Document:

exv10w19

 

Exhibit 10.19

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

between

NORTH AMERICAN ENERGY PARTNERS INC.

and

DOUG WILKES

 

 

	1.	 	EFFECTIVE DATE
	 
	1.1	 	The effective date (the “Effective Date”) of this Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”)
shall be September 18, 2006.
	 
	2.	 	PARTIES
	 
	2.1	 	The parties to this Agreement shall be:

	 	(a)	 	North American Energy Partners Inc. (“NAEPI”), a federal corporation
extra-provincially registered in Alberta and located at Zone 3 Acheson Industrial Area
2, 53016 Hwy 60, Acheson, Alberta T7X 5A7 Canada

and

	 	(b)	 	Doug Wilkes, an individual, residing at 3856 Devonshire Drive,
Surrey, British Columbia V3S 0M2 (the “Executive”)

	3.	 	TITLE
	 
	3.1	 	The position title shall be Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer.
	 
	4.	 	RECITALS

	 	(A)	 	The Executive is an executive and employee of NAEPI as of September 18, 2006.
	 
	 	(B)	 	The parties want to outline and confirm the terms and conditions of their
employment relationship in this Agreement.

	5.	 	DEFINITIONS
	 
	5.1	 	In this Agreement, the following words shall have the following meaning:

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	“Affiliate”
	 	Means when used to indicate a relationship with
Person, the same as is set forth in the Securities
Act (Alberta).
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	“Board”
	 	Means the board of directors of NAEPI.
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	“Intellectual Property”
	 	Means all ideas, inventions, discoveries,
processes, designs, methods, substances, articles,
computer programs and improvements, whether or not
patentable or copyrightable, which the Executive
discovers, conceives, invents, creates or
develops, alone or with others, during the time he
is employed with NAEPI.
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	“NAEPI Executive”
	 	Means the named executive of NAEPI.
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	“NAEPI Group”
	 	Means NAEPI, NACG Preferred Corp., NACG Holdings
Inc. and their Affiliates.

 

 

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	 	“Person”
	 	Means any individual, corporation, limited
liability corporation, limited or general
partnership, joint venture, association, joint
stock corporation, trust, plan, unincorporated
organization or government or any agency or
political subdivisions thereof.
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	“President”
	 	Means the President and CEO from time to time of
NAEPI or such other person appointed by the Board
for the purposes of this Agreement.
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	“Share Option Plan”
	 	Means the NAEPI Amended and Restated 2004 Share Option Plan, as amended
from time to time.
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	“Start Date”
	 	Means September 18, 2006.
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	“Termination Date”
	 	Means the Executive’s last day actively at work
for NAEPI, regardless of the reason for cessation
of employment.

6. INTERPRETATION

6.1 Headings are for convenience only and do not affect or contribute to the interpretation of this
Agreement.

6.2 “NAEPI” includes the successors and assigns of NAEPI and any corporation with which it may be
amalgamated and any corporation formed under its reconstruction.

6.3 A reference to an Act includes a reference to that Act as amended from time to time and if that
Act is repealed and replaced by another Act, that replacement Act in substitution for the original
Act.

7. APPOINTMENT & TERM

7.1 As of the Effective Date, NAEPI shall employ the Executive as Vice President Finance and Chief
Financial Officer of NAEPI, and the Executive agrees to be employed with NAEPI on the terms and
conditions set out in this Agreement.

7.2 This Agreement and the Executive’s employment with NAEPI shall continue indefinitely until
terminated in accordance with Clause 13 of this Agreement.

8. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE

8.1 The Executive shall serve the NAEPI Group in the capacity of Vice President Finance and Chief
Financial Officer and shall perform the duties on a full-time basis as particularized in the
attached Schedule 1, and as determined from time to time by the President. The Executive agrees to
assume, for no additional compensation, such titles and responsibilities as are directed with
respect to the other entities in the NAEPI Group. The Executive acknowledges and understands that
the business of the NAEPI Group may change from time to time, and that the duties of the Executive
may also change from time to time.

8.2 The Executive agrees that he shall use his best efforts to promote the interests of the NAEPI
Group, and shall duly and diligently perform all the duties assigned to him while in the employ of
NAEPI.

8.3 The Executive agrees to devote the whole of his working time, attention and skills during
NAEPI’s normal working hours to NAEPI and shall not, without the consent of the Board, undertake

 

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during the course of his employment with NAEPI any other business or occupation or become a
director, officer, employee or agent of another company, firm, or proprietorship.

8.4 The Executive agrees to abide by all policies and procedures of the NAEPI Group.

9. REMUNERATION

9.1 As particularized in Schedule 2 to this Agreement, the Executive will be remunerated through a
three-tier remuneration package consisting of a regular remuneration package (“Regular Remuneration
Package”) and a short and long-term incentive.

