<PAGE>
                                                                   Exhibit 1.1 a

                                 [CANADA LOGO]

CERTIFICATE OF AMALGAMATION                                 CERTIFICAT DE FUSION

CANADA BUSINESS                                             LOI SUR LES SOCIETES
CORPORATIONS ACT                                        COMMERCIALES CANADIENNES

HOLLINGER INC.                                                   197578-1
-------------------------------------------------        -----------------------
Name of corporation - Denomination de la societes            Number - Numero

I hereby certify that the above-          Je certifie par les presentes que la
mentioned Corporation resulted from       societe mentionnee ci-haut resulte de
the amalgamation of the following         la fusion des societes ci-dessous, en
Corporations under Section 179 of         vertu de l'article 179 de la Loi sur
the Canada Business Corporations          las societes commerciales canadiennes.
Act, as set out in the attached articles  tel qu'indique dans les statuts de
of Amalgamation.                          fusion ci-joints.

                              ARGCEN HOLDINGS INC.

                            HOLLINGER ARGUS LIMITED

                            LABMIN RESOURCES LIMITED

                                            September 17, 1985
                                            le 17 Septembre 1985
    Director-Directeur                     Date of Amalgamation - Date de fusion

<PAGE>

    CORPORATIONS ACT
       FORM 9                  [LOGO]                    FORMULE 9
ARTICLES OF AMALGAMATION                              STATUTS DE FUSION
      (SECTION 179)                                     (ARTICLE 179)

<TABLE>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>
1 - Name of Amalgamated Corporation                                             Denomination de la societe issue de la fusion

         LINGER INC.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 - The place within Canada where the registered office is to be situated       Lieu au Canada ou doit etre situe ie siege social

    Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, Province of Ontario

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 - The classes and any maximum number of shares that the corporation           Categories et tout nombre maximal d'actions que la
    is authorized to issue                                                      societe est autorisee a emettre
</TABLE>

(1) Unlimited number of common shares

(2) Unlimited number of preference shares issuable in series, of which 1,850,000
   shall form the first series and be designated as Floating Rate Cumulative
   Convertible Preference Shares Series A.
   The rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to such shares
   are set forth in Appendices A and B annexed hereto.

<TABLE>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>
4 - Restrictions if any on share transfers                                      Restrictions sur le transfer des actions sily a lieu

         None

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 - Number (or minimum and maximum number) of directors                         Nombre (ou nombre minimum et maximum)
   (See Appendix C)                                                             d'administrateurs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 - Restrictions if any on business the corporation may carry on                Limites imposees quant aux activities que la societe
                                                                                peut expiorter, s'il y a lieu.
       None

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 - Other provisions if any                                                     Autres dispositions s'il y a lieu

         N/A

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                  <C>
8 - The amalgamation agreement has been approved by special   [X]    La convention de fusion a ete approuvee par resolutions
    resolutions of shareholders of each of the amalgamating          speciales des actionnaures de chacune des societes
    corporations listed in Item 10 below in accordance               fusionnantes enumerecs a la rubrique 10 Ci-dessous, en
    with Section 177 of the Canada Business Corporations             conformite de I'article 177 de la Lor sur les societes
    Act.                                                             commerciales canadiennes.

    The amalgamation has been approved by a resolution of the [ ]    La fusion a ete approuvee par resolution des administrateurs
    directors of each of the amalgamating corporations               de chacune des societes fusionnantes enumerates a la rubrique
    listed in Item 10 below in accordance with Section 178           10 ci-dessous en conformite de I'article 178 de la Loi sur
    of the Canada Business Corporations Act. These articles          les societes commerciales canadiennes. Les presents statuts
    of amalgamation are the same as the articles of                  de fusion aont les memes que les statuts constitutifs de
    incorporation of (name the designated amalgamating               (nommer la societe fusionnante designee).
    corporation).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 - Name of the amalgamating corporation the by-laws of
    which are to be the by-laws of the amalgamated
    corporation.
                  Hollinger Argus Limited
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 - Name of Amalgamating Corporations        Corporation No.                          Description of Office
     Denomination des societes               No de la societe     Signature    Date    Description du posie
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>                 <C>           <C>     <C>
     Argcen Holdings Inc.                        173149-1                      Sept.         Secretary
                                                                               17/85
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Hollinger Argus Limited                     173617-5                      Sept.         Secretary
                                                                               17/85
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Labmin Resources Limited                    197565-0                      Sept.         Secretary
                                                                               17/85
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

FOR DEPARTMENTAL USE ONLY                       A L'USAGE DU MINISTERE SEULEMENT
Corporation No. - No. de la societe               Filed -
                  197578-1
                                                             September 17, 1985

<PAGE>

                                   APPENDIX A

PREFERENCES, RIGHTS, CONDITIONS, RESTRICTIONS, LIMITATIONS AND PROHIBITIONS
ATTACHING TO THE PREFERENCE SHARES

1.       Directors' Right to Issue in One or More Series

         The Preference Shares may at any time or from time to time be issued in
one or more series. Before any shares of a particular series other than the
first series are issued, the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall fix the
number of shares that will form such series and shall subject to the limitations
set out herein, by resolution determine the designation, rights, privileges,
restrictions and conditions to be attached to the Preference Shares of such
series, including, but without in any way limiting or restricting the generality
of the foregoing, the rate, amount or method of calculation of dividends
thereon, the time and place of payment of dividends, the consideration and the
terms and conditions of any purchase for cancellation, retraction or redemption
thereof, conversion rights (if any), voting rights attached thereto (if any),
and the terms and conditions of any share purchase plan or sinking fund, the
whole subject to the filing with the Director (as defined in the Canada Business
Corporations Act) of Articles of Amendment containing a description of such
series, including the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and
conditions determined by the Board of Directors.

