ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
Dated March 19, 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Definitions ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Abbreviations and Conversion ............................................................................................................................... 7
Non-IFRS Measures ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Notes on Reserves Data and Other Oil and Natural Gas Information .................................................................... 8
Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements ..........................................................................................10
Surge Energy Inc. ..................................................................................................................................................11
General .................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Development of the Business ...............................................................................................................................12
General .................................................................................................................................................................. 12
2010 .................................................................................................................................................................. 13
The Recapitalization ............................................................................................................................................... 13
New Management Group ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Prospectus Financing ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Corinthian and Crystal Lake Acquisition ................................................................................................................ 14
Name Change ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
Valhalla Asset Acquisition ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Subscription Receipt Offering ................................................................................................................................ 14
2011 .................................................................................................................................................................. 15
USA Acquisitions .................................................................................................................................................... 15
Credit Facility ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Prospectus Financing ............................................................................................................................................. 15
TSX Graduation ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
2012 .................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Pradera Acquisition................................................................................................................................................ 15
Credit Facility ......................................................................................................................................................... 16
Other Acquisitions ................................................................................................................................................. 16
Description of the Business ..................................................................................................................................16
Corporate Strategy ................................................................................................................................................ 16
Competition ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
Seasonal Factors .................................................................................................................................................... 17
Environmental Regulation ..................................................................................................................................... 17
Personnel ............................................................................................................................................................... 17
Principal Producing Properties..............................................................................................................................17
Statement of Reserves Data .................................................................................................................................21
Summary of Oil and Gas Reserves – Forecast Prices and Costs ............................................................................. 21
Net Present Value of Future Net Revenue – Forecast Prices and Costs ................................................................ 22
Additional Information Concerning Future Net Revenue – Forecast Prices and Costs (Undiscounted) ................ 22
Future Net Revenue by Production Group – Forecast Prices and Costs ................................................................ 23
Pricing Assumptions – Forecast Prices and Costs .................................................................................................. 23
Reconciliation of Changes in Reserves ................................................................................................................... 23
Additional Information Relating to Reserves Data ................................................................................................25
Undeveloped Reserves .......................................................................................................................................... 25
Significant Factors or Uncertainties Affecting Reserves Data ................................................................................ 25
Future Development Costs .................................................................................................................................... 26
Other Oil and Gas Information .............................................................................................................................26
Oil and Gas Wells ................................................................................................................................................... 26
Properties with no Attributed Reserves ................................................................................................................ 26
Additional Information Concerning Abandonment and Reclamation Costs ......................................................... 27
Tax Horizon ............................................................................................................................................................ 27
Costs Incurred ........................................................................................................................................................ 27
2
Drilling Activity ....................................................................................................................................................... 27
Planned Capital Expenditures ................................................................................................................................ 27
Production Estimates ............................................................................................................................................. 28
Production History ................................................................................................................................................. 28
Average Daily Production Volume .................................................................................................................... 28
Prices Received, Royalties Paid, Production Costs and Netback- Crude Oil ..................................................... 29
Prices Received, Royalties Paid, Production Costs and Netback- Natural Gas ................................................. 29
Prices Received, Royalties Paid, Production Costs and Netback- Combined .................................................... 29
Production Volume by Field................................................................................................................................... 29
Share Capital ........................................................................................................................................................30
Common Shares ..................................................................................................................................................... 30
Preferred Shares .................................................................................................................................................... 30
Dividend Policy .....................................................................................................................................................30
Escrowed Securities ..............................................................................................................................................30
Market for Securities ............................................................................................................................................30
Directors and Officers ...........................................................................................................................................31
Corporate Cease Trade Orders .............................................................................................................................. 33
Bankruptcies .......................................................................................................................................................... 33
Penalties or Sanctions ............................................................................................................................................ 33
Conflicts of Interest ............................................................................................................................................... 33
AUDIT COMMITTEE ..............................................................................................................................................34
Composition of the Audit Committee, Charter and Review of Services ................................................................ 34
Education and Experience of Members ................................................................................................................. 34
External Auditor Service Fees ................................................................................................................................ 35
INDUSTRY CONDITIONS ........................................................................................................................................35
Legal Proceedings And Regulatory Actions ...........................................................................................................46
Interest of Management and Others in Material Transactions .............................................................................46
Auditor, Transfer Agent and Registrar ..................................................................................................................46
Interest of Experts ................................................................................................................................................47
Additional Information .........................................................................................................................................47
Schedule “A” – Form 51-101F2 Report On Reserves Data By Independent Qualified Reserves Evaluator or Auditor
Schedule “B” – Form 51-101F3 Report Of Management And Directors On Reserves Data And Other Information
Schedule “C” – Audit Committee Charter
3
DEFINITIONS
Unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below when used in this Annual
Information Form. Certain other terms and abbreviations used herein, but not defined herein, are defined in NI 51-101 or the
COGE Handbook and, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the same meanings herein as in NI 51-101 or the
COGE Handbook.
“2008 Bid” means the normal course issuer bid announced by the Corporation in June 2008 through the facilities of the TSXV
to acquire for cancellation up to 864,329 Common Shares;
“771129” means 771129 Alberta Ltd., a corporation organized under the ABCA and the Corporation’s wholly-owned
subsidiary;
“744997” means 744997 Alberta Ltd., a corporation organized under the ABCA and a predecessor to the Corporation by
amalgamation;
“ABCA” means the Business Corporations Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. B-9, as amended;
“AIF” means this Annual Information Form;
“Audit Committee” means the audit committee of the Corporation
“Board of Directors” or “Board” means the board of directors of the Corporation;
“Breaker” means Breaker Energy Ltd., a publicly traded oil and natural gas company acquired by NAL Oil & Gas Trust in
December 2009;
“COGE Handbook” means the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook prepared jointly by the Society of Petroleum
Evaluation Engineers (Calgary chapter) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy & Petroleum;
“Common Shares” means the common shares of the Corporation;
“Corinthian” means Corinthian Energy Corp., a private corporation, originally incorporated under the ABCA and amalgamated
with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation to form Breaker Resources Ltd.;
“Corinthian Acquisition” means the indirect acquisition by the Corporation on July 9, 2010 of all of the issued and
outstanding shares of Corinthian;
“Corinthian Acquisition Agreement” means the agreement entered into by the Corporation and Corinthian dated June 21,
2010 whereby the Corporation agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Corinthian for
consideration of 0.4 Common Shares of the Corporation for every one common share of Corinthian for a total consideration
of approximately 16 million Common Shares;
“Corinthian Shares” means common shares of Corinthian;
“Corporation” or “Surge” means Surge Energy Inc., a corporation amalgamated under the ABCA;
“Credit Facility” means the $290 million extendible revolving term credit facility, as amended from time to time, of the
Corporation with a banking syndicate led by National Bank of Canada and including the Bank of Nova Scotia, the Canadian
Imperial Bank of Commerce, the Alberta Treasury Branches, and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and bearing interest at bank
rates;
“Crystal Lake” means Crystal Lake Resources Inc. originally incorporated under the ABCA and amalgamated with a wholly-
owned subsidiary of the Corporation to form Breaker Resources Ltd;
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“Crystal Lake Acquisition” means the indirect acquisition by the Corporation on July 19, 2010 of all of the issued and
outstanding shares of Crystal Lake;
“DPIIP” means Discovered Petroleum Initially In Place which is defined as that quantity of oil that is estimated, as of a given
date, to be contained in known accumulations prior to production. The recoverable portion of DPIIP includes production,
reserves, and contingent resources; the remainder is unrecoverable. There is no certainty that it will be commercially viable
to produce any portion of the resources. A recovery project cannot be defined for this volume of DPIIP at this time, and as
such it cannot be further sub-categorized.
“FT Units” means units issued pursuant to a private placement that took place in conjunction with the Recapitalization, with
each unit consisting of one Common Share issued on a “flow-through” basis in accordance with the Tax Act and one
Performance Warrant;
“NAFTA” means the North American Free Trade Agreement;
“NI 51-101” means National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities;
“Offering” means the private placement offering of 8,001,000 Subscription Receipts at a price of $5.25 per Subscription
Receipt completed of October 20, 2010;
“Partnership” means Zapata Limited Partnership, an Alberta limited partnership which was dissolved on January 2, 2011;
“Performance Warrant” means a Common Share purchase warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Common Share at a
price of $5.17 for a period of five years, issued pursuant to the private placement that took place in conjunction with the
Recapitalization;
“Pradera” means Pradera Resources Inc., a private corporation incorporated under the ABCA and amalgamated with a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation to form Surge Oil Inc.;
“Pradera Acquisition” means the indirect acquisition by the Corporation on January 6, 2012 of all of the issued and
outstanding shares of Pradera;
“Pradera Acquisition Agreement” means the agreement entered into by the Corporation and Pradera dated December 15,
2011 whereby the Corporation agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Pradera for
consideration of approximately $106 million, consisting of 7.9 million Common Shares and approximately $33 million in cash
including the assumption of net debt;
“Preferred Shares” means the preferred shares of the Corporation;
“Recapitalization” means the change of officers and directors and the private placement of the Corporation conducted
pursuant to the Recapitalization Agreement;
“Recapitalization Agreement” means the reorganization and investment agreement dated March 24, 2010 among the
Corporation and P. Daniel O'Neil, Maxwell Lof, Daniel C. Brown and Paul Colborne;
“Sproule” means Sproule Associates Limited, independent oil and gas reservoir engineers;
“Sproule Report” means the independent engineering report dated February 29, 2012 and effective December 31, 2011
prepared by Sproule evaluating the oil, NGL and natural gas reserves attributable to the properties of the Corporation;
“Subscription Receipt Agreement” means the subscription receipt agreement dated October 20, 2010 between the
Corporation, Olympia Trust Company as escrow agent and a syndicate of underwriters governing the terms and conditions of
the Subscription Receipts;
“Subscription Receipts” means the subscription receipts of the Corporation that were issued pursuant to the Offering and the
Subscription Receipt Agreement;
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“Tax Act” means the Income Tax Act (Canada), R.S.C. 1985, c.l. (5th Supp.), as amended, including the regulations promulgated
thereunder;
“Transitional Program” means the optional five-year transitional royalty program announced by the Alberta Government on
November 19, 2008 and November 24, 2008;
“TSX” means the Toronto Stock Exchange;
“TSXV” means the TSX Venture Exchange;
“Units” means units issued pursuant to a private placement that took place in conjunction with the Recapitalization, with
each unit consisting of one Common Share and one Performance Warrant;
“Valhalla Asset Acquisition” means the acquisition of the Valhalla Assets by the Corporation from the Vendor pursuant to the
Valhalla Purchase Agreement which was completed on November 1, 2010;
“Valhalla Assets” has the same meaning as is ascribed to the term “Assets” in the Valhalla Purchase Agreement;
“Valhalla Purchase Agreement” means the definitive agreement of purchase and sale dated September 22, 2010 between
the Corporation and the Vendor relating to the acquisition by the Corporation of the Valhalla Assets; and
“Vendor” means the vendors of the Valhalla Assets pursuant to the Valhalla Purchase Agreement.