9.2 NAEPI shall review on an annual basis the Regular Remuneration Package of the Executive. The
first such review shall occur in July 2007, the review will take into account the performance
objectives applicable to the position, such objectives to be determined from time to time by the
President in consultation with the Executive.

9.3 The Executive will be entitled to participate in any NAEPI health assessment and counselling
programs provided for NAEPI employees generally and the NAEPI Executive specifically and as such
programs are amended from time to time.

9.4 Effective the Start Date, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in NAEPI’s defined
contribution benefit plan in accordance with its terms.

9.5 Group Health & Benefits

9.5.1 The Executive shall participate as of the Start Date in the NAEPI benefit plan (premiums paid
by NAEPI) as described in Schedule 3 of this Agreement, and as amended from time to time

9.5.2 In addition, the Executive shall be eligible to receive Alberta Health Care and long-term
disability insurance provided through NAEPI with the premiums paid by the Executive and as amended
from time to time.

10. VACATION

10.1 The Executive will be entitled, in addition to Alberta statutory holidays, to paid vacation of
twenty (20) days per year (pro-rated for partial years worked), to be taken in accordance with the
NACG’s Vacation Policy, as amended from time to time.

10.2 Vacation is to be taken regularly by the Executive as it accrues. It is expected that the
Executive will take not less than 75% of accrued vacation time each year and in any case, not more
than twenty-five (25) days shall be accumulated for carryover without the written agreement of the
President. It is agreed that the Executive will be allowed to take vacation from March 3, 2007 to
April 8, 2007, three (3) weeks of which will be taken as an unpaid leave.

 

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10.3 Vacation is to be taken having regard to the operational and financial needs of NAEPI and the
responsibilities and duties of the Executive and is to be arranged co operatively with members of
his team and other members of the NAEPI Executive.

11. INSURANCE

11.1 Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

11.1.1 NAEPI will indemnify the Executive as an officer of the NAEPI Group in accordance with the
Indemnity Agreement entered into between NAEPI and the Executive.

11.1.2 In addition, NAEPI will use its reasonable best efforts to have and maintain directors’ and
officers’ insurance for the NAEPI’s directors and officers.

12. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

12.1 As an executive of the NAEPI Group and an employee of NAEPI, the Executive will obtain access
to or otherwise become aware of confidential information (whether it is designated as such or not)
about the NAEPI Group’s activities, Intellectual Property, plans and finances and about its
employees, consultants, suppliers, customers and other Persons, which the NAEPI Group has dealings
with (collectively, the “Confidential Information”).

12.2 All originals, copies and other forms of Confidential Information, however and whenever
produced, shall be the sole property of NAEPI, not to be removed from the premises or custody of
NAEPI, except in the normal course of business, without in each instance first obtaining written
consent or authorization of NAEPI. The Executive hereby assigns and agrees to assign to NAEPI all
of the Executive’s right, title and interest in and to all Intellectual Property, and agrees that
all Intellectual Property constitutes the exclusive property of NAEPI.

12.3 The Executive represents and warrants to NAEPI that (i) the Executive’s continued employment
with NAEPI will not breach any agreement or other obligation with respect to the confidential or
proprietary information of a third party; and (ii) the Executive is not bound by any written or
oral agreement with any third party that conflicts with the Executive’s employment with NAEPI. The
Executive agrees that, during the Executive’s employment with NAEPI, he shall not improperly bring
to NAEPI or use any trade secrets or confidential or proprietary information of any third party or
otherwise knowingly infringe on the proprietary rights of any third party.

12.4 At all times, during and after the cessation of employment (regardless of the reason for
cessation) with NAEPI, the Executive agrees that he shall:

	 	(a)	 	not, except in the proper course of his duties with NAEPI, divulge to any
person; and
	 
	 	(b)	 	use his best endeavours to prevent the publication or disclosure of,

any Confidential Information except where the Confidential Information:

	 	(a)	 	is in the public domain;
	 
	 	(b)	 	is required to be disclosed by the Executive under law; or
	 
	 	(c)	 	was already known to the Executive, prior to his employment with NAEPI.

 

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12.5 The obligations set out in this Clause 12 are in addition to any obligations the Executive has
under statute and in addition to the fiduciary obligations owed by the Executive to the NAEPI
Group.