2.       Ranking of Preference Shares

         The Preference Shares of each series shall rank on a parity with the
Preference Shares of every other series with respect to accumulated dividends
and return of capital. The Preference Shares shall be entitled to preference
over the Common Shares and over any other shares ranking junior to the
Preference Shares with respect to priority in the payment of dividends and in
the distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other
distribution of the assets of the Corporation among its shareholders for the
purpose of winding up its affairs. If any cumulative dividends or amounts
payable on a return of capital are not paid in full, the Preference Shares of
all series shall participate rateably in respect of such dividends, including
accumulations, if any, in accordance with the sums that would be payable on such
shares if all such dividends were declared and paid in full, and in respect of
any repayment of capital in accordance with the sums that would be payable on
such repayment of capital if all sums so payable were paid in full; provided
however, that in the event of there being insufficient assets to satisfy in full
all such claims as aforesaid, the claims of the holders of the Preference Shares
with respect to repayment of capital shall first be paid and satisfied and any
assets remaining thereafter shall be applied towards the payment and
satisfaction of claims in respect dividends. The Preference Shares of any series
may also be given such other preferences not inconsistent with paragraphs 1 to 5
hereof over the Common Shares and over any other shares ranking junior to the
Preference Shares as may be determined in the case of such series of Preference
Shares.

3.       Voting Rights

         Except as hereinafter referred to or as required by law or in
accordance with any voting rights which may from time to time be attached to any
series of Preference Shares, the holders of the Preference Shares as a class
shall not be entitled as such to receive notice of, to attend or to vote at any
meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation.

4.       Amendment with Approval of Holders of Preference Shares

         The rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the
Preference Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with
the approval of the holders of Preference Shares given as hereinafter specified.

5.       Approval of Holders of Preference Shares

         The approval of the holders of Preference Shares to add to, change or
remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the
Preference Shares as a class or of any other matter requiring the consent of the
holders of the Preference Shares may be given in such manner as may then be
required by law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by
resolution passed by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast
at a meeting of the holders of Preference Shares duly called for that purpose.

         The formalities to be observed in respect of the giving of notice of
any such meeting or any adjourned meeting and the conduct thereof shall be those
from time to time prescribed in the by-laws of the Corporation with respect to
meetings of shareholders or, if not so prescribed, as required by the Canada
Business Corporations Act. On every poll taken at a meeting of holders of
Preference Shares as a class, or at a joint meeting of the holders of two or
more

<PAGE>

series of Preference Shares, each holder of Preference Shares entitled to vote
thereat shall have one vote in respect of each $1.00 of the issue price of each
Preference Share held by him.

                                  COMMON SHARES

         The Common Shares shall carry and be subject to the following rights,
privileges, restrictions and conditions:

1.       Voting Rights

         The holders of the Common Shares shall be entitled to receive notice of
and to attend all meetings of shareholders of the Corporation, other than
separate meetings of the holders of another class or series of the Corporation,
and to vote at any such meeting on the basis of one vote for each Common Share
held.

2.       Dividend Rights

         Subject to the prior rights of the holders of the Preference Shares and
any other shares ranking senior to the Common Shares with respect to priority in
the payment of dividends, all dividends which the directors may declare in any
fiscal year of the Corporation shall be declared and paid in equal or equivalent
amounts per share on all Common Shares at the time outstanding without
preference or priority.

3.       Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up

         In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, or in the event of any other
distribution of assets of the Corporation among its shareholders for the purpose
of winding up its affairs, the holders of the Common Shares shall be entitled,
subject to the prior right of the holders of the Preference Shares and any other
shares ranking senior to the Common Shares, to the remaining property and assets
of the Corporation.

<PAGE>

                                   APPENDIX B

   RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS ATTACHING TO THE SERIES A
                               PREFERENCE SHARES

         The rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the
Series A Preference Shares (in addition to the rights, privileges, restrictions
and conditions attaching to the Preference Shares as a class) shall be as
follows:

                                    ARTICLE 1

                                 INTERPRETATION

1.1      Definitions.

         In these conditions attaching to the Series A Preference Shares:

         (a)      "average prime rate" for any dividend calculation period means
                  the arithmetic mean (rounded to the nearest 0.01%) of the
                  prime rate for each day during such period:

         (b)      "business day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or
                  statutory holiday in the province in which the registered
                  office of the Corporation is located;

         (c)      "close of business" means the normal closing hour of the
                  principal office of the transfer agent and registrar in the
                  city in which the registered office of the Corporation is
                  located;

         (d)      "Common Shares" means the Common Shares in the capital of the
                  Corporation as constituted on the Effective Date or as
                  subsequently consolidated, subdivided, reclassified or
                  otherwise changed, or any voting shares and other securities
                  that holders of such shares are entitled to receive as a
                  result of any reorganization of the capital of the
                  Corporation;

         (e)      "Conversion Ratio" at any date means the quotient obtained by
                  dividing the stated value per Series A Preference Share at
                  such date by the Current Market Price per Common Share
                  determined by such date;

         (f)      "Current Market Price per Common Share" at any date means the
                  weighted average closing price (expressed in Canadian dollars)
                  at which the Common Shares have traded on The Toronto Stock
                  Exchange during the 20 trading days (on each of which at least
                  100 Common Shares were traded in at least one board lot)
                  immediately preceding the fifth trading day before such date
                  (or if the Common Shares are not then listed on The Toronto
                  Stock Exchange, on such stock exchange on which such shares
                  are listed as may be selected for such purpose by the
                  Directors) and, if the Common Shares are not then listed on
                  any stock exchange, the "Current Market Price per Common
                  Share" shall be the fair market value of the Common Shares as
                  determined by the auditors of the Corporation (or if such
                  auditors are unable or unwilling to act, by a national firm of
                  chartered accountants selected by the Directors satisfactory
                  to the Holders);

