of recoverable amount, and the carrying amount that would have been recorded had no impairment loss been recognized previously.
Assessment of the transactions as asset acquisitions or business combinations
Determination of whether a set of assets acquired and liabilities assumed constitute the acquisition of a business or asset requires the Company to make certain judgments as to whether or not the assets acquired and liabilities assumed include the inputs, processes and outputs necessary to constitute a business as defined in IFRS 3 - Business Combinations. If an acquired set of assets and liabilities includes goodwill, the set is presumed to be a business. The values assigned to common shares and the allocation of the purchase price to the net assets in the acquisition are based on numerous estimates and judgements of the relative fair values of net assets.
Business combinations
Judgement was used in determining whether the acquisitions of PerceiveMD and Phyto BrandCo were a business combination or an asset acquisition. Estimates were made as to the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired. In certain circumstances, such as the valuation of equipment, intangible assets and goodwill acquired, the Company may rely on independent third-party valuators. The Company measured all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair values. The excess of the consideration paid over the acquisition-date fair values of the net assets acquired, was recognized as goodwill as of the acquisition date in business combination.
10
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 3 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
In a business combination, all identifiable assets and liabilities acquired are recorded at their fair values, including the total consideration paid by the Company. One of the most significant estimates relates to the determination of the fair value of these assets and liabilities including assessing the fair value of any identifiable intangible assets. For any intangible asset identified, due to the complexity of determining its fair value, an independent valuation expert may be engaged to measure the fair value, using appropriate valuation techniques, which are generally based on a forecast of the total expected future net cash flows. The evaluations are linked closely to the assumptions made by management regarding the future performance of the assets concerned and any changes in the discount rate applied. For any form of consideration paid by the Company, depending on the type of consideration paid and the complexity of determining its fair value, an independent valuation expert may be engaged to measure the fair value. In the event that there is contingent consideration in an acquisition management makes assumptions as to the probability of the consideration being paid.
The information about significant areas of estimation uncertainty considered by management in preparing these financial statements is as follows:
COVID-19 estimation uncertainty
The coronavirus pandemic continues to have global impacts on workforces, economies, and financial markets. It is not possible for the Company to predict the duration or magnitude of any adverse effects that the pandemic may have on the Company's business or ability to raise funds. As of the date of these financial statements, COVID-19 has had minimal impact on the Company's ability to conduct its operations but may impact the Company's ability to raise funding should restrictions related to COVID-19 be expanded in scope.
Inventory
The Company reviews the net realizable value of, and demand for, its inventory regularly to provide assurance that recorded inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Factors that could impact estimated demand and selling prices include competitor actions, supplier prices and economic trends.
Useful lives and depreciation of property and equipment and intangible assets
The depreciation methods and useful lives reflect the pattern in which management expects the assets' future economic benefits to be consumed by the Company. Judgments are required in determining these expected useful lives.
Goodwill impairment
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is reviewed for impairment at each reporting period end or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the underlying goodwill exceeds its recoverable amount of the associated CGU. The recoverable amount of a CGU is the estimate of future cashflows generated by the CGU, based on management's assumptions. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the recoverable amount of the CGU, an impairment charge is recognized immediately in profit or loss by the amount by which the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the recoverable amount.
Valuation of receivables
The Company recognizes an impairment loss allowance for expected credit losses on trade accounts receivable using a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses. In its assessment, management estimates the expected credit losses based on actual credit loss experience and informed credit assessment, taking into consideration forward-looking information. If actual credit losses differ from estimates, future earnings would be affected.
11
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 3 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Valuation of share-based compensation
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model for valuation of share-based compensation. Option pricing models require the input of subjective assumptions including expected price volatility, risk-free interest rate, and forfeiture rate. Changes in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate and the Company's earnings and equity reserves.
Income taxes
In assessing the probability of realizing income tax assets, management makes estimates related to expectation of future taxable income, applicable tax opportunities, expected timing of reversals of existing temporary differences and the likelihood that tax positions taken will be sustained upon examination by applicable tax authorities. In making its assessments, management gives additional weight to positive and negative evidence that can be objectively verified.
(b) Cash
Cash is comprised of deposits in financial institutions, and cash on hand.
(c) Inventory
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost of cannabis and hemp biomass is comprised of initial third-party acquisition costs, plus analytical testing costs. The Company uses the weighted average costing method to cost extracted cannabis and hemp oil inventory, costs comprised of initial acquisition cost of the biomass and all direct and indirect processing costs including labor related costs, consumables, materials, packaging supplies, utilities, facility costs, analytical testing costs, and production related depreciation. Net realizable value is determined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated cost of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. Packaging and supplies are initially valued at cost and subsequently at the lower of cost and net realizable value.
(d) Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The cost of an item of property and equipment consists of the purchase price, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for its intended use and an initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located. No depreciation is recorded in the year of disposal.
Depreciation is recognized over the following terms, intended to depreciate the cost of property and equipment, less its residual values if any, over its estimated useful lives:
Furniture and equipment
Leasehold improvements
Buildings
Extraction equipment
Laboratory equipment
Computer software
Right-of-use assets
Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and the cost can be measured reliably. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to profit or loss during the period they are incurred. Any gain or loss on the disposal or retirement of equipment is recognized in profit or loss.
12
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 3 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(e) Intangible assets
Intangible assets represent trademarks and patient relationships acquired from business acquisitions.
Intangible assets with finite lives are measured at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Useful lives, residual values, and amortization methods for intangible assets with finite useful lives are reviewed at least annually.
At the end of each reporting period, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its intangible asset to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and intangible assets not yet available for use are tested for impairment at least annually, and whenever there is an indication that the asset may be impaired. Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. If the recoverable amount is less than the carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount and an impairment loss is recognized immediately in profit or loss.
When an impairment subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been previously recognized. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately in profit or loss. An intangible asset is derecognized on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset are recognized in profit or loss when the asset is derecognized.
The Company's intangible assets are comprised of trademarks and patient relationships which are amortized over their useful lives:
Trademarks
Patient relationships
(f) Goodwill
The Company allocates goodwill arising from business combinations to each cash generating unit ("CGU") or group of CGUs that are expected to receive the benefits from the business combination. The carrying amount of the CGU or group of CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated is tested annually for impairment or when there is an indication that the goodwill may be impaired. Any impairment is recognized as an expense immediately. Should there be a recovery in the value of a CGU, any impairment of goodwill previously recorded is not subsequently reversed.
(g) Leases liabilities
Leases are recognized as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability at the date at which the leased asset is available for use by the Company. Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following:
• the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability;
• any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received;
• any initial direct costs; and
• restoration costs
13
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 3 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
The Company assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at inception of a contract. The Company recognizes a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease agreements in which it is the lessee. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate.
The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing its carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease liability (using the effective interest method) and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect lease payments made. The right-of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and the useful life of the underlying asset. The Company applies IAS 36 - Impairment of Assets, to determine whether the asset is impaired and account for any identified impairment loss.
As a practical expedient, IFRS 16 permits a lease not to separate non-lease components, and instead account for any lease and associated non-lease components as a single arrangement. The Company has not used this practical expedient, and accordingly allocates the consideration in the contract to lease and non-lease components based on the stand-alone price of the lease component and aggregate stand-alone price of the non-lease components.
Variable rents that do not depend on an index or rate are not included in the measurement of the lease liability and the right-of-use asset. The related payments are recognized as an expense in the period in which the event or condition that triggers those payments occurs and are presented as such in profit or loss.
Recognition exemptions
The Company has elected not to recognize the ROU asset and lease obligations for short-term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less or for leases of low-value assets. Payments associated with these leases are recognized as general and administrative expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term on the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss.
(h) Government assistance
Government grants and assistance are recognized as a reduction in the related expense in the period in which the grant or assistance become receivable on all conditions, if any, have been satisfied.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company qualified for a government-guaranteed bank loan of $
(i) Share capital
Common shares are classified as shareholders' equity. Transaction costs directly attributable to the issue of common shares are recognized as a deduction from shareholders' equity. Common shares issued for consideration other than cash, are valued based on their market value at the date the shares are issued.
Company has adopted a residual value method with respect to the measurement of warrants attached to private placement units. The residual value method first allocates value to the more easily measurable component based on fair value and then the residual value, if any, to the less easily measurable component. The Company considers the fair value of common shares issued in the private placements to be the more easily measurable component. The balance, if any, is allocated to the attached warrants. Any fair value attributed to the warrants is recorded as warrant reserve.
14
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 3 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
(j) Financial instruments
All financial instruments are recognized initially at fair value on the date at which the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities
A financial asset is classified as measured at: amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI") or fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL"). The classification of financial assets is generally based on the business model in which a financial asset is managed and its contractual cash flow characteristics. Derivatives embedded in contracts where the host is a financial asset in the scope of the standard are never separated. Instead, the hybrid financial instrument as a whole is assessed for classification.
The Company classifies its financial instruments in the following categories based on the purpose for which the asset was acquired: FVTPL, amortized cost and FVOCI. The Company's financial assets and financial liabilities are classified and measured as follows:
|
Asset/Liability |
Classification |
|
Cash |
FVTPL |
|
Amounts receivable |
Amortized cost |
|
Deposits |
FVTPL |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
Amortized cost |
|
Mortgage payable |
Amortized cost |
|
Lease liability |
Amortized cost |
|
Government loan |
Amortized cost |
Impairment
An 'expected credit loss' ("ECL") model applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost. The Company's receivables and deposits are measured at amortized cost and are therefore subject to the ECL model.
Financial assets, other than those classified at FVTPL, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date. Financial assets are considered to be impaired when there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset (a "loss event"), and that loss event has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of that asset. Objective evidence may include significant financial difficulty of the debtor/obligor and/or delinquency in payment. When impairment has occurred, the cumulative loss is recognized in profit or loss.
For financial assets carried at amortized cost, the amount of the impairment loss recognized is the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the financial asset's original effective interest rate. Impairment losses may be reversed in subsequent periods.
(k) Revenue
Cannabis concentrate sales
Cannabis concentrate sales revenue, earned under fee for service agreements, is recognized at a point in time when the Company is considered to have satisfied its performance obligations. The performance obligations are considered satisfied once all of the following have been met: (i) the manufacturing process (services) are complete; (ii) regulatory quality assurance, and customer quality assurance specifications (acceptance of the finished goods) have been met; and (iii) when the transaction price can be reliably measured in instances of variable consideration or non-monetary consideration.
15
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 3 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
At times, the Company may enter into contracts with customers where payment for the services provided by the Company is in the form of retention of a certain portion of the finished goods. In such instances, the consideration amount is variable and it's determined based on fair market values for the same or similar goods. As fair market values are readily available for cannabis concentrate, the level of estimation uncertainty is limited.
Revenues are recorded net of discounts but inclusive of freight in the sale of goods. Once the customer has accepted the finished goods, the Company has no obligations for returns, refunds, warranties or similar obligations.
Revenue from the sale of cannabis biomass and oil is recognized at a point in time when the Company has satisfied the performance obligations under the customer contracts. Revenue from toll processing and white label manufacturing, under fee for service agreements, is recognized over time under the customer contracts.
Consulting revenue
MSP remittance revenue is received from the provincial government of British Columbia for providing medical assessments and consultations to British Columbian residents under the Medical Services Plan ("MSP"). MSP remittance revenue is recognized at the point of service, being the provision of the consultation by the licensed physician.
Referral revenue (educational service fees) is earned under referral agreements with licensed producers ("LP's") of medical cannabis in Canada, duly licensed in accordance with the Cannabis Act. Under the agreements, LP's pay the Company an educational service fee of
Licensing revenue
Licensing revenue is a royalty arrangement whereby the Company recognizes revenue from the licensing of its intellectual property for the sale of consumer packaged goods ("CPG") by a third party (the "Licensee"). The Company recognizes revenue as a percentage of the Licensee's gross revenue when the Licensee sells and delivers products to their customers.
(l) Cost of sales
Cost of sales represents costs directly related to manufacturing and distribution of the Company's products and services. Primary costs include raw materials, packaging, direct labor, overhead, shipping and the depreciation of production equipment and facilities. Manufacturing overhead and related expenses include salaries, wages, employee benefits, utilities, maintenance and property taxes. The Company recognizes the cost of sales as the associated revenue is recognized.
(m) Share-based payment transactions
The Company has a stock option plan that provides for the granting of options to Officers, Directors, related company employees and consultants to acquire shares of the Company. The fair value of the options is measured on grant date and is recognized as an expense with a corresponding increase in reserves as the options vest.
Options granted to employees and others providing similar services are measured at grant date at the fair value of the instruments issued. Fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The amount recognized as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that are expected to vest. Each tranche in an award with graded vesting is considered a separate grant with a different vesting date and fair value. Each grant is accounted for on that basis.
16
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 3 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Options granted to non-employees are measured at the fair value of the goods or services received, unless that fair value cannot be estimated reliably, in which case the fair value of the equity instruments issued is used. The value of the goods or services is recorded at the earlier of the vesting date, or the date the goods or services are received.
Over the vesting period, share-based payments are recorded as an operating expense and as an increase in reserves. When options are exercised the consideration received is recorded as share capital and the related share-based payments originally recorded as reserves are transferred to share capital. When an option is cancelled or expires, the initial recorded value is reversed from reserves and credited to deficit.
(n) Related party transactions
Parties are considered to be related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions. Parties are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or common significant influence, related parties may be individuals or corporate entities. A transaction is considered to be a related party transaction when there is a transfer of resources or obligations between related parties.
(o) Impairment of non-financial assets
The carrying amount of the Company's long-lived assets is reviewed for an indication of impairment at the end of each reporting period. If an indication of impairment exists, the Company makes an estimate of the asset's recoverable amount. Individual assets are grouped for impairment assessment purposes at the lowest level at which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets (cash generating units "CGU"). The recoverable amount of an asset group is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are adjusted for the risks specific to the CGU and are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money.
Where the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its recoverable amount, the CGU is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss. Impairment losses recognized in respect of CGUs are allocated to reduce the carrying amounts of the assets in the CGU on a pro rata basis.
An assessment is made at each reporting date as to whether there is any indication that previously recognized impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount is estimated. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset's recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset's carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, if no impairment loss had been recognized.
(p) Income taxes
Income tax comprises current and deferred income taxes. Current income tax and deferred income tax are recognized in profit or loss, except to the extent that they relate to items recognized directly in shareholders' equity.
Current income tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable profit or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, adjusted for any amendments to tax payable in respect of previous years.
17
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 3 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Deferred income tax is provided for, based on temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and recognized only to the extent that it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilized. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. Deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are offset, if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred income taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
(q) Loss per share
Basic loss per common share is calculated by dividing the loss attributed to shareholders for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the period. Diluted loss per common share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of common shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential common shares. Diluted loss per share is equal to basic loss per share for the periods presented as the effect would be anti-dilutive.
(r) Standards issued but not yet effective
Certain pronouncements have been issued by the IASB or IFRIC that are effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2022. The Company has reviewed these updates and determined that many of these updates are not applicable or consequential to the Company and have been excluded from discussion within these significant accounting policies.
NOTE 4 - REVERSE ACQUISITION
On December 20, 2019, Arrowstar and Adastra completed the Transaction which constituted a reverse acquisition.
The Transaction resulted in the shareholders of Adastra obtaining control of the combined entity by obtaining control of the voting rights, governance and management decision making processes, and the resulting power to govern the financial and operating policies of the combined entity.
The transaction constitutes an RTO of Arrowstar by Adastra and has been accounted for as a reverse acquisition transaction in accordance with the guidance provided in IFRS 2 - Share-based payments. As Arrowstar did not qualify as a business according to the definition in IFRS 3, the RTO does not constitute a business combination; rather it is treated as an issuance of common shares by Adastra for the net assets of Arrowstar and Arrowstar's public listing, with Adastra as the continuing entity. Accordingly, no goodwill was recorded with respect to the transaction as it does not constitute a business combination.
18
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 4 - REVERSE ACQUISITION (continued)
For accounting purposes, Adastra was treated as an accounting parent company (legal subsidiary) and Arrowstar has been treated as the accounting subsidiary (legal parent) in these financial statements. As Adastra was deemed to be the acquirer for accounting purposes, its assets, liabilities, and operations since incorporation are included in these financial statements at their historical carrying values. Arrowstar's results of operations have been included from December 20, 2019.
| December 20, 2019 | |||
| Assets and (liabilities) of Arrowstar acquired | $ | ||
| Cash | |||
| Receivables | |||
| Other assets | |||
| Accounts payable | ( |
) | |
| Net liabilities acquired | ( |
) | |
| Consideration paid in RTO of Arrowstar | |||
| Common shares ( |
|||
| Listing expense |
The Transaction was measured at the fair value of the shares that Adastra would have to issue to the shareholders of Arrowstar, to give the shareholders of Arrowstar the same percentage of equity interest in the combined entity that results from the reverse acquisition had it taken the legal form of Adastra acquiring Arrowstar.
NOTE 5 - ACQUISITION OF PERCEIVEMD
On August 10, 2021, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of PerceiveMD. At closing, the Company issued
PerceiveMD is a multidisciplinary, patient-focused center providing comprehensive assessments for medical cannabis and other therapies. The acquisition will allow the Company to generate revenue from providing cannabis under medical prescriptions.
The transaction has been accounted for as a business combination under IFRS 3 - Business Combinations. The allocation of the purchase consideration is as follows:
| Assets acquired: | $ | ||
| Cash | |||
| Accounts receivable | |||
| Corporate taxes receivable | |||
| Liabilities assumed: | |||
| Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | ( |
) | |
| Fair value of net assets acquired | |||
| Purchase consideration | |||
| Share consideration | |||
| Cash consideration | |||
| Identifiable intangible asset: | |||
| Patient relationships | |||
| Deferred tax liability | ( |
) | |
| Goodwill |
19
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 5 - ACQUISITION OF PERCEIVEMD (continued)
The carrying value of the assets and liabilities acquired equates to fair value due to their short term nature, other than patient relationships (the "Patient Relationships") which are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives.
The intangible assets are comprised of Patient Relationships with a fair value of $
The goodwill generated as a result of this acquisition relates to other intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition.
Included in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss is $
The Company's acquisition of PerceiveMD constitutes a related party transaction as Michael Forbes, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company is also a director and controlling shareholder of PerceiveMD.
NOTE 6 - ACQUISITION OF PHYTO BRANDCO
On September 15, 2021, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Phyto BrandCo, the owner of the intellectual property rights for the Phyto Extractions brand consisting of 21 registered trademarks. At closing, the Company issued
Subsequent to the closing of the acquisition, the Company renegotiated the terms of the acquisition with the former shareholders of Phyto BrandCo due to certain conditions in the acquisition agreement not being met. It was resolved that the consideration be amended from $
Phyto BrandCo licenses its intellectual property to Canadian cannabis license holders and collects royalties by selling cannabis consumer packaged goods to provincial distributors and retailers.