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ABBREVIATIONS AND CONVERSION
In this Annual Information Form, the abbreviations set forth below have the following meanings:
Oil and Natural Gas Liquids
Natural Gas
bbl
bbls
Mbbls
MMbbls
Mstb
bbl/d
NGLs
stb
Barrel
Barrels
thousand barrels
million barrels
1,000 stock tank barrels
barrels per day
natural gas liquids
stock tank barrel
Mcf
MMcf
Mcf/d
MMcf/d
MMBtu
Bcf
GJ
thousand cubic feet
million cubic feet
thousand cubic feet per day
million cubic feet per day
million British Thermal Units
billion cubic feet
gigajoule
The following table sets forth certain standard conversions from Standard Imperial Units to the International System of Units
(or metric units).
To Convert From
To
Multiply By
Mcf
Cubic metres
Bbls
Cubic metres
Feet
Metres
Miles
Kilometres
Acres
Hectares
Gigajoules
MMbtu
Cubic metres
Cubic feet
Cubic metres
Bbls
Metres
Feet
Kilometres
Miles
Hectares
Acres
MMbtu
Gigajoules
28.174
35.494
0.159
6.293
0.305
3.281
1.609
0.621
0.405
2.50
0.950
1.0526
Other
AECO
API
°API
BOE
BOE/d
m3
MBOE
$000s
M$
MM$
WTI
a natural gas storage facility located at Suffield, Alberta
American Petroleum Institute
an indication of the specific gravity of crude oil measured on the API gravity scale. Liquid petroleum with a
specified gravity of 35.1° API or greater is generally referred to as light crude oil. Liquid petroleum with a
specified gravity of 25.8° to 35° API or greater is generally referred to as medium crude oil. Liquid petroleum
with a specified gravity of 25.7° API or lower is generally referred to as heavy crude oil.
barrel of oil equivalent on the basis of 1 BOE to 6 Mcf of natural gas. BOEs may be misleading, particularly if
used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 1 BOE for 6 Mcf is based on an energy equivalency conversion
method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead
barrel of oil equivalent per day
cubic metres
1,000 barrels of oil equivalent
thousands of dollars
thousands of dollars
millions of dollars
West Texas Intermediate, the reference price paid in U.S. dollars at Cushing, Oklahoma for crude oil of
standard grade
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NON-IFRS MEASURES
This AIF contains the term “netback” which is not defined by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to performance
measures presented by others. In this AIF, "netback" is calculated by deducting royalties paid and production costs, including
transportation costs, from prices received, excluding the effects of hedging. Management believes that in addition to net
income, netbacks are a useful supplemental measure as it assists in the determination of the Corporation's operating
performance. Readers should be cautioned, however, that this measure should not be construed as an alternative to both
net income and net cash from (used in) operating activities, which are determined in accordance with IFRS, as indicators of
the Corporation's performance.
NOTES ON RESERVES DATA AND OTHER OIL AND NATURAL GAS INFORMATION
Caution Respecting Reserves Information
The determination of oil and natural gas reserves involves the preparation of estimates that have an inherent degree of
associated uncertainty. Categories of proved and probable reserves have been established to reflect the level of these
uncertainties and to provide an indication of the probability of recovery. The estimation and classification of reserves
requires the application of professional judgment combined with geological and engineering knowledge to assess whether or
not specific reserves classification criteria have been satisfied. Knowledge of concepts including uncertainty and risk,
probability and statistics, and deterministic and probabilistic estimation methods is required to properly use and apply
reserves definitions.
The recovery and reserve estimates of oil, NGL and natural gas reserves provided herein are estimates only. Actual
reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided herein. The estimated future net revenue from the
production of the Corporation’s natural gas and petroleum reserves does not represent the fair market value of the
Corporation's reserves.
Caution Respecting BOE
In this AIF, the abbreviation BOE means barrel of oil equivalent on the basis of 1 BOE to 6 Mcf of natural gas when converting
natural gas to BOEs. BOEs may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 6 Mcf to 1 BOE is
based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value
equivalency at the wellhead.
Definitions
Certain terms used in this AIF in describing reserves and other oil and natural gas information are defined below. Certain
other terms and abbreviations used in this AIF, but not defined or described, are defined in NI 51-101 or the COGE Handbook
and, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the same meanings herein as in NI 51-101 or the COGE Handbook.
Reserves
Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and natural gas and related substances anticipated to be recoverable from
known accumulations, from a given date forward, based on: (a) analysis of drilling, geological, geophysical and engineering
data; (b) the use of established technology; and (c) specified economic conditions, which are generally accepted as being
reasonable and shall be disclosed. Reserves are classified according to the degree of certainty associated with the estimates
as follows:
“proved reserves” are those reserves that can be estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that
the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved reserves.
“probable reserves” are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. It is equally
likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus
probable reserves.
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The qualitative certainty levels referred to in the definitions above are applicable to "individual reserves entities" (which
refers to the lowest level at which reserves calculations are performed) and to "reported reserves" (which refers to the
highest-level sum of individual entity estimates for which reserves estimates are presented). Reported reserves should target
the following levels of certainty under a specific set of economic conditions:
at least a 90 percent probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimated proved
reserves; and
at least a 50 percent probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of the estimated
proved plus probable reserves.
Each of the reserves categories (proved and probable) may be divided into developed and undeveloped categories as follows:
“developed reserves” are those reserves that are expected to be recovered from existing wells and installed facilities or, if
facilities have not been installed, that would involve a low expenditure (e.g., when compared to the cost of drilling a well) to
put the reserves on production. The developed category may be subdivided into producing and non-producing as follows:
“developed producing reserves” are those reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion intervals open at the
time of the estimate. These reserves may be currently producing or, if shut-in, they must have previously been on production,
and the date of resumption of production must be known with reasonable certainty.
“developed non-producing reserves” are those reserves that either have not been on production, or have previously been on
production, but are shut-in, and the date of resumption of production is unknown.
“undeveloped reserves” are those reserves expected to be recovered from known accumulations where a significant
expenditure (e.g., when compared to the cost of drilling a well) is required to render them capable of production. They must
fully meet the requirements of the reserves classification (proved, probable, possible) to which they are assigned.
In multi-well pools, it may be appropriate to allocate total pool reserves between the developed and undeveloped categories
or to sub-divide the developed reserves for the pool between developed producing and developed non-producing. This
allocation should be based on the estimator's assessment as to the reserves that will be recovered from specific wells,
facilities and completion intervals in the pool and their respective development and production status.
Interests in Reserves, Production, Wells and Properties
“gross” means: (a) in relation to an issuer's interest in production or reserves, its "company gross reserves", which are its
working interest (operating or non-operating) share before deduction of royalties and without including any royalty interests
of the issuer; (b) in relation to wells, the total number of wells in which an issuer has an interest; and (c) in relation to
properties, the total area of properties in which an issuer has an interest.
“net” means: (a) in relation to an issuer's interest in production or reserves its working interest (operating or non-operating)
share after deduction of royalty obligations, plus its royalty interests in production or reserves; (b) in relation to an issuer's
interest in wells, the number of wells obtained by aggregating the issuer's working interest in each of its gross wells; and (c) in
relation to an issuer's interest in a property, the total area in which the issuer has an interest multiplied by the working
interest owned by the issuer.
“working interest” means the percentage of undivided interest held by an issuer in the oil and/or natural gas or mineral lease
granted by the mineral owner, Crown or freehold, which interest gives the issuer the right to "work" the property (lease) to
explore for, develop, produce and market the leased substances.
Description of Exploration and Development Wells and Costs
“development costs” means costs incurred to obtain access to reserves and to provide facilities for extracting, treating,
gathering and storing the crude oil and natural gas from the reserves. More specifically, development costs, including
applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of development activities, are costs incurred to:
(a) gain access to and prepare well locations for drilling, including surveying well locations for the purpose of determining
9
specific development drilling sites, clearing ground, draining, road building, and relocating public roads, gas lines and power
lines, to the extent necessary in developing the reserves; (b) drill and equip development wells, development type
stratigraphic test wells and service wells, including the costs of platforms and of well equipment such as casing, tubing,
pumping equipment and wellhead assembly; (c) acquire, construct and install production facilities such as flow lines,
separators, treaters, heaters, manifolds, measuring devices and production storage tanks, natural gas cycling and processing
plants, and central utility and waste disposal systems; and (d) provide improved recovery systems.
“development well” means a well drilled inside the established limits of an oil or gas reservoir, or in close proximity to the
edge of the reservoir, to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.
“exploration costs” means costs incurred in identifying areas that may warrant examination and in examining specific areas
that are considered to have prospects that may contain oil and natural gas reserves, including costs of drilling exploratory
wells and exploratory type stratigraphic test wells. Exploration costs may be incurred both before acquiring the related
property (sometimes referred to in part as "prospecting costs") and after acquiring the property. Exploration costs, which
include applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of exploration activities, are: (a) costs
of topographical, geochemical, geological and geophysical studies, rights of access to properties to conduct those studies, and
salaries and other expenses of geologists, geophysical crews and others conducting those studies (collectively sometimes
referred to as "geological and geophysical costs"); (b) costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties, such as delay
rentals, taxes (other than income and capital taxes) on properties, legal costs for title defence, and the maintenance of land
and lease records; (c) dry hole contributions and bottom hole contributions; (d) costs of drilling and equipping exploratory
wells; and (e) costs of drilling exploratory type stratigraphic test wells.
“exploration well” means a well that is not a development well, a service well or a stratigraphic test well.
“service well” means a well drilled or completed for the purpose of supporting production in an existing field. Wells in this
class are drilled for the following specific purposes: gas injection (natural gas, propane, butane or flue gas), water injection,
steam injection, air injection, salt water disposal, water supply for injection, observation or injection for combustion.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this Annual Information Form constitute forward-looking statements. The use of any of the
words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe” and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking
statements. The Corporation believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no
assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future
events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements
included in this Annual Information Form should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of
this Annual Information Form.
In particular, this Annual Information Form may contain forward-looking statements pertaining to the following:
the size of the oil and natural gas reserves;
the performance characteristics of the Corporation’s oil and natural gas properties;
oil and natural gas production levels;
projections of market prices and costs;
supply and demand for oil and natural gas;
expectations regarding the ability to raise capital and to continually add to reserves through acquisitions and
development;
treatment under governmental regulatory regimes and tax laws; and
capital expenditure programs and the allocation of such capital;
With respect to forward looking statements contained in this Annual Information Form, the Corporation has made
assumptions regarding:
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timing and amount of capital expenditures;
oil and natural gas production levels;
prevailing weather conditions, commodity prices and exchange rates;
availability of labour, services and drilling equipment;
general economic and financial market conditions;
government regulation in the areas of taxation, royalty rates and environmental protection; and
the success of exploration and development activities.
the success, nature and timing of waterflood activities.