         (g)      "Date of Conversion" has the meaning given to that expression
                  in Section 3.3;

         (h)      "Directors" means the board of directors of the Corporation,
                  and reference without more to action by the Directors shall
                  mean action by the Directors as a board or by any authorized
                  committee thereof;

         (i)      "dividend calculation period" means a period beginning on a
                  dividend payment date and ending on the sixth day immediately
                  prior to the next subsequent dividend payment date;

         (j)      "dividend payment date" means the first day of March, June,
                  September and December in each year and with respect to
                  partial dividends, means the date on which any such partial
                  dividend is payable;

         (k)      "dividend payment period" means a period beginning on a
                  dividend payment date and ending on the day immediately prior
                  to the next subsequent dividend payment date;

         (l)      "Dividend Rate" for any dividend payment period means the sum
                  of 2.00% plus one-half of the average prime rate for the
                  dividend calculation period ending on the sixth day
                  immediately prior to the next dividend payment date, provided
                  that in the event that the Directors fail to declare and pay
                  any dividend as provided in Section 2.2, the dividend rate for
                  any dividend payment period in respect of which dividends are
                  not declared or paid in full will be the sum of 4.00% and
                  one-half of the average prime rate

<PAGE>

                  for the dividend calculation period ending on the sixth day
                  immediately prior to the dividend payment date; such dividend
                  rate to be effective for the dividend payment period for which
                  a dividend was not paid in full and the subsequent period of
                  time ending on the day immediately preceding the date of
                  payment of the dividend arrears;

         (m)      "Effective Date" means the date of the Certificate of
                  Amalgamation of the Corporation issued under the Canada
                  Business Corporations Act;

         (n)      "herein", "hereto", "hereunder", "hereof", "hereby" and
                  similar expressions mean or refer to these Series A Preference
                  Share provisions and not to any particular Section,
                  subsection, subdivision or portion hereof, and the expressions
                  "Article", "Section" and "subsection", followed by a number
                  and/or a letter mean and refer to the specified Article,
                  Section or subsection hereof;

         (o)      "Holder" means a registered holder of any Series A Preference
                  Shares;

         (p)      "prime rate" for any day means the rate of interest, expressed
                  as an annual rate, declared by the Canadian Imperial Bank of
                  Commerce or its successors to be the Bank's prime interest
                  rate for Canadian dollar commercial loans in Canada;

         (q)      "Notice of Redemption" means a notice in writing given, as
                  hereinafter provided, by the Corporation to the Holders
                  setting forth the Redemption Price, (as at the date of such
                  notice) and the place at which redemption is to take place;

         (r)      "Redemption Date" means the date fixed by the Directors for
                  redemption of Preference Shares set forth in a Notice of
                  Redemption;

         (s)      "Redemption Price" means the price per Series A Preference
                  Share, including all accrued and unpaid dividends, specified
                  in Section 5.4;

         (t)      "trading day" means a day on which the relevant stock exchange
                  referred to in paragraph (f) hereof is open for business; and

         (u)      "transfer agent and registrar" means the person or persons
                  from time to time appointed by the Directors as the transfer
                  agent and registrar in Canada for the Series A Preference
                  Shares, and failing any such appointment, means the
                  Corporation.

1.2      Words importing the singular number only include the plural and vice
versa and words importing any gender include all genders.

1.3      All dollar amounts referred to herein shall be in lawful money of
Canada.

1.4      The division of these Series A Preference Share provisions into
Articles, Sections, subsections, clauses, subclauses or other subdivisions and
the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not
affect the construction or interpretation hereof.

1.5      In the event that any date upon which any dividends on the Series A
Preference Shares are payable by the Corporation, or upon or by which any other
action is required to be taken by the Corporation hereunder is not a business
day, then such dividend shall be payable or such other action shall be required
to be taken on or by the next succeeding day which is a business day.

                                    ARTICLE 2

                                    DIVIDENDS

2.1      Payment of Dividends. The Holders shall be entitled to receive, and,
subject to Section 2.4, the Corporation shall pay, as and when declared by the
Directors out of monies of the Corporation available for the payment of
dividends, cumulative preferential cash dividends in the amounts determined from
time to time in accordance with the provisions hereof. Dividends on the Series A
Preference Shares shall accrue from day to day from and including the date of
issue thereof to and including the day immediately preceding a dividend payment
date, and shall be payable on each dividend payment date to the Holders of
record at the close of business on the fifth business day preceding such
dividend payment date. Cheques drawn on a Canadian chartered bank and payable at
par at any branch in Canada of such bank shall be issued in respect of such
dividends to the Holders entitled thereto. The mailing of such cheques shall
satisfy and discharge all liability for such dividends to the extent of the sums

<PAGE>

represented thereby, unless such cheques are not paid on due presentation. If on
any dividend payment date dividends payable on such date are not paid in full on
all the Series A Preference Shares then issued and outstanding, such dividends
or the unpaid part thereof shall be paid on a subsequent date or dates as
determined by the Directors. The Holders shall not be entitled to any dividends
other than or in excess of the cash dividends provided for herein. A dividend
which is represented by a cheque which has not been presented for payment within
six years after it was issued or that otherwise remains unclaimed for a period
of six years from the date it was declared to be payable and set apart for
payment shall be forfeited to the Corporation.

2.2      Amount of Dividends. Subject to the provisions hereof, the amount of
the dividend payable on any dividend payment date on any Series A Preference
Share then outstanding shall be equal to the amount, (rounded to the nearest
$0.0001) calculated by applying the Dividend Rate for the dividend payment
period ending on the day immediately prior to such dividend payment date to the
amount of $20.00 per share, and multiplying the result by a fraction of which
the numerator is the lesser of (i) the number of days such share has been
outstanding and (ii) the number of days in such dividend payment period, and of
which the denominator is the number of days in the calendar year in which such
dividend payment date falls.