20
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 6 - ACQUISITION OF PHYTO BRANDCO (continued)
The transaction has been accounted for as a business combination under IFRS 3 - Business Combinations. The allocation of the purchase consideration is as follows:
| Assets acquired: | $ | ||
| Cash | |||
| Accounts receivable | |||
| Prepayments | |||
| Property and equipment | |||
| Liabilities assumed: | |||
| Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities | ( |
) | |
| Lease liability | ( |
) | |
| Fair value of net identifiable assets acquired | |||
| Purchase consideration | |||
| Share consideration | |||
| Shares to be cancelled | ( |
) | |
| Identifiable intangible assets: | |||
| Trademarks | |||
| Deferred tax liability | ( |
) | |
| Goodwill |
The carrying value of the assets and liabilities acquired equates to fair value due to their short term nature, other than property and equipment and trademarks which are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives.
Property and equipment acquired included $
The intangible asset is comprised of trademarks (the "Trademarks") with a fair value of $
The goodwill generated as a result of this acquisition relates to other intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition.
The lease liability represents one lease with a fair value of $
Included in the consolidated statement of loss and comprehensive loss is $
21
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 7 - AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE
As at December 31, 2021 and 2020, receivables consisted of the following:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| $ | $ | |||||
| Trade receivables, net of expected credit losses | ||||||
| Sales tax recoverable | ||||||
| Income tax receivable | ||||||
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded a provision for expected credit losses against trade receivables in the amount of $
NOTE 8 - PREPAID EXPENSES AND DEPOSITS
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| $ | $ | |||||
| Prepaid expenses | ||||||
| Deposits | ||||||
As at December 31, 2021, long-term deposits of $
NOTE 9 - INVENTORY
As at December 31, 2021 and 2020, inventory consisted of the following:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| $ | $ | |||||
| Dried cannabis and hemp biomass | ||||||
| Production work in process - distillate | ||||||
| Extracted cannabis and hemp oils (finished goods) | ||||||
Inventory expensed to cost of sales in the year ended December 31, 2021 was $
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized $
22
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 10 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
| Land | Building | Furniture and equipment |
Computer software |
Laboratory equipment |
Extraction equipment |
Building improvements |
Right-of-use asset |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of Phyto BrandCo | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairment | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carrying value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2021 |
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company allocated $
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized an impairment expense of $
23
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 11 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table summarizes the continuity of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Trademarks | Patient relationships |
Total | |||||||
| $ | $ | $ | |||||||
| Cost | |||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2019 and 2020 | |||||||||
| Additions | |||||||||
| Impairment | |||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2021 | |||||||||
| Accumulated depreciation | |||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2019 and 2020 | |||||||||
| Amortization | |||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2021 | |||||||||
| Carrying value | |||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2019 and 2020 | |||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2021 |
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company acquired a total of $
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company acquired a total of $
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized
24
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 12 - GOODWILL
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| $ | $ | |||||
| Opening balance | ||||||
| Addition - PerceiveMD acquisition (note 5) | ||||||
| Addition - Phyto BrandCo acquisition (note 6) | ||||||
| Ending balance |
As at December 31, 2021, the Company assessed for impairment the goodwill recorded through the PerceiveMD acquisition. The Company performed a discounted cash flow analysis to determine PerceiveMD's CGU's value in use, which incorporated the following assumptions: (1) discount rate -
As at December 31, 2021, the Company assessed for impairment the goodwill recorded through the Phyto BrandCo acquisition. The Company performed a discounted cash flow analysis to determine Phyto BrandCo CGU's value in use, which incorporated the following assumptions: (1) discount rate -
NOTE 13 - ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
As at December 31, 2021 and 2020, accounts payables and accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| $ | $ | |||||
| Accounts payable | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities | ||||||
NOTE 14 - LEASE LIABILITY
A summary of the Company's lease liability for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| $ | $ | |||||
| Opening balance | ||||||
| Additions - Phyto BrandCo acquisition | ||||||
| Interest | ||||||
| Repayments | ( |
) | ||||
| Closing balance | ||||||
| Less: current portion | ||||||
| Long-term portion |
On October 15, 2020, prior to being acquired by the Company, Phyto BrandCo entered into a
25
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 15 - MORTGAGE PAYABLE
| First Mortgage |
Second Mortgage |
Third Mortgage |
Fourth Mortgage |
Total | |||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2019 | |||||||||||||||
| New mortgage (refinancing) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||
| Transaction costs | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | |||||||||||||||
| Repayments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||||||
| New mortgage (refinancing) | ( |
) | |||||||||||||
| Transaction costs | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||||
| Interest expense | |||||||||||||||
| Repayments | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) | |||||||
| Balance, December 30, 2021 |
(i) On January 7, 2019, the Company entered into a mortgage for $
The carrying value of the First Mortgage at December 31, 2019 was $
The Company maintained minimum interest-only payments of $
(ii) On February 1, 2020, the Company renewed the First Mortgage of $
The carrying value of the Second Mortgage payable as at December 31, 2020 was $
The Company maintained minimum interest-only payments of $
(iii) On February 1, 2021, the Company renewed the Second Mortgage of $
On July 9, 2021, the Third Mortgage was refinanced (see below). As a result, the carrying value of the Third Mortgage payable at December 31, 2021 was $
Until refinancing, the Company maintained minimum interest-only payments of $
26
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 15 - MORTGAGE PAYABLE
(iv) On July 9, 2021, the Company refinanced the Third Mortgage and increased the facility to $
The Company maintains minimum interest-only payments of $
NOTE 16 - CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
On October 31, 2019, the Company closed a
If the closing price of the Common Shares of the Company was higher than $3.00 for any 10 consecutive trading days, the expiry date of the Warrants may be accelerated to the 30th day after the date of a news release announcing such acceleration. The debentures were secured to the facility subordinate to the mortgage currently on the facility.
As the debentures were convertible into units, the liability and equity components were presented separately on the consolidated statement of financial position. The initial carrying amount of the financial liability was determined by discounting the stream of future payments of interest and principal at a market interest rate of
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company settled principal plus accrued interest of $
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded interest expense of $
27
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 17 - SHARE CAPITAL
(a) Authorized
Unlimited number of voting common shares without par value.
(b) Issued share capital
As at December 31, 2021,
(c) Share issuances
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company had the following share transactions:
(i) On August 10, 2021, the Company issued
(ii) On September 15, 2021, the Company issued
(iii) On October 18, 2021, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement whereby the Company issued
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company had the following share transactions:
(i) On January 17, 2020, the Company issued
(ii) On January 27, 2020, the Company issued
(iii) On July 10, 2020, the Company issued
(iv) On July 13, 2020, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement whereby
28
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 17 - SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
In conjunction with the financing, finders' fees of $
Each underlying common share purchase warrant (a "Compensation Option Warrant") will be subject to the same terms as the warrants attached to the units sold in the financing. If the Compensation Option Warrants are accelerated prior to the exercise of the Compensation Option, each Compensation Option Warrant will expire 30 days after the date of exercise of the Compensation Option. The fair value of the Compensation Option was $
Additionally, the Company settled services and outstanding indebtedness of $
(v) On July 16, 2020, the Company issued
(vi) On July 28, 2020, the Company issued
(vii) On August 5, 2020, the Company issued
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company had the following share transactions:
(i) On December 20, 2019, the Company closed
(d) Escrow shares
The Company entered into an Escrow Agreement in connection with closing the RTO on December 20, 2019, in relation to certain of its common shares which were placed in escrow. Pursuant to the Escrow Agreement the escrowed common shares are subject to a timed-release schedule whereby a 10% portion of the escrow shares will be released beginning on listing date, and 15% every six months thereafter until January 6, 2023.
As at December 31, 2021,
29
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 17 - SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
(e) Stock options
The Company has an incentive stock option plan (the "Plan") which provides for the granting of options. Under the Plan the maximum number of stock options issued cannot exceed
A participant who is a consultant conducting investor relations activities who is granted an option under the Plan will become vested with the right to exercise one-quarter of the option upon conclusion of every three months subsequent to the grant date. All options are to be settled by physical delivery of shares.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company, the Company had the following grants:
(i) On August 4, 2021, the Company granted
(ii) On October 25, 2021, the Company granted an aggregate of
(iii) On October 28, 2021, the Company granted an aggregate of
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company had the following grants:
(i) On January 30, 2020, the Company granted
(ii) On June 1, 2020, the Company granted
(iii) On August 5, 2020, the Company granted
30
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 17 - SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
The fair value of the stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and the eight months ended December 31, 2019 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:
|
|
2021 |
2020 |
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
|
Annualized volatility |
|
|
|
Expected dividend yield |
|
|
|
Expected life |
|
|
A summary of the changes in the Company's stock options outstanding and exercisable is as follows:
| Stock options outstanding and exercisable |
Weight average exercise price |
|||||
| # | $ | |||||
| As at December 31, 2019 | ||||||
| Granted | ||||||
| Cancelled | ( |
) | ||||
| As at December 31, 2020 | ||||||
| Granted | ||||||
| Cancelled | ( |
) | ||||
| As at December 31, 2021 | ||||||
| As at December 31, 2020 | ||||||
| As at December 31, 2021 |
As at December 31, 2021, the Company had stock options outstanding and exercisable as follows:
|
Options outstanding and exercisable |
Weighted average |
Expiry date |
Weighted average |
|
# |
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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(f) Compensation options
As at December 31, 2021, the Company has
31
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 17 - SHARE CAPITAL (continued)
(g) Warrants
As an incentive to complete a private placement the Company may issue units which include common shares and common share purchase warrants. Using the residual value method, the Company determines whether a value should be allocated to the warrants attached to private placement units. Finders' warrants may be issued as a private placement share issue cost and are valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
The fair value of the warrants granted during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and the eight months ended December 31, 2019 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | N/A | N/A | |||||||
| Annualized volatility | N/A | N/A | |||||||
| Expected dividend yield | N/A | N/A | |||||||
| Expected life |
|
N/A | N/A |
A summary of the changes in the Company's warrants outstanding and exercisable is as follows:
| Warrants outstanding and exercisable |
Weight average exercise price |
|||||
| # | $ | |||||
| As at inception | ||||||
| Issued | ||||||
| As at December 31, 2019 | ||||||
| Issued | ||||||
| Exercised | ( |
) | ||||
| Expired | ( |
) | ||||
| As at December 31, 2020 | ||||||
| Issued | ||||||
| As at December 31, 2021 and 2020 |
As at December 31, 2021, the Company had warrants outstanding and exercisable as follows:
|
Warrants outstanding and exercisable |
Weighted average exercise price |
Expiry date |
Weighted average |
|
# |
$ |
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32
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 18 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Key management personnel are those having the authority and responsibility for planning, directing, and controlling the Company. There were no loans to key management personnel or Directors, or entities over which they have control or significant influence during the years ended December 31, 2021, or 2020.
During the year ended December 31, 2021,
The following related parties transacted with the Company or Company controlled entities ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019:
(i) Andrew Hale was a Director and the Company's President and CEO. He resigned on March 1, 2021.
(ii) Blaine Bailey was a Director and Chairman of the Company's Audit Committee. He resigned on March 26, 2021.
(iii) Stephen Brohman was the Company's CFO. He is a principal of Donaldson Brohman Martin CPA Inc. ("DBM CPA") a firm in which he has significant influence. DBM CPA provided the Company with CFO, accounting and tax services. Stephen Brohman resigned on July 14, 2021.
(iv) George Routhier is a Company Director. He is the owner of Pipedreemz Inc. ("Pipedreemz"), which provides advisory services to the Company.
(v) Michael Forbes is a Director and the Company's President and CEO. He was appointed on April 29, 2021 and is the owner of MDC Forbes, which provides CEO services to the Company.
(vi) Donald Dinsmore was a Director and the Company's COO. He was appointed on April 29, 2021 and left the Company on February 22, 2022.
(vii) Oliver Foeste is the Company's CFO. He was appointed on July 14, 2021 and is the Managing Partner of Invictus Accounting Group LLP which provides the Company with CFO, accounting and tax services.
(viii) Paul Morgan is the Company's Director. He was appointed on July 14, 2021.
The aggregate value of transactions with key management personnel and Directors and entities over which they have control or significant influence during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and the eight months ended December 31, 2019 were as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| $ | $ | $ | |||||||
| Andrew Hale | |||||||||
| DBM CPA | |||||||||
| Donald Dinsmore | |||||||||
| Invictus Accounting Group LLP | |||||||||
| MDC Forbes | |||||||||
| Pipedreemz | |||||||||
In addition to the above, the Company's acquisition of PerceiveMD constitutes a related party transaction as Michael Forbes, was also a Director and controlling shareholder of PerceiveMD prior to the transaction (note 5).
As at December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had an outstanding accounts payable balance with related parties as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| $ | $ | |||||
| DBM CPA | ||||||
| Donald Dinsmore | ||||||
| Invictus Accounting Group LLP | ||||||
| MDC Forbes | ||||||
| Michael Forbes | ||||||
33
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 18 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (continued)
All related party balances are unsecured and are due within thirty days without interest and incurred in the normal course of business.
The transactions with the key management personnel and Directors are included in operating expenses as follows:
(a) Consulting fees
Includes advisory services of George Routhier, charged to the Company via Pipedreemz, and CEO services by Michael Forbes, charged to the Company via MDC Forbes.
(b) Professional fees
Includes accounting and tax services of the Company's former CFO, Stephen Brohman, charged to the Company via DBM CPA and accounting services of the Company's new CFO, Oliver Foeste, charged to the Company via Invictus Accounting Group LLP.
(c) Wages and salaries
Includes services by Andrew Hale as the prior CEO, and Donald Dinsmore as prior COO.
NOTE 19 - INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense differs from the amount that would result by applying the combined Canadian federal and provincial income tax rates to net income before income taxes. The statutory rate in Canada was
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| $ | $ | |||||
| Loss for the period | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||
| Combined federal and provincial statutory income tax rates | ||||||
| Expected income tax (recovery) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||
| Change in statutory rates and other | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||
| Permanent differences | ||||||
| Adjustment to prior years provision versus statutory tax returns | ( |
) | ||||
| Change in unrecognized deductible temporary differences | ||||||
| Total income tax recovery | ( |
) | ||||
| Current income tax expense | ||||||
| Deferred tax (recovery) | ( |
) |
34
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 19 - INCOME TAXES (continued)
Deductible temporary differences
The components of the Company's unrecognized deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows as at December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| $ | $ | |||||
| Deferred tax assets (liabilities) | ||||||
| Property equipment and other | ||||||
| Intangible assets | ( |
) | ||||
| Non-capital losses available for future period | ||||||
| Less: unrecognized deferred tax assets | ( |
) | ( |
) | ||
| Deferred tax liability | ( |
) |
The significant components of the Company's temporary differences, unused tax credits and unused tax losses that have not been included on the consolidated statement of financial position are as follows:
| December 31, 2021 |
Expiry Date Range |
December 31, 2020 |
Expiry Date Range |
|||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||
| Temporary differences | ||||||||||||
| Property equipment and other | No expiry date | No expiry date | ||||||||||
| Non-Capital losses | 2038 to 2041 | 2038 to 2040 |
The Company has non-capital losses, for which deductions against future taxable income are uncertain, of approximately $
NOTE 20 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
| $ | $ | $ | |||||||
| Non-cash financing activities | |||||||||
| Conversion of convertible debentures - debenture reserves | |||||||||
| Convertible debentures - settlement | ( |
) | |||||||
| Convertible debentures - reserves | ( |
) | |||||||
| Share issuance costs - Compensation Options | ( |
) | |||||||
| Non-cash investing activities | |||||||||
| Equipment purchases included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | |||||||||
| Shares issued for debt settlement |
During the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and the eight months ended December 31, 2019 no amounts were paid for income tax expense.
35
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 21 - FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
(a) Capital management
The Company defines capital as the components of shareholders' equity. The Company's objectives when managing capital are to support further advancement of the Company's business objectives, as well as to ensure that the Company is able to meet its financial obligations as they come due.
The Company manages its capital structure to maximize its financial flexibility making adjustments to it in response to changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets and business opportunities. The Company relies on the expertise of the Company's management to sustain the future development of the business. Management reviews its capital management approach on an ongoing basis and believes that this approach, given the relative size of the Company, is reasonable.
There were no changes in the Company's approach to capital management during the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.
(b) Financial instruments - fair value
The Company's financial instruments consist of cash, trade receivables, deposits, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, mortgage payable, lease liability and loan payable.
As at December 31, 2021, the carrying values of cash, amounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximated their fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
Financial instruments measured at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial position are summarized into the following fair value hierarchy levels:
Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices).
Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
(c) Financial instruments - risk
The Company's financial instruments are exposed to certain financial risks, including credit risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk.
Credit risk
Counterparty credit risk is the risk that the financial benefits of contracts with a specific counterparty will be lost if a counterparty defaults on its obligations under the contract. This includes amounts owed to the Company by these counterparties, less any amounts owed to the counterparty by the Company where a legal right of offset exists and also includes the fair values of contracts with individual counterparties which are recorded in the consolidated financial statements.
The Company's credit risk is predominantly related to cash balances held in financial institutions and accounts receivable. The maximum exposure to credit risk is equal to the carrying value of such financial assets. At December 31, 2021, the Company expects to recover the full amount of such assets having already incurred a bad debt expense in relation to accounts receivable during the year.
The objective of managing counterparty credit risk is to minimize potential losses in financial assets. The Company assesses the quality of its counterparties, taking into account their credit worthiness and reputation, past performance and other factors.
36
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 21 - FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)
Cash is only deposited with or held by major financial institutions where the Company conducts its business.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its financial obligations associated with financial liabilities as they come due. The Company manages its liquidity risk by reviewing on an ongoing basis its capital requirements.
As at December 31, 2021, the Company had a cash balance of $
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates. The Company's mortgage payable, and lease liability carry fixed interest rates and as such, the Company is not exposed to interest rate risk.
Foreign currency risk
Foreign currency risk derives from fluctuations in exchange rates between currencies when transacting business in multiple currencies. The Company's business is substantially all conducted in Canadian dollars so it is not subject to any significant foreign currency risk.
Economic dependence
Economic dependence risk is the risk of reliance upon a select number of customers which significantly impact the financial performance of the Company. During the year ended December 30, 2021,
NOTE 22 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
A summary of undiscounted liabilities and future operating commitments as at December 31, 2021, are as follows:
| Total | Within 1 year | 2 - 5 years | |||||||
| $ | $ | $ | |||||||
| Maturity analysis of financial liabilities | |||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | |||||||||
| Mortgage payable | |||||||||
| Lease liability | |||||||||
| Government loan | |||||||||
NOTE 23 - SEGMENTED INFORMATION
Reportable segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources, and in assessing performance. The Company has a single reportable segment: the provision of goods and services to the cannabis industry in Canada. All the Company's revenues are generated in Canada, and its non-current assets are located in Canada.