The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the risk
factors set forth below and elsewhere in this Annual Information Form:
liabilities inherent in oil and natural gas operations;
inability to secure labour, services or equipment on a timely basis or on favourable terms;
volatility in market prices for oil and natural gas;
volatility in exchange rates;
uncertainties associated with estimating oil and natural gas reserves;
competition for, among other things, capital, acquisitions of reserves, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel;
unfavourable weather conditions;
geological, technical, drilling, completion and processing problems;
results of waterflood responses.
changes in legislation, including changes in tax laws and incentive programs relating to the oil and gas industry; and
incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions and exploration and development programs;
the other factors discussed under “Risk Factors”.
Statements relating to “reserves” or “resources” are deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied
assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the resources and reserves described can be profitably
produced in the future.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of factors are not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements contained in
this Annual Information Form are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The Corporation does not undertake
any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements other than as required under applicable
securities laws.
General
SURGE ENERGY INC.
The Corporation is a Calgary, Alberta based, public company whose Common Shares are listed on the TSX under the symbol
“SGY”. The Corporation was incorporated on January 26, 1998 under the ABCA as “Zapata Capital Inc.” and completed its
initial public offering of 1,000,000 Common Shares on August 21, 1998 under the Alberta Stock Exchange’s junior capital pool
program. On June 18, 1999, the Corporation acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of 744997, a private
corporation, as the Corporation’s major transaction under the Alberta Stock Exchange’s junior capital pool program and
amalgamated with 744997 on that date under the name “Zapata Energy Corporation”. On June 25, 2010, the Corporation
changed its name to “Surge Energy Inc.” by way of articles of amendment. On December 31, 2010, the Corporation
amalgamated with its wholly owned subsidiary Breaker Resources Ltd. by way of articles of amalgamation and continued
under the name “Surge Energy Inc.”. On October 21, 2011, the Common Shares commenced trading on the TSX and ceased
trading on the TSXV. On December 31, 2012, the Corporation amalgamated with is wholly owned subsidiary Surge Oil Inc. by
way of articles of amalgamation and continued under the name “Surge Energy Inc.”.
The Corporation is an independent Calgary, Alberta based oil and gas company which acquires interests in petroleum and
natural gas rights, that explores for, develops, produces and markets petroleum and natural gas reserves primarily in Western
Canada and the Northern United States. The Corporation’s strategy for growth is based on positioning the Corporation in
early stage oil resource plays that have the following key criteria: significant oil in place per section with low recovery factor
to date, significant undeveloped land, available infrastructure, high working interest, operatorship, all-season access and
11
drilling inventory that provides a definable high rate of return. The Corporation plans to utilize its proven expertise and
experience to build core areas which can deliver top quartile corporate performance.
Management of the Corporation believes in controlling the timing and costs of its projects wherever possible. Accordingly,
the Corporation seeks to become the operator of its properties. Further, to minimize competition within its geographic areas
of interest, the Corporation strives to maximize its working interest ownership in its properties.
To achieve sustainable and profitable growth, the Corporation intends to maintain a balance between exploration,
exploitation, development drilling for oil and gas reserves, and making asset and corporate acquisitions that meet the
Corporation’s business parameters.
The Corporation has the following direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries: 1413942 Alberta Ltd. and Surge Energy USA
Inc. (North Dakota). The Corporation and 1413942 Alberta Ltd. are the general partners of Surge General Partnership. The
corporate structure of the Corporation and its subsidiaries is as set forth in the diagram below:
The head office of the Corporation is located at 2100, 635 – 8th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 3M3. The registered office
of the Corporation is located at 1900, 215 – 9th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1K3.
General
DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
The Corporation is an independent Calgary, Alberta based oil and gas company which acquires interests in petroleum and
natural gas rights, that explores for, develops, produces and markets petroleum and natural gas reserves primarily in Western
Canada and the Northern United States. The Corporation’s strategy for growth is based on positioning the Corporation in
early stage oil resource plays that have the following key criteria: significant oil in place per section with low recovery factor
to date, significant undeveloped land, available infrastructure, high working interest, operatorship and drilling inventory that
provides a definable high rate of return. The Corporation plans to utilize its proven expertise and experience to build core
areas which can deliver top quartile corporate performance.
Significant developments of the Corporation over the last three completed financial years are as set forth below:
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2010
On March 24, 2010, the Corporation entered in the Recapitalization Agreement. On April 13, 2010, the then existing directors
and officers of the Corporation resigned and were replaced by the current directors and officers of the Corporation, with the
exception of Murray Smith and Colin Davies, who subsequently joined the Board. The Corporation concurrently completed a
non-brokered private placement pursuant to which it issued 1,787,500 Common Shares at a price of $4.40 per Common
Share, 1,394,317 Units at a price of $4.40 per Unit and 681,819 FT Units at a price of $4.40 per FT Unit, for total proceeds of
approximately $17.0 million. Each Unit consists of one Common Share and one Performance Warrant entitling the holder to
purchase one Common Share at a price of $5.17 for a period of five years, subject to certain conditions. Each FT Unit consists
of one Common Share issued on a “flow-through” basis in accordance with the Tax Act and one Performance Warrant.
All of the Common Shares, Units and FT Units issued pursuant to the non-brokered private placement were subject to a
contractual escrow arrangement under which one-third of the securities were released from escrow each six months
following the date of issuance. All such escrowed securities have now been released from escrow.
Subsequent to the Recapitalization and concurrent non-brokered private placement, the Corporation changed its name to
Surge Energy Inc., completed three equity bought deal financings (details outlined below), completed three private company
acquisitions, one asset acquisition, increased its bank line from $50 to $90 million, graduated to the TSX and increased its
proved plus probable reserves from 9.9 to 21.2 million BOE.
As mentioned above, the Corporation completed two equity bought deal financings in 2010, subsequent to the
Recapitalization. On May 5, 2010, the Corporation completed a short form prospectus offering of 6,945,000 Common Shares
at a price of $7.20 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $50,004,000. In conjunction with the
Valhalla Asset Acquisition, the Corporation issued an aggregate of 8,001,000 Subscription Receipts at a price of $5.25 per
Subscription Receipt for gross proceeds of $42,005,250.
During 2010, the Corporation drilled a total of 22 gross (21.5 net) wells resulting in 10 development wells in southeast
Alberta, three horizontal multi-frac wells at Windfall, five horizontal multi-frac wells at Waskada, two water injectors, and two
exploratory wells for an overall success rate of 91 percent.
The Recapitalization
On March 24, 2010, the Corporation entered into the Recapitalization Agreement. The Recapitalization Agreement provided
for the transactions described immediately above.
New Management Group
In conjunction with the completion of the non-brokered private placement on April 13, 2010, the then existing directors and
officers of the Corporation were replaced by the current directors and officers of the Corporation, with the exception of
Murray Smith and Colin Davies, who subsequently joined the Board. The names and principal occupations of each of such
directors and officers are set forth in the material change report of the Corporation dated March 29, 2010, which is
incorporated by reference in this AIF.
Each member of the Board of Directors, with the exception of P. Daniel O’Neil who is the President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Corporation and James Pasieka, who is a partner of Heenan Blaikie LLP, which law firm provides legal services to
the Corporation, is independent of the Corporation as defined under National Instrument 58-101 – Disclosure of Corporate
Governance Practices. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of Keith Macdonald, Murray Smith and
Peter Bannister, each of whom is independent of the Corporation as defined under National Instrument 52-110 – Audit
Committees.
The Recapitalization is described in greater detail in the material change reports of the Corporation dated March 29, 2010
and April 16, 2010.
Subsequent to the Re capitalization, Murray Smith and Colin Davies joined the Board of Directors of the Corporation (on June
25 and July 9, 2010 respectively).
13
Prospectus Financing
On May 5, 2010, the Corporation completed a short form prospectus offering of 6,945,000 Common Shares at a price of $7.20
per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $50,004,000. The financing was concluded on a bought
deal basis with a syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial Inc. and including FirstEnergy Capital Corp.,
Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd., GMP Securities L.P., CIBC World Markets Inc., Cormark Securities Inc., Peters & Co.
Limited and Wellington West Capital Markets Inc. Proceeds of the offering were used for the expansion of the capital
program, repayment of debt and general corporate purposes.
Corinthian and Crystal Lake Acquisition
On July 9, 2010, pursuant to the Corinthian Acquisition Agreement, the Corporation completed the Corinthian Acquisition.
The Corinthian Acquisition was approved by the shareholders of Corinthian. Upon completion of the Corinthian Acquisition,
one director of Corinthian, Colin Davies joined the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The Corinthian Acquisition
Agreement, among other things, provided for a mutual non-completion fee of up to $3.5 million in the event the Corinthian
Acquisition was not completed in certain circumstances.
Through the Corinthian Acquisition, the Corporation acquired light oil and natural gas reserves, which included two high
impact light oil core areas: one in Alberta and one in southwest Manitoba. The producing properties were greater than 90
percent operated with high working interests, had 3D & 2D seismic coverage, maintained control of key producing
infrastructure and were associated with nearly 80,000 acres of net undeveloped land.
In addition to the Corinthian Acquisition, on July 19, 2010 the Corporation also completed an acquisition of a private oil and
gas company, Crystal Lake Resources Ltd, for total consideration of 288,639 Common Shares. The assets that were acquired
pursuant to the Crystal Lake Acquisition were producing approximately 40 BOE per day at the time of the Crystal Lake
Acquisition, are synergistic with the Corporation’s southern Alberta assets and provided the Corporation with five unbooked
horizontal well locations targeting oil in the Sawtooth Formation.
The Corinthian Acquisition and the Crystal Lake Acquisition are described in greater detail in the material change report of the
Corporation dated June 23, 2010. In addition, please see the business acquisition report of the Corporation dated September
22, 2010 for further particulars concerning the Corinthian Acquisition.
Name Change
At a meeting of Shareholders held on June 25, 2010, the Corporation changed its name from Zapata Energy Corporation to
Surge Energy Inc. and the Common Shares started trading on the TSXV under the ticker symbol “SGY” on June 30, 2010.
Valhalla Asset Acquisition
On November 1, 2010, the Corporation completed the acquisition of the Valhalla Assets from the Vendor for total
consideration of $75 million, subject to adjustments. The Valhalla Assets consisted of a high working interest, operated
property producing approximately 726 BOE per day in the Valhalla South area located in western Alberta.
For further particulars regarding the Valhalla Asset Acquisition, see the material change report of the Corporation dated
October 1, 2010 and the business acquisition report dated November 10, 2010.
Subscription Receipt Offering
In conjunction with the Valhalla Asset Acquisition, the Corporation completed the Offering, pursuant to which the
Corporation issued an aggregate of 8,001,000 Subscription Receipts at a price of $5.25 per Subscription Receipt for gross
proceeds of $42,005,250. Pursuant to the Offering, the Subscription Receipts were offered by way of private placement in the
provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia.