13. TERMINATION

13.1 The Executive may, at any time, by not less than three (3) months advance written notice,
terminate this Agreement and resign from his employment with NAEPI. In the event of the Executive
giving notice in accordance this Clause NAEPI may, at its discretion, immediately terminate the
Executive’s employment and this Agreement at any time during the notice period, provided that NAEPI
pay the Executive the pro-rata Annual Base Salary that would have been earned by the Executive from
the Termination Date through to the end of the notice period. If the Executive provides notice of
his resignation with the end of the notice period falling on March 31 or thereafter and NAEPI
elects to earlier terminate such that the Termination Date is prior to March 31, NAEPI agrees to
pay to the Executive the full year bonus under the NAEPI Short Term Bonus Scheme that the Executive
would have received had the Executive worked the entirety of the fiscal year, notwithstanding the
fact that the Executive will not be employed on the date on which the bonus is distributed.

13.2 NAEPI may immediately terminate this Agreement and the employment of the Executive at any time
without prior notice and without severance, for the following reasons:

	 	(a)	 	death of the Executive; or
	 
	 	(b)	 	any reason which constitutes just cause at common law and which shall include:

	 	(i)	 	any serious or persistent breach by the Executive of any of the
material provisions of this Agreement; or
	 
	 	(ii)	 	grave misconduct or wilful neglect in the discharge of his
duties.

13.3 In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Clauses 13.1 or 13.2, the Executive
shall not be entitled to any severance or compensation, save and except only for any payment
required under Clause 13.1, the payment of the pro rata Annual Base Salary earned but unpaid for
services rendered up to and including the Termination Date, plus any accrued and unused vacation
and properly incurred and reimbursable expenses.

13.4 NAEPI may, for any reason other than just cause, immediately terminate the Executive’s
employment and this Agreement and shall pay the Executive within ten (10) days of the Termination
Date:

	 	(a)	 	the pro rata Annual Base Salary earned but unpaid for services rendered up to
the Termination Date, accrued and unused vacation and properly incurred and
reimbursable expenses; and
	 
	 	(b)	 	a payment equal to 90% of the target bonus set for the Executive under the then
NAEPI Short Term Bonus Scheme multiplied by the number of days in the current fiscal
year prior to the Termination Date, divided by three hundred and sixty five (365).

     In addition, and subject to Clauses 13.6 and 13.7, NAEPI shall pay the Executive within ten
(10) days of the Termination Date, a retiring allowance equal to:

 

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	 	(a)	 	one (1) times the Executive’s then Base Salary if the Termination Date is on or
prior to the 5th anniversary of the Start Date; or
	 
	 	(b)	 	one and a quarter (11/4) times the Executive’s then Base Salary if the
Termination Date is after the 5th anniversary of the Start Date and on or
prior to the 10th anniversary of the Start Date; or
	 
	 	(c)	 	one and a half (11/2) times the Executive’s then Base Salary if the Termination
Date is after the 10th anniversary of the Start Date.

13.5 In the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to Clause 13.4 and if the Termination
Date is after the conclusion of NAEPI’s fiscal year but prior to the payout by NAEPI of bonuses
under the NAEPI Short Term Bonus Scheme for the prior fiscal year, NAEPI further agrees to pay to
the Executive any bonus earned and owing to him under the NAEPI Short Term Bonus Scheme for the
fiscal year prior to the Termination Date.

13.6 The above payments in Clauses 13.4 and 13.5 shall be subject to required withholdings and the
return by the Executive of all of the NACG Group’s property, and in exchange for the payments the
Executive agrees to sign and provide to the NACG Group a full and final release with respect to his
employment and the termination of his employment.

13.7 If, upon termination of this Agreement and the cessation of the Executive’s employment and
regardless of the reason, the Executive is a director or officer of any of the entities in the NACG
Group, the Executive agrees to immediately resign as a director or officer.

13.8 The Executive acknowledges that the group benefits as described in Schedule 3 of this
Agreement, provincial health care and long-term disability all cease as of the Termination Date,
regardless of the reason for cessation of employment. The Executive understands and agrees that
the NAEPI Group has no liability for any damages the Executive and his family may suffer as a
result of the cessation of benefits on the Termination Date.

14. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS AFTER TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

14.1 The Executive expressly agrees that, at any time for two (2) years after the termination of
this Agreement and the cessation of the Executive’s employment, regardless of the reason for
cessation of employment, the Executive shall not, directly or indirectly solicit, interfere with or
endeavour to entice away from NAEPI any person who is an employee or consultant of the NAEPI Group
provided that this Clause will not restrict the Executive from employing or causing to be employed
an employee or consultant of the NAEPI Group, who applies for a position outside NAEPI of his/her
own accord and without any input or interaction, either directly or indirectly, with the Executive
before the application is made.

15. PRIVACY

15.1 The Executive consents that:

	 	(a)	 	the personal data relating to the Executive may be maintained and stored by
NAEPI electronically or in any other form; and

 

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	 	(b)	 	the personal data relating to the Executive may be freely transferred and
shared between NAEPI and the entities in the NAEPI Group irrespective of where the
offices of such entities are physically located.