37
ADASTRA HOLDINGS LTD. (formerly Phyto Extractions Inc.)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2021, 2020 and the eight months ended December 31, 2019
(Expressed in Canadian dollars, except number of shares)
NOTE 24 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
(i) On January 6, 2022,
38
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|
Adastra Employee Handbook |
Table of Contents
|
|
Adastra Employee Handbook |
|
|
Adastra Employee Handbook |
|
|
Adastra Employee Handbook |
| Staff Member | 89 |
| Staff Policies | 89 |
| Technology Tools | 89 |
| Undue Hardship | 90 |
| Volunteer | 90 |
| Workplace | 90 |
| Workplace Violence | 90 |
| Work Product | 91 |
|
|
Adastra Employee Handbook |
INTRODUCTION
Welcome
If you have just recently joined us, on behalf of Adastra Labs Holdings Ltd. and subsidiaries and your fellow Staff Members, please accept our warmest welcome to the Company.
We trust that you'll take pride in being a member of our team and that your experience with us will be challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding.
Welcome aboard! We're happy you're with us and look forward to working with you. Andrew M. Hale, CEO & Director
About This Employee Handbook (the "Manual")
This employee handbook (the "Manual") will answer most questions you may have about the Company. It will help you understand the following:
• Our business and culture
• The expectations the Company has of all Staff
• The current policies, programs, and benefits available to you
The Manual isn't intended to address every situation you may encounter during your Engagement with the Company, neither is it intended to stifle creativity in how you do your work.
Instead, the guidelines outlined in the document are intended to help you with your work life. We believe that clearly documenting expectations and process helps to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.
We strongly discourage the printing of this document, but if you must print it, we kindly ask that you consider the environment before doing so. Print only the section(s) that you need.
|
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
STAFF POLICIES
Overview
About Staff Policies
Well-run companies develop policies and guidelines that reflect good business practices. Taking the time to anticipate and think through various situations and scenarios in advance means that our people policies are clear, and we all - Staff and management - have a common reference point. This means more stability, a safer and more comfortable working environment, more focus on the business, with more results and success - all of which are good for you and the Company.
We're a partnership. You do your part and the Company does its part.
• You agree to provide services in good faith and to adhere to the policies in the Staff Policies section.
• The Company agrees to provide you with pay for your services, adhere to the law as it relates to the workplace, and provide any other benefits outlined in your Engagement (Employment) Agreement.
As with any good partnership, Staff Policies also outline up front what each partner agrees to, and how each will behave should the partnership end.
Wherever possible, Staff Policies are written in plain, everyday language. 'Legalese' isn't really our style, but there are some areas where it's necessary. In many cases, the policies are written to comply with rules laid out by legislation, which often requires explicit - and sometimes wordy - language.
Being explicit in this respect, however, is a best practice for any well-run company. Staff Policies aren't meant to restrict your personal rights. Rather, you'll notice that most of them are in place to protect your rights and ensure you have a comfortable working environment.
In some cases, Staff Policies are also intended to protect us from those rare individuals who defend inappropriate actions by claiming "I didn't know." As a result, some of the explicit language may come across as formal or distrusting, which isn't how we operate. Our intent is to provide those rare individuals with crystal clarity about what's appropriate and what isn't, as an additional measure of protection for both Staff and the Company.
If you're an ethical and reasonable person, most Staff Policies will seem like common sense. Even so, we all have to sign off on them.
So, please bear with us. Read them carefully, ask as many questions as you like, and let's get through this housekeeping item together.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Terminology Used in This Manual ("Terminology")
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
POLICY
When you sign-off on Staff Policies, you're essentially signing an agreement acknowledging that you've read and understand the policies included in the Staff Policies section of the Manual, and that you agree to adhere to them. So, it's important you understand the terminology used in this Manual.
It's also the Company's intention to be compliant with BC and Canadian law throughout this Manual. In the event that something in the Manual conflicts with federal or provincial laws, those laws will govern.
This Manual uses certain terms that have specific formal meanings. All formal terms are capitalized when used throughout the Manual.
Frequently Used Terms
Rather than defining a formal term each time it's used in this Manual, they are defined in a separate section at the end of this document called Terms & Definition.
Infrequently Used Terms
Some terms only apply to specific topics. In those cases, the definition is included in the Definitions section under that topic.
Who Do 'Staff Policies' Apply To?
POLICY
It's the Company's intention to communicate expectations clearly, and to specify to whom a policy or topic applies.
In most topics, you'll see a table directly under the topic heading. This table clearly defines to whom the policy applies. An example table is shown below.
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
If the topic doesn't specify to whom it applies, it applies to Everyone.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Conditions of Your Engagement
All Staff Policies are important. However, it's particularly important that you understand the policies in this section because its principles are referenced throughout the Manual.
Sign-Off on Staff Policies
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
POLICY
As a condition of your Engagement, you have signed, or are expected to sign, a Staff Policies Agreement. This Agreement confirms that you understand and agree to abide by the Staff Policies described in the Manual, which protect you, your co-workers, and the Company.
The following is meant to remind you of the general provisions included in the Staff Policies Agreement, which may differ slightly from the one you signed. You are always welcome to contact your Manager or the HR Manager (if assigned) to review the Agreement you signed to confirm and understand its provisions.
1. I have received from the Company my copy of the Manual on <date>.
2. I have read and understand Staff Policies and I agree that my Engagement will be governed by Staff Policies.
3. If I am not an employee of the Company, I understand that all Staff Policies are applicable to me, except for topics that indicate that they apply only to employees.
4. The Company may, from time to time, amend, alter, change or delete policies included in Staff Policies to meet its business needs or adhere to changing legislation, and I agree that upon receiving notice of such policies, my Engagement with the Company will be governed by such revised policies.
5. I am aware that if I do not understand any of the information included in Staff Policies, I can discuss any questions I may have with my Manager or HR Manager (if assigned) prior to signing and returning this Agreement.
6. I understand that failure to adhere to Staff Policies may result in disciplinary measures, up to and including immediate termination of my Engagement with just cause.
7. I understand that the policies and subject matters included in Staff Policies supersede all and any previous policies or subject matters referred to in Staff Policies and supersede any and all previous understandings (whether written or oral) made between me and the Company or any of its representatives.
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8. I understand that my Engagement (Employment) Agreement outlines all of the Company's obligations as it relates to my Engagement (Employment). Unless specifically referenced in my Engagement (Employment) Agreement or in this Agreement, policies outside of the Staff Policies section do not form additional Company obligations relating to my Engagement and are not a guarantee by the Company of the conditions and benefits that are described within them and are not a promise by the Company of specific treatment in a specific situation.
9. I understand that it is the Company's intention to be compliant with the law throughout the Manual and in the event that something in the Manual conflicts with federal or provincial laws, those laws will govern.
10. I fully understand and accept the contents, terms, and effects of Staff Policies; that I sign this Agreement as a free act.
11. Understand and agree that I am receiving Consideration in exchange for this signed Agreement and that the benefit of the Consideration exceeds what I would be entitled to receive in the absence of this Agreement.
Consequences of Non-Adherence to 'Staff Policies'
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
POLICY
Failure to adhere to Staff Policies may result in disciplinary measures, up to and including immediate termination of your Engagement with Just Cause.
Some policy breaches are more serious than others, and as such will result in more severe consequences. Certain breaches may also negatively and/or permanently affect the Company's business, and may even be life threatening to Company Stakeholders. In these situations, punitive measures, including legal or criminal action may be pursued.
No Expectation to Workplace Privacy
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
We must assume that everything we do while in the Workplace, and everything we store or access using Company Materials, Technology Tools, or Electronic Communications, is up for scrutiny.
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POLICY
Here's what you need to know:
• The Company reserves the right to read, verify, inspect, audit, or monitor anything you do in the Workplace.
• Inspections may be conducted at any time, with or without notice, to monitor performance, conduct, and Workplace safety and security.
• Log in accounts, Company Materials, Electronic Communication tools, or other equipment belonging to the Company and supplied for the purposes of your work are not to be considered private as there may be times when another Staff Member is required, for business purposes, to access these materials in your absence.
This Policy is not intended as a punitive measure. It's in place to protect you, your co-workers, your belongings, and the Company's business interests. It's also designed to protect us all against potential liability.
When You Leave the Company
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
This is what we agree to when we leave the Company.
POLICY
When your Engagement is terminated for any reason:
• Upon the Company's request to do so, you will promptly return all Company Materials in good order, whether prepared by you or others.
• You agree to re-acknowledge, by way of signed agreement before or upon your last day of your Engagement, your understanding and agreement with the provisions included in the following Policies that survive and continue after termination of your Engagement for any reason:
• Confidentiality Agreement
• Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, & Non-Disparagement Agreement
• Intellectual Property
• Insider Trading
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Employee Benefits Plan Participation & Long-Term Absence
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
There's a limit to how long we can participate in the Company's benefit plan without being at work.
POLICY
Should you not be actively at work in the Workplace for any reason, the maximum time you may continue to participate in the Company's benefits plan without being at work is 12 months provided you pay 100% of the costs of those benefits. At that time, your participation in the Company benefits plan will be terminated.
Any benefits provided to you by our Insurance Carriers on a premium-free basis beyond 12 months may continue to be available to you in accordance with the applicable Insurance Carriers' Benefit Contract & Plan Provisions.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Conduct Expectations
Not every situation you'll encounter is covered in our Conduct Expectations policies; some situations are black and white while others may have shades of grey. You're entrusted to use good judgment in your day-to-day activities, and to seek further information or assistance when you need it.
If you spend even a fraction of a second questioning the appropriateness of your actions, carefully reconsider the action, proceed with caution, or back away until you have considered and understand all possible consequences.
Code of Conduct
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
Ethical and appropriate conduct is expected in life, and in the Workplace. Misconduct won't be tolerated.
POLICY
Everyone is expected to conduct themselves in an ethical and appropriate manner. We strive to protect the Company and Company Stakeholders from inappropriate, damaging or illegal actions committed either knowingly or unknowingly.
The Company will not tolerate Misconduct and will immediately take appropriate corrective or disciplinary actions when Misconduct occurs, up to and including immediate termination of your Engagement with Just Cause.
Here's what you're expected to adhere to:
• Conduct yourself in an ethical and appropriate manner.
• Understand and adhere to Staff Policies.
• Understand and adhere to your individual responsibilities outlined in the Health & Safety Program.
• Don't engage in Misconduct.
Off-Duty Conduct
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
OVERVIEW
Just because we've left the Workplace doesn't mean we can do or say anything we want without consequences.
POLICY
Off-Duty Misconduct will not be tolerated. You'll be disciplined, up to and including immediate termination of your Engagement with Just Cause for engaging in Off-Duty Misconduct.
The Company has a right to maintain its brand and reputation and Staff have a right to work in a comfortable environment free of inappropriate conduct and statements by co-workers, including threatening or harassing behaviour.
Do these rights apply to your conduct or actions that occur outside of the Workplace? Yes. It makes no difference how these rights are violated, or if it happens during working hours or off-duty. Once Misconduct occurs, particularly if it's in the public domain, Staff may lose trust and respect for you and may even refuse to work with you.
You don't have to like your co-workers or agree with the Company or with everything in the Workplace, but you do need to be respectful, ethical, lawful, and professional when off-duty.
Confidentiality Agreement
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
If it's defined as Confidential Information, we're expected to keep it safe and not share it externally or with other Staff unless there's a legitimate business or legal reason to do so. Some of the provisions of this Policy also survive termination of your Engagement.
POLICY
The Company takes Confidential Information very seriously, including securing the private and Confidential Information of Company Stakeholders. Any unauthorized disclosure, use, or dissemination of Confidential Information could seriously and detrimentally affect the conduct of the business and interests of the Company and its goodwill.
Here's what you're expected to adhere to:
• Confidential Information must not be divulged to anyone other than authorized persons, and must only be used for the Company's benefit. When in doubt, ask your Manager.
• Confidential Information includes this Manual document, which must not be shared with anyone outside the Company or anyone who is not authorized to view it.
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• Confidential Information must only be divulged to a Company Stakeholder when it's essential for you and the Company Stakeholder to perform your jobs, and you're both in authorized positions to communicate and receive that information.
• ** You may be in a position where highly sensitive Confidential Information or private, personal, or sensitive information about Company Stakeholders is entrusted to you, such as:
• A position in Payroll, Finance, Legal, Human Resources
• A position that has access to private customer information
• A senior position with access to highly sensitive or strategic information
In these positions, safeguarding Confidential Information is an expected part of your duties and ought to be known by any Reasonable Person in these types of roles. As such, you're measured by a higher standard. Disclosing any Confidential Information or private, personal, or sensitive information about Company Stakeholders without a valid and authorized business reason to do so will result in disciplinary action, particularly in the case where personal or private information was used or disclosed for personal gain, or to be hurtful. An example would be sharing medical information about a co-worker with another co-worker to propagate malicious gossip or because it makes for a good story.
• ** If you're asked to take on a project or work assignment that includes temporary access to Confidential Information that you don't normally have access to in your day-to-day duties, such as confidential, private, personal, or sensitive information about Company Stakeholders, you'll be required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement beyond what your Engagement (Employment) Agreement may specify or require, which will hold you to the same higher standard used to measure positions that are entrusted with such Information.
• ** For a period of five years after your Engagement with the Company is terminated, except as authorized by a Director or officer of the Company (other than you), you won't directly or indirectly, use, disseminate, or disclose any Confidential Information to anyone.
• ** If you're compelled by law or ordered by a Court to disclose any Confidential Information, you will not be deemed to have breached your obligations to the extent that you comply.
** Provisions of this Policy that survive termination of your Engagement for any reason.
PROCEDURE
Here's how we expect you to handle and secure Confidential Information when in the Workplace, including working remotely or in your home office:
• Confidential Information including all Company Materials will be safeguarded at all times.
• If, at any time, you become aware of any unauthorized access, use, possession, or knowledge of any Confidential Information by any third party, you'll immediately notify your Manager and you'll take all reasonable steps requested by the Company to prevent the recurrence of such unauthorized access, use, possession, or knowledge.
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• All printed Confidential Information residing in your place of work in the Workplace will be locked, safeguarded, and shredded when no longer required.
• All Confidential Information must be stored in secure folders on the Company server or cloud storage application, which restricts access based on user permissions. This enables the appropriate back up and restoration procedures and ensure that confidentiality is maintained.
• Confidential Information will never be stored on any personal server, personal drive, personal cloud directory, or personal file sharing account. All electronic files will be saved in the Company's cloud storage provider Dropbox.
• Company stationery, Company email, and other Company Technology Tools or Electronic Communication tools will be used exclusively for communicating Confidential Information.
• Personal devices or other personal methods will not be used to communicate Confidential Information. This does not apply to personal cell phones being used for work-related discussions.
• All final signed contracts and corporate documents must be kept in segregated electronic folders with restricted access privileges.
• Everyone is responsible for protecting the security of Confidential Information on our servers and cloud-based websites. You must not reveal your passwords to anyone, under any circumstances.
• Data storage devices such as portable drives and CDs must be password-protected.
• Everyone is expected to secure Confidential Information within their workspaces. This means that when you leave work for the day or are absent from your desk or workspace for an extended period, you must lock all Confidential Information in your desk or storage cabinet(s). This includes papers and data storage devices such as portable drives and CDs.
• If you have a legitimate business reason for communicating Confidential Information to people outside of the Company (for the purposes of this Policy, "Third Parties"), you'll provide the Company with all reasonable assistance to protect the confidentiality of any Confidential Information that you may have to directly or indirectly disclose, publish, or make available to Third Parties. Measures to protect Confidential Information, include the following:
• Highly sensitive Confidential Information will not be communicated using unsecured regular email or wireless mobile devices, and will only be communicated using the following methods:
◾ In person
◾ Using a cell phone via encrypted VOIP or chatting on applications such as Signal or WhatsApp
◾ Using a VOIP telephone
◾ Using an encrypted email account provided by the Company for the specific purpose of sending highly sensitive Confidential Information. At the very minimum, confidential documents must be transferred by way of password-protected documents and linked directly to our file sharing service.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• Confidential Information going through internal or external mail must be marked as such on the outside of the envelope.
• Take the necessary steps to inform Third Parties of the confidential nature of the information and make them aware of their responsibility to keep such information confidential.
• When printing Confidential Information that should not be seen by anyone who is not authorized to view the information, for example payroll reports, take steps to ensure that it's not seen by other Staff.
• When faxing Confidential Information, take steps to ensure that the recipient obtains the information directly.
Non-Competition
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
During your Engagement with the Company, you won't work for a direct competitor.
DEFINITION
Competing Business
Any business, company, or entity in or entity in North America that is, or is preparing to be, in competition with any product or service developed, in development, distributed or offered by the Company up to the date of termination of your Engagement, including, but not limited to, the following competing businesses:
1. Any activity, business, affiliation, subsidiaries or ownership structure that results in a direct or indirect gain by you through the provisioning of products or services, whether for profit or non- for profit that is in competition with any product or service developed, in development, distributed or offered by the Company.
2. The Valens Company
3. Medipharm Labs
4. NextLeaf Solutions
The Company may expand or revise the list of Competing Businesses, which, subsequent to the latest date of this Policy, is determined by the Company, exercising its discretion reasonably, to have become a competitor of the Company, and the obligations set out in this section of the Policy will apply to such additional companies or entity.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
POLICY
You agree that during your Engagement, you won't, without the prior written and informed consent of the Company's CEO, be employed by, engaged with, or involved with a Competing Business - either directly or indirectly, whether as a controlling interest shareholder, principal, partner, joint venturer, sole proprietor, director, trustee, officer, employee, agent, consultant, contractor, or otherwise.
Non-Solicitation
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
During our Engagement, and for a defined period after the termination of our Engagement, we won't poach Staff or customers.
POLICY
Your obligations outlined in this Policy survive the termination of your Engagement for any reason.
You agree that during your Engagement and for a period of 1 year thereafter, you won't, either directly or indirectly and either alone or with others, canvass, entice, or solicit:
• Customers and suppliers, as they relate to any orders for any product or service that is, or has been, researched, developed, manufactured, produced, provided, marketed, distributed or otherwise dealt in by the Company from any person, firm or company that has been, at any time within the previous 1 year period, a customer or supplier of the Company, or any prospective customer or supplier of the Company identified by the Company during the term of your Engagement.
• Company Stakeholders, including any person who is a director, officer, employee, Independent Contractor, or Consultant of the Company to leave or terminate such Engagement for the purpose of establishing a business, or for the purpose of joining a Competing Businesses or other business that develops, manufactures, produces, provides, markets, distributes or otherwise deals in any product or service that is of a type similar to any product or service that is or has been researched, developed, manufactured, produced, provided, marketed, distributed or otherwise dealt in by the Company during the term of your Engagement.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Non-Disparagement Agreement
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
During our Engagement, and for an indefinite period after the termination of our Engagement, we won't say malicious things about the Company and its people in public.
POLICY
Your obligations outlined in this Policy survive the termination of your Engagement for any reason.
You agree that during the term of your Engagement, and upon termination of your Engagement for any reason, except as may be compelled by law or as authorized by the CEO employed by the Company at the time of the authorization, you will not make any oral or written statements, regardless of whether such statements are truthful, nor take any actions which could disparage or denigrate the Company, Company Stakeholders, or Company products or services.