14
Each Subscription Receipt entitled the holder thereof to receive, for no additional consideration and without further action,
one Common Share, upon the earlier to occur of: (i) four months and a day from the closing date of the Offering, and (ii) the
date that a receipt was issued for a prospectus qualifying the distribution of the Common Shares underlying the Subscription
Receipts. The escrowed funds were released from escrow on November 1, 2010 following the satisfaction of the escrow
release conditions pursuant to the Subscription Receipt Agreement. Immediately following the closing of the Valhalla Asset
Acquisition, the escrowed funds were used to pay down a portion of the outstanding amount of the Credit Facility that was
drawn down to fund the balance of the purchase price for the Valhalla Assets on this date.
On November 22, 2010, a receipt was issued by the securities commissions in all Provinces of Canada, except Québec,
qualifying the distribution of the Common Shares underlying the Subscription Receipts and such Common Shares were issued
in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipts and the Subscription Receipt Agreement.
The Valhalla Asset Acquisition and the Offering are described in greater detail in the material change report of the
Corporation dated October 1, 2010 and the business acquisition report dated November 10, 2010.
2011
USA Acquisitions
On March 30, 2011 and May 13, 2011, respectively, the Corporation completed two light oil asset acquisitions in North
Dakota through its wholly owned subsidiary, Surge Energy USA Inc. Through the two acquisitions, the Corporation acquired
approximately 100 barrels per day (2010 exit rate) of light oil production, 6,000 net acres of highly prospective land in the
Spearfish light oil resource play and greater than 100,000 acres of other high working interest, undeveloped land for total
consideration of $20.9 million in cash.
Credit Facility
On May 16, 2011, the Corporation confirmed an increase in the Credit Facility from $90 million to $120 million. Subsequently,
on September 12, 2011, the Corporation confirmed a further increase to the Credit Facility from $120 million to $150 million.
Prospectus Financing
On October 12, 2011, the Corporation completed a short form prospectus bought deal financing pursuant to which 6,897,000
Common Shares were issued at a price of $8.70 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $60
million. Net proceeds from the financing were used to temporarily reduce bank indebtedness owing under the Credit Facility,
and to use the availability created thereunder to fund ongoing exploration and development activities, potential land and
asset acquisitions and general corporate purposes.
TSX Graduation
On October 21, 2011, the Common Shares commenced trading on the facilities of the TSX after the Corporation graduated to
the TSX from the TSXV.
2012
Pradera Acquisition
On December 15, 2011, the Corporation entered into an agreement (the “Pradera Acquisition Agreement”) with Pradera
Resources Inc. (“Pradera”) dated effective December 15, 2011 providing for the acquisition of all of the issued and
outstanding shares of Pradera (the “Pradera Acquisition”).
The completion of the Pradera Acquisition added approximately 1,200 bbls per day (100 percent light oil) of Slave
Point/Gilwood light oil assets to the Corporation’s portfolio. Total consideration of the acquisition was approximately $106
million, consisting of 7.9 million Common Shares, $18.5 million in cash, and the assumption of net debt totaling $14.5 million.
15
For further particulars regarding the Pradera Acquisition, see the material change report of the Corporation dated December
15, 2011 and the business acquisition report dated April 12, 2012.
Through the Pradera Acquisition, the Corporation acquired light oil production in its early stage of primary development
focused in the Slave Point/Gilwood in the Gift/Nipisi area of Western Alberta, approximately 60 kilometers north-west of
Slave Lake, Alberta and consist of approximately 1,200 bbl/d of production (100% light oil).
The Pradera Acquisition was considered to be a “significant acquisition” under applicable securities laws.
Credit Facility
The Credit Facility was increased from $150 million to $175 million in connection with the Pradera Acquisition. On April 12,
2012, the Corporation confirmed a further increase in the Credit Facility from $175 million to $250 million. In December 2012,
the Corporation confirmed a further increase in the Credit Facility from $250 million to $290 million.
Other Acquisitions
Excluding the Pradera acquisition, Surge made a number of acquisitions throughout the year in the amount of $9.7 million
and disposed of non-core assets for which it received $4.1 million.
Corporate Strategy
DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS
The Corporation’s business plan is to build a company that targets per share growth through the early identification, capture,
and cost-effective exploitation of high impact oil resource plays. To accomplish this, the Corporation intends to place high
priority on positioning the Corporation in early stage oil resource plays that have the following key criteria: significant oil in
place per section with a low recovery factor to date, significant undeveloped land, available infrastructure, high working
interest, operatorship and that provide a definable high rate of return drilling inventory. The Corporation plans to utilize its
proven expertise and experience to build core areas which can deliver top quartile corporate performance.
To achieve sustainable and profitable growth, the Corporation intends to utilize its skills in identifying and capturing oil
resource plays and then cost effectively exploiting those reserves. To achieve this, the Corporation may make asset and
corporate acquisitions or enter into agreements that meet the Corporation’s business parameters.
Management of the Corporation believes in controlling the timing and costs of its projects wherever possible. Accordingly,
the Corporation seeks to become the operator of its properties. Further, to minimize competition within its geographic areas
of interest, the Corporation strives to maximize its working interest ownership in its properties.
In reviewing potential drilling or acquisition opportunities, the Corporation gives consideration to the following criteria:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
risk capital to secure or evaluate the opportunity;
the potential return on the project, if successful;
the likelihood of success; and
risked return versus cost of capital.
In general, the Corporation pursues a portfolio approach in developing a large number of opportunities with a balance of risk
profiles in an attempt to generate sustainable high levels of growth. It should be noted that the Board of Directors of the
Corporation may, in its discretion, approve asset or corporate acquisitions or investments that do not conform to the
guidelines discussed above based upon the Board’s consideration of the qualitative aspects of the subject properties,
including risk profile, technical upside, reserve life and asset quality.
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In addition, the management team of the Corporation, as described below under “Directors and Officers”, is continually
assessing the assets and operations of the Corporation, including its existing land base, facilities, reserves, prospects and
personnel. While the Corporation has prepared a budget for 2013 based on guidance for such year, the Corporation may
further evaluate its existing reserves, drilling prospects, prevailing commodity prices and capital expenditure program, among
other items, and may change its budget as the year progresses.
The Corporation currently plans to pursue the development of its proven and probable undeveloped reserves within the next
two years through ordinary course capital expenditures. However, the Corporation may choose to accelerate or delay
development depending on a number of circumstances, including the existence of higher priority expenditures and prevailing
commodity prices and cash flow.
Competition
The oil and natural gas industry is competitive in all its phases. The Corporation competes with numerous other participants
in the search for, and the acquisition of, oil and natural gas properties and in the marketing of oil and natural gas. The
Corporation’s competitors include resource companies which have greater financial resources, staff and facilities than those
of the Corporation. Competitive factors in the distribution and marketing of oil and natural gas include price and methods
and reliability of delivery. The Corporation believes that its competitive position is equivalent to that of other oil and gas
issuers of similar size and at a similar stage of development.
Seasonal Factors
The exploration for and development of oil and natural gas reserves is dependent on access to areas where production is to
be conducted. Seasonal weather variations, including freeze-up and break-up, affect access in certain circumstances.
Environmental Regulation
The oil and natural gas industry is currently subject to environmental regulations pursuant to a variety of provincial and
federal legislation. Compliance with such legislation can require significant expenditures or result in operational restrictions.
Breach of such requirements may result in suspension or revocation of necessary licenses and authorizations, civil liability for
pollution damage and the imposition of material fines and penalties, all of which might have a significant negative impact on
earnings and overall competitiveness. See below under the headings “Industry Conditions - Environmental Regulation” and
“Risk Factors – Environmental Concerns”.
The Corporation is obligated to abandon, retire and reclaim wells and wellsites in compliance with applicable environmental
laws and regulations. As of December 31, 2012, the Corporation has recorded an asset retirement obligation of $39.3 million.
The Corporation anticipates that the expenditures necessary to satisfy the asset retirement obligation will be incurred over a
period of 50 years, with the majority of the expenditures being incurred from years one to 28. Other than asset retirement
obligations and ordinary course operational expenditures necessary to ensure environmental compliance, the Corporation is
not aware of any environmental protection requirement that will impact its capital expenditures, earnings or competitive
position in a manner disproportionate to that of its peers in its area of operations.
Personnel
As at December 31, 2012, the Corporation had 57 head office employees and three field employees.
PRINCIPAL PRODUCING PROPERTIES
The Corporation’s principal oil and natural gas producing properties are located in Alberta, southwest Manitoba and North
Dakota. A description of those properties, as at December 31, 2012, is provided below.
Valhalla, Western Alberta
The Valhalla property is located in North Western Alberta, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Grand Prairie (TWP 74,
Range 8, W6M). This operated property consists of an average working interest of approximately 93 percent in
approximately 8,640 gross (8,026 net) undeveloped acres as at December 31, 2012. The majority of production from this
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property was from the new horizontal oil wells producing from an extensive tight sand, with up to 50 meters of gross light oil
pay in the Triassic Doig Formation. During 2012, the Corporation increased the internally estimated DPIIP to 140 million
barrels (gross) from 115 million barrels (gross) at Valhalla in the Doig light oil pool.
As at December 31, 2012 Surge had drilled a total of 15 gross (11.25 net) horizontal multi-frac wells at Valhalla, of which,
seven gross wells (4.3 net) were drilled during 2012. During the latter part of the fourth quarter in 2012, Surge installed
additional compression at the 6-18 battery site. The additional compression increased the field compression for solution gas
by 40 percent. The additional unit was necessary to reduce field operating pressures and to accommodate the next two years
of planned development.
The Corporation continued to add Doig light oil properties through its purchase of an additional 3.75 gross (3.75 net) sections
of land at Wembley, one township south of Valhalla. Surge internally estimates 18 million barrels of DPIIP in the Doig
Formation at Wembley and has identified potential for an additional six gross (six net) horizontal multi-frac well locations. The
Corporation’s estimate is based on data from existing vertical wells and a producing horizontal multi-frac oil well adjacent to
Surge's new land.
In 2013, Surge announced that it had received objections to holding applications before the ERCB in the southern portion of
the pool, which are necessary to further downspace the Doig pool to its optimal development well density. This matter will be
the subject of an ERCB Hearing scheduled to commence on May 21, 2013. Allegations have been made that Surge is
producing their gas from the Halfway formation as a result of cross-flow from the Halfway formation into the Corporation’s
Doig formation at Valhalla. If the defense against the action were to be unsuccessful, management does not expect the
outcome of the action to have a material effect on the Corporation’s financial position. The amount of potential damages and
legal costs have not been determined due to the complex nature of the claim and calculations required to determine what
amount would be owing due to the cross-flow.
The Corporation plans to drill approximately eight gross (5.4 net) horizontal multi-frac wells at Valhalla and one gross (0.44
net) horizontal multi-frac well at Wembley in 2013. At December 31, 2012 the Corporation has identified approximately 46
gross (36.9 net) horizontal multi-frac oil wells at Valhalla/Wembley, with a remaining inventory of 32 gross (25.7 net) drilling
locations.