2.3      Partial Dividends. The amount of the dividend payable on any Series A
Preference Share for any period which is less than a full dividend payment
period with respect to such Series A Preference Share:

         (a)      which is issued, redeemed, purchased or converted: or

         (b)      where assets of the Corporation are distributed to the Holders
                  pursuant to the conditions in that respect attaching to the
                  Preference Shares as a class;

shall be equal to the amount (rounded to the nearest $0.0001) calculated by
applying the Dividend Rate for the dividend payment period in which such issue,
redemption, purchase, conversion or distribution occurs to the amount of $20.00
per share, and multiplying the result by a fraction of which the numerator is
the number of days in the dividend payment period such share has been
outstanding (including the dividend payment date at the beginning of such period
if such share was outstanding on that date and excluding the dividend payment
date at the end of such period if such share was outstanding on that date or the
date on which such dividend became payable, as the case may be) and the
denominator is the number of days in the calendar year in which such issue,
redemption, purchase, conversion or distribution occurs.

2.4      Avoidance of Fractions. Dividend payments shall be adjusted to avoid
payments of a fraction of a cent.

2.5      Dividends on Conversion. The Holders as of the record date for any
dividend declared to be payable on the Series A Preference Shares shall be
entitled to such dividend notwithstanding that such share is converted after
such record date and before the dividend payment date of such dividend and the
registered holder of any share issued upon conversion of a Series A Preference
Share shall be entitled to any dividend declared to be payable to Holders of
such shares of record on any date after the Date of Conversion. Subject as
aforesaid, upon the conversion of any Series A Preference Share the Corporation
shall make no payment or adjustment on account of any dividends on the Series A
Preference Shares so converted or on account of any dividends on the Common
Shares issuable upon such conversion.

2.6      Notification of Dividend Rate. On or before each dividend payment date
the Corporation shall give notice to each Holder of the dividend rate for the
dividend payment period immediately preceding such dividend payment date and the
particulars of the calculation thereof.

                                    ARTICLE 3

                          CONVERSION INTO COMMON SHARES

3.1      Conversion Privilege. Subject to Section 3.2, the Series A Preference
Shares shall be convertible in whole as a series at any time, and in multiples
of 250.000 Series A Preference Shares from time to time, after the close of
business on July 31, 1989 into fully paid and non-assessable Common Shares on
the basis of the Conversion Ratio in effect on the Date of Conversion.

3.2      Conversion on Default. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3.1,
if the Corporation has failed to pay dividends on the Series A Preference Shares
when legally entitled to do so, or is in breach or default of any of the
provisions of Sections 3.8. 3.9, 4.1, 4.2 or 5.4, each Series A Preference Share
shall be convertible into such number

<PAGE>

of fully paid and non-assessable Common Shares as is determined by the
Conversion Ratio in effect on the Date of Conversion, at any time during the
period during which such non-payment, breach or default is continuing.

3.3      Conversion Procedure. In order to exercise the conversion right, a
Holder shall present and surrender to the transfer agent and registrar for the
Common Shares the respective certificates representing the Series A Preference
Shares in respect of which the Holder wishes to exercise his right of
conversion, together with written notice of conversion (which shall be and be
deemed to be irrevocable) signed by such Holder or his agent stating that he
elects to convert such Series A Preference Shares. Such notice of conversion
shall also state the name or names (with addresses) in which the certificate or
certificates for Common Shares which shall be issuable on such conversion shall
be issued. If any of the Common Shares into which such Series A Preference
Shares are to be converted are to be issued to a person or persons other than
the Holder, the signature of such Holder on such notice of conversion shall be
guaranteed in a manner satisfactory to the transfer agent and registrar and such
notice of conversion shall be accompanied by payment to the transfer agent and
registrar of any transfer tax which may be payable by reason thereof. The date
of receipt by the transfer agent and registrar of certificates representing such
Series A Preference Shares and such notice of conversion is herein referred to
as the "Date of Conversion" of such Series A Preference Shares.

         As promptly as practicable after the Date of Conversion, the
Corporation shall issue or cause to be issued and deliver or cause to be
delivered to the Holder who has exercised the conversion right in respect of any
Series A Preference Shares, or on his written order, a certificate or
certificates in the name or names of the person or persons specified in the
applicable notice of conversion for the number of Common Shares deliverable upon
the conversion of such Series A Preference Shares and provision shall be made in
respect of any fraction of a Common Share as provided in Section 3.4. Such
conversion shall be deemed to have been effected immediately prior to the close
of business on the Date of Conversion and at such time the rights of the Holder
as Holder shall cease and the person or persons in whose name or names any
certificate or certificates for Common Shares shall be deliverable upon such
conversion shall be deemed to have thereupon become the holder or holders of
record of the Common Shares represented thereby; provided, however, that no
exercise of the conversion right on any date when the share transfer registers
for Common Shares of the Corporation shall be closed shall be effective to
constitute the person or persons entitled to receive the Common Shares upon such
conversion as the holder or holders of record of such Common Shares on such
date, but such exercise shall be effective to constitute the person or persons
entitled to receive such Common Shares as the holder or holders of record
thereof for all purposes at the close of business on the next succeeding day on
which such share transfer registers are open and such conversion shall be at the
Conversion Ratio in effect at the close of business on such next succeeding day.

         Upon surrender to the transfer agent and registrar of any certificate
representing more than the number of Series A Preference Shares which are to be
converted, the Holder thereof shall be entitled to receive, without expense to
such Holder, one or more new certificates for the number of unconverted Series A
Preference Shares represented by the certificate surrendered.