Intellectual Property
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
We all receive compensation to create, develop, investigate, and compile intellectual and material property for the Company. Everything we create, develop, investigate, and compile in the Workplace belongs to the Company.
POLICY
Here's what you're expected to adhere to:
• You will not use or bring to the Company intellectual property that is the property of any previous employer, client, or entity without notifying the Company. Any legal action brought against the Company relating to breach of this clause may result in the Company's pursuit of punitive measures against you.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• *You acknowledge and agree that unless clearly outlined otherwise in a contractual agreement, the Work Product belongs to and is the property of the Company, provided such Work Product relates, in any way, to the business of the Company or provided that it could reasonably be expected by the Company to relate, in any way, to the business of the Company. You waive any moral rights (as that term is defined in the applicable Copyright Act) to the Work Product.
• *You'll disclose to the Company all Work Product, and execute and deliver to the Company all instruments or papers necessary in addition to this Policy, if any, to perfect and enforce the exclusive ownership and enjoyment of the Work Product by the Company in all countries.
*Provisions of this Policy that survive termination of your Engagement for any reason.
Use of Technology Tools & Electronic Communication
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
The way our Technology Tools are used and our Electronic Communications delivered is a big deal. Most of what's written below speaks to common sense, but it's important that you review the rules around how to use the technology we have in place. Chances are, there are a few things included here you didn't know.
READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH
The following policies are closely related and are essential to understanding the context throughout this important Policy:
• No Expectation to Workplace Privacy
• Code of Conduct
• Information Technology Security
• Personal Activities in the Workplace
• Off-Duty Conduct
• Confidentiality Agreement
• Use of Mobile Devices
• External Company Communication
POLICY
Our Technology Tools and Electronic Communication tools are provided to assist us in the performance of our jobs. If used properly, they're valuable resources for increasing our daily efficiency and effectiveness. If used improperly, they can cause problems for you, your co-workers, the business, and other external stakeholders.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
We expect Everyone to use our Technology Tools and Electronic Communication tools in a professional and appropriate manner, and not use them for any purpose that would reflect negatively on the Company.
This Policy applies in the following situations:
• When you're in the Workplace
• When you're accessing Technology Tools remotely (for example when using VPN)
• While you're off duty under circumstances outlined in the Off-Duty Conduct policy
Personal Use of Technology Tools & Electronic Communications
The Company can't take responsibility for the risks associated with Staff's personal use of its Technology Tools or Electronic Communication tools.
• You may not use the Company's Technology Tools, Electronic Communication tools or Social Media accounts for personal use except as follows:
• You may use your Company-supplied Mobile Devices for local personal phone calls.
• You may connect your personal Mobile Device to the Company's wi-fi when an internet connection is needed. Be aware that when electronic transmission is accomplished using Internet addresses and domain names registered to the Company, the transmission will likely be perceived by others to represent the Company.
• You'll use your own email account using your own Mobile Devices to send and receive personal email.
• The Company's email system is never to be used to send or receive personal emails.
• Personal webmail is not to be accessed from the Company's Technology Tools.
• You may not use remote desktop software to connect to your personal computers, servers, files, or software.
• You may not open or save personal files, photographs, music, videos, or audio recordings on the Company's Technology Tools. You may only open and save personal files, photographs, music, videos, or audio recordings on your personal Mobile Devices.
• Non-Company-related commercial activities are not allowed in the Workplace and the Company's Technology Tools must not be used for these activities.
Technology Tools
What's Expected of You - Technology Tools
Here's what you're expected to adhere to:
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• Familiarize yourself with the definition of Technology Tools accessible from Terminology section of this Manual.
• Use the Company's Technology Tools to conduct business activities that are directly relevant to your specific job requirements or productivity such as the following:
• Creating documents
• Researching topics relevant to your specific job requirements
• Communicating appropriately and professionally with Company Stakeholders regarding business matters
• Take utmost care not to damage the Company's Technology Tools including all hardware such as your Company-supplied computer or Mobile Devices.
• Keep all Technology Tools password-protected to minimize the risk of unauthorized use of Company information.
• Advise IT immediately if any of the Company's Technology Tools have been lost or stolen.
• Respect the copyrights, software licensing rules, property rights, privacy, and prerogatives of others, just as in any other business dealings.
• Adhere to the security measures we've put in place to maintain system integrity.
• Uphold the principle of copyright at all times.
• Scan all permitted downloaded files for possible viruses.
• Understand that all software downloaded or installed is the property of the Company.
What You Can't Do - Technology Tools
Although not an exhaustive list, examples of prohibited activities relating to Technology Tools include:
• Using your personal equipment or property for the creation, transmission, or storage of Company information.
• Copying, destroying, or altering Technology Tools or other information that belongs to the Company or Company Stakeholders.
• Downloading unreasonably large files that may hinder network performance.
• Downloading your own software where the Company supports similar software used for the same purpose.
• Leaving Technology Tools sessions logged on when not in use
• Disabling, uninstalling, or circumventing security measures put in place by the Company such as firewalls, authorization, virus protection, etc., thereby putting the Company Technology Tools at risk.
• Allowing others to use any of your logins or passwords.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• Divulging or sharing private or Confidential Information about the Company or Company Stakeholders to any person or entity not authorized to receive that information.
• Damaging the reputation and goodwill of the Company and Company Stakeholders.
• Attempting to monitor or read another user's profile, account, files, or communications.
• Using the Internet for illegal activities.
• Transmitting spam.
• Visiting sites for personal reasons, particularly sites that are considered inappropriate, pornographic or "obscene." If you connect unintentionally to a site that contains sexually explicit or offensive material, you must disconnect from the site immediately and advise the IT department.
• Displaying, storing, archiving, distributing, editing, or recording any kind of sexually explicit or obscene images, videos, documents or other materials using the Company Technology Tools.
• Downloading music or movies.
• Downloading or distributing pirated software or data.
• Downloading entertainment software or games, or playing games against opponents over the Internet.
• Downloading images or videos, unless there's an explicit business-related use for the material.
• Gaining access to areas in the Company Technology Tools that you're not authorized to access.
• Gaining illegal or unauthorized access to other Company or external computers or databases that are not in the public domain.
Electronic Communication
What's Expected of You - Electronic Communication
In conjunction with the guidelines outlined in the Technology Tools section of this Policy, you're expected to:
• Familiarize yourself with the definitions of Electronic Communication and Social Media provided in the Terminology section of this Manual.
• Honestly disclose who you are when you send email, register accounts, or conduct other Electronic Communications.
• Understand:
• That the Company shall not be liable, under any circumstances, for any errors, omissions, loss, or damages claimed or incurred due to your unauthorized use of Electronic Communications.
• That special care and judgment is required at all times when participating in Social Media. Any communication made through Social Media is or can easily become public.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• Who can officially represent and speak on behalf of the Company when accessing Social Media or delivering Electronic Communications. Refer to Who Can Engage in Social Media on Behalf of the Company, and How section below.
• That the identity of anonymous contributors can often be revealed.
• That once delivered, Electronic Communications content can usually never be rescinded or deleted.
• That what you publish reflects both on you and on the Company if you're participating online as a Company representative.
• That you're under no obligation and shouldn't feel pressured to 'friend' or 'follow' or network with Company Stakeholders. If you're uncomfortable with adding a contact - don't add them.
• That everything you communicate must be truthful, accurate and able to be substantiated.
• That's it's okay to be hesitant and to pause and think before you post or hit 'Send.' If you're about to publish something that makes you even the slightest bit uncomfortable, don't shrug it off and click 'Send.' Take a minute to review this Policy and its related Policies and try to figure out what's bothering you. Then fix it. If you're still unsure, you might want to discuss it with your Manager. Ultimately, what you publish is yours - as is the responsibility. It's important that you're sure.
• That Social Media sites and Electronic Communication rules are continuously changing and evolving and as such, this Policy may be amended at any time and changes will be communicated as appropriate.
What You Can't Do - Electronic Communications
Although not an exhaustive list, the following includes examples of prohibited activities:
• Violating any laws, including those regarding Human Rights, defamation, copyright, or other intellectual property rights, securities, financial disclosure, and privacy rights, among others.
• Sending interactions or material that violate the Code of Conduct policy, or that may be considered offensive to any other person, including, but not limited to, pornographic or sex- related links or content, any inappropriate reference or jokes that include references or insinuations to Protected Grounds.
• Using abusive or offensive language.
• Using the Company's trademark or copyrighted logos unless authorized to do so.
• Making libelous, slanderous, or maliciously false statements. Doing so constitutes fraud or libel, and may result in legal prosecution. Information made available to others must be accurate.
• Attempting to harass others by using Company Technology Tools to deliver obscene, vulgar, threatening, or unnecessarily repetitive information.
• Posting or sending sensitive, libelous, incendiary or personal information about Company Stakeholders.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• Disguising or attempting to disguise your identity.
• Using another person's account, including email accounts to deliver Electronic Communications.
• Copying or redistributing Electronic Communications or attachments belonging to another without permission from the originator.
• Engaging in any fundraising activity, endorsing any products or services, or participating in any political activity, unless formally authorized to do so.
• Sending chain letters, no matter how inspirational, informative, or alarming they seem to be.
• Sending credit card details, social insurance numbers, or other sensitive and private information that violates Privacy laws
• Delivering Electronic Communications that includes solicitation or promotional communication that implies endorsement by the Company when no such endorsement exists.
• Representing and speaking on behalf of the Company when you're not authorized do so. Refer to the External Company Communications policy and the Who Can Engage in Social Media on Behalf of the Company, and How section below.
• Sending or posting information that includes Confidential Information.
• Posting or sending video or audio recordings, or photographs of the Company premises, products, customers, visitors or Staff for any reason, unless you've received prior written authorization to do so.
• Sending interactions or material that may be considered offensive including, but not limited to, racial or off-colour jokes, pornographic or sex-related links or content, or jokes based on age, national origin, ethnicity, religion, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other legally Protected Grounds under BC law.
Who Can Engage in Social Media on Behalf of the Company, and How
Social Media is continually evolving and is changing how Staff communicates. While it creates endless opportunities, Social Media also creates new challenges, new responsibilities, and ultimately the emergence of new rules to address its use.
It's the Company's intention to be very clear about who's permitted to engage in Social Media as a representative of the Company.
Only Staff who have been explicitly authorized, as described below, are permitted to officially represent and speak on behalf of the Company when engaging in Social Media.
• Employees engaged with marketing duties or consultants hired to perform these functions. E employees whose responsibility it is to manage Company LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts.
• Procedures for the approval of Social Media account content approval will be specified in the Engagement Agreement with marketing consultants or procedures developed for marketing employees (if assigned).
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• Managers will ensure their Direct Reports follow this policy enforcer for all use of social media on behalf of your company.
No Expectation to Privacy
As outlined in the No Expectation to Workplace Privacy policy, the Company reserves the right to read, verify, inspect, audit, and/or monitor anything you do in the Workplace.
That means you must not have any expectation of privacy in anything you create, store, send, or receive using the Company's Technology Tools and Electronic Communication tools and that any of your digital activities, including Company email messages, downloaded files, and internet usage may be viewed or monitored by the Company without prior notice.
Consequence of Violation of Policy
Given the potential for serious and irreparable consequences and damages caused by non-adherence to this Policy, be aware that violations of this Policy will be taken seriously, and will result in disciplinary measures, up to and including immediate termination of your Engagement with Just Cause.
Consequences relating to some of the prohibited activities included in this Policy may include you and the Company being held liable for damages. If you're found to be responsible as a result of a violation of this Policy, legal action may be taken against you and you may be required to repay the Company or others for any losses incurred. For example:
• If you electronically communicate any illegal, threatening, libelous, defamatory, offensive, racist, or obscene remarks, you may be held liable.
• If you forward Company Confidential Information or unlawfully divulge private information about Company Stakeholders, you may be held liable.
Additionally, if the violation of this Policy resulted in criminal conduct, the Company will provide the records to the appropriate authorities for possible criminal prosecution.
Information Technology Security
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
It's Everyone's responsibility to help safeguard our information.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH
The following Policy is closely related, and outlines your obligations relating to Technology Tools that you have signed or will sign as part of Staff Policies:
• Use of Technology Tools & Electronic Communication
POLICY
The integrity and security of our information is fundamental to our success. However, the systems are only as good as the manner in which they're used.
We expect Everyone to make an effort to stay informed about what we can do to safeguard our information. Information security is Everyone's responsibility.
The following practices represent an integrated approach to information technology security standards for use within the Company. Each practice is dependent upon the maintenance of other practices to ensure integrity of the whole system.
Mandatory guidelines are provided below for the following:
• Server room environment and access
• Data collection and classification
• User account and password management
• Network access
• Remote access
• Virus protection
• Software
• Back-ups & offsite storage
Server Room Environment & Access
All server rooms and other information processing areas adhere to a minimum standard of physical protection and environmental control. These physical controls are appropriate for the size and complexity of the equipment and the criticality and sensitivity of the systems operated at those locations.
If you require access to the server room, please contact the Security Manager. If you're authorized to access a computer room with a controlled environment, follow the posted guidelines and procedures.
Data Collection & Classification
Data collected and stored on the Company computer systems must be used only for the purpose for which it was originally collected.
All data stored must be classified for data sensitivity. This enables the Company to implement the appropriate back-up and restoration procedures and ensure that confidentiality is maintained. This classification is normally done by a by the Manager responsible for its creation and safeguarding (e.g. CFO for Financial Data, QAP for Quality Date etc.), to determine how data may be used and who is granted access to it.
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Data stored on the Company's core computer systems may not be copied, including downloading, to any other computer system without the prior written approval of the responsible Manager.
User Account & Password Management
Access to the Company computer systems is controlled by usernames and passwords. All users are provided with a user account and password. User accounts are limited to one account per individual. Written authority from the CEO is required to open additional accounts.
The combination of a login ID and password is the equivalent of a signature to an automated system. You're responsible for the control and use of your individual login ID and password. Allowing someone else to use your ID and password to access our network is forbidden as it puts our information at risk.
• Your password must be at least 8 characters in length, must be changed on a periodic basis.
• If you forget your password, contact the Security Manager or cloud-based application help desk to have it reset.
Here are some tips for creating good passwords:
• Don't associate your password with personal information (for example, PIN numbers, family birthdays, phone numbers, family names, etc.).
• Make sure your password uses an apparently random combination of upper- and lower-case alphanumeric and special characters.
• Try creating your password using the first letters of each word in a sentence, making sure you also insert numbers or special characters.
Cloud-based Application Access
Each of us is given a unique login ID and password by the Company for accessing the Company cloud- based applications (Office 365, etc.) when required for the performance of your duties.
Permissions
When your login ID was created, you were given permission to access all public folders, cloud-based storage, and applications on the network. Access to some servers, however, may be restricted to those who need the information in the daily course of their jobs. If you need access to such a server or folder, please contact your Manager, who will provide the necessary approvals.
Deletion of Login IDs
There are circumstances under which your login ID will be automatically removed from cloud-based applications:
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• Your login ID has not been used for 30 days. If you intend to take an extended leave, be aware that this may occur while you're away, unless you make prior arrangements with the Company.
• You leave the Company.
If there's a reason to suspect your login ID is being used in a manner not in accordance with Company Policies (for example, suspected use by someone other than you, or connected to illicit or illegal activities, etc.), contact your Manager immediately.
Virus Protection
Viruses represent a dangerous threat to our servers and networks. We've installed and maintain anti- virus software and firewalls that protect our Technology Tools from external threats.
You're expected to help us prevent threats to our Technology Tools by:
• Using and maintaining the anti-virus software we've installed on every Company computer.
• Scanning files, CDs, and removable storage devices before using them on a computer connected to our network.
• Not opening emails containing attachments from names you don't recognize.
• Downloading and installing updates to the anti-virus software when available.
• Avoiding:
• Downloading files from the Internet or other external computers.
• Loading files to our systems from memory sticks and devices we receive from other companies or bring from home.
Procedure
If you suspect or detect a virus on one of our computers, stop using the computer and report it to IT immediately. IT will take appropriate action to have the virus removed, determine what damage the virus may have caused, determine if other systems have been infected, and troubleshoot how the virus was introduced into the system.
Software
Understandably, our IT department can't support every application we may want to use at work. We have to standardize on a few applications that we use and support within the Company.
Windows-based software is installed and supported on Company-owned computers. Installation of any other application on a Company computer requires Security Manager approval, even though the Company may not be able to provide technical support for the application.
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Company-Supported Software
As a Company, we've chosen to standardize on certain applications that meet our business needs. Standardizing on a minimal set of applications keeps our costs lower and enables better communication and re-use of information throughout the Company.
Following is a list of the applications we've selected:
• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Office 365
• MJ Freeway Platform for Seed-to-Sale Tracking
• Cannabis One Five Quality Management System
• CloudLIMS
• Dropbox Business for Cloud-based Storage
• Adobe Creative Cloud for cloud-based productivity tools These applications are supported by the Company, who:
• Ensure these applications are installed on every computer when needed for business use.
• Purchase and install product upgrades as required.
• Ensure your computer hardware meets the minimum requirements to run the software.
• Help to troubleshoot and repair problems if the software malfunctions.
If you need help or training using one of these applications, contact one of the administrative assistants or request training from your Manager.
Other Software
If you need to install other applications on your computer, Security Manager approval is required to ensure the application is suitable for use on a computer connected to our network. Once the Security Manager approves an unsupported application, you're responsible for your own software installation, support, and upgrades.
If the Company purchases software for your use at work, the master disk and user license belong to the Company even though the software isn't supported by the Company.
Pirated or Unlicensed Software
Software piracy is the unauthorized duplication of software and/or the use of the software by more users than for which it's licensed and is against the law.
The Company strongly supports strict adherence to software vendors' license agreements. When the Company computing or networking resources are employed, copying of software in a manner that's not consistent with the vendor's license is strictly forbidden.
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Installation of unlicensed software on Company-owned computers isn't permitted. Let's be very clear on what we mean by this:
• It's our policy to use software in accordance with the software vendor license agreements. This means we don't copy, distribute, or install software on a Company-owned computer unless the license allows it.
• It's your responsibility to make sure any software on your Company-supplied computer is legal.
• IT conducts random software audits. Pirated or unlicensed software found during these audits is deleted when discovered.
• Duplicating or copying Company-owned software is not allowed without specific approval from the Company.
Back-Ups & Offsite Storage
You don't have to worry about backing up any data, as long as your files are saved on a Company cloud- based storage.
• Back-ups on our security data storage servers are conducted continuously.
• All Company data or files must be saved on Company cloud-based storage. Data and files stored on the hard drive of your desktop, laptop, or portable computer are not backed up by the Company. Storing files on your hard drive could very easily result in your permanently losing all files with no method to recover them.
• In the event of disaster, you can expect full restoration of system data within 24 hours from cloud-based storage.
Impairment-Free Workplace
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
The Company strives to create a safe environment for Staff and other Company Stakeholders who visit our premises. Our duty as an employer includes ensuring we do what we can to prevent the use of Substances in the Workplace before or during work hours that may impair your ability to perform your work functions responsibly.
READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH
• Intoxication at Company Events
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DEFINITION
Substance
Illicit drugs or Legal Substances
Impairment
Impairment refers to the deterioration of an individual's judgment or a decrease in their physical ability as a result of Substance use. Even small amounts of a Substance can affect your mental and physical abilities. Different Substances act on your brain in different ways, but almost all affect your:
• attention
• judgment
• motor skills
• reaction time
• decision-making skills
• balance and coordination
POLICY
Everyone - including volunteers and contractors, are expected to report fit for duty for scheduled work and be able to perform assigned duties safely and acceptably without any limitations due to use or after effects of Substances, or any other substance that may impair judgment or performance.
The presence of illicit drugs, recreational cannabis, or alcohol in the Workplace is not permitted.
Any illicit drug or drug paraphernalia found in the Workplace will be turned over to the appropriate authorities and may result in criminal prosecution.
As with any case of Workplace Misconduct, you'll be subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including termination of your employment with Just Cause for violation of this Policy, depending on the circumstances and severity and frequency of the violation(s).
Dating Co-Workers
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
Developing a consensual romantic relationship with a co-worker can work, provided certain guidelines are followed.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Policy:
Dating
Entering into a consensual relationship with a co-worker that has progressed beyond a platonic friendship
Party, Parties
The individual(s) involved in the Dating relationship
Intimate Contact
Intimate behaviour which includes public displays of affection or sexuality towards a Party, including cuddling, kissing, fondling, touching, or other similar physical contact of a romantic or sexual nature.
POLICY
Regardless of the sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression of the Parties involved, the Company doesn't prohibit you from Dating or entering into a consensual romantic relationship with a co-worker, provided the following guidelines are adhered to.
Mutual & Voluntary Consent
• Both Parties must mutually and voluntarily consent to Dating.
• No undue pressure was brought on by either Party towards the other to engage in Dating.
• The Parties must not have a reporting relationship.
Performance
• Dating must not affect the performance or the duties of involved Parties in any way.
• Both Parties must maintain clear boundaries between their personal and business interactions.
Workplace Contact
Both Parties are expected to:
• Keep personal exchanges limited so that others are not distracted or uncomfortable by such exchanges.
• Never engage in Intimate Contact in the Workplace that would, in any way, be deemed inappropriate by a Reasonable Person.
• Understand that during non-working hours, such as lunches, breaks, and before and after work periods, the Parties are not precluded from having appropriate personal exchanges at work locations as long as their conversations and behaviours could in no way be perceived as offensive or uncomfortable to a Reasonable Person.
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• Ensure that Dating doesn't negatively impact the Workplace.
If the Dating Relationship Terminates
• The Parties' work performance won't be negatively impacted.
• Neither Party will retaliate or disclose personal information about the other Party and will refer to the definition of Misconduct to ensure their behaviours are not deemed bullying, harassing, or otherwise inappropriate.
Disclosure of Dating
Dating must be disclosed if:
• A reporting relationship exists between the Parties - including relationships where one Party is not necessarily the other Party's Direct Report. The relationship must be disclosed regardless of the number of reporting levels between the Parties.
Example: Sally is a junior employee in the sales department who reports to Salina who reports to Mark who reports to John. The relationship must be disclosed if either Salina, Mark, or John enters into a Dating relationship with Sally.
• Individuals in senior, sensitive, or influential positions are subject to more stringent requirements under this Policy and must disclose the existence of a Dating relationship with any Individual in the Company to prevent real or perceived favouritism or undue influence.
• Real or perceived conflict of interest can be deemed by a Reasonable Person.
PROCEDURE
Disclosing the Dating Relationship
When disclosure of a Dating relationship is required, the Party in the more senior position is expected to:
1. Meet with their Manager or HR Manager (if assigned) to disclose the relationship and follow up the meeting with a written disclosure to their Manager or HR Manager (if assigned).
2. The Manager or HR Manager (if assigned) will meet with the less senior Party to confirm that the relationship is consensual and the less senior Party will follow up the meeting with a written confirmation.
3. By disclosing in writing that Dating is consensual, both Parties confirm that they're both free to end the relationship at any time and neither will be subjected to negative work-related consequences.
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4. The Manager or HR Manager (if assigned) together with appropriate stakeholders, will determine if a real or perceived conflict of interest exists because of the relative positions of the Parties involved.
5. The Manager or HR Manager (if assigned) will submit a written recommendation to the CEO who will make the final determination if a conflict of interest exists.
Where a Conflict of Interest Exists
Where problems or potential risks resulting from the Dating relationship are identified:
1. The Company will work with the Parties to consider options for resolving the conflict of interest.
2. The initial solution will be to make sure that the Parties no longer work together on matters where one is able to influence the other or take action for the other. Matters such as, firing, promotions, performance management, compensation decisions, and financial transactions are examples of situations which may require reallocation of duties to avoid any actual or perceived advantage or disadvantage.
3. In some cases, more extreme measures may be necessary, such as changing the reporting relationship or transferring a Party to another position or department. The Party in the more senior position will be considered for transfer first to avoid any perception of retaliation against the less senior Party.
4. The Party's refusal of reasonable alternative positions, if available, or continued failure to work with the Company to resolve potential conflicts of interest or risks associated with the Dating relationship in a mutually agreeable fashion may ultimately result in termination of the Party's Engagement.
Whistle-Blower Policy
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Applies to: |
Employees, Directors, |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
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OVERVIEW
When we observe something that's not right, we don't ignore it. We report it.
POLICY
Everyone is expected to comply with the Code of Conduct and Off-Duty Conduct policies in this Manual and to report serious violations or suspected violations in accordance with this Policy, prior to seeking resolution outside the Company.
Here's what you need to know:
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• Our Compliance Officer is Donald Dinsmore or their designate. The Compliance Officer is responsible for investigating and resolving all reported complaints and allegations concerning violations of the Code of Conduct Policy, at their discretion.
• Any Individual who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith will be subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including immediate termination of your Engagement with Just Cause.
• Any allegation that proves not to be substantiated, and which proves to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including immediate termination of your Engagement with Just Cause.
• Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.
• Anonymous complaints won't be dealt with under this Policy.
PROCEDURE
When observing a serious violation of the Code of Conduct policy, proceed as follows:
1. Share or report your concerns, suggestions, or complaints with the Compliance Officer.
2. The Compliance Officer will:
a. Investigate and resolve all reported violations of the Code of Conduct Policy, at their discretion.
b. Provide advice to the President & CEO and/or the audit committee.
3. In the event of any concerns or complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls, or auditing, the Compliance Officer shall immediately notify the board audit committee of any such complaint and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.
4. The Compliance Officer will notify the sender and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation within five (5) business days. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.
Conflict of Interest
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
We're expected to disclose any outside work or personal activity if it puts the Company at risk, puts the Company in a competitive disadvantage, or negatively impacts the Company in any way.
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POLICY
You may, from time to time, pursue personal and private business interests and ventures, and may participate in other forms of decision-making organizations/bodies.
It's your responsibility to clarify such outside activities and provide a full written disclosure to the Manager or HR Manager (if assigned) so that an assessment can be made and any potential conflict of interest, real or perceived, may be prevented.
We trust your judgment, but if you're unsure of a situation that may place you in a conflict of interest, please refer to the list below or discuss the situation with the Manager or HR Manager (if assigned).
The following situations require full written disclosure to and approval by the Manager or HR Manager (if assigned):
• You, your spouse, or a member of your immediate family is engaged in, or plans to be engaged in, a business that is similar in nature to the Company, competes with the Company, services Company clients, or is in some way hostile or averse to the Company.
• You, or any member of your immediate family, directly or indirectly, borrows from, lends to, invests in, or engages in any substantial financial transaction with a client, potential client, major supplier, or competitor of the Company. Members of immediate family include spouse, children, and any other relative sharing your household. Professionally managed mutual funds are exempt from this clause, provided the fund manager isn't a member of your immediate family.
• You're engaged in outside work that will interfere with your employment and job responsibilities. You're expected to ensure that your Company work commitments, including overtime requirements, take precedence over any other job or position you may hold.
• You perform outside work during regular Company working hours and make use of the Company Materials or Staff to conduct this outside activity.
• You accept a retainer, commission, consulting fee, or any other fee arrangement or remuneration from a competitor.
• You receive gifts from a Company supplier or competitor.
• Your work requires use or disclosure of Company proprietary information or clients.
• Your relationship with a co-worker where a reporting relationship exists has progressed beyond a platonic relationship. Refer to Dating co-workers policy.
Teleworking Policy
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Applies to: |
See Teleworking |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
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Eligibility section |
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DEFINITION
Telework/Teleworking
A work arrangement in which an employee works outside the Company office from their home residence.
OVERVIEW
This Policy is used to help support circumstances where working outside the Company office is mutually beneficial to both the Company and the teleworker. Teleworking is intended to enhance employee productivity, improve efficiencies, support different work styles and reduce the teleworker's commuting time and environmental footprint.
Teleworking is an earned benefit and not an entitlement and may be granted to employees who have shown a strong work performance and whose job responsibilities are suited to such an arrangement.
This policy will be reviewed when deemed appropriate, but not less than every 12 months..
Types of Programs
The 3 types of Teleworking programs are as follows:
Ad Hoc Remote Work
A teleworker who needs to work from a remote office on an as-needed basis including due to unforeseen circumstances such as teleworker illness or the onset of inclement weather.
Flexible Working Arrangement
A teleworker who regularly works from home during set times during the week.
A Remote Worker
A teleworker who exclusively works remotely. (together known as the "Program")
Teleworking Eligibility
This Policy applies to Flexible Working Arrangements or Remote Workers as defined above and includes enforceable policies and guidelines for remote workers.
The following conditions must be met in order for staff to be eligible for the Program.
1. Company employees and contractors are eligible for Program participation.
2. The teleworker agrees to sign a contract agreement confirming that they understand and will abide by its terms and conditions.
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3. The teleworker's position is conducive to working remotely.
4. The teleworker is fully trained in their position.
5. The work being performed remotely can be measured and monitored for productivity.
6. The teleworker has an established record of demonstrating:
1.1 Productivity and sound decision making skills
1.2 Good time management skills
1.3 Good and transparent communication skills.
7. The teleworker's most recent performance appraisal must, at minimum, indicate fully achieved standards.
8. The teleworker has secured secure electronic access to the Company's work folders, files and software required to fulfill their responsibilities.
9. The teleworker meets all requirements outlined in their teleworking contract agreement.
Manager Responsibilities
1. The teleworker's manager is responsible and accountable for managing the teleworker's work, performance and productivity during the duration of the program.
2. The Manager will meet with the teleworker frequently during the first 2 weeks of the program to confirm the continued mutual benefits to both the Company and the teleworker.
PROCEDURE
Each request to participate in the program will be considered on an individual basis. Teleworkers and their managers are responsible for determining the best possible work situation for each Teleworking request.
1. The teleworker meets with their manager to discuss the feasibility of participating in the Program.
2. Once feasibility is established, the teleworker together with their manager completes the applicable fields in Schedule A of the teleworking contract agreement.
3. Email the contract agreement to the CEO and obtain a digital copy of the signed contract agreement.
4. Manager and teleworker sign the contract agreement.
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5. The contract agreement is signed by a Company representative who has the appropriate and binding contractual signing authority on behalf of the Company.
6. A digital copy of the signed contract agreement is emailed to CEO..
Solicitation on Company Premises
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
We don't ever really know someone else's financial situation or beliefs, and solicitation or distribution of literature can be uncomfortable for some of us. Therefore, solicitation or distribution of literature of any kind in the Workplace isn't permitted.
POLICY
Non-Company Individuals or Outside Vendors
Non-Company individuals are not allowed at any time to enter Company premises for the purpose of any form of solicitation or literature distribution. Third parties or strangers are forbidden from soliciting, selling, or handing out materials for political, charitable, or similar activities. The only exceptions to this prohibition are community benefit projects that are specifically authorized by the Company, and approved business-related vendor or Company events.
Staff
Staff are not permitted to distribute literature or other materials or to solicit for any cause in the Workplace.
Intoxication at Company Events
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
Intoxication should be avoided at Company events.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH
• Impairment- Free Workplace
POLICY
Many of us may believe that a Company party or social event is merely an opportunity to have fun and relax, and no different than a gathering with friends and family. However, a Company party or social event is essentially a casual business event. Being Intoxicated is inexcusable and dangerous for your physical well-being and the well-being of others - particularly when driving.
Intoxication can also result in embarrassing and inappropriate situations with event attendees. Consider up front that your behaviour will likely be observed by everyone - your direct reports, peers, Management Team - and their spouses.
Take responsibility for your own consumption of Legal Substances and moderate your intake. Avoid the potential for unsafe outcomes and a depreciation of your reputation that can stem from Intoxication and inappropriate behaviour at Company events.
Terms of Understanding
Staff and when applicable, their guests, are invited to Company events where Legal Substances are served or are permitted on the condition that you will:
• Take responsibility for your own consumption of Legal Substances and that of your guest.
• Moderate your intake of Legal Substances.
• Co-operate with the Company's efforts to ensure your safety.
• Not return to work while under the influence of a Legal Substance after a Company event.
• Assist the Company to apply this Policy to other Staff and guests.
• Not operate a vehicle after a Company event while you're impaired.
Use of Mobile Devices
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
Whether we're using a Company-paid or personal Mobile Device, we need to use good judgment to help prevent accidents, make sure we're not harassing or annoying the people around us, and safeguard Company and Confidential Information.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH
• Use of Technology Tools & Electronic Communication
POLICY
Here's what you're expected to adhere to when using a Mobile Device.
Using Mobile Devices on Company Premises
The following applies to both Company-supplied and personal Mobile Devices:
• Turn Mobile Devices off during meetings, or at least turn the ringer on low or vibrate. If you must use your Mobile Device during a meeting, excuse yourself from the meeting and step outside so that others are not disturbed.
• If you're expecting an urgent phone call, text or email that must be answered while in a meeting, advise meeting participants in advance.
• If you leave your Mobile Device on while you're at your desk or in the office, keep the ringer on low so that others are not interrupted when it rings.
• Ensure that your ring tone selection isn't offensive or disturbing to others. Offensive language, obscenities, jarring phrases, or loud music isn't acceptable.
Using Mobile Devices While Operating a Vehicle or Equipment
We all know the stats. Using a Mobile Device while operating a vehicle, machinery, or equipment kills people. Don't do it under any circumstances when you're in the Workplace.
Here's what you need to know and adhere to:
• Use of any personal Mobile Device while operating a vehicle, machinery, or equipment in the Workplace, is strictly prohibited.
• Your Manager and/or any other Company individual has no authority, under any circumstances, to expect you to use a Mobile Device in any way while you're operating a vehicle, machinery, or equipment, or to conduct any activity where the lack of focus, even for an instance, can result in serious negative consequences for you or others.
• If you decide to use a Mobile Device while operating a vehicle, machinery, or equipment, you must only use the device once you have pulled over to a safe place and parked the vehicle, machinery, or equipment.
Using Cameras, Web Cams, & Recording Devices
The use of Mobile Devices with additional camera, video or audio recording functionality has resulted in legal and operational concerns for many businesses. Issues such as invasion of privacy, Harassment, spying, and loss of productivity associated with these devices have prompted the Company to prohibit their use at work.
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As such, cameras or recording devices are not allowed in washrooms, shower areas, or confidential areas such as the Production Area beyond the Hand Wash area unless specifically approved by Senior Management. In the Change Rooms Mobile Devices are permitted for the purpose of placing them in your day locker for secure storage before entering production areas.
You're also prohibited from video or audio recording, or taking photographs of Company Stakeholders in the Workplace for any reason unless you have received prior written authorization to do so.
For the purposes of this Policy, "web cams, cameras and recording devices" include any device with the capability to capture photographic, video or audio recordings, regardless of whether or not this function on the device is selected or used.
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Attendance, Reporting Hours & Payroll
Attendance
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
We're expected to be on time for work and meetings and we make an effort to avoid being absent.
POLICY
You're expected to work a Standard Work Week unless absolutely unavoidable or you're on vacation or some other absence that was planned in advance. Chronic absenteeism and tardiness results in additional costs for the Company and affects the people around you who count on you to be at work and in meetings on time.
Chronic absenteeism and tardiness may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment with Just Cause.
PROCEDURE
Refer to Approving, Communicating, and Recording Absences policy.
Lunch & Breaks
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
We're expected to take a break during the work day so we can remain productive and refreshed.
POLICY
You're entitled to take a 30-minute unpaid meal break after 5 consecutive hours of work. The point of a meal break is to break up your work day. As such, we do not expect you to skip meal breaks in order to shorten your work day.
There's usually flexibility in the timing of your meal break, but some positions may require coordination and scheduling.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• If you are a production worker, you must schedule your meal break no later than 5 hours after you start work.
• You're not entitled to additional breaks during the day, and any non-work related breaks will increase the overall length of your work day.
• You may occasionally extend your meal break to 1 hour when needed, but the length you choose will affect the overall length of your paid work day. You're expected to work a total of 8 working hours per day, excluding unpaid breaks.
Clarifying Breaks & the Work Day
There's often confusion in how breaks are handled, so for the sake of clarity, here are some examples to demonstrate that the expectation is for you to be productive and working for 8 hours a day:
• You arrive to work at 8:00 am. You take a meal break at 1:00 pm for 30 mins. You're expected to work until 4:30 pm.
• You arrive to work at 8:00 am. You take a meal break at 1:00 pm for 1 hour. You're expected to work until 5:00 pm.
• You arrive to work at 8:00 am. You take a break at 11:15 am for 15 minutes. You take a meal break at 1:00 pm for 30 minutes. You take a break at 3:00 pm for 15 minutes. You're expected to work until 5:00 pm.
Overtime
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Applies to: |
Non-management |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
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Employees |
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OVERVIEW
Overtime is handled according to BC Employment Standards and must also be approved prior to working additional hours.
POLICY
Sometimes we need you to work extra hours to meet certain deadlines. When overtime is required, we appreciate your willingness to work additional hours and we'll bank your time, or compensate you.
Overtime Approval
No one is contractually entitled to work overtime. Overtime requires written authorization by your Manager prior to working any additional hours. You can't approve your own overtime.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Overtime Rates, Banking, Working Holidays, & Overtime Calculations
The Company adheres to overtime legislation under BC Employment Standards. Refer to the following resources provided by the BC Ministry of Labour:
BC Employment Standards - Hours of Work and Overtime Factsheet:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment- standards/factsheets/hours-of-work-and-overtime
BC Employment Standards Act:
http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/consol22/consol22/00_96113_01#section40
Excessive or Abuse of Overtime
Overtime is carried out under very specific circumstances. You're asked to appreciate that overtime can result in a significant increase in wages as a percentage of salary. All overtime will need to be justified and pre-approved as outlined in Procedure.
Here are some of the consequences of excessive or abuse of overtime:
• If a consistent pattern of unscheduled overtime develops, you may be asked to complete a Job Activity Log to better understand and help you make adjustments to your workload or provide you with additional resources.