Windfall, Western Alberta
The Corporation’s Windfall assets are located in Western Alberta near Whitecourt (TWP 59, Range 15, W5M). At December
31, 2012, this operated property consists of approximately 28,640 gross (28,024 net) undeveloped acres with a working
interest of 98 percent. The production from this property was from nine horizontal multi-frac wells and nine vertical wells.
Surge internally estimates 60 mmbbls of DPIIP in the Bluesky Formation at Windfall.
As of December 31, 2012, there were nine gross (nine net) horizontal multi-frac wells producing at Windfall. The Corporation
did not drill any wells during 2012. During 2012, Surge focused on the implementation of its waterflood project.
The Energy Resources and Conservation Board (ERCB) approved the Corporation’s waterflood pilot and injection commenced
during the third quarter of 2012. Surge expects to see a waterflood pilot response from the two offsetting horizontal multi-
frac producing wells during the second quarter of 2013. Assuming a full field commercial waterflood is viable, Surge estimates
that it can ultimately recover at least 25 percent of the estimated 60 million barrels of DPIIP in this pool.
At December 31, 2012, the Corporation identified over 38 gross (38 net) horizontal multi-frac drilling locations at Windfall.
The Corporation plans to drill one horizontal multi-frac well at Windfall in 2013 and convert an additional horizontal multi-
frac well into an injector during the second quarter of 2013 upon seeing a positive waterflood response from the original
injector.
North Dakota
On March 30, 2011 and May 13, 2011, respectively, the Corporation completed two light oil asset acquisitions in North
Dakota through its wholly owned subsidiary, Surge Energy USA Inc. Through the two acquisitions, the Corporation acquired
approximately 100 barrels per day (2010 exit rate) of light oil production, 6,000 net acres of highly prospective land in the
Spearfish light oil resource play and greater than 100,000 acres of other high working interest, undeveloped land for total
consideration of $20.9 million in cash.
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At December 31, 2012, Surge estimated there to be 126 gross (74 net) million barrels of DPIIP in the Spearfish light oil pool in
North Dakota, and approximately 85,292 gross (82,762 net) undeveloped acres with a working interest of 97 percent.
During 2012 Surge participated in the drilling of 20 gross (11 net) horizontal mult-frac wells in North Dakota. The Corporation
participated in working interest wells with two different operators and successfully executed a 100 percent working interest
and operated single five well pad.
At December 31, 2012, the Corporation has identified 210 gross (109.0 net) horizontal multi-frac drilling locations. During
2013, the Corporation plans to drill three gross (1.26 net) horizontal multi-frac wells and continue to participate in non-
operated wells with its working interest partners. In addition, the Corporation also plans to drill two gross (two net) vertical
exploration wells to test for Spearfish and Madison Formations and continue to high-grade future Spearfish development
areas during 2013.
Nipisi/Gift, Central Alberta
The completion of the Pradera Acquisition on January 6, 2012 added approximately 1,200 bbls per day (100 percent light oil)
of Slave Point/Gilwood light oil assets to the Corporation’s portfolio. Total consideration of the acquisition was approximately
$106 million, consisting of 7.9 million Common Shares, approximately $18.5 million in cash, and the assumption of net debt of
approximately $14.5 million. At December 31, 2012, this operated property consisted of approximately 18,240 gross (17,265
net) undeveloped acres with a working interest of 95 percent.
Surge commenced drilling at Nipisi into both the Slave Point and the Gilwood Formations during the first quarter of 2012. A
total of nine gross (nine net) horizontal multi-frac wells were drilled into the Slave Point Formation and two gross (two net)
wells were drilled into the Gilwood during the year.
During 2012, Surge was successful in increasing its net working interest in the main block at Nipisi from approximately 88
percent to 100 percent through two asset acquisitions. The Corporation also completed an extensive technical review of its
lands at Nipisi in the Slave Point Formation which resulted in an increase in its internally estimated DPIIP from 65 million
barrels to 85 million barrels of light oil and a significant increase in the identified horizontal multi-frac drilling inventory from
16 gross (16 net) to 44 gross (44 net) drilling locations.
The Corporation continued to add to its land position in the area by purchasing an additional 4.75 sections of land at Nipisi
South during the year. Using existing vertical well control as well as historical production profiles, Surge estimates there to be
approximately 30 million barrels of gross DPIIIP on its lands at Nipisi South. During 2012, Surge also executed a farm-in on
two sections of Slave Point rights and in early 2013 acquired another 1.5 sections at a Crown sale in the Utikuma area, just
northwest of Surge's main block at Nipisi. The lands directly offset a vertically developed Slave Point pool where cumulative
well production ranges from 10 to over 80 thousand barrels of oil per well. Surge estimates that there are 14 million barrels of
DPIIP on these lands.
The Corporation received its waterflood application approval early in the fourth quarter of 2012 and expects injection into
the Slave Point Formation to commence in the second quarter of 2013. Based on successful waterflood implementation,
Surge estimates that it will ultimately recover at least 20 percent of the estimated 85 million barrels of DPIIP in the main pool.
At December 31, 2012, the Corporation identified 38 gross (38 net) horizontal multi-frac drilling locations in the Slave Point
Formation and 11 gross (7.9 net) drilling locations in the Gilwood. The Corporation plans to drill four gross (four net)
horizontal multi-frac Slave Point wells in the main block at Nipisi and one gross (0.75 net) horizontal well at Nipisi South and
one gross (0.70 net) horizontal multi-frac earning well at Utikuma during 2013.
Waskada, Pierson and Goodlands Southwest Manitoba
In southwest Manitoba, the Corporation has accumulated a land position at Waskada, Pierson and Goodlands, providing it
with access to the Spearfish (Amaranth) light oil resource play.
At December 31, 2012, the Corporation had approximately 8,689 gross (8,689 net) undeveloped acres of land in Waskada
with an average working interest of 100 percent. The Corporation has identified approximately 124 gross (111 net) horizontal
multi-frac drilling locations at Waskada. Additionally, the Corporation has 1,228 gross (1,228 net) undeveloped acres of land
in Pierson and Goodlands with an average working interest of 100 percent.
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As of December 31, 2012, the Waskada field was producing from 21 horizontal multi frac wells. Of the 21 wells, four gross (4
net) wells were drilled in 2012.
Surge continued to make progress on the Waskada Unit 15 waterflood pilot during 2012. A third party waterflood study was
completed during 2012 and the results were encouraging. The results from the report prompted Surge to plan construction of
the infrastructure in January 2013 with the first phase of water injection commencing in the first quarter of 2013 with the
conversion of existing horizontal producing wells to injection wells. Surge expects to see a waterflood response within six
months of injection. Surge estimates that under a full field waterflood development, this pool has the potential to recover
approximately 20 percent of the estimated DPIIP of 10 million barrels per section.
Silver Lake Area, South East Alberta
In South East Alberta, the Corporation held approximately 126,820 gross (121,377 net) acres of undeveloped land at
December 31, 2012 with an average working interest of approximately 96 percent. The Corporation has interests in 185 gross
(172 net) oil wells and 98 gross (86 net) gas wells producing from the Lloydminster, Cummings, Rex, Sparky, Dina and Viking
Formations. In addition, the Corporation operates six oil batteries and an oil blending facility, providing a strong
infrastructure base for future development in the area. The Corporation continues to add to its land base through
acquisitions and farmin agreements in the area.
During 2012, the corporation drilled 20 gross (19.75 net) wells in South East Alberta. The Corporation also focused on
optimizing its existing waterflood initiatives, adding to its land position and increasing the internally estimated DPIIP in the
area. Details are outlined below.
Silver Lake
During 2012, the Corporation added 78 gross (78 net) horizontal drilling locations to its inventory in the Silver Lake Area
based on encouraging well results.
The Company also initiated a waterflood facility expansion at Silver Lake which included two new water injection wells, one
well conversion and a facility expansion to handle an additional 12,000 barrels of water per day. Post expansion, the field has
seen a positive result with recent production increasing by 20 percent to approximately 1,300 boe per day.
Provost
During 2012, Surge established a new Cretaceous oil pool on approximately five sections of land, which the Company
estimates to contain DPIIP of 28 million barrels of 29 degree API oil. During the fourth quarter of 2012, Surge completed two
(100 percent working interest) horizontal multi-frac wells within this pool. The wells have been performing to type curve
expectations of 125 barrels of oil per day with anticipated recovery of 110 thousand barrels of oil per well at a cost of $1.7
million per well.
In 2013, Surge will drill four development wells, one vertical well, one disposal/water source well and upgrade its existing
facilities. Surge expects to develop the property on a primary basis with up to 14 wells on 400 meter inter-well spacing. A
horizontal well waterflood pilot will likely be initiated in 2014. Numerous analogous waterflood projects exist in similar pools
in the area and have demonstrated recovery factors between 20 and 30 percent of DPIIP.
Sounding Lake
At Sounding Lake, a Cretaceous oil pool was established with the drilling of three horizontal wells in the fourth quarter of
2012. The pool is estimated to contain DPIIP of five million barrels of 31 degree API oil. During 2013, Surge plans to drill a total
of four wells on this property. The best month average production rate is estimated to be 100 barrels of oil per day with
anticipated recovery of 60 thousand barrels of oil at a cost $1.25 million per well.
Sounding Lake East
At Sounding Lake East, Surge has acquired and farmed in on 3.75 sections of land that contain a new Cretaceous oil pool with
estimated DPIIP of 47 million barrels of 29 degree API oil. The lands are offset directly by vertical well production and contain
bypassed pay in numerous wellbores that provide extensive control for the mapping. The pool is analogous to the Provost
pool.
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Surge plans to drill a horizontal multi-frac earning well in the first quarter of 2013. The type curve expectation is marginally
reduced from that at Provost, with estimated best month average production rates of 100 barrels of oil per day and risked
expected recovery of 100 thousand barrels of oil. The primary development of the pool is estimated to require up to 22 wells
on 400 meter inter-well spacing. Waterflood implementation is expected after successful primary well development is
confirmed. Based on numerous successful offsetting waterfloods in the area, incremental recovery of 20 and 30 percent is
expected.
STATEMENT OF RESERVES DATA
In accordance with NI 51-101 – Standards for Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities, Sproule Associates Limited prepared the
Sproule Report. The Sproule Report evaluated, as at December 31, 2012, the oil, NGL and natural gas reserves attributable to
the properties of the Corporation. The Sproule Report is dated February 5, 2013.
The tables below are a summary of the oil, NGL and natural gas reserves attributable to the properties of the Corporation and
the net present value of future net revenue attributable to such reserves as evaluated in the Sproule Report based on
forecast price and cost assumptions. The tables summarize the data contained in the Sproule Report and, as a result, may
contain slightly different numbers than such report due to rounding. Also due to rounding, certain columns may not add
exactly.