15.2 The Executive acknowledges and agrees that NAEPI has the right to collect, use and disclose
the Executive’s personal information for purposes relating to the Executive’s employment with
NAEPI, including:

	 	(a)	 	ensuring that the Executive is paid for the services performed for NAEPI;
	 
	 	(b)	 	administering any benefits to which the Executive is or may become entitled to,
bonus and/or rights to NAEPI common shares. This shall include the disclosure of the
Executive’s personal information to any insurance company and/or broker or to any
entity that manages or administers the benefits or bonus on behalf of NAEPI;
	 
	 	(c)	 	compliance with any regulatory reporting and withholding requirements relating
to the Executive’s employment, including required disclosure to shareholders;
	 
	 	(d)	 	enforcing NAEPI’s policies including those relating to the proper use of the
electronic communications network and to comply with applicable laws; and
	 
	 	(e)	 	in the event of a possible sale of NAEPI or any entity in the NAEPI Group,
disclosing to any potential acquiring organization the Executive’s personal information
solely for the purpose of determining the value of the NAEPI Group and their assets and
liabilities and to evaluate the Executive’s position in NAEPI. If the Executive’s
personal information is disclosed to any potential acquiring organization, NAEPI will
require the potential acquiring organization to agree to protect the privacy of the
Executive’s personal information in a manner that is consistent with any policy of
NAEPI dealing with privacy that may be in effect from time to time and/or any
applicable law that may be in effect from time to time.

16. GENERAL

16.1 NAEPI and the Executive consider the covenants, obligations and restrictions in this Agreement
to be reasonable in all circumstances of the engagement.

16.2 Each and every covenant, obligation and restriction and each and every part of this Agreement
shall be deemed to be severable and an independent covenant, obligation or restriction unless it
would defeat the purpose of this Agreement.

16.3 This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the
province of Alberta and the parties hereby attorn to the jurisdiction of the courts of the province
of Alberta.

16.4 Any waiver by either party of any breach or non-observance of this Agreement will not be
deemed to be a waiver of any other breach or any other non-observance.

17. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

17.1 Unless a party to this Agreement has complied with Clauses 17.2 to 17.5, that party may not
commence court proceedings or arbitration relating to any dispute arising from this Agreement
except where that party seeks urgent interlocutory relief in which case that party need not comply
with this

 

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Clause before seeking such relief. Where a party to this Agreement fails to comply with Clauses
17.2 to 17.5, the other party to the Agreement need not comply with this Clause before referring
the dispute to arbitration or commencing Court proceedings relating to that dispute.

17.2 All questions or differences whatsoever which at any time may arise between the parties or
their respective representative with respect to this Agreement or to the subject matter of this
Agreement or arising out of or in relation thereto and whether as to construction or otherwise will
be initially raised with the President or the Executive as the case may require. The President and
the Executive will seek within 30 days to resolve the issue and in doing so will act in good faith
and use their reasonable best efforts.

17.3 If the dispute is not resolved under Clause 17.2, a party to this Agreement must give written
notice to the other party designating as its representative in negotiations relating to the dispute
a person with authority to settle the dispute and the other party must promptly give notice in
writing to the other party designating as its representative in negotiations relating to the
dispute a person with similar authority.

17.4 The designated persons must, within 14 days of the last designation required by Clause 17.3,
following whatever investigations each deems appropriate, seek to resolve the dispute.

17.5 If the dispute is not resolved within the following 14 days (or within such further period as
the representatives may agree is appropriate) the parties must attempt to settle the dispute by the
process of mediation. Within a further period of 14 days the parties must select a mediator from a
list of three names of mediators (who hold the Chartered Mediation designation, awarded by the ADR
Institute of Canada) provided by the Alberta Arbitration & Mediation Society, and the mediation
must be conducted in good faith and in accordance with procedures for the mediation of commercial
disputes generally in Canada and specifically in Alberta.

17.6 The purpose of any exchange of information or documents or the making of any offer of
settlement pursuant to this Clause is to attempt to settle the dispute between the parties. No
party may use directly or indirectly any information or documents obtained through the dispute
resolution process established by this Clause for any other purpose than in an attempt to settle a
dispute between that party and other parties to this Agreement.

17.7 If the time established by or agreed under Clause 17.5 for agreement on a dispute resolution
process expires, any party which has complied with the provisions of Clauses 17.5 to 17.5 may in
writing terminate the dispute resolution process provided for in those Clauses and may then refer
the dispute to arbitration or commence Court proceedings relating to the dispute.