• After a first offence of working and expecting to be compensated for unapproved overtime occurs, subsequent offences may result in disciplinary measures, up to and including termination of employment with Just Cause.
• If it's proven that you're scheduling your workload to purposely incur nonessential overtime and receive overtime benefits, you'll be subject to disciplinary measures up to and including immediate termination of employment with Just Cause.
• Managers who approve unscheduled overtime on a regular basis will be asked to review their department and resources to understand options for optimizing workloads.
PROCEDURE
The following procedures for approving and recording overtime are applicable to both hourly and salaried employees:
1. To approve overtime before it's worked, obtain formal approval from your Manager.
2. Complete the Timesheet for each period in which overtime is worked and obtain required signatures.
3. Submit both forms to your Manager or Payroll (if assigned).
4. Your overtime will either be banked in accordance with the law, or paid in the following payroll run.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Approving, Communicating, & Recording Absences
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
POLICY
The following outlines what's expected when there's a legitimate reason for you to be absent from work. This procedure helps to facilitate payroll processes, track vacation balances, and manage costs related to absenteeism, and productivity.
PROCEDURE
Approving Planned Absences
If you're planning to be absent - for example, when you're planning vacation time off or time off for training and development:
1. Notify and get approval from your Manager in advance. Complete the Absence Approval Form. In most cases, email approvals are also sufficient. It's best not to assume that an absence is approved until you receive written confirmation from your Manager.
2. Absence approvals whether by email or by completed Absence Approval Form are forwarded to the Office Manager.
Communicating Unplanned Absences
1. All unplanned absences must be communicated to Office Manager by you or your Manager.
2. If you're going to be late for work, you're expected to:
• Notify your Manager no later than your regular starting time.
• Make up the time outside of your Standard Work Week.
Confirming Unplanned Absences
The Office Manager must be aware of individual absences to understand the best way to deal with incoming calls and visitors, and because they're also responsible for cross-checking monthly absences recorded on timesheets and cross-referencing reports with Payroll.
If the Office Manager becomes aware of an individual's absence without receiving documentation to support it, the Office Manager will contact the individual or the individual's Manager to confirm the reason for the absence so that they can record it appropriately for time-tracking purposes. This follow- up is part of the Office Manager's job responsibilities, and we kindly ask that you cooperate when asked for confirmation or a reason for your absence.
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This practice isn't meant to audit you. It's in place to ensure that absences are properly recorded, particularly vacation absences since failure to record a vacation absence means that the vacation balance isn't reduced and is inaccurate. This practice applies equally to us all, regardless of our position in the Company.
Recording Any Type of Absence
Exception Reporting for Salaried Employees
• Salaried employees are expected to record only exceptions to a Standard Work Week, including the absences listed in the following table. This process is called 'Exception Reporting.'
• The following table provides the absence codes used for Exception Reporting.
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Code |
Description |
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V |
Vacation |
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Vacation requests should be submitted as far in advance as possible to allow the Company to plan for your absence. |
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S |
Incidental Sick Days |
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(Day 1 through 3 of illness) |
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P |
OTHER PAID TIME OFF |
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• |
Additional Paid Days Off as assigned occasionally by the CEO |
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Bereavement Leave |
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Personal Days or appointments that can't be scheduled outside of business hours |
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U |
UNPAID TIME OFF |
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1. |
Inclement Weather or other absences due to natural elements where the Company remained open for business |
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2. |
Unapproved Training Conferences/Events/Courses |
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3. |
Leave of Absence |
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4. |
Legislated Leaves (excluding vacation leave and public holidays) |
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5. |
Unpaid Time - for example, when vacation, sick days, or other benefits have been exhausted |
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O |
Other Absences |
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T |
Approved Training |
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Conferences/Events/Courses |
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Timesheets for Hourly Employees
The timesheet records all absences and hours worked - including any overtime. It also tracks the projects or job activities on which each hourly employee's time is spent.
• Hourly employees are required to report time worked for the period beginning Monday morning and ending Sunday night.
• Timesheets are submitted to your designated Administrative Assistant by first thing Monday morning. The Administrative Assistant will ensure timesheets are signed by the appropriate Manager.
• If you know you'll be absent when the timesheet is due, complete and submit your time sheet on the last day of work before your absence.
• Overtime must be authorized by your Manager in advance. Refer to Overtime policy.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
HUMAN RESOURCES
Who Does this Human Resources Section Apply To?
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
All policies included in the Human Resources section of this Manual apply to employees only, except the following Policies, which apply to Everyone:
• Health & Safety
• Prevention of Workplace Violence
• Impairment & Substance Dependency
• Smoke-Free Workplace
Legislated Policies
Health & Safety
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
The goal: No one gets hurt.
Let's work together to meet that goal.
POLICY
The Company and the Senior Management Team are committed to fostering an environment where we're all responsible for taking every reasonable precaution to protect each other from occupational illness and injury. Everyone must protect their own health and safety, as well as that of others around them by working in compliance with the law, and apply the safe work practices and procedures established by the Company.
The Company will make every reasonable effort to provide a hazard free environment and minimize health and safety risks for Staff by adhering to all relevant legislation and, where appropriate, through the development, implementation and maintenance of internal health and safety work standards, programs and procedures.
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Here's what you need to know:
Rights & Responsibilities
You have a right to:
• Refuse unsafe work.
• As an employee, participate in the Workplace health and safety activities as a health and safety representative.
• Know about, and be informed about, any actual and potential dangers in the Workplace.
It is your responsibility to:
• Conduct yourself in a safe manner at all times as deemed by a Reasonable Person.
• Work in compliance with Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) acts and regulations.
• Complete all safety training that applies to your position. You may be required to demonstrate your level of understanding of training through the completion of tests, quizzes and/or task observation.
• Adhere to policies that prescribe safety procedures and precautions as directed by the Company.
• Report Workplace hazards and dangers.
• Ensure you don't use or operate any equipment or work in a way that may endanger you or any Staff Member.
• Don't engage in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running, or rough and boisterous conduct that could pose a risk to your safety or the safety of others.
• Don't engage in work while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other causes.
You can expect your Manager to:
• Enforce adherence to safety procedures and precautions as directed by the Company.
• Advise you of potential and actual hazards.
• Take every reasonable precaution in the circumstances for your protection.
• Investigate unsafe conditions reported to them and ensure that corrective action is taken without delay.
You can expect the Company to:
• Take every reasonable precaution to ensure the Workplace is safe.
• Review this Policy annually.
• Establish and maintain occupational health and safety program(s) to implement this Policy.
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• Publish a printed copy of this Policy.
• Provide specific direction and delegate authority to those responsible for health and safety.
• Consult and cooperate with individuals carrying out occupational health and safety duties (including joint committee members, worker health and safety representatives, and WorkSafeBC prevention officers).
• Provide Staff with the information, instruction, training, and supervision necessary to protect their health and safety.
• Provide Managers with the support and training necessary to carry out their health and safety responsibilities.
• Make the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation readily available for review by Staff.
• Immediately report all critical injuries to the government department responsible for OH&S
Workplace Hazards & WHMIS
Workplace Hazards
Workplace hazards are identified and controlled appropriately by:
• Recognizing and identifying workplace hazards, with the participation of all Staff.
• Assessing the likelihood that Staff may be affected by the hazard.
• Addressing and resolving dangerous workplace hazards.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
The Company will provide appropriate WHMIS training and education for Staff who are exposed or likely to be exposed to hazardous materials in the Workplace.
Joint Health & Safety Committee/Representatives
The Company maintains a Health and Safety Representative as required by law to:
• Identify potential hazards.
• Evaluate these potential hazards.
• Recommend corrective action.
• Follow-up on implemented recommendations.
RESOURCES
It's the Company's intention to be compliant with BC law:
• Workers Compensation Act: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/lc/statreg/96492_00
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• Occupational Health and Safety Regulation: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law- policy/occupational-health-safety/searchable-ohs-regulation/ohs-regulation
Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
Harassment or Discrimination will not be tolerated in the Workplace. Period.
POLICY
The Company strives to create an inclusive Workplace that's respectful and welcoming of diversity. In accordance with workplace rights set out under the BC Human Rights Code and WorkSafeBC policies, employees in the Workplace have the right to the following:
• Freedom from Harassment
• Equal treatment without Discrimination
Harassment and Discrimination against Company Stakeholders in the Workplace based on a Protected Ground will not be tolerated.
Decisions pertaining to all areas of work including recruitment, hiring, training, transfers, terminations, layoffs, counselling, compensation, hours of work, benefits, and performance reviews are based on job performance, merit, and qualifications. Our practice is one of honest evaluation of each individual's qualifications and business contributions.
Here's what you need to know:
• The Company will provide you with Harassment, Discrimination, and Workplace Violence prevention training so that you're clear about roles, responsibilities, accountability, and the information and procedures outlined in this Policy.
• In accordance with WorkSafeBC policies, this Policy will be reviewed annually.
• This Policy is posted in the Office area and/or Change Rooms
• In accordance with the WorkSafeBC policies, in the event that you encounter unsafe working conditions or a situation presents a serious safety concern, you have the right to refuse any work that you believe to be unsafe.
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PROCEDURE
Reporting & Investigating Discrimination or Harassment
Overview
You're responsible for helping to enforce this Policy and must make every reasonable effort in a safe manner to prevent Discrimination and/or harassing behaviour and report every incident of Harassment and/or Discrimination immediately - whether it was observed, happened to you personally, or if the problem was reported to you. Harassment and Discrimination should not be ignored as silence can be, and often is, interpreted as acceptance.
Employees will not be demoted, dismissed, disciplined or denied a promotion, advancement or employment opportunities because they rejected sexual advances or because they lodged a complaint when they honestly believed they were being harassed or discriminated against.
Once a written complaint relating to reporting Discrimination or Harassment has been received, the Company will complete a thorough investigation.
Witnessing Harassment or Discrimination
If you're a co-worker who's witnessed Discrimination or Harassment in the Workplace:
• Inform the affected person that you have witnessed what you believe to be Discrimination or Harassment and that you find it unacceptable. Encourage the affected person to report the incident as outlined in the procedures below. Reinforcement and support often provides the affected person with courage to come forward. If the affected person doesn't feel that Discrimination or Harassment has taken place, the incident is considered closed.
• If you feel it's safe to do so, inform the alleged perpetrator(s) that you have witnessed the act(s) and find it unacceptable.
Reporting Harassment or Discrimination
If you feel you've been the subject of harassing or discriminatory treatment:
1. You're encouraged to explain to the person who you feel is harassing or discriminating against you (the "Respondent") that the conduct is unwelcome, but you're not obliged to do so.
• If addressing the Respondent is uncomfortable, or could lead to an escalation of the Harassment or Discrimination, or to safety risks, you're not expected to directly interact with that person.
• You should never feel obliged to address the Respondent against your better judgement.
2. If the situation can't be resolved by speaking to the Respondent, you may make a complaint by speaking to either your Manager or the CEO. If the Respondent is your Manager, speak directly to the CEO.
3. You, the Respondent, and any witnesses are advised to create and keep written notes about the events at issue, and to maintain any relevant written documentation.
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4. Where possible, the complaint should be made in writing, including details of:
• What happened - a description of the events or situation
• When it happened - dates and times of the events or incidents
• Where it happened - the exact location
• Who saw it happen - the names of any witnesses, if any.
5. If necessary, you or the Respondent will be placed on a paid leave of absence, moved to a different location within the Company, or provided with alternative reporting relationships. The decision will be made on a case-by-case basis, and will reflect the principle that you will not be penalized for making the complaint.
Investigating Discrimination or Harassment
Once a written Discrimination or Harassment complaint has been received, the Company will conduct an investigation that's appropriate to the circumstances.
6. Depending on the complaint, the person receiving the complaint will appoint an advisor, mediator, or internal or external investigator ("Investigator")
7. The Investigator:
c. Is responsible for ensuring a thorough, fair and impartial investigation of the allegations in the complaint.
d. Will notify the Respondent of the complaint and provide them with a copy of your written complaint.
e. Will interview you, the Respondent, and any relevant witnesses suggested by you or the Respondent, as well as gather documents relevant to the matters in the complaint. All Staff are required to cooperate with the Investigator.
f. Will, wherever possible, complete the investigation within 90 days of receiving the assignment.
g. At the conclusion of the investigation, will prepare a written report summarizing the allegations and the investigation results, and will forward the report to the CEO.
8. Based on the findings in the Investigator's report, the CEO will decide whether this Policy has been violated.
9. If this Policy is violated, the CEO will proceed as follows:
h. Determine the appropriate consequences for the Respondent who violated the Policy. These may include:
◾ An apology
◾ Counselling
◾ Education and training
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
◾ Verbal or written reprimand
◾ Suspension with pay
◾ Suspension without pay
◾ Transfer
◾ Termination of Engagement, including immediate termination of Engagement with Just Cause.
i. In determining the appropriate consequences, take into account the nature of the violation of the Policy, its severity, and whether the Respondent has previously violated the Policy.
j. Where a violation of the Policy is found, take any steps necessary to repair the effects of the Discrimination or Harassment on you, and to prevent further recurrences of Harassment or Discrimination in the Company.
k. Communicate the results of the investigation and any corrective actions to you and the Respondent. You and the Respondent will each be provided with a copy of the Investigator's report.
Confidentiality
The Company will do everything it can to protect the privacy of all individuals involved in a Discrimination or Harassment complaint and to ensure that they're treated fairly and respectfully.
• Investigators and persons receiving complaints will, to the extent possible, protect the confidentiality and privacy of persons involved in a complaint, subject to the requirements of a fair investigation, resolution process, and the law.
• All documents related to a complaint, including the written complaint, witness statements, investigation notes and reports, and documents related to the complaint, will be securely maintained by the Manager or HR Manager (if assigned), separate from Staff files.
• Information gathered about an incident or complaint of Harassment or Discrimination won't be disclosed unless necessary for the investigation or corrective action regarding the incident.
• Information obtained about an incident or complaint of Workplace Harassment, including identifying information about any individuals involved, won't be disclosed unless the disclosure is necessary for investigating, taking corrective action, or by law.
Your Rights
• You have a right to claim and enforce your right to a Workplace free of Harassment and Discrimination.
• You shouldn't be negatively treated for bringing forward a complaint, providing information related to a complaint, or helping to resolve a complaint.
• If you're dissatisfied with the outcome of a complaint, you'll be reminded of your rights under the BC Human Rights Code.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Fraudulent or Malicious Complaints
Unfounded or retaliatory allegations of misconduct outlined in this Policy may cause both the Respondent and the Company significant consequences.
If it's determined that you have knowingly made false statements or brought forward a false complaint, immediate disciplinary action will be taken. As with any case of Workplace Misconduct, you will be subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including termination of your Engagement with Just Cause.
Reprisals
It's a violation of this Policy to discipline or punish an individual because they've brought forward a complaint, provided information related to a complaint, or otherwise been involved in the complaint resolution process.
A reprisal may be the subject of a separate complaint under this Policy. If you engage in reprisal, you will be subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including termination of your Engagement with Just Cause.
Impairment & Substance Dependency
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Applies to: |
Everyone except |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
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where noted |
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OVERVIEW
Impairment in the Workplace is not tolerated.
If you're an employee with a Substance dependency, we want to help you overcome it.
READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH
The following policies are closely related to this important Policy:
• Impairment-Free Workplace
• Intoxication at Company Events
POLICY
To foster a healthy Workplace and help ensure that you and Company Stakeholders are safe, the Company has adopted a formal process for dealing with suspected impairment and Substance dependency.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
DEFINITION
Substance
Illicit drugs or Legal Substances
Impairment
Impairment refers to the deterioration of an individual's judgment or a decrease in their physical ability as a result of Substance use. Even small amounts of a Substance can affect your mental and physical abilities. Different Substances act on your brain in different ways, but almost all affect your:
• attention
• judgment
• motor skills
• reaction time
• decision-making skills
• balance and coordination
PROCEDURE
Impairment
Observations and suspicion of impairment may include:
• Slurred speech
• Inability to gain balance or footing
• Watery or red eyes
• The odour of illicit drugs, cannabis, or alcohol
• Dilated pupils
• Exhibiting unusual behaviour
If you're suspected of impairment, the following procedures will apply, wherever possible:
1. If possible, the opinion of two Managers will be sought to corroborate the observation of your behaviour and suspicions of impairment.
2. A Manager or HR Manager (if assigned) will attempt to meet privately with you to discuss or substantiate the suspicion.
3. Substantiation of the suspicion by the best judgment of two management individuals is sufficient to deem you unfit for work and does not require a blood test or breathalyzer.
4. You'll be sent home safely by taxi or by other means.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
5. If your impairment is such that there appears to be an immediate danger to your health, the Company will call an ambulance or get you to the nearest medical facility.
6. You won't be permitted to operate a vehicle if you're suspected of impairment. If you don't co- operate and insist on driving yourself home, the Company will contact the Police authority.
7. A meeting will be scheduled for the following day that will include you and one or two Managers who will determine appropriate disciplinary measures.
8. It's a serious offence if you're found to be impaired in the Workplace a second time, and may result in disciplinary measures up to and including termination of your Engagement with Just Cause.
Precautions at Company Events
At Company events where event-appropriate Legal Substances are served or permitted, the Company may take the following actions:
• Remind the attendees of this Policy and the Intoxication at Company Events Policy and of their obligations as guests of Company events.
• Provide a selection of non-alcoholic beverages as alternatives to alcoholic beverages.
• Limit the amount of event-appropriate Legal Substances available to each attendee.
• Make attempts to prevent an attendee who shows outward signs of Intoxication from continuing to consume event-appropriate Legal Substances.
• Appoint a designated driver or provide alternate means of transportation to attendees who show outward signs of impairment or Intoxication.
• Prevent an attendee who shows outward signs of Intoxication from leaving the event unaccompanied.
Over-the-Counter Medications
While not a requirement, if you're taking over-the-counter medication, you're encouraged to let your Manager know if there's a chance you may experience drowsiness or other side effects that may affect your performance.
Employee Substance Dependency
This section is only applicable to Company Employees.
Some of us may develop a dependency on certain Substances, which may be defined as a disease or disability under Human Rights legislation. In this situation:
• You're encouraged to communicate your dependency or any previous dependency to your Manager or HR Manager (if assigned) so that you may be accommodated as appropriate.
• Maintaining performance standards is a continued expectation and you're expected to seek treatment as soon as you can. We'll support you where we can, but can't do so unless you seek treatment. The Company reserves the right to require you to obtain treatment from a rehabilitation program as a condition of the continuation of your employment.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• If you're protected under Human Rights, the Company may work with you to provide accommodations such as making adjustments or modifications to your work or the work environment, up to the point of Undue Hardship.
• Assistance is available for employees through the Company's Employee Assistance Program, which is a completely confidential resource.
• You won't be disciplined for asking for help relating to a dependency.
• All medical information relating to your condition will be kept confidential.