The net present value of future net revenue attributable to reserves is stated without provision for interest costs and general
and administrative costs, but after providing for estimated royalties, production costs, development costs, other income,
future capital expenditures and well abandonment costs for only those wells assigned reserves by Sproule. It should not be
assumed that the undiscounted or discounted net present value of future net revenue attributable to reserves estimated by
Sproule represent the fair market value of those reserves. Other assumptions and qualifications relating to costs, prices for
future production and other matters are summarized herein. The recovery and reserve estimates of oil, NGL and natural gas
reserves provided herein are estimates only. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided herein.
The Sproule Report is based on certain factual data supplied by the Corporation and Sproule’s opinion of reasonable practice
in the industry. The extent and character of ownership and all factual data pertaining to petroleum properties and contracts
(except for certain information residing in the public domain) were supplied by the Corporation to Sproule. Sproule accepted
this data as presented and neither title searches nor field inspections were conducted.
Summary of Oil and Gas Reserves – Forecast Prices and Costs
21
Light and Medium Crude OilHeavy Crude OilNatural Gas LiquidsNatural GasLight and Medium Crude OilHeavy Crude OilNatural Gas LiquidsNatural Gas(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(MMcf)(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(MMcf)ProvedDeveloped Producing6,736.4 3,340.6 877.9 31,648.0 5,351.4 2,738.6 594.3 28,189.0 Developed Non-Producing725.1 - 72.8 3,326.0 595.6 - 48.0 2,961.0 Undeveloped4,505.7 1,654.4 773.0 21,736.0 3,646.7 1,361.7 557.5 18,086.0 Total Proved11,967.2 4,995.0 1,723.7 56,710.0 9,593.7 4,100.3 1,199.8 49,236.0 Probable10,634.6 1,829.2 766.5 28,540.0 7,755.7 1,489.0 524.9 25,163.0 Total Proved plus Probable22,601.8 6,824.2 2,490.2 85,250.0 17,349.5 5,589.3 1,724.7 74,399.0 Gross ReservesNet Reserves
Net Present Value of Future Net Revenue – Forecast Prices and Costs
Additional Information Concerning Future Net Revenue – Forecast Prices and Costs (Undiscounted)
22
($M)0%5%10%15%20%ProvedDeveloped Producing587,364 445,239 366,062 314,886 278,763 Developed Non-Producing41,414 31,345 24,514 19,705 16,205 Undeveloped271,590 183,800 132,908 99,875 76,757 Total Proved900,368 660,384 523,484 434,466 371,725 Probable734,192 351,416 208,186 137,352 95,971 Total Proved plus Probable1,634,560 1,011,800 731,670 571,818 467,695 ($M)0%5%10%15%20%ProvedDeveloped Producing560,685 430,147 355,705 306,861 272,056 Developed Non-Producing30,953 24,708 20,199 16,836 14,259 Undeveloped200,971 134,667 96,125 71,019 53,374 Total Proved792,609 589,522 472,029 394,716 339,689 Probable544,506 257,204 149,360 95,830 64,469 Total Proved plus Probable1,337,115 846,725 621,389 490,546 404,158 Before Future Income Tax Expenses and Discounted atAfter Future Income Tax Expenses and Discounted atProvedDeveloped ProducingDeveloped Non-ProducingUndevelopedTotal ProvedProbableTotal Proved plus ProbableDiscounted at 10%/year ($/BOE)Unit Value before Income Tax27.35 21.56 15.49 22.66 14.91 19.74 (Undiscounted) ($M)RevenueRoyaltiesOperating CostsDevelopment CostsAbandonment and Other costsFuture net revenue before income taxesFuture income taxesFuture net revenue after income taxesTotal Proved1,964,105 363,990 533,752 151,731 14,263 900,369 107,759 792,610 Total Proved plus Probable3,556,605 755,435 892,076 256,900 17,632 1,634,561 297,446 1,337,115
Future Net Revenue by Production Group – Forecast Prices and Costs
Notes:
(1)
(2)
(3)
Including solution gas and other by-products.
Including by-products, but excluding solution gas from oil wells.
Based on net reserves volumes.
Pricing Assumptions – Forecast Prices and Costs
Sproule employed the following pricing, exchange rate and inflation rate assumptions as of December 31, 2012 in the Sproule
Report in estimating reserves data using forecast prices and costs. The weighted average historical prices received by the
Corporation for 2012 are also reflected in the table below.
Reconciliation of Changes in Reserves
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the Corporation’s gross reserves as at December 31, 2012, derived from the
Sproule Report using forecast prices and cost estimates, reconciled to the gross reserves of the Corporation as at December
31, 2011. The additional reserves associated with royalty interest reserves, representing 5,037.7 MBOE and 9,061.4 MBOE on
a proved and proved plus probable basis, respectively, are not included in the following tables.
23
ProvedLight and Medium Crude Oil (1)Heavy OilNatural Gas (2)Proved plus ProbableLight and Medium Crude Oil (1)Heavy OilNatural Gas (2)137,543 31.73 Future Net Revenue Before Income Taxes and Discounted at 10% ($M)Per Unit Future Net Revenue Before Income Taxes and Discounted at 10%(3) ($BOE)376,099 21.59 14,331 1.15 9,841 1.22 536,538 18.45 180,801 30.59 Natural GasYearWTI Cushing Oklahoma 40˚ API (US$/bbl)Edmonton Par Price 40˚ API ($/bbl)Cromer Medium 29.3˚ API ($/bbl)AECO Gas Price ($/MMBtu)Pentanes plus FOB Field Gate ($/bbl)Butanes FOB Field Gate ($/bbl)Inflation rates (%/Yr)Exchange rate ($US/$Cdn)2012 (Surge Actual)94.1986.5380.952.43100.7664.481.31.001201389.6384.5577.793.3190.5363.021.51.001201489.9389.8482.663.7296.1966.961.51.001201588.2988.2181.153.9194.4465.741.51.001201695.5295.4388.754.70102.1871.131.51.001201796.9696.8790.095.32103.7172.201.51.001201898.4198.3291.445.40105.2773.281.51.001201999.8999.7992.815.49106.8574.381.51.0012020101.38101.2994.205.58108.4575.501.51.0012021102.91102.8195.615.67110.0876.631.51.0012022104.45104.3597.055.76111.7377.781.51.0012023106.02105.9298.505.85113.4078.951.51.001Medium and Light Crude OilNGL
24
Light and Medium Crude OilHeavy OilNatural Gas LiquidsNatural GasBOE(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(MMcf)(MBOE)ProvedBalance at December 31, 20118,174.1 2,786.8 1,473.3 48,530.0 20,522.5 Extensions and Improved Recovery4,377.0 1,229.0 543.3 15,210.0 8,684.2 Technical Revisions(1,720.8) 1,564.4 (94.1) 368.0 (189.2) Acquisitions2,913.0 278.3 - - 3,191.3 Dispositions- (87.0) - (16.0) (89.7) Economic Factors(307.1) (128.2) (44.2) (1,455.0) (722.1) Production(1,469.0) (648.3) (154.6) (5,926.0) (3,259.5) Balance at December 31, 201211,967.2 4,995.0 1,723.7 56,711.0 28,137.5 Light and Medium Crude OilHeavy OilNatural Gas LiquidsNatural GasBOE(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(MMcf)(MBOE)ProbableBalance at December 31, 20114,847.3 1,008.1 904.4 29,548.0 11,684.5 Extensions and Improved Recovery7,152.1 596.1 260.5 7,646.0 9,283.2 Technical Revisions(3,179.8) (157.4) (438.2) (9,952.0) (5,434.3) Acquisitions1,548.0 384.3 - - 1,932.3 Dispositions- (118.0) - (5.0) (118.8) Economic Factors267.0 116.1 39.8 1,304.0 640.2 Production- - - - - Balance at December 31, 201210,634.6 1,829.2 766.5 28,541.0 17,987.1 Light and Medium Crude OilHeavy OilNatural Gas LiquidsNatural GasBOE(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(MMcf)(MBOE)Proved plus ProbableBalance at December 31, 201013,021.4 3,794.9 2,377.7 78,078.0 32,207.0 Extensions and Improved Recovery11,529.1 1,825.1 803.8 22,856.0 17,967.4 Technical Revisions(4,900.6) 1,407.0 (532.3) (9,585.0) (5,623.4) Acquisitions4,461.0 662.6 - - 5,123.6 Dispositions- (205.0) - (21.0) (208.5) Economic Factors(40.1) (12.1) (4.4) (152.0) (81.9) Production(1,469.0) (648.3) (154.6) (5,926.0) (3,259.5) Balance at December 31, 201122,601.8 6,824.2 2,490.2 85,250.0 46,124.7
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO RESERVES DATA
Undeveloped Reserves
The following table sets forth the volumes of proved undeveloped reserves that were first attributed in each of the three
most recent financial years and, in the aggregate, before that time:
The following table sets forth the volumes of probable undeveloped reserves that were first attributed in each of the three
most recent financial years and, in the aggregate, before that time:
Proved undeveloped reserves are generally those reserves related to infill wells that have not yet been drilled or wells further
away from gathering systems requiring relatively high capital to bring on production. Probable undeveloped reserves are
generally those reserves tested or indicated by analogy to be productive, infill drilling locations and lands contiguous to
production. This also includes the probable undeveloped wedge from the proved undeveloped locations.
The Corporation currently plans to pursue the development of its proven and probable undeveloped reserves within the next
two years through ordinary course capital expenditures. However, the Corporation may choose to delay development
depending on a number of circumstances, including the existence of higher priority expenditures and prevailing commodity
prices and cash flow.
Significant Factors or Uncertainties Affecting Reserves Data
The process of estimating reserves is complex. It requires significant judgments and decisions based on available geological,
geophysical, engineering, and economic data. These estimates may change substantially as additional data from ongoing
development activities and production performance becomes available and as economic conditions impacting oil and gas
prices and costs change. The reserve estimates contained herein are based on current production forecasts, prices and
economic conditions.
As circumstances change and additional data becomes available, reserve estimates also change. Estimates made are reviewed
and revised, either upward or downward, as warranted by the new information. Revisions are often required due to changes
in well performance, prices, economic conditions and governmental restrictions.
Although every reasonable effort is made to ensure that reserve estimates are accurate, reserve estimation is an inferential
science. As a result, subjective decisions, new geological or production information and a changing environment may impact
25
Light and Medium Crude OilHeavy OilNatural Gas LiquidsNatural GasProved(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(MMcf)Prior to 2010697.0 339.6 39.0 4,145.9 20101,201.5 84.6 263.3 6,839.0 20113,343.7 302.3 721.5 19,281.0 20122,955.3 1,191.3 306.6 8,393.0 Light and Medium Crude OilHeavy OilNatural Gas LiquidsNatural GasProbable(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(Mbbls)(MMcf)Prior to 20101,220.5 285.4 175.3 9,668.3 20101,023.9 236.4 136.2 3,932.0 20112,269.7 161.2 398.0 11,128.0 20126,703.2 457.2 197.8 5,731.0
these estimates. Revisions to reserve estimates can arise from changes in year-end oil and gas prices and reservoir
performance. Such revisions can be either positive or negative.