18. NOTICES

18.1 Any notice to be given under this Agreement must be in writing and may be left at or sent by
prepaid registered mail or by facsimile addressed, in the case of NAEPI, to its registered office
or principal place of business for the time being and in the case of the Executive delivered
personally or to his last known place of residence or business. Any notice given by post will be
deemed to have been served at the expiration of 48 hours after posting and any notice given by
facsimile will be deemed to have been received when the facsimile transmission has been complete.

 

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19. SURVIVAL

19.1 The provisions of Clauses 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 and the Executive’s fiduciary
obligations shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the cessation of the Executive’s
employment, regardless of the reason for such cessation.

20. LEGAL FEES

20.1 NAEPI will bear and is responsible for the reasonable legal fees incurred by the Executive
only in connection with the execution of this Agreement.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	NORTH AMERICAN PARTNERS INC.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Per:	 	/s/ RODNEY JOHN RUSTON 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	Rodney John Ruston
President and CEO	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Signed in the presence of:
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	/s/ [Illegible] 
	 	/s/ DOUG WILKES 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	Witness	 	DOUG WILKES	 	 

 

 

SCHEDULE 1

Position Description

Job Title: Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Division/Department: Executive

Reports to (Title): President & CEO

Location: Acheson

	 	 	 	 	 
	Type of

position:

	 	Shift:
	 	Band:
	 
	 	 	 	 
	þ Full-time Salary
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	o Part-time Salary
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 ̈ Full-time Hourly

	 	 	 	Status:
	 
	 	 	 	 
	o Part-time Hourly

	 	Hours of Work:
	 	þ Exempt
	 
	 	 	 	 
	o Temporary

	 	 	 	o Nonexempt
	 
	 	 	 	 
	expiry date:
	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	o COOP/Intern
	 	 	 	 

Accountabilities:

	 	§	 	The incumbent is accountable to the President & CEO and is accountable for an operations budget and direct
reports including: Director, Divisional Finance; Director, Financial Accounting; Director, Corporate Finance, as well as
periodic contractors/consultants.
	 
	 	§	 	Communication of corporate vision, mission, business imperatives, strategies, targets and successes.
	 
	 	§	 	Communication within business sector and across business units.
	 
	 	§	 	Provide leadership to instill safety and quality as a corporate value in the company culture.
	 
	 	§	 	Role model for Code of Conduct and Ethics
	 
	 	§	 	Integrated contributing member of the senior corporate leadership team
	 
	 	§	 	Development and implementation of corporate policies and procedures; ensuring compliance with SOX.
	 
	 	§	 	Ensure proactive performance management and career development.
	 
	 	§	 	Role model behaviors required to sustain a culture that promotes continuous improvement.
	 
	 	§	 	Provide monthly business unit reporting to President/CEO and Board of Directors as required.
	 
	 	§	 	Participates in the bid review process and based on area of expertise, holds the right of veto on tender
submission.
	 
	 	§	 	Reports financial results of the corporation in accordance with regulatory bodies and stakeholders.
	 
	 	§	 	Reports financial results within the corporation.

 

 

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	 	§	 	Provides access to required capital within the optimal structure.
	 
	 	§	 	Provides financial controls acceptable to external auditor standards.
	 
	 	§	 	Ensures financial commitments are met.
	 
	 	§	 	Provide financial support to the organization.
	 
	 	§	 	Directs the preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets.
	 
	 	§	 	Risk & Surety Management.
	 
	 	§	 	Approve corporate credit.
	 
	 	§	 	Communication of the annual budget with VP Operations.

Responsibilities:

	 	§	 	Manage the Finance and Accounting functions of NAEPI to:

	 	§	 	Provide accurate and timely actual and forecast financial performance reporting to the Board, the
President and the NAEPI Executive;
	 
	 	§	 	Provide each general manager and project manager with accurate and timely operational and financial
performance reporting covering the individual areas of responsibility for those managers;
	 
	 	§	 	Develop effective tools capable of providing meaningful forecasting and performance monitoring, including
but not limited to, the development of effective budgeting and planning models;
	 
	 	§	 	Ensure the effective management of cash flow within the business, including but not limited to, ensuring
sufficient working capital availability while maintaining the NAEPI reputation as a trusted, financially sound
business partner for its suppliers;

	 	§	 	Manage the risks and costs associated with finance and accounting functions;
	 
	 	§	 	Implement the financial strategies approved from time to time by the President and/or the Board;
	 
	 	§	 	Use best endeavours to ensure financial targets identified in the budget and approved by the Board are achieved;
	 
	 	§	 	Develop systems and provide expert advice to the President and the NAEPI Executive to ensure the effective
management of cash flow;
	 
	 	§	 	Develop and once approved implement, effective hedging and capital employment policies;
	 
	 	§	 	Develop and where appropriate, implement, financing strategies to ensure the NAEPI Group has the necessary
funding capacity to meet its growth plans;
	 