Prevention of Workplace Violence
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Applies to: |
Everyone |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
Unfortunately, Workplace Violence can happen. When it does, it's not pretty. Let's all do what we can to help prevent it.
POLICY
The Company is committed to providing and maintaining a safe, productive and healthy Workplace and doesn't condone or tolerate acts of violence, intimidation, or bullying against any Company Stakeholder by any Staff Member.
Here's what you need to know:
• Workplace Violence is strictly prohibited.
• Weapons are strictly prohibited in the Workplace under any circumstance. Any violation will be reported to the police immediately.
• Talk of Workplace Violence or joking about Workplace Violence is strictly prohibited.
• The Company will provide you with Harassment, Discrimination, and Workplace Violence prevention training so that you're clear about roles, responsibilities, accountability, and the information and procedures outlined in this Policy.
• You're personally accountable and responsible for enforcing this Policy and where appropriate, must make every effort to prevent intimidation and bullying, and report violence.
• In accordance with the Workers Compensation Act, this Policy will be reviewed annually. The Company, in consultation with a Joint Health and Safety Committee (if established) or Health and Safety Representative (if assigned), will develop, maintain, and review at least annually, a written program that implements this Policy.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• This Policy is posted on the bulletin board.
• In accordance with the WorkSafeBC, in the event that you encounter unsafe working conditions or a situation presents a serious safety concern, you have the right to refuse any work that you believe to be unsafe.
PROCEDURE
Assessing the Risk of Violence
1. The Company will assess the Workplace to identify any risks related to potential violence and will implement measures to mitigate any identified risks to Staff safety. This information will be provided to the Joint Health and Safety Committee (if established) or Health and Safety Representative (if assigned).
2. The Company will communicate information relating to a person with a history of violence when the following conditions apply:
• Staff may reasonably be expected to come into contact with the person in the Workplace.
• There's a potential risk of violence as a result of interactions with the person with a history of violence.
Under these conditions, the Company will only disclose personal information that's deemed necessary to protect Staff from harm.
Reporting & Investigating Workplace Violence
Reporting Workplace Violence
1. In cases where Workplace Violence, or a threat of Workplace Violence, has occurred, and there is no imminent danger, report it immediately to your Manager or HR Manager (if assigned).
2. If you witness any threat of Workplace Violence or violent conduct, remove yourself from harm and immediately call 911. For example, this may include a visitor entering the Workplace with a weapon.
3. If you have a legal court order against an individual, you're encouraged to share that information with your Manager or HR Manager (if assigned) so that the Company is aware of any potential aggressor who may violate a court order and attempt to contact or harm you at work.
Investigating Workplace Violence
1. All reported acts of Workplace Violence will be investigated.
2. Consultation with external parties including legal counsel and the police may occur.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
3. All reasonable measures to reduce the risks identified by the incident will be taken.
4. The incident, investigation, and corrective actions will be documented.
5. The police and any other necessary third party will be assisted in any criminal proceeding.
6. If you're found to have engaged in Workplace Violence, appropriate consequences will be determined which may include:
• Suspension without pay
• Termination of your Engagement, including immediate termination of your Engagement with Just Cause.
7. The Joint Health and Safety Committee (if established) or Health and Safety Representative (if assigned) will:
• Provide recommendations to the CEO to reduce or eliminate the risk of Workplace Violence.
• Review all reports forwarded to the Joint Health and Safety Committee (if established) or Health and Safety Representative (if assigned) regarding Workplace Violence and other incident reports as appropriate pertaining to incidents of Workplace Violence that result in personal injury or threat of personal injury, property damage, or police involvement.
• Participate in the investigation of critical injuries (e.g., incidents that place life in jeopardy, result in substantial blood loss, fracture of leg or arm, etc.).
• Recommend corrective measures for the improvement of the health and safety of workers.
• Respond to Staff concerns related to Workplace Violence and communicate these to the CEO.
Fraudulent or Malicious Complaints
Unfounded or retaliatory allegations of misconduct outlined in this Policy may result in significant consequences for both the accused and the Company.
If it's determined that you have knowingly made false statements or falsely reported an act or threat of Workplace Violence, immediate disciplinary action will be taken. As with any case of Workplace Misconduct, you will be subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including termination of your Engagement with Just Cause.
Reprisals
It's a violation of this Policy to discipline or punish an individual because they've reported an act or threat of Workplace Violence or provided information related to the act or threat.
A reprisal may be the subject of a separate complaint under this Policy. If you engage in reprisal, you will be subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including termination of your Engagement with Just Cause.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Protected Grounds - Duty to Accommodate
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
Where possible, the Company will work with you to accommodate needs related to any of the Protected Grounds.
POLICY
When we refer to 'accommodations,' we mean making arrangements to ensure that Everyone has the same opportunities.
The Company will make every reasonable effort to work with Staff and Job Applicants protected under the Code (Protected Grounds) so they're able to work effectively by making temporary or permanent adjustments or modifications to their Workplace, up to the point of Undue Hardship for the Company. Accommodation examples could include:
• Adoption of speech recognition software
• Flexible working hours
• Accommodating religious obligations
• Modifying the dress code where the accommodation doesn't conflict with established safety policies, or where uniforms can easily be modified
• Modifying break schedules to accommodate specific times for prayers.
Replacing a public holiday with another day off that coincides with your religious holiday of faith. Refer to Vacations & Leaves policy.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Legislated Leaves
Continuing Benefits & Seniority While on Leave
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
POLICY
During any legislated leave included in the Legislated Leave section of this Manual, unless otherwise indicated within the individual policy:
• You'll continue to earn seniority based on length of service.
• In the event of a prolonged Leave, it's the Company's intention, where possible, that you be placed in the same or comparable position you held when the leave began.
• Your Company-paid benefits will continue.
• You can choose to continue with any employee-paid benefit during unpaid legislated leaves by continuing to pay your portion of the monthly premiums.
Vacation
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
Let's take our vacation so we can rest and rejuvenate!
POLICY
Refer to Vacation & Leaves Policy
RESOURCES
It's the Company's intention that this Policy is compliant with BC law.
• BC Employment Factsheet - Vacation:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards- advice/employment-standards/factsheets/annual-vacation
• BC Employment Standards Act:
http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/00_96113_01#part7
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Public Holidays
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Topic Owner: |
HR |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
Public holidays are statutory paid holidays. There are 10 paid holidays in BC.
POLICY
Refer to Vacations & Leaves Policy.
RESOURCES
It's the Company's intention that this Policy is compliant with BC law.
• BC Employment Standards Branch - Statutory Holidays Factsheet:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards- advice/employment-standards/factsheets/statutory-holidays-in-british-columbia
• BC Employment Standards Act:
http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/00_96113_01#part5
Pregnancy & Parental Leave
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
Becoming a new parent means you may be eligible for Pregnancy and Parental Leave.
POLICY
Together with Federal and Provincial agencies, you'll be supported in various ways with the arrival of your child.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Federal & Provincial Agencies Overview
You're eligible for Pregnancy and Parental Leave in accordance with BC Employment Standards Act (ESA). A link to the Act is included in the Resources section below. It will address any questions you may have about your rights and obligations relating to the Leave.
Pregnancy Leave
If you're pregnant, you have the right to take Pregnancy Leave of up to 17 weeks of unpaid time off work. In some cases, the leave may be longer.
Parental Leave
Parental Leave is unpaid time off work when a baby or child is born or first comes into your care.
• As new parents, you have the right to take Parental Leave.
• Parental Leave is not part of Pregnancy Leave and so a birth mother may take both Pregnancy and Parental Leave.
• The right to a Parental Leave is also independent of the right to Pregnancy Leave. For example, a spouse could be on Parental Leave at the same time the birth mother is on either a Pregnancy Leave or Parental Leave.
• For more information on Maternity and Parental Leave including length of leaves, please refer to the link in the Resources section at the end of this Policy.
BC's ESA & the Federal Employment Insurance Act
The Employment Standards Act (ESA) provides eligible employees who are pregnant or are new parents with the right to take unpaid time off work.
In contrast, the federal Employment Insurance Act provides eligible employees with maternity and/or parental benefits that may be payable during the period they're off on an ESA Pregnancy or Parental Leave.
The rules governing the right to take time off work for Pregnancy and Parental Leave under the ESA are different from the rules regarding the payment of maternity and parental benefits under the federal Employment Insurance Act. For example, a new father may choose to begin a Parental Leave under the ESA up to 62 weeks within 78 weeks of the child's birth or adoption. However, there may be restrictions on accessing the employment insurance parental benefits at that time.
It is extremely important that you obtain information about your rights to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for your particular situation if you're considering taking a Pregnancy or Parental Leave under the ESA. Refer to the Resources section at the end of this Policy for additional information and contact details.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
PROCEDURE
• You must request Pregnancy or Parental Leave from your Manager in writing with any appropriate documentation at least 4 weeks before the anticipated start date of the Leave to help the Company and your co-workers prepare for your absence.
• The Company reserves the right to ask you to provide a doctor's certificate or other evidence to support entitlement to an early Pregnancy Leave or an extension of Pregnancy Leave for medical reasons.
• You're expected to provide your Manager or the HR Manager (if assigned) with minimum 4 weeks notice in writing regarding your expected date of return to work or your resignation, if you choose not to return to work.
• If you require the use of sick leave benefits before your Pregnancy Leave begins, the Vacation & Leaves Policy guidelines will apply.
• Once your Pregnancy or your Parental Leave have concluded, you can use your vacation benefits to top up your leave.
• If you require a leave extension once your Pregnancy Leave has concluded, you can use Compassionate Care Leave up to a maximum of 8 weeks.
• Refer to the BC Employment Standards Act to understand how vacation is calculated during Pregnancy or Parental Leave.
• Also refer to the Continuing Benefits & Seniority While on Leave policy.
RESOURCES
It's the Company's intention that this Policy is compliant with BC law.
• BC Employment Standards Act:
• Pregnancy Leave:
http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/00_96113_01#section50
• Parental Leave:
http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/00_96113_01#section51
• Interpretation Guidelines Manual BC Employment Standards Act and Regulations:
• Pregnancy Leave:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards- advice/employment-standards/igm/esa-part-6-section-50
• Parental Leave:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards- advice/employment-standards/igm/esa-part-6-section-51
• EI information: HRSDC:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/ei/ei- list/reports/maternity-parental.html
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Compassionate Care Leave
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
You may be eligible for unpaid time off if one of your family members has a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death occurring within a period of 26 weeks.
POLICY
Sometimes, someone we love becomes ill to the point where they are not expected to be with us much longer. Someone needs to provide them with care and support during this difficult time.
Compassionate Care Leave is unpaid time off to provide care or support to Family Members in respect of whom a qualified health practitioner has issued a certificate indicating that they have a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death occurring within a period of 26 weeks.
You're eligible for Compassionate Care Leave in accordance with BC ESA. A link to the Act is included in the Resources section below. It will address any specific questions you may have about your rights and obligations relating to the Leave, including length of leave and definition of "family members".
PROCEDURE
• You must submit your request for Compassionate Care Leave in writing to your Manager, giving as much notice as possible.
• The Company reserves the right to require you to provide a medical certificate to support the Leave request (ideally in advance, or as soon as possible thereafter). If you don't provide a medical certificate, you may not be entitled to the Leave.
• In certain circumstances, you may use a combination of paid leave, unpaid leave, vacation or banked time.
• Under the federal Employment Insurance Act, you may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits (called 'Compassionate Care Benefits') for up to a maximum of 26 weeks.
The right to take time off work under this Policy is not the same as the right to the payment of Compassionate Care Benefits under the federal Employment Insurance Act. You may be entitled to Compassionate Care Leave whether or not you have applied for or are qualified for the Compassionate Care Benefits. For information about EI, refer to the Resources below.
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• If you're planning to take this Leave, speak with your Manager or the HR Manager (if assigned) who will be happy to provide you with assistance.
RESOURCES
It's the Company's intention that this Policy is compliant with BC law.
Service Canada - Employment Insurance (EI):
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-compassionate.html
• BC Employment Standards - BC Employment Standards - Leaves and Jury Duty Factsheet: :
• https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards- advice/employment-standards/factsheets/leaves-and-jury-duty
BC Employment Standards Act: http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/00_96113_01#section52.1
Family Responsibility Leave
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
Your may be eligible for unpaid time off if one of your family members has needs related to care, health, or education.
POLICY
Sometimes, someone we love needs our care and support.
Family Responsibility Leave is unpaid time off from work to provide care or support to Family Members. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for Family Responsibility Leave.
Refer to the link in the Resources section at the end of this Policy for details on the Family Responsibility Leave, including length of leave and definition of "family members".
PROCEDURE
• Submit your request for Family Responsibility Leave in writing to your Manager, giving as much notice as possible.
• In certain circumstances, you may use a combination of paid leave, unpaid leave, or vacation or banked time.
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• If you're planning to take this Leave, speak with your Manager or the HR Manager (if assigned) who will be happy to provide you with assistance.
RESOURCES
It's the Company's intention that this Policy is compliant with BC law.
• BC Employment Standards - Leaves and Jury Duty Factsheet:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards- advice/employment-standards/factsheets/leaves-and-jury-duty
• BC Employment Standards Act:
• http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/00_96113_01#section52
Bereavement Leave
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
POLICY
We extend our condolences to you should you experience a death in your immediate family or some other misfortune. We support you during these difficult times and you may be eligible for up to 3 days of unpaid time off from work.
Here's what else you should know:
• If one of your immediate family member's dies, you are entitled to 3 days of unpaid time off.
• You may be eligible for additional unpaid days off as per the Family Responsibility Leave and Compassionate Care Leave policies.
For further information including definition of family members, please refer to the link to the Employment Standards Act on Bereavement Leave included in the Resources section below. It will also address any specific questions you may have about your rights and obligations relating to the Leave.
PROCEDURE
1. Provide your Manager or the HR Manager (if assigned) with the details of the situation as soon as possible and a mutual determination will be made regarding the time off.
2. Refer to Approving, Communicating, and Recording Absences policy for absence procedures.
RESOURCES
It's the Company's intention that this Policy is compliant with BC law.
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• BC Employment Standards - Leaves and Jury Duty Factsheet:
• http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards- advice/employment-standards/factsheets/leaves-and-jury-duty
• BC Employment Standards Act:
• http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/00_96113_01#section53
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Rewards & Benefits
Rewards and benefits are important to attract qualified individuals to the Company, to remain competitive within the industry, and to ensure you remain with us.
We offer a competitive benefits package that makes sure all your basic medical and insurance needs are covered, as well as other perks to make your working experience as rewarding as possible. Additional rewards are also provided based on performance and exceeding expectations.
Health Care Benefits
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
GUIDELINES
Your Manager or the HR Manager (if assigned) will review the benefits you're eligible for during your initial orientation and ask you to provide the information necessary for enrolment.
All benefit plans have established eligibility requirements. The Company reserves the right to amend any of these benefit plans at any time, but you'll be notified in advance of any changes.
Group Health Plans
• BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
• Extended Health (including prescriptions, vision, medical equipment, chiropractic services, physiotherapy, etc.)
• Life Insurance
• Dependent Life Insurance (a dependent is defined as legal or common-law spouse and dependent children as defined by insurance carrier)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Long-Term Disability
Health Care Plan Details
Our health care plans are summarized below to provide information about waiting periods and cost- sharing only. For specific information on coverage limits and eligibility, please refer to the detailed description of benefits provided by our insurance carrier, provided to you separately.
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Employee Development, Performance, & Exit
Probationary Period
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
The probationary period is like a trial working period that allows the Company and anyone in a new position to mutually evaluate each other and confirm that there's a good fit.
GUIDELINES
A probationary period is used for new hires and existing employees who have been transferred or promoted into new position. It provides a reasonable timeframe and opportunity for Managers to assess whether there's a good fit between an employee and their new job. At the same time, it allows a new hire the opportunity to evaluate the job and workplace to determine suitability.
Here's what you need to know:
• The terms of your probationary period are outlined in your employment agreement.
• The probationary period includes orientation and training activities and more frequent than usual performance check-ins. Both you and your Manager must devote special attention and effort to make sure that job standards are communicated, the duties of the position are learned, and you're meeting the expectations of the job.
• Under certain circumstances, the probationary period may be extended. There must be a valid reason for the extension and the extension must be in writing.
• Upon satisfactory completion of the probationary period, if the probationary period is extended, or your probationary period is longer than 90 days, you'll be eligible for any benefits that begin after a 90-day waiting period.
Performance Management
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Applies to: |
Employees |
Last Updated: |
February 26, 2020 |
OVERVIEW
See Performance Management Policy.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
FORMAL TERMS & DEFINITIONS
Whenever the formal words listed below appear in this document, they have the meaning specified below - unless a contrary intention is noted or such meaning is inconsistent with the context.
An italicized word means that its definition is also defined in this section.
Agency Staff
An individual who is not an employee of the Company and who is contracted to perform temporary services for the Company through a Staffing Agency.
the Code
Refer to Human Rights Code
the Company
Adastra Labs Holdings Ltd.
Adastra Labs Inc.
Chemia Analytics Inc.
Adastra Brands Inc.
Company Materials
Company property that includes, without limitation, the following:
-
Intellectual property
-
Technology Tools
-
Company equipment, vehicles or machinery
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Desks, furniture, chairs, filing cabinets
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the Company premises, including individual offices and common areas
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Work spaces
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Credit cards
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Keys
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Parking passes (when applicable)
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Security passes/FOBs or Company identification
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Passwords
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Copies or digital copies of the Company's corporate records, files, financial documents, client lists, or any other materials that belong to the Company or relates to the business, Company Stakeholders, or operations of the Company.
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All printed, written, electronic, and digital information, memory devices and all copies of any of them which contain Confidential Information or otherwise belong to the Company.
Company Stakeholders
Individuals who have a formal relationship with the Company, whether existing, former, currently associated with, or in communication with to form a relationship that includes, without limitation, the following:
• Staff
• Job Applicants
• Customers
• Partners
• Vendors
• Officers
• Board members
• Individuals who have an online relationship with the Company, including:
• Newsletter or blog subscribers
• Survey participants
• Connections through the Company's Social Media accounts, for example as friends, followers, connections or fans
• Visitors
• Other stakeholders directly associated with the Company
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Confidential Information
Information about the Company that is or may be disclosed to you, known by you, or developed by you (alone or with others) as a consequence of or through your Engagement with the Company, which information:
• Is not generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by you.
• Is not generally known in the industry in which the Company has conducted or currently conducts business, or may in the future conduct business.
• Could put the Company at a competitive disadvantage if improperly communicated.
• Cannot be communicated due to contractual or legal obligations - such as employee personal information.
• Should not be shared externally or with Staff unless there's a legitimate business or legal reason to do so.