Future Development Costs
The table below sets out the total development costs deducted in the estimation in the Sproule Report of future net revenue
attributable to proved reserves and proved plus probable reserves (using forecast prices and costs).
The Corporation has four sources of funding available to finance its capital expenditure programs: internally generated cash
flow from operations, funds raised from the sale of non-core assets, debt financing when appropriate and new issues of
Common Shares, if available on favourable terms. The Corporation expects to fund the above future development costs
primarily through internally generated cash flow, funds raised from the sale of non-core assets and debt. There can be no
guarantee that the Board of Directors will allocate funding to develop all of the reserves attributed in the Sproule Report.
Failure to develop those reserves could have a negative impact on the Corporation’s future cash flow.
Oil and Gas Wells
OTHER OIL AND GAS INFORMATION
The following table sets forth the number and status of the Corporation's wells effective December 31, 2012.
Properties with no Attributed Reserves
The following table summarizes, effective December 31, 2012, the gross and net acres of unproved properties in which the
Corporation has an interest and also the number of net acres for which the Corporation's rights to explore, develop or exploit
will, absent further action, expire within one year.
26
Proved Reserves ($M)Proved plus Probable Reserves ($M)201385,426 132,607 201465,156 115,275 20151,149 8,907 2016- 52 Remaining Years- 59 Total Undiscounted151,731 256,900 Forecast Prices and CostsGrossNetGrossNetGrossNetGrossNetAlberta300256.99142108.59222182.21153113.05Manitoba2323.0000.001111.0000.00British Columbia00.0000.0000.0010.54North Dakota3721.1700.00114.1700.00Total360301.16142108.59244197.38154113.59OilNatural GasProducing WellsNon-Producing WellsOilNatural Gas
Additional Information Concerning Abandonment and Reclamation Costs
The Corporation typically estimates well abandonment costs area by area. Such costs are included in the Sproule Report as
deductions in arriving at future net revenue. The expected total abandonment costs, net of estimated salvage value, included
in the Sproule Report for 305.3 net wells under the proved reserves category is $14.3 million undiscounted ($4.1 million
discounted at 10%), of which a total of $0.7 million is estimated to be incurred in 2013, 2014 and 2015. This estimate does not
include expected reclamation costs for surface leases. The Corporation will be liable for its share of ongoing environmental
obligations and for the ultimate reclamation of the properties held by it upon abandonment. Ongoing environmental
obligations are expected to be funded out of cash flow.
Tax Horizon
Based on planned capital expenditures and the forecast commodity pricing employed in the Sproule Report, the Corporation
estimates that it will not be required to pay current income taxes before 2015.
Costs Incurred
The following table summarizes capital expenditures incurred by the Corporation during the year ended December 31, 2012.
Drilling Activity
The following table sets forth the gross and net exploration and development wells drilled by the Corporation based on rig
release date during the year ended December 31, 2012.
Planned Capital Expenditures
The Corporation has announced a planned capital expenditure budget of approximately $140 million for 2013. Surge has
allocated approximately $124 million to its 2013 drilling program, $9 million to waterflood implementation and optimization,
$17 million to a combination of land, acquisitions, corporate and capitalized G&A expenditures and is planning $10 million of
27
Gross AcresNet AcresNet Acres Expiring within One YearAlberta411,768 392,206 61,806 Manitoba9,917 9,917 1,655 North Dakota84,069 81,539 10,460 Total505,754 483,662 73,921 Proved PropertiesUnproved PropertiesProperty DispositionsExploration CostsDevelopment CostsTotal ($M)24,969 2,878 (4,016) 25,604 156,454 Property Acquisition CostsGrossNetGrossNetLight and Medium Oil- - 59.00 47.05 Natural Gas- - - - Service - - 2.00 2.00 Dry- - 1.00 1.00 Total- - 62.00 50.05 Exploration WellsDevelopment Wells
non-core dispositions late in the year. The Corporation is planning to drill 32 gross (27.07 net) wells in 2013 targeting high
quality light and medium gravity oil, with the majority of the activity at Valhalla (8 gross, 5.38 net wells), Silver Lake (11 gross,
11 net wells), Nipisi/Nipisi South (5 gross, 4.73 net wells) and North Dakota (5 gross, 3.26 net).
Production Estimates
The following table discloses for each product type the total volume of production estimated by Sproule in the Sproule Report
for 2013 in the estimates of future net revenue from gross proved and gross proved plus probable reserves disclosed above.
Production History
The following table discloses, on a quarterly basis for the year ended December 31, 2012, certain information in respect of
production, product prices received, royalties paid, operating expenses and resulting netback for the Corporation.
Average Daily Production Volume
28
Light and Medium OilNatural GasNatural Gas LiquidsBOE%(bbls/d)(Mcf/d)(bbls/d)(BOE/d)ProvedSE Alberta2,551 854 25 2,718 22%Valhalla2,322 19,256 696 6,227 50%Williston Basin908 0 0 908 7%Nipisi1,436 0 0 1,436 12%Other397 3,803 35 1,066 9%Total Proved7,614 23,913 756 12,355 100%Proved Plus ProbableSE Alberta2,777 913 26 2,955 22%Valhalla2,430 20,402 742 6,572 48%Williston Basin994 0 0 994 7%Nipisi1,583 0 0 1,583 12%Other597 5,423 61 1,562 11%Total Proved Plus Probable8,381 26,738 829 13,666 100%Mar 31, 2012Jun 30, 2012Sep 30, 2012Dec 31, 2012Natural Gas (Mcf/d)17,398 16,246 15,846 15,129 Light and Medium Crude Oil (bbls/d)5,684 6,187 5,219 5,953 NGL (bbls/d)426 380 433 445 Total (BOE/d)9,009 9,275 8,292 8,919 Three Months Ended
Prices Received, Royalties Paid, Production Costs and Netback- Crude Oil
Prices Received, Royalties Paid, Production Costs and Netback- Natural Gas
Prices Received, Royalties Paid, Production Costs and Netback- Combined
Note:
(1)
Netback is calculated by deducting royalties paid and production costs, including transportation costs, from prices
received, excluding the effects of hedging.
Production Volume by Field
The following table indicates the average daily net production from the Corporation’s important fields for the year ended
December 31, 2012.
29
($ per Bbl)Mar 31, 2012Jun 30, 2012Sep 30, 2012Dec 31, 2012Prices Received65.05 59.93 58.72 61.95 Royalties Paid(12.90) (10.11) (10.58) (11.81) Transportation Costs(1.74) (2.61) (0.88) (3.62) Production Costs(11.10) (10.45) (12.26) (11.58) Netback (1)39.30 36.76 35.01 34.94 Three Months Ended($ per Mcf)Mar 31, 2012Jun 30, 2012Sep 30, 2012Dec 31, 2012Prices Received3.91 4.07 4.29 4.04 Royalties Paid(0.49) (0.34) (0.50) (0.04) Transportation Costs(0.38) (0.37) (0.46) (0.40) Production Costs(3.21) (2.31) (2.86) (2.25) Netback (1)(0.17) 1.05 0.47 1.35 Three Months Ended($ per Boe)Mar 31, 2012Jun 30, 2012Sep 30, 2012Dec 31, 2012Prices Received62.28 57.97 56.70 60.24 Royalties Paid(12.22) (9.69) (9.96) (11.36) Transportation Costs(1.78) (2.59) (2.07) (2.56) Production Costs(11.66) (10.63) (11.48) (12.68) Netback (1)36.62 35.06 33.19 33.64 Three Months EndedFieldLight and Medium Oil & NGLs (bbls/d)Natural Gas (Mcf/d)Natural Gas Liquids (bbls/d)BOE (BOE/d)%Valhalla1,330 9,828 353 3,321 37%SE Alberta1,760 1,021 23 1,953 22%Nipisi1,458 (78)0 1,445 16%Williston Basin813 0 0 813 9%Other399 5,380 45 1,341 15%Total5,760 16,151 421 8,873 100%
SHARE CAPITAL
The Corporation is authorized to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares and an unlimited number of Preferred Shares
issuable in series. As at March 19, 2013, there were 71.2 million Common Shares and no Preferred Shares issued and
outstanding.
Common Shares
The holders of Common Shares are entitled to: (i) one vote for each Common Share held at all meetings of shareholders of
the Corporation other than meetings of the holders of any class or series of shares meeting as a class or series; (ii) receive any
dividends declared by the Corporation on the Common Shares; and (iii) subject to the rights of shares ranking prior to the
Common Shares, to receive the remaining property of the Corporation on dissolution, after the payment of all liabilities.
Preferred Shares
Preferred Shares may be issued in one or more series. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix the number of shares in each
series and to determine the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the shares of each series.
Preferred Shares are entitled to a priority over the Common Shares with respect to the payment of dividends and the
distribution of assets upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of The Corporation.
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Corporation has not declared or paid any dividends on the Common Shares since its incorporation. Any decision to pay
dividends on the Common Shares will be made by the Board of Directors on the basis of the Corporation’s earnings, financial
requirements and other conditions existing at such future time.
None of the securities of the Corporation are subject to escrow.
ESCROWED SECURITIES
MARKET FOR SECURITIES
The Common Shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX under the trading symbol “SGY” and have traded on such
stock exchange since October 21, 2011. The Common Shares previously traded on the TSXV under the same symbol. The
following table sets forth the reported market price ranges and the trading volumes for the Common Shares for the periods
indicated, as reported by the TSX for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Price Range ($)
Period
2012
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Low
8.75
9.57
9.73
8.39
6.98
6.31
6.47
6.97
7.61
6.53
5.41
5.39
Trading Volume
7,499,713
9,408,268
10,463,737
9,229,170
6,729,058
4,944,269
7,755,927
6,481,328
9,213,774
4,787,423
15,806,567
16,198,801
High
9.71
10.37
11.15
10.09
9.37
8.40
7.75
8.24
8.49
7.65
7.11
5.81
30
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The name, municipality of residence, principal occupation for the prior five years and position with the Corporation of each of
the directors and officers of the Corporation are as follows:
Name and Residence
Position
Principal Occupation During Previous Five Years
P. Daniel O'Neil
Calgary, Alberta
Director,
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Paul Colborne(4)
Calgary, Alberta
Chairman of the
Board of Directors
Robert Leach (2)
Calgary, Alberta
Director
Peter Bannister(1) (3)
Calgary, Alberta
Director
Keith Macdonald(1)(3)(4)
Calgary, Alberta
Director
James Pasieka(2)
Calgary, Alberta
Director
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Prior
thereto, President and Chief Executive Officer of Breaker Energy Ltd., a
publicly traded oil and natural gas company, from its formation in September
2004 until its acquisition by NAL Oil & Gas Trust in December 2009. Mr.