3.4      Avoidance of Fractional Shares. Notwithstanding anything herein
contained, the Corporation shall in no case be required to issue a fraction of a
Common Share upon the conversion of any Series A Preference Share. If any
fractional interest in a Common Share would, except for the provisions of this
Section, be deliverable upon the conversion of any Series A Preference Share,
the Corporation shall issue or cause to be issued to the Holder of such
surrendered Series A Preference Share a non-voting and non-dividend-bearing
scrip certificate or certificates transferable by delivery entitling the Holder
thereof and of other similar certificates aggregating one full Common Share,
upon surrender of such certificates for consolidation at such place in Canada as
may be designated therein, to obtain from the Corporation a full Common Share
and to receive a share certificate therefor, as well as a further scrip
certificate representing the excess, if any, over one full Common Share of the
scrip certificates surrendered for consolidation. Such scrip certificates shall
be in such form and shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the
Corporation may determine and shall provide that the same shall be null and void
on and after a date to be fixed by the Directors, but no such date shall be less
than one year following the date of issue of the scrip certificate concerned.

3.5      Notice to Holders of Series A Preference Shares. In the event that the
Corporation shall determine to:

         (a)      declare on its Common Shares any cash dividend per share which
                  when added to the sum of the last four cash dividends per
                  share paid on its Common Shares would exceed the sum of such
                  last four cash dividends per share by more than 50%;

<PAGE>

         (b)      declare on its Common Shares any dividends payable in shares
                  of the Corporation (other than a stock dividend in lieu of a
                  cash dividend paid in the ordinary course) or make any other
                  distribution on its Common Shares (other than a cash
                  dividend);

         (c)      offer for subscription pro rata to the holders of all or
                  substantially all of its Common Shares any additional
                  securities or shares of any class convertible into or
                  exchangeable for Common Shares or issue any other options,
                  rights or warrants to all or substantially all of such
                  holders;

         (d)      effect a reclassification or change of the Common Shares of
                  the nature referred to in Section 3.6 or an amalgamation or
                  merger of the Corporation with or into any other corporation
                  or a sale, transfer or other disposition of all or
                  substantially all of the assets of the Corporation; or

         (e)      proceed with a voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
                  liquidation or winding-up of the Corporation;

then, in each such case, the Corporation shall give notice to each Holder of the
action proposed to be taken and the date on which (i) the books of the
Corporation shall close or a record shall be taken for such dividend,
distribution, subscription rights or other options, rights or warrants, or (ii)
such reclassification, change, amalgamation, merger, sale, transfer or other
disposition, dissolution, liquidation or winding-up shall take place, as the
case may be, provided that the Corporation shall only be required to specify in
such notice such particulars of such action as shall have been fixed and
determined at the date on which such notice is given. Such notice shall also
specify the date as of which the holders of Common Shares of record shall
participate in such dividend, distribution, subscription rights or other
options, rights or warrants, or shall be entitled to exchange their Common
Shares for securities or other property deliverable upon such reclassification,
change, amalgamation, merger, sale, transfer or other disposition, dissolution,
liquidation or winding-up, as the case may be. Such written notice shall be
given with respect to the actions described in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)
above, not less than 14 days and, with respect to the actions described in
paragraphs (d) and (e) above, not less than 30 days, in each case prior to the
record date or the date on which the Corporation's transfer books are to be
closed with respect thereto.

3.6      Substitution for Common Shares. In the event of any reclassification of
or change in the Common Shares (other than a change as a result of a subdivision
or consolidation), or in the event of any amalgamation of the Corporation with,
or merger of the Corporation into, any other corporation (other than an
amalgamation or merger in which the Corporation is the continuing corporation
and which does not result in any reclassification or change of the Common
Shares), or in the event of any sale, transfer or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, the Holder of each Series A
Preference Share then outstanding shall be entitled to receive and shall accept
upon the conversion of a Series A Preference Share at any time on the effective
date or thereafter, in lieu of the Common Shares which he is otherwise entitled
to receive at the time he exercises the conversion right, the kind and amount of
shares and other securities and property that such holder would have been
entitled to receive as a result of such reclassification, change, amalgamation,
merger, sale, transfer or other disposition if, on the effective date thereof he
had been the registered holder of the number of Common Shares that he is
otherwise entitled to receive at the time he exercises the conversion right,
subject to such adjustments which shall be as nearly equivalent as may be
practicable to the adjustments provided for in this Article. The provisions of
this Section shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, changes,
amalgamations, mergers, sales, transfers or other dispositions.

3.7      Treatment of Converted Shares. Series A Preference Shares surrendered
upon the exercise of the conversion privilege shall be cancelled by the transfer
agent and registrar, and shall not be restored to the status of authorized but
unissued Series A Preference Shares.

3.8      Maintenance of Common Shares. So long as any of the Series A Preference
Shares are outstanding, the Corporation shall take any corporate action which
may, in the opinion of counsel, be necessary in order that the Corporation shall
have unissued and reserved the number of authorized Common Shares to which the
Holders are entitled on the full exercise of their conversion rights in
accordance with the provisions hereof.

3.9      Registration of Common Shares. If any Common Shares reserved or to be
reserved for the purpose of conversion of the Series A Preference Shares
hereunder require registration with or approval of any governmental authority
under any Canadian or provincial law before such shares may be validly issued
upon conversion, the Corporation will take such action as may be necessary to
secure such registration or approval, as the case may be.