	 	§	 	Ensure that all reporting processes and outputs meet the standards required by industry monitors including those
of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission;
	 
	 	§	 	Use best endeavours to ensure all contractual obligations of the NAEPI Group, as they relate to the financial
functions, are met;
	 
	 	§	 	Maintain a positive public and private profile for the NAEPI Group, in particular, with the investment and
banking communities;

 

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	 	§	 	Actively seek to build and maintain effective relationships with the finance executives of NAEPI Group’s major
customers and suppliers;
	 
	 	§	 	Monitor the business environment in general in order to take the lead in the development of financial strategies
intended to maximise the NAEPI Group’s business status;
	 
	 	§	 	Proactively seek out innovative opportunities to expand the NAEPI Group’s position as a leader in its core
business activities;
	 
	 	§	 	Ensure that the NAEPI finance and accounting teams have an appropriate structure including succession and
development plans; and
	 
	 	§	 	Such other roles and tasks assigned, from time to time, to the VP-Finance by the President and/or the Board,
including (at no additional compensation) such titles and responsibilities as directed with respect to the other
entities in the NACG Group.

Key Performance Indicators:

Refer to objectives and KPI’s set on an annual basis through discussion between the executive and the CEO

Work experience Requirements

	 	§	 	Executive experience leading corporate Finance and Accounting functions in a publicly traded medium size company.
	 
	 	§	 	Minimum ten years experience gained through managing and leading areas of treasury, financial planning (budget),
project accounting, financial reporting, accounts payable, and insurance/surety.
	 
	 	§	 	Industrial construction and/or mining industry experience preferred.

Education Requirements:

	 	§	 	Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Finance.
	 
	 	§	 	Must possess CA, CMA or CGA designation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements:

	 	§	 	Truly a team player who can motivate others on the team.
	 
	 	§	 	Requires the independent judgment to assess, innovate, improve and develop financial and accounting programs,
policy and procedures to aid in the administration of a diverse workforce covering several geographic and remote areas.
	 
	 	§	 	A strong ability to communicate and oversee policy, projects and administration where effecting change is a
major issue.
	 
	 	§	 	Requires change management skills, conflict resolution skills and the ability to promote, motivate and effect
positive changes for the total organization.
	 
	 	§	 	Build trust and confidence with senior line executives of the businesses and serve as a

 

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	 	 	 	confidant and sounding board when needed.
	 
	 	§	 	Provide leadership and functional guidance to subordinate managers including their individual development.
	 
	 	§	 	Must have capability to support external reporting.
	 
	 	§	 	Must have knowledge in/of: US/Canadian GAAP; Financial markets; Mergers and Acquisitions.
	 
	 	§	 	Negotiation, financial planning, and business valuation skills and JD Edwards experience is preferred.
	 
	 	§	 	Must have capability to monitor and support SOX compliance.

Manager Reviewed by:

Title:

Human Resources Approved by:

Title:

 

 

SCHEDULE 2

1. REGULAR REMUNERATION AND PERQUISITES

1.1 The Executive’s current annual base salary (the “Annual Base Salary”) of $250,000.00, less
required withholdings, to be paid in accordance with NAEPI’s usual payroll practices.

1.2 The Executive shall continue to receive compensation in recognition of him using his private
vehicle for NAEPI business, which shall consist of a monthly payment of $800 (as amended and
adjusted from time to time). In addition, the Executive shall receive (at NAEPI’s cost) fleet
vehicle insurance, and shall be reimbursed for reasonable fuel costs and reasonable maintenance
costs.

1.3 NAEPI, from the Start Date until January 1, 2008, will pay for the reasonable cost of one (1)
return flight per week between Vancouver and Edmonton. From January 1, 2009 until January 1, 2006
NAEPI will pay for reasonable cost of one (1) one-way flight per week between Vancouver and
Edmonton. From January 1, 2010 and thereafter the Executive will be responsible for all and any
expenses associated with his travel to work.

1.4 NAEPI will provide the Executive with a serviced apartment for a maximum of four (4) months
from the Start Date. NAEPI will cover all reasonable costs (including legal fees, real estate fees
and rental search fees.) associated with arranging rental accommodation for the Executive and the
purchase of a residence in the Edmonton area including, in both instances, the reasonable costs of
relocating household goods and effects from Surrey, British Columbia to the Edmonton area.

1.5 The Executive will be entitled to reimbursement for the cost of:

	 	(a)	 	annual dues to Federal and Provincial organisations, membership of which is
necessary to retain any qualifications related to his employment;
	 
	 	(b)	 	annual dues to any work related institute; and
	 
	 	(c)	 	Joining one health or sports club.