O’Neil is also a director of both Hyperion Exploration Corp. and Cathedral
Energy Services.
President of StarValley Oil & Gas Ltd., a private oil and natural gas company,
since October 2006, Chairman of Legacy Oil and Gas Inc. and serves on the
board of directors of Crescent Point Energy Corp. and Cequence Energy Ltd.
Prior thereto, Mr. Colborne served as a director of Wildstream Exploration
Inc. prior to its sale in 2012, Chairman of TriStar Oil & Gas Ltd. until its sale in
2009 and a director of Breaker Energy Ltd. until its sale in 2009. Prior thereto,
Mr. Colborne was President and Chief Executive Officer of StarPoint Energy
Trust, a publicly traded oil and natural gas income trust, until its merger to
form Canetic Resources Trust in January 2006 and was Chairman of Seaview
Energy Ltd, and was a director of Westfire Energy Ltd. and Twin Butte Energy
Ltd.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Custom Truck Sales Ltd., a private
company operating Kenworth truck dealerships
in Saskatchewan and
Manitoba, and President of International Fitness Holdings, an operating arm
of a private equity firm operating 25 health clubs in Alberta. Mr. Leach was
formerly the Chairman of the Board of Breaker Energy Inc.
President of Destiny Energy Inc., a privately owned oil and gas company,
Chairman of Crescent Point Energy Corp., and also serves on the board of
directors of Cequence Energy Ltd. Prior thereto, Mr. Bannister served as a
director of Breaker Energy Ltd. until its sale in 2009. He was Vice-President
Exploration of Mission Oil and Gas Inc. until its sale in 2006 and Vice-
President Exploration of StarPoint Energy Inc., President of Impact Energy
Inc. and Vice-President of Corporate Development of Startech Energy Ltd.
prior to their respective corporate sales.
President of Bamako Investment Management Ltd., a private holding and
financial consulting company. Mr. Macdonald is also a director of Bellatrix
Exploration Ltd. and Rocky Mountain Dealerships Inc., which are listed on the
TSX. As well, he is a director of Madalena Ventures Inc. and Mountainview
Energy Ltd., which are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, and other public
and private oil and gas companies.
Partner of the national law firm Heenan Blaikie LLP since 2001. Mr. Pasieka
has served as an officer and director of a number of public energy
companies, chairman of the board of several oil and gas companies and was
formerly Corporate Secretary of Breaker Energy Ltd.
31
Name and Residence
Position
Principal Occupation During Previous Five Years
Murray Smith(1) (2)
Calgary, Alberta
Director
Colin Davies(3) (4)
Calgary, Alberta
Director
Mr. Smith is the president of a private consulting company, Murray Smith
and Associates and a director of CriticalControl Business Solutions Corp. and
Williams Companies Inc. Mr. Smith also serves on the board of four private
companies. Prior thereto, Mr. Smith was an Official Representative of the
Province of Alberta to the United States of America until 2007. Prior thereto,
he was a member of the Legislative Assembly in the Province of Alberta
serving in four different Cabinet portfolios – Energy, Gaming, Labour, and
Economic Development from 1993 to 2005.
Mr. Davies is President & CEO and Director of Corinthian Exploration Corp., a
private company with oil and gas assets located in Alberta and North Dakota.
Prior thereto, Mr. Davies was President & CEO and Director of Corinthian
Energy Corp., a private oil and gas company that was founded in 2004 and
amalgamated with Surge Energy Inc. in July 2010.
Maxwell Lof
Calgary, Alberta
Chief Financial Officer Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation. Prior thereto, Chief Financial
Officer and Vice-President, Finance of Breaker Energy Ltd. from its formation
in September 2004 until its acquisition by NAL Oil & Gas Trust in December
2009.
Dan Brown
Calgary, Alberta
Chief Operating
Officer
Margaret Elekes
Calgary, Alberta
Vice-President, Land
Malcolm Adams
Calgary, Alberta
Tee Ong
Calgary, Alberta
Vice-President,
Corporate
Development
Vice-President,
Engineering
Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation. Prior thereto, Chief Operating
Officer of Breaker Energy Ltd. from August 2009 until its acquisition by NAL
Oil & Gas Trust in December 2009. Prior thereto, Mr. Brown was the
Business Unit Team Lead at a major North American production company.
Vice-President, Land of the Corporation. Prior thereto, Consulting Landman
for Breaker Energy from its formation in September 2004 until its acquisition
by NAL Oil & Gas Trust in December 2009 and Consulting Landman with
Legacy Oil + Gas Inc. from December 2009 to March 2010.
Vice-President, Corporate Development of the Corporation. Prior thereto,
Mr. Adams was the Vice-President of ARC Financial Corp. from October 2001
to April 2010. Mr. Adams is also a director of Rock Energy Inc..
Vice-President, Engineering of the Corporation. Prior thereto, Mr. Ong has
held engineering positions with various oil and gas companies, with Daylight
Energy Ltd. being the most recent.
Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Member of the audit committee.
Member of the compensation committee.
Member of the reserves committee.
Member of the environment, health and safety committee.
As a group, the directors and executive officers of the Corporation beneficially own, control or direct, directly or indirectly,
2,448,115 Common Shares, representing approximately three percent of the outstanding Common Shares as at March 19,
2013.
32
Corporate Cease Trade Orders
To the knowledge of management of the Corporation, no director or executive officer of the Corporation is, or within the 10
years before the date of this AIF, has been, a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer of any other issuer that:
a) was the subject of a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the other issuer access to any exemptions
under Canadian securities legislation that lasted for a period of more than 30 consecutive days that was issued while
the director or executive officer was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer;
or
b) was subject to a cease trade or similar order or an order that denied the relevant issuer access to any exemption
under securities legislation that lasted for a period of more than 30 consecutive days that was issued after the
director or executive officer ceased to be a director, chief executive officer or chief financial officer and which
resulted from an event that occurred while the person was acting in the capacity as director, chief executive officer
or chief financial officer.
Bankruptcies
To the knowledge of management of the Corporation, no director or executive officer, or any shareholder holding a sufficient
number of securities of the Corporation to affect materially the control of the Corporation, or a personal holding company of
any such person:
a)
is, at the date of this AIF or has been within the 10 years before the date of this AIF, a director or executive officer of
any company that, while that person was acting in that capacity or within a year of that person ceasing to act in that
capacity, became bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating to bankruptcy or insolvency or was
subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with creditors or had a receiver, receiver
manager or trustee appointed to hold its assets; or
b) has, within the 10 years before the date of this AIF, become bankrupt, made a proposal under any legislation relating
to bankruptcy or insolvency, or was subject to or instituted any proceedings, arrangement or compromise with
creditors, or had a receiver, receiver manager or trustee appointed to hold the assets of the director, officer or
shareholder.
Penalties or Sanctions
To the knowledge of management of the Corporation, no director or executive officer, or any shareholder holding a sufficient
number of securities of the Corporation to affect materially the control of the Corporation, has:
a) been subject to any penalties or sanctions imposed by a court relating to Canadian securities legislation or by a
Canadian securities regulatory authority or has entered into a settlement agreement with the Canadian securities
regulatory authority; or
b) been subject to any other penalties or sanctions imposed by a court or regulatory body that would likely be
considered important to a reasonable investor in making an investment decision.
Conflicts of Interest
The directors and officers of the Corporation may participate in activities and investments in the oil and gas industry outside
the scope of their engagement or employment as directors or officers of the Corporation. As a result, the directors and
officers may become subject to conflicts of interest. The ABCA provides that, in the event that a director has an interest in a
contract or proposed contract or agreement, the director shall disclose his interest in such contract or agreement and shall
refrain from voting on any matter in respect of such contract or agreement unless otherwise provided under the ABCA. To the
extent that conflicts of interest arise, such conflicts will be resolved in accordance with the provisions of the ABCA, the
written mandate of the Board of Directors and the Corporation’s corporate governance policies.
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As at the date hereof, the Corporation is not aware of any existing or potential material conflicts of interest between the
Corporation and a director or officer of the Corporation.
Composition of the Audit Committee, Charter and Review of Services
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors are Keith Macdonald (Chair), Murray Smith and Peter
Bannister.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors operates under a written charter that sets out its responsibilities and
composition requirements. A copy of the charter is attached to this AIF as Schedule “C”.
The Audit Committee charter requires all members of the Audit Committee to be financially literate and independent within
the meaning of applicable securities laws. All members of the Audit Committee meet these requirements.
The Audit Committee charter requires that any non-audit services by the Corporation’s auditors must be pre-approved by the
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has passed a resolution providing the Chairman of the Audit Committee with
delegated authority to approve the provision of non-audit services by the Corporation’s auditors from time to time, provided
that: (i) such services are provided pursuant to a written engagement letter setting out the services to be provided and the
applicable fees; (ii) the provision of such services is otherwise in compliance with the Audit Committee’s charter; (iii) such
services could not be reasonably seen to result in the auditors performing any management function, auditing their own work
or serving in an advocacy role on behalf of the Corporation; (iv) the fees for such services do not exceed $50,000 per
engagement; and (v) the Chairman reports to the Committee at the next regularly scheduled meeting any approval of non-
audit services made pursuant to the authority delegated under the resolution. The Audit Committee also pre-approves all
audit services and the fees to be paid.
Education and Experience of Members
The education and experience of each director relevant to the performance of his duties as a member of the Audit Committee
are described below.
Keith Macdonald
Mr. Macdonald is currently the President of Bamako Investment Management Ltd., a private holding and financial consulting
company.
Mr. Macdonald is Chairman, President, CEO and director of EFL Overseas, Inc. as well as director of Bellatrix Exploration Ltd.,
Holloman Energy Corporation, Madalena Ventures Inc., Mountainview Energy Ltd., Rocky Mountain Dealerships Inc., WCSB
Oil and Gas Royalty Income 2010 Management Corp. and WCSB Oil and Gas Royalty Income 2010-II Management Corp. He
has served as chair and/or a member of the audit committee of each of those companies, as well as several other public oil
and gas companies for which he has been a director. Mr. Macdonald was also formerly a director of Breaker Energy Ltd. prior
to its sale in 2009.
From 1994 to January 1999 Mr. Macdonald was vice president of finance and a director of New Cache Petroleum Ltd. Mr.
Macdonald founded New Cache Petroleum Ltd. in 1988 and was its president until a merger in 1994.
Mr. Macdonald holds the Chartered Accountants designation, achieved in 1980, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree
(Accounting and Finance Major) from University of Calgary in 1978.
Murray Smith
Mr. Smith is the president of a private consulting company, Murray Smith and Associates and a director of Critical Control
Business Solutions and Williams Companies, Inc. Mr. Smith also serves on the board of four private companies. Prior thereto,
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Mr. Smith was an Official Representative of the Province of Alberta to the United States of America until 2007. Prior thereto,
he was a member of the Legislative Assembly in the Province of Alberta serving in four different Cabinet portfolios – Energy,