<PAGE>

                                    ARTICLE 4

            RESTRICTIONS ON DIVIDENDS. ISSUE AND RETIREMENT OF SHARES

4.1      Restriction. So long as any of the Series A Preference Shares are
outstanding, the Corporation shall not, without the prior approval of the
Holders given as provided in Article 7:

         (a)      declare, pay or set apart for payment any dividends (other
                  than stock dividends in shares of the Corporation ranking
                  junior to the Series A Preference Shares) on any shares of the
                  Corporation ranking junior to the Series A Preference Shares,
                  unless all dividends then payable on the Series A Preference
                  Shares and on all other shares ranking on a parity with or in
                  priority to the Series A Preference Shares have been declared
                  and paid or set apart for payment;

         (b)      create or issue any shares ranking prior to the Series A
                  Preference Shares;

         (c)      create or issue any shares ranking on a parity with the Series
                  A Preference Shares unless the consolidated net cash flow of
                  the Corporation for the most recently completed 12-month
                  fiscal period is at least equal to two times the aggregate
                  annual dividend requirements in respect of the Series A
                  Preference Shares and all shares ranking or to rank on a
                  parity with the Series A Preference Shares, calculated on a
                  pro forma basis;

         (d)      redeem, retract, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of
                  the Corporation ranking junior to the Series A Preference
                  Shares, except pursuant to a sinking fund or purchase
                  obligation attaching to shares of the Corporation heretofore
                  or hereafter issued (and in the case of such sinking fund or
                  other mandatory purchase), not in excess of five percent, in
                  any 12 month period, of the value or number of such shares
                  outstanding at the time of such redemption, retraction,
                  purchase or other acquisition), or make any capital
                  distribution on or in respect of any other shares of the
                  Corporation ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series A
                  Preference Shares in respect of the payment of dividends and
                  the distribution of assets in the event of the liquidation,
                  dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether
                  voluntary or involuntary, or in the event of any other
                  distribution of assets of the Corporation among its
                  shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs;
                  provided, however, that the Corporation may purchase its
                  Common Shares at any time and from time to time provided that
                  all dividends then payable on the Series A Preference Shares
                  and all other shares ranking on a parity with or in priority
                  to the Series A Preference Shares have been declared and paid
                  or set apart for payment; or

         (e)      amalgamate, consolidate or combine with, merge into or
                  otherwise join with any other corporation or sell, transfer or
                  dispose of all or substantially all of its assets unless the
                  resulting, successor or acquiring corporation is a corporation
                  incorporated under or subject to the laws of Canada or a
                  province thereof and the common shares of such corporation are
                  listed and posted for trading on at least one of The Toronto
                  Stock Exchange, The Montreal Exchange and the Vancouver Stock
                  Exchange.

4.2      Obligation. So long as any of the Series A Preference Shares are
outstanding, on, from and after July 31, 1989 the Corporation shall, except as
otherwise permitted by the Holders acting as provided in Article 7, cause its
Common Shares, or the common shares of any corporation resulting from an
amalgamation, consolidation, merger, combination or other joining by the
Corporation with any other corporation, or of any successor corporation to the
Corporation, to be listed and posted for trading on at least one of the Toronto,
Montreal or Vancouver stock exchanges.

                                    ARTICLE 5

                DIVIDEND RATE ADJUSTMENT AND OPTIONAL REDEMPTION

5.1      Interpretation. For the purposes of this Article:

         (a)      "Taxable Holder" means any registered Holder or, in the case
                  of shares registered in the name of a nominee, any beneficial
                  owner, of Series A Preference Shares which is a "taxable
                  Canadian corporation" for the purposes of the Income Tax Act
                  (Canada); and

         (b)      any reference to any statute shall be deemed to be a reference
                  to such statute as amended or re-enacted from time to time.

<PAGE>

5.2      Notice of Tax Amendment. In the event that any amendment to the Income
Tax Act (Canada) or the Corporations Tax Act (Ontario) or to any Regulation
under either such statute is announced, included in a budget or Notice of Ways
and Means Motion, enacted or passed which affects the income tax treatment of
the dividends on the Series A Preference Shares received or to be received by
any Taxable Holder in such a manner that any income tax or corporation income
tax is or would be payable thereon, or in the event that any Taxable Holder is
subject to a reassessment or believes, on reasonable grounds that it will be
subject to a reassessment arising from or related to its holding of the Series A
Preference Shares, such Taxable Holder may give to the Corporation a written
notice stating that it is a Taxable Holder and that such amendment has been
announced, included in a budget or Notice of Ways and Means Motion, enacted or
passed, or that such a reassessment has occurred or has been threatened.

5.3      Effect of Share Reclassification. In the event that any securities or
property which is substituted for the Common Shares as a result of a
reclassification, change, amalgamation, merger, sale, transfer or other
disposition as contemplated by Section 3.6 are securities or property which
affects the income tax treatment of the dividends on the Series A Preference
Shares received or to be received by any Taxable Holder in such a manner that
any income tax or corporate income tax is or would be payable thereon, such
Taxable Holder may give to the Corporation a written notice stating that it is a
Taxable Holder and that such securities or property have or will have such
effect.

5.4      Redemption at Corporation's Option. Upon the giving of any notice in
accordance with Sections 5.2 or 5.3, and subject to Section 5.7, the Corporation
may, at its option, redeem at any time thereafter all of the outstanding Series
A Preference Shares in respect of which a supplement is payable under Section
5.6, on payment for each such Series A Preference Share to be redeemed of $20.00
plus all accrued and unpaid dividends.

5.5      Redemption Procedure. A Notice of Redemption shall be given by the
Corporation not less than 15 days nor more than 40 days prior to the date fixed
for redemption to each Holder of Series A Preference Shares to be redeemed.
Accidental failure or omission to give such notice to one or more of such
Holders shall not affect the validity of such redemption. On and after the
Redemption Date, the Corporation shall pay or cause to be paid to or to the
order of the Holders of the Series A Preference Shares to be redeemed the
Redemption Price on presentation and surrender at the place of redemption of the
respective certificates representing such shares. Such payment shall be made by
cheque drawn on a Canadian chartered bank and payable at par at any branch in
Canada of such bank. Such shares in respect of which the Redemption Price has
been paid as aforesaid shall thereupon be redeemed. If less than all the Series
A Preference Shares represented by any certificate shall be redeemed, a new
certificate for the balance shall be issued. From and after the Redemption Date,
the Holders of the Series A Preference Shares called for redemption shall cease
to be entitled to dividends or to exercise any of the rights of Holders in
respect thereof unless payment of the Redemption Price shall not be made in
accordance with the foregoing provisions, in which case the rights of the
Holders shall remain unimpaired. The Corporation shall have the right at any
time after mailing a Notice of Redemption to deposit the Redemption Price of the
shares thereby called for redemption, or such part thereof as at the time of
deposit has not been claimed by the persons entitled thereto, in any Canadian
chartered bank or trust company in Canada specified in the Notice of Redemption
or in a subsequent notice to the Holders in respect of which the deposit is
made, in a special account for the Holders of such shares, and upon such deposit
being made or upon the Redemption Date, whichever is later, the Series A
Preference Shares in respect of which such deposit shall have been made shall be
deemed to be redeemed and the rights of each Holder shall be limited to
receiving, without interest, his proportionate part of the Redemption Price so
deposited upon presentation and surrender of the certificate representing his
shares to be redeemed. Any interest on such deposit shall belong to the
Corporation.

5.6      Increased Dividends. If any notice is given in accordance with Sections
5.2 or 5.3, the amount of each dividend payable thereafter or at a subsequent
time specified in such notice on each Series A Preference Share held or owned by
the Taxable Holder giving notice, or by any successor Taxable Holder, shall,
subject to Section 5.8, be increased by an additional amount (the "supplement")
which, after deducting therefrom an amount equal to the tax paid or payable
thereon by such Taxable Holder, will equal the amount of tax paid or payable by
such Taxable Holder in respect of the amount of such dividend accruing after
such notice is given. For this purpose, the amount of any tax referred to herein
arising in connection with the Series A Preference Shares held or owned by any
Taxable Holder shall be conclusively determined by a report of the chartered
accountant or accountants for the time being holding appointment as auditors of
such Taxable Holder given to the Corporation no later than the 25th day after
notice is given under Sections 5.2 or 5.3 or, failing such report, by the report
of a firm of independent chartered accountants appointed by the Corporation and
approved by such Taxable Holder who will make available to such

<PAGE>

accountants all information reasonably necessary to make such determination. If
any supplement is payable in accordance with this Section in respect of a
dividend that has otherwise been paid (whether as part of a Redemption Price or
otherwise) before the date that the amount of the supplement is determined, the
Corporation shall pay the supplement to the payee of that dividend no later than
the 10th day after the Corporation receives such accountant's report. Except as
provided in this Section or in paragraph (1) of Section 1.1. there shall be no
increase in the amount of dividends payable on any Series A Preference Share.

5.7      Limitation on Redemption. The Corporation may not redeem any of the
Series A Preference Shares at any time without the prior approval of the Holders
given in accordance with Article 7 if any pan of the Redemption Price which
constitutes a repayment of paid-up capital would, for the purposes of the Income
Tax Act (Canada) as amended or re-enacted from time to time:

         (a)      be deemed to have been paid as a dividend which is subject to
                  income tax in the hands of any such Holder, or

         (b)      give rise to a taxable capital gain in the hands of any such
                  Holder who or whose predecessor shall have continuously held
                  such Series A Preference Shares since their issuance;

unless at the time of giving a Notice of Redemption the Corporation delivers to
each Holder whose Series A Preference Shares are to be redeemed an undertaking
and covenant to indemnify such Holder in full for the amount of any income tax
or corporation income lax paid or payable by such Holder as a result of such
redemption.

5.8      Refunds. To the extent any of the tax relating to a supplement which
has been paid is refunded or is determined not to be payable by the Taxable
Holder in respect of whose tax liability or purported liability the supplement
was paid, the payee of the supplement shall promptly repay to the Corporation
without interest the supplement, less any unrecovered tax paid in respect of
such supplement.

5.9      Notice to Corporation. Any notice from any Taxable Holder shall be
sufficiently given if delivered or sent by registered mail, postage prepaid, to
the Corporation at its registered office addressed to the attention of the
Secretary. Any notice so mailed shall be deemed to have been given on the third
business day after the date of mailing.

                                    ARTICLE 6

                                  VOTING RIGHTS

6.1      General. Except as provided in the provisions attaching to the
Preference Shares as a class, the Holders shall not be entitled as such to
receive notice of or to attend or to vote at any meeting of shareholders of the
Corporation.

                                    ARTICLE 7

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

7.1      Modification. The rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions
attaching to the Series A Preference Shares may be repealed, altered, modified,
amended or varied in whole or in part only with the prior approval of the
Holders given in the manner provided in Section 7.2 in addition to any other
approval required by the Canada Business Corporations Act or any other
applicable statutory provision of like or similar effect, from time to time in
force.