2. SHORT TERM BONUS

2.1 The Executive will be entitled to participate, as of July 1, 2006, at Level 2 in the NAEPI
Short Term Bonus Scheme, as such level of participation and terms of the NAEPI Short Term Bonus
Scheme are amended and adjusted from time to time

3. LONG TERM INCENTIVE

3.1 Subject to Board approval, the Executive shall be granted five thousand (5,000) options to
purchase NACG Holdings Inc. common shares, at an exercise price to be set by the Board upon advice
from an independent advisor.

3.2 In addition, the Executive will be entitled to be considered for future grants of options from
time to time by the Compensation Committee of the Board.

3.3 The exercise rights and terms of all options granted to the Executive shall be governed by the
relevant employee option agreement and the Share Option Plan, as amended from time to time.

 

 

  2

3.4 The Executive shall be entitled to participate in any long term incentive plans adopted for
executives of NAEPI, in accordance with the terms of such plan or plans.

 

 

SCHEDULE 3

INSURANCE AND HEALTH SCHEME

	 	 	 	 	 
	BENEFIT	 	DESCRIPTION

	 
	 	 	 	 
	Life Insurance and
Accidental Death &
Dismemberment	 	2 x the Executive’s annual base salary to a maximum benefit level of $300,000
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Dependent Life

	 	•
	 	Spouse — $10,000
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Child    — $5,000
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Extended Medical

	 	•
	 	80% Pay Direct Drug card on prescription drugs with no deductible
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	100% of all other eligible expenses as listed below.
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Semi-private hospital room
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Auxiliary Hospital
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Home Care Nursing – maximum of $10,000/year
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Ambulance services
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Paramedical Services — $500/ registered/licensed practitioner annual maximum
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Psychologist, chiropractor, speech language pathologist, massage therapist, chiropodist/podiatrist, osteopath,
naturopath, Physiotherapy — $40 per visit to annual maximum of $600
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Acupuncture — $40 per visit to annual maximum of $500
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Hearing aids, $500 every 5 years
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Medical aids
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Vision care: Eyeglass lenses & frames, contact lenses, prescription industrial safety glasses, laser eye surgery.
$250 maximum every 2 years – adults and children over 18;
$250 maximum every 1 year – children under age 19.
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	$50 eye exams (age 19-65 where not covered by the provincial medical plan)
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Emergency Out of Province/Canada
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Travel Assistance
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Survivor benefit for up to 12 months.

 

 

Schedule 3

Page 2 of 2

	 	 	 	 	 
	BENEFIT	 	DESCRIPTION

	 
	 	 	 	 
	Dental

	 	•
	 	80% Basic Services, 50% Major Services, 50% Orthodontics
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	No annual deductible
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	$2,000 annual maximum per person for Basic and Major Restorative combined.
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	$2,500 lifetime maximum per child (under age 19) for Orthodontics
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Current Dental Fee guide for Generalist Practitioners
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Basic Services:
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Cleanings, exams, extractions, fillings, endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, x-rays, scaling, relining, repairing
& rebasing of dentures
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Major Services:
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Caps, crowns, bridges, complete dentures and onlays
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Ortho Services:
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	•
	 	Orthodontic appliances and servicesexv10w21

 

EXHIBIT 10.21

TERMINATION AGREEMENT

     This TERMINATION AGREEMENT, dated as of October ___, 2006 is between The Sterling Group, L.P.
(“Sterling”), Genstar Capital, L.P. (“Genstar”), Perry Strategic Capital, Inc. (“Perry”) and SF
Holding Corp. (formerly Stephens Group, Inc.) (“Stephens”) (Sterling, Genstar, Perry and Stephens
each being individually referred to herein as a “Sponsor” and collectively referred to herein as
the “Sponsors”) on the one hand and NACG Holdings Inc. (“Parent”), NACG Preferred Corp., North
American Energy Partners Inc. and each of their direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries
(collectively, the “Companies” and each individually, a “Company”) on the other hand.

     WHEREAS, the Companies and the Sponsors are parties to a letter agreement dated November 21,
2003 (the “Advisory Services Agreement”); and

     WHEREAS, the parties wish to terminate the Advisory Services Agreement, effective as of the
closing of the initial public offering (the “IPO”) of common shares of Parent pursuant to the
Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 21, 2006, as
amended (the “Effective Time”), on the terms and conditions hereinafter provided.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained and for other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows. Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the
meaning given to them in the Advisory Services Agreement.