Confidential Information includes, without limitation, the following:
• The Employee Handbook
• The business and trade secrets of the Company
• Intellectual property, Work Product and other assets of the Company
• Login and passwords including Technology Tools, Electronic Communication tools and any other site, or service that is subscribed to, or provided by, the Company
• Sales and marketing information including existing and potential customers, members, or users of the Company and any information or lists concerning same, including customer credit card information and cloud-based services including newsletter or survey applications' distribution lists
• Business plans and strategies of the Company
• Technologies and products owned, licensed or developed by or for the Company and research and development plans in respect of same
• Pricing, billing methods and revenue models of the Company
• Product design and processes
• Lists or databases relating to Company Stakeholders, including Payroll, employee databases, customer or prospect lists
• Private or personal information of Company Stakeholders including information relating to payroll, Human Resources, credit card information, and contract details
• Information about Staff including private and personal information, HR information including performance and compensation
• Information about Job Applicants who have applied to the Company
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• Schedules, estimates and proposals
• Security information
• Contracts and contract negotiations
• Financial statements and accounting data
• Non-public financial information
• Non-public technical information
• Company-related legal proceedings or controversies
Consultant
An experienced professional who is not an employee who provides expertise for a fee and provides services in an advisory capacity. Services are paid via an invoice through Accounts Payable. At times, a Consultant may occupy a seat in the Workplace and may be required to adhere to Staff Policies if contractually obliged to do so by the Company.
Core Hours
Collaboration and face-to-face time are key ingredients for running our business successfully. We need to know that Staff will be at work during certain periods so that we can make contact for the purposes of brainstorming, decision-making, information dissemination, and making the most of creativity.
We encourage you to set up meetings during these times, and we ask that you schedule personal appointments and incidental absences outside of Core Hours where possible.
You're expected to be in the office during our Core Hours, as follows:
• 9:00 am to 11:30 am
• 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Core hours do not apply to part-time or hourly employees that are working on a production-based schedule.
Direct Reports
An individual who reports directly to someone else. For example, a director may have 2 managers who report directly to the director. The managers are considered the director's direct reports. However, the individuals who work for each of the 2 managers are not the direct reports of the director.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Discrimination
Discrimination is defined as any form of unequal treatment based on Protected Grounds, that results in disadvantage, whether imposing extra burdens or denying benefits. It may be intentional or unintentional. It may involve direct actions that are discriminatory on their face, or it may involve rules, practices or procedures that appear neutral, but have the effect of disadvantaging certain groups of people. Discrimination can be obvious, or it may occur in very subtle ways. Discrimination needs only to be one factor among many factors in a decision or action for a finding of discrimination to be made.
Electronic Communication(s)
Any Company digital platform or method where digital communication may take place that includes, without limitation, the following:
• The Company website
• Texts
• Web conferencing
• Surveys
• Newsletters
• Job boards
• Digital marketing or advertising sponsored by the Company
• Social Media
Employee
An individual working for the Company who is paid directly through the Company's payroll
system, deducted statutory deductions, and receives a statement of remuneration paid, such as a T4.
• employee eligible for standard benefits: An employee who has successfully completed their probationary period and where their employment agreement identifies them as being eligible for benefits, and where their benefits waiting period has passed.
• regular employee: An employee who is hired in a longer-term capacity and is anticipated to successfully complete the probationary period.
• full-time employee: An employee who is scheduled to work a Standard Work Week.
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• part-time employee: An employee who is consistently scheduled to work less than a Standard Work Week.
• temporary employee: An employee who is hired for a pre-established period, perhaps during peak workloads, for special projects, as summer employment, or to provide vacation relief. This includes co-op students and interns.
• casual employee: An employee who works occasional and irregular hours on an as-needed basis.
Note that the term "employee" is not capitalized in this Manual to facilitate readability.
Engagement
The period of active employment or other formal relationships with the Company, including as
an Independent Contractor, Consultant, Volunteer, Agency Staff. The term "Engagement" is often used in place of "employment" to clarify that the subject matter, topic or policy is applicable to all Staff, not just employees.
Engagement (Employment) Agreement
The contract signed between a Staff Member and the Company that sets out the formal terms and conditions of your Engagement. For example, an employment agreement or an independent contractor agreement. The term "Engagement Agreement" is often used in place of "employment agreement" to clarify that the subject matter, topic or policy is applicable to all Staff, not just employees.
Everyone
• Everyone, also referred to as "All Staff" or "Staff" or "Staff Members": Refers to the aggregate of all office workers providing services to the Company including, but not limited to, the following:
• employee
• Agency staff
• Independent Contractor
• Consultant
• Volunteer
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• Staff Member, also referred to as an individual: Refers to any individual providing services to the Company including, but not limited to, the following:
• employee
• Agency Staff
• Independent Contractor
• Consultant
• Volunteer
Harassment & Workplace Harassment
Remember!
• Even if someone does not clearly object to harassing behaviour, or if they appear to go along with it, do not assume they have agreed to this behaviour. It could still be considered Harassment.
• Always err on the side of caution. What one person finds offensive, another may not. It's the perception of the receiver of any gesture or verbal message that may be deemed objectionable or unwelcome that determines whether something is acceptable or not.
• While harassment is not specifically defined or mentioned in the BC Human Rights Code, it is implied that harassment based on Protected Grounds, including sexual harassment, is prohibited.
Bullying and Harassment as defined by WorkSafeBC Policies
• Includes any inappropriate conduct or comment by a person towards a worker that the person knew, or reasonably ought to have known, would cause that worker to be humiliated or intimidated, but
• Excludes any reasonable action taken by an employer or supervisor relating to the management and direction of workers or the place of employment.
Examples of Harassment could include:
• Epithets, remarks, jokes or innuendos related to Protected Grounds
• Showing or circulating offensive pictures, graffiti or materials related Protected Grounds, whether in print form or using e-mail or other electronic means
• Singling someone out for humiliating or demeaning "teasing" or jokes because of Protected Grounds
• Comments or ridiculing because of characteristics, dress, etc. that are related to Protected Grounds
Forms of sexual and gender-based harassment could include:
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• Making an individual dress in a sexualized or gender-specific way
• Gender-related comments about a person's physical characteristics or mannerisms
• Suggestive or offensive remarks or innuendoes about members of a specific gender
• Gender-related verbal abuse, threats or taunting
• Making suggestive or offensive comments or hints about members of a specific gender
• Paternalistic comment or conduct based on gender, which undermines a person's self-respect or position of responsibility
• Making unnecessary physical contact, including unwanted touching, etc.
• Making comments or treating someone badly because they don't conform with sex-role stereotypes
• Making threats to penalize or otherwise punish
• Propositions of physical intimacy
• Demanding hugs
• Invading personal space
• Leering or inappropriate staring
• Using sexual or gender-related comment or conduct to bully someone
• Using sex-specific derogatory names
• Bragging about sexual prowess
• Questions or discussions about sexual activities
• Offensive jokes or comments of a sexual nature about a Staff Member or client
• Display of sexually offensive pictures, graffiti or other materials, including through electronic means
• Showing or sending pornography, sexual pictures or cartoons, sexually explicit graffiti, or other sexual images (including on-line)
• Demands for dates or sexual favours
• Sexual jokes, including passing around written sexual jokes (for example, by email)
• Spreading sexual rumours (including on-line)
Workplace Bullying and Psychological Harassment
• Workplace bullying and psychological harassment is defined as unwanted conduct, comments, actions or gestures that affect an individual's dignity, psychological or physical health and well- being. Bullying and psychological harassment may result from the actions of one individual towards another, or from the behaviour of a group.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• Bullying and psychological harassment are often characterized through insulting, hurtful, hostile, vindictive, cruel or malicious behaviours which undermine, disrupt or negatively impact another's ability to do their job and result in a harmful work environment for Staff.
• Bullying and psychological harassment can take many forms and may occur when the behaviour or conduct:
• Would reasonably tend to cause offense, discomfort, humiliation or embarrassment to another person or group
• Has the purpose or effect of interfering with a person's work performance
• Creates an intimidating, threatening, hostile or offensive work environment
Examples
Although there can be no exhaustive list, examples of behaviour and impact that may signify bullying or psychological harassment include, but are not limited to:
• Insulting or derogatory remarks, gestures or actions
• Rude, vulgar language or gestures
• Malicious rumours, gossip or negative innuendo
• Verbal aggression and/or verbal abuse
• Shouting or yelling
• Swearing or name-calling
• Glaring or staring
• Outbursts or displays of anger directed at others
• Targeting an individual through persistent, unwarranted criticism
• Public ridicule
• Verbal, written or physical threats and intimidation
• Mobbing and/or swarming
• Misuse of power or authority
• Isolation and/or exclusion from work-related activities
What Workplace Harassment Isn't
A reasonable action taken by the Company or a Manager relating to the management and direction of Staff or the Workplace is not considered Workplace Harassment. Counseling, performance reviews, work assignments, and the implementation of disciplinary actions are not forms of Workplace Harassment, and don't restrict a Manager's responsibilities in these areas.
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Human Rights Code (the "Code")
Refers to BC's Human Rights Code that prohibits actions that discriminate against people based on a Protected Ground.
Independent Contractor
A self-employed individual who is not an employee of the Company and who contracts to provide temporary services to the Company to complete a particular piece of work. Services are paid via an invoice through Accounts Payable. An Independent Contractor may occupy a seat in the Workplace and may be required to adhere to Staff Policies if contractually obliged to do so by the Company.
Intoxicated (Intoxication, Intoxicate)
To be affected by illicit drugs or Legal Substances especially to the point where physical and mental control is markedly diminished.
Job Abandonment
Failure to report back to work after 3 missed consecutive business days without notifying the Company.
Job Applicant
Also known as 'candidate'. An individual who has applied for a position with the Company.
Just Cause
The Company has the right to terminate your Engagement, but must provide appropriate notice as outlined in your Engagement Agreement. An exception to the notice requirement applies when there is 'Just Cause' which refers to conduct that is of such a serious nature or extent that it essentially breaks the Engagement relationship, in which case no notice would be provided and termination of Engagement would be immediate.
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Legal Substance
Any legal substance, that may cause impairment or intoxication when consumed in excess. Examples include but are not limited to:
• Non-prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• Prescribed medications
• Alcohol
• Cannabis (where legalized)
Manager
Often referred to as 'supervisor' or 'boss'.
As it relates to employees: The individual to whom you report to directly and from whom you take direction for your work. A manager is normally the individual who conducts your performance review.
As it relates to non-employees: Your Company liaison, or the primary individual from whom you take direction for your services.
Manual
This employee handbook document.
Misconduct
Any improper conduct that involves illegal, fraudulent, dishonest, unethical, or hurtful behaviour, or serious negligence in the performance of your duties.
The following are examples that supplement the policy violation examples outlined in Staff Policies, and is by no means an exhaustive list:
• Breaking the law
• Theft or fraud
• Improper or prohibited use of Company Technology Tools or Electronic Communication tools
• Discrimination
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• Harassment and Workplace Harassment including bullying
• Punishing or retaliating against an individual for bringing forward, providing information related to, or otherwise taking part in a legitimate complaint
• Workplace Violence including intimidation
• Off-Duty Misconduct
• Disclosing Confidential Information
• Disclosing or using a Company Stakeholder's private information for personal gain or to be hurtful
• Falsifying Company records
• Working less than a Standard Work Week, not including planned or reasonable absences
• Falsifying or failure to record absences
• Falsifying personal information
• Insubordination or failure to carry out reasonable work-related instructions
• Job Abandonment
Mobile Devices
Mobile devices are electronic or wireless portable devices that include but are not limited to:
• Wireless Phones
• Smart Phones
• Tablets
• Laptops
• Any portable device that is or includes a camera
• Any portable device that includes video recording capabilities
• Any portable device that includes sound recording capabilities
• Any portable device that includes the capability to connect to the internet
Off-Duty Misconduct
Any conduct, Misconduct, or violation of Staff Policies that occurs when you're off-duty that negatively impacts the Company, its products and services, or Company Stakeholders, including, without limitation, the following:
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
• Defined as Harassment & Workplace Harassment, Discrimination, Workplace Violence, or bullying against any Company Stakeholder
• Materially and adversely affecting your job performance or the job performance of co-workers, or results in co-workers refusing to work with you
• Materially and adversely affects your professional designation or standing as a member of a professional association
• Divulging Confidential Information to any person or entity that is not authorized to receive that information
• Making libelous, slanderous or maliciously false statements towards or concerning the Company, its services and products, or Company Stakeholders
Personal Activities
"Personal activities" are defined as engaging in any activity during a Standard Work Week that is not directly related to one or more of the following:
• Your job productivity
• Your job tasks
• Your job responsibilities
• Company business
• Furthering the interests of the Company
Examples of personal activities include, without limitation, the following:
• Personal Internet use
• Personal Electronic Communication including sending, receiving, or reading personal email
• Using a Mobile Device for personal conversations or other personal messaging activities
• Personal landline phone conversations
• Personal errands
• Extended personal conversations with co-workers
• Reading for personal interest, including newspapers, magazines, novels or Internet sites
Protected Grounds
The BC Human Rights Code prohibits actions that discriminate against people based on any of the following protected grounds:
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• Race
• Colour
• Ancestry
• Place of origin
• Political belief
• Religion
• Marital status
• Family status
• Physical or mental disability
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity or expression
• Age
Reasonable Person
A standard used to denote a hypothetical person who exercises "those ordinary qualities of attention, knowledge, intelligence, and judgment which society requires of its members for the protection of its own interest and the interest of others." The phrase does not apply to a person's ability to reason, but rather the prudence with which they act under the circumstances.
Regular Business Hours
Our general business hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Standard Work Week
Employees:
• Our Standard Work Week consists of 40 hours and our regular working day consists of 8 hours, excluding an unpaid 30-minute meal break. (Prorated for Regular Part-Time Employees)
• Our pay is based on adding value to the business and being productive for a minimum of 40 hours per week, except when the work week includes planned or approved absences.
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Non-Employees:
• Expected weekly/daily hours as set out in your Engagement Agreement.
Social Media
Social media is defined as a subset of Electronic Communication, but has a specific and more complex definition that requires additional detail. The Company's use of the term 'Social Media' includes, without limitation, the following:
• Social networking sites including but not limited to:
• YouTube
• Google+
• SnapChat
• The Company's corporate LinkedIn pages
• Video and photo sharing sites
• Blogging, including but not limited to:
• The Company's blog(s)
• Your personal blog(s)
• Any external blog posts or comments
• Forum, chat, and discussion groups, such as Skype chat
• Online wiki sites such as Wikipedia
• Online classified sites including but not limited to Craigslist
• Other websites that allow for comments to be posted
• Other social, interactive, collaborating or networking sites that are accessible by other individuals with a browser regardless of the requirement of a login or password
Staff
Refer to: Everyone
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Adastra Employee Handbook |
Staff Member
Refer to: Everyone
Staff Policies
Refers to the policies and topics included in the Staff Policies section of this Manual that all Staff must adhere to as a signed condition of Engagement if contractually obliged to do so by the Company.
Technology Tools
Refers to the Company's computers, storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes that create, process, store, secure and exchange the Company's electronic data. Technology Tools include, without limitation, the following:
• Computers and related hardware
• Removable drives, webcams and microphones
• Mobile Devices
• Email system
• Networks
• Servers
• Databases
• External file sharing services
• Cloud based services
• Company Social Media accounts
• Internet connection
• Wifi
• domain
• FTP
• Website hosting
• Printers
• Software
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Undue Hardship
The Company will work to provide accommodations up to the point of undue hardship which occur in situations where:
• All options and recommendations have been considered and it's determined that no feasible accommodation exists; or
• Accommodation would result in excessive costs that would create a hardship for the Company; or
• Accommodation would result in a safety hazard
If accommodation is determined to cause undue hardship and to the extent possible, the Company will work to find a fair and equitable compromise that strives to meet the needs of both parties.
Volunteer
An individual who provides unpaid services to the Company
Workplace
A workplace is not necessarily a building or structure. It's defined as any location where you're engaged in providing services for or on behalf of the Company, which includes, without limitation, the following:
• While on Company premises, working remotely, or working from a home office
• While on Company business
• While being remunerated by the Company
• While using Company Materials, Company resources, equipment, Technology Tools or Electronic Communication tools
• While identifying yourself as a representative of the Company, for example, when communicating or posting online, while at a conference or an external meeting, when driving on behalf of the Company, or during business travel on behalf of the Company
Workplace Violence
• WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation defines workplace violence as "the attempted or actual exercise by a person, other than a worker, of any physical force so as to cause injury to a worker, and includes any threatening statement or behaviour which gives a worker reasonable cause to believe that he or she is at risk of injury."
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Examples include but aren't limited to:
• Beatings, stabbings, suicides, shootings, rapes and any physical contact with intent to harm.
• Any physical contact that causes or could cause physical injury.
• Acts causing psychological trauma such as threats, obscene phone calls, mental cruelty and intimidation and threatening hand gestures or body language.
• Behaviour which gives a person reason to believe that they or any other person is at risk of injury.
• Verbal, written, or telephone threats, including:
• Direct: Direct threats to the victim from the perpetrator, e.g. "I'll hurt you."
• Conditional: Threats of violence to the victim by the perpetrator, if the victim does or doesn't do something, e.g., "If you blow the whistle, I know where you live."
• Veiled: Non-specific threats from the perpetrator, e.g., "I hope you don't get hurt."
Violence can come from a number of possible sources including Company Stakeholders, domestic partners, or strangers.
Domestic Violence
An individual who has a relationship with a Staff Member (Example: a spouse or former spouse, current or former intimate partner or a family member) who may physically harm, or attempt or threaten to physically harm, that Staff Member at work. In these situations, domestic violence is considered Workplace Violence.
Work Product
Any Company ideas, suggestions, developments, reports, documents, concepts, products, inventions, improvements, designs, devices, technology, programs, processes, methodologies, assemblies of information or data, productions made, perfected, conceived or participated in by you, any Company marketing schemes, business, joint venture or marketing contracts, or any business opportunities prepared, produced, developed, or acquired at your direction or by you, whether or not conceived or made in the Workplace, or during a Standard Work Week, and whether or not you are specifically instructed to make or develop the same.
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Michael Forbes, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Adastra Holdings Ltd.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The company's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The company's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company's auditors and the audit committee of the company's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 17, 2022
/s/ Michael Forbes
Michael Forbes
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Oliver Foeste, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Adastra holdings Ltd.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The company's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The company's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the company's auditors and the audit committee of the company's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the company's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: May 17, 2022
/s/ Oliver Foeste
Oliver Foeste
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
The undersigned, Michael Forbes, Chief Executive Officer of Adastra Holdings Ltd., hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) the annual report on Form 20-F of Adastra Holdings Ltd. for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Adastra Holdings Ltd.
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Dated: May 17, 2022 |
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/s/ Michael Forbes |
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Michael Forbes |
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Chief Executive Officer |
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Adastra Holdings Ltd. |
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A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Adastra Holdings Ltd. and will be retained by Adastra Holdings Ltd. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
The undersigned, Oliver Foeste, Chief Financial Officer of Adastra Holdings Ltd., hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) the annual report on Form 20-F of Adastra Holdings Ltd. for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Adastra Holdings Ltd.
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Dated: May 17, 2022 |
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/s/ Oliver Foeste |
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Oliver Foeste |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Adastra Holdings Ltd. and will be retained by Adastra Holdings Ltd. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.