7.2      Approval of Holders of Series A Preference Shares. The approval of the
Holders with respect to any and all matters hereinbefore referred to may be
given by at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast at a meeting of the Holders duly
called for that purpose and held upon at least 21 days' notice, at which the
Holders of a majority of the outstanding Series A Preference Shares are present
or represented by proxy. If at any such meeting the Holders of a majority of the
outstanding Series A Preference Shares are not present or represented by proxy
within 30 minutes after the time appointed for such meeting, then the meeting
shall be adjourned to such date being not less than 30 days later and to such
time and place as may be appointed by the chairman of the meeting and not less
than 21 days' notice shall be given of such adjourned meeting but it shall not
be necessary in such notice to specify the purpose for which the meeting was
originally called. At such adjourned meeting, the Holders present or represented
by proxy shall constitute a quorum and may transact the business for which the
meeting was originally called and a resolution passed thereat by not less than
66 2/3% of the votes cast at such adjourned meeting shall be effective
notwithstanding hat the Holders of a majority of the outstanding Series A
Preference Shares are not present or represented by proxy

<PAGE>

and the conduct thereof shall be from time to time prescribed by the by-laws of
the Corporation with respect to meetings of shareholders. On every poll taken at
every such meeting or adjourned meeting every Holder shall be entitled to one
vote in respect of each Series A Preference Share held by him.

7.3      Notice. Any notice required or permitted to be given to a Holder shall
be mailed by letter, postage prepaid, or delivered to such Holder at his address
as it appears on the records of the Corporation or in the event of the address
of any such shareholder not so appearing then to the last known address of such
shareholder. The accidental failure to give notice to one or more of such
Holders shall not affect the validity of any action requiring the giving of
notice by the Corporation. Any notice given as aforesaid shall be deemed to be
given on the date upon which it is mailed or delivered.

<PAGE>

                                   APPENDIX C

Item 5

The Board of Directors shall consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 21
directors and the number within such range shall be determined from time to time
by the Board of Directors.

<PAGE>

PROVINCE OF ONTARIO         )        IN THE MATTER OF the Canada
                            )        Business Corporation Act and the
JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF        )        Articles of Amalgamation of
                            )        ARGCEN HOLDINGS INC., HOLLINGER
YORK                        )        ARGUS LIMITED and LABMIN
                            )        RESOURCES LIMITED
       TO WIT:              )

         I, Charles G. Cowan, of the City of Toronto, in the Province of
Ontario,

SOLEMNLY DECLARE THAT:

1.       I am the Secretary of ARGCEN HOLDINGS INC. (the "Corporation") and have
knowledge of the matters herein declared.

2.       There are reasonable grounds for believing that:

         (i)      the Corporation is and the corporation (the "Amalgamated
                  Corporation") resulting from the amalgamation of the
                  Corporation, Hol linger Argus Limited and Labmin Resources
                  Limited will be able to pay its liabilities as they become
                  due;

        (ii)      the realizable value of the Amalgamated Corporation's assets
                  will not be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and
                  stated capital of all classes; and

       (iii)      no creditor will be prejudiced by the amalgamation.

         AND I make this solemn Declaration conscientiously believing it to be
true, and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath.

SWORN BEFORE me at the      )
                            )
City of Toronto, in the     )
                            )
Province of Ontario         )
                            )
this 17th day of            )
                            )
September, 1985.            )

                                                   /s/ Charles G. Cowan
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Charles G. Cowan

[SEAL]

<PAGE>

PROVINCE OF ONTARIO         )        IN THE MATTER OF the Canada
                            )        Business Corporation Act and the
JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF        )        Articles of Amalgamation of
                            )        ARGCEN HOLDINGS INC., LABMIN
YORK                        )        RESOURCES LIMITED and
                            )        HOLLINGER ARGUS LIMITED
       TO WIT:              )

         I, Charles G. Cowan, of the City of Toronto, in the Province of
Ontario,

SOLEMNLY DECLARE THAT:

1.       I am the Secretary of HOLLINGER ARGUS LIMITED (the "Corporation") and
have knowledge of the matters herein declared.

2.       There are reasonable grounds for believing that:

         (i)      the Corporation is and the corporation (the "Amalgamated
                  Corporation") resulting from the amalgamation of the
                  Corporation, Argcen Holdings Inc. and Labmin Resources Limited
                  will be able to pay its liabilities as they become due;

        (ii)      the realizable value of the Amalgamated Corporation's assets
                  will not be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and
                  stated capital of all classes; and

       (iii)      no creditor will be prejudiced by the amalgamation.

         AND I make this solemn Declaration conscientiously believing it to be
true, and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath.

SWORN BEFORE me at the      )
                            )
City of Toronto, in the     )
                            )
Province of Ontario         )
                            )
this 17th day of            )
                            )
September, 1985.            )

                                                   /s/ Charles G. Cowan
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Charles G. Cowan

[SEAL]

<PAGE>

PROVINCE OF ONTARIO         )        IN THE MATTER OF the Canada
                            )        Business Corporation Act and the
JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF        )        Articles of Amalgamation of
                            )        ARGCEN HOLDINGS INC., HOLLINGER
YORK                        )        ARGUS LIMITED and LABMIN
                            )        RESOURCES LIMITED
       TO WIT:              )

         I, Charles G. Cowan, of the City of Toronto, in the Province of
Ontario,

SOLEMNLY DECLARE THAT:

1.       I am the Secretary of LABMIN RESOURCES LIMITED (the "Corporation") and
have knowledge of the matters herein declared.

2.       There are reasonable grounds for believing that:

         (i)      the Corporation is and the corporation (the "Amalgamated
                  Corporation") resulting from the amalgamation of the
                  Corporation, Argcen Holdings Inc. and Hollinger Argus Limited
                  will be able to pay its liabilities as they become due;

        (ii)      the realizable value of the Amalgamated Corporation's assets
                  will not be less than the aggregate of its liabilities and
                  stated capital of all classes; and

       (iii)      no creditor will be prejudiced by the amalgamation.

         AND I make this solemn Declaration conscientiously believing it to be
true, and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath.

SWORN BEFORE me at the      )
                            )
City of Toronto, in the     )
                            )
Province of Ontario         )
                            )
this 17th day of            )
                            )
September, 1985.            )

                                                   /s/ Charles G. Cowan
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Charles G. Cowan

[SEAL]