	 	1.	 	The Advisory Services Agreement is hereby terminated, effective as of the
Effective Time, without penalty or further liability of any party to the other except
(a) for the provisions of Section 4 of the Advisory Services Agreement, which shall
continue in full force and effect and (b) for the payment of (i) any accrued but unpaid
Annual Management Fees payable pursuant to Section 2 of the Advisory Services Agreement
and (ii) any fees payable pursuant to Section 3 of the Advisory Services Agreement in
connection with the IPO not paid as of the date hereof and (iii) the reimbursement of
any expenses pursuant to Sections 2 and 3 of the Advisory Services Agreement not
reimbursed as of the date hereof.
	 
	 	2.	 	Parent has agreed to pay the Sponsors, as a group, C$2,000,000 in consideration
for the Sponsors’ agreement to terminate the Advisory Services Agreement in connection
with the IPO (the “Termination Fee”), to be shared among the Sponsors as indicated on
Exhibit A hereto. Payment of the Termination Fee shall be made at the closing
of the IPO; provided, however, that payment of the aggregate amount payable to Sterling
under this Agreement and the Advisory Services Agreement in excess of C$750,000 shall
be deferred until January 31, 2007.
	 
	 	3.	 	Subject to the rights conveyed under Section 4 of the Advisory Services
Agreement, the Companies and the Sponsors, each for itself, its partners,

 

 

	 	 	 	directors, officers, employees, agents, and affiliates, hereby waive any claims
against and release the others from any and all liability arising out of or relating
to the Advisory Services Agreement or the actual or alleged performance or
nonperformance of consulting services thereunder.
	 
	 	4.	 	Any statements, requests, notices or other communications under this
Termination Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered or sent by courier
service, mail or facsimile transmission addressed to the respective party at the
following address (or at such other address as any party may specify by notice
hereunder):

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	If to the Company at:
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	North American Energy Partners Inc.
	 

	 	 	 	Zone 3, Acheson Industrial Area
	 

	 	 	 	2-53016 Highway 60
	 

	 	 	 	Acheson, Alberta T7X 5A7
	 

	 	 	 	Attention: Vincent J. Gallant
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 	 	If to the Sponsors at:
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	The Sterling Group, L.P.
	 

	 	 	 	8 Greenway Plaza, Suite 702
	 

	 	 	 	Houston, Texas 77046
	 

	 	 	 	Attention: John D. Hawkins

	 	 	 	Notice given by courier service shall be effective upon actual receipt. Notice
given by mail shall be effective upon actual receipt or, if not actually received,
the third business day following deposit with the U.S. Post Office, first-class
postage pre-paid and return receipt requested. Notice given by facsimile
transmission shall be confirmed by appropriate answer back and shall be effective
upon actual receipt if received during the recipient’s normal business hours, or at
the beginning of the recipient’s next business day after receipt if not received
during the recipient’s normal business hours.
	 
	 	5.	 	This Termination Agreement constitutes a complete statement of all of the
arrangements between the parties as of the date hereof with respect to the transactions
contemplated by it, supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the
parties, and cannot be changed or terminated except by an instrument in writing signed
by all parties. The rights and obligations of the parties under this Termination
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their
respective successors and assigns. This Termination Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas applicable to agreements
made and to be performed therein. Any action or proceeding arising out of this
Termination Agreement may be brought in the state or federal courts of or in the State
of Texas, to the

 

 

	 	 	 	jurisdiction of which the parties hereby consent. This Termination Agreement may be
executed in multiple counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original and all
of which shall constitute one instrument. Facsimile copies of signatures shall
constitute original signatures for all purposes of this Agreement and any
enforcement hereof.

 

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Companies and the Sponsors have executed this agreement as of the date
first written above.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Sponsors:	 	Companies:
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	THE STERLING GROUP, L.P.	 	NACG HOLDINGS INC.
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	 	 	By:	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	Name:

	 	John D. Hawkins
	 	Name:	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Title:

	 	Principal
	 	Title:	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	GENSTAR CAPITAL, L.P.

By: Genstar Management LLC.	 	NACG PREFERRED CORP.
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	 	 	By:	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	Name:

	 	 	 	Name:	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	Title:

	 	Member
	 	Title:	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	PERRY STRATEGIC CAPITAL, INC.	 	NORTH AMERICAN ENERGY PARTNERS INC.
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	 	 	By:	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	Name:

	 	 	 	Name:	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	Title:

	 	 	 	Title:	 	 
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	SF HOLDING CORP.	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Name:
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Title:
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

Termination Fee

The Sponsors shall share the Termination Fee as follows:

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Name	 	Percentage	 	 	Amount	 
	The Sterling Group, L.P.
	 	 	34.120	%	 	 	C$682,400	 
	Genstar Capital, L.P.
	 	 	24.705	%	 	 	494,100	 
	Perry Strategic Capital, Inc.
	 	 	24.705	%	 	 	494,100	 
	SF Holding Corp.
	 	 	16.470	%	 	 	329,400	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	100.000	%	 	 	C$2,000,000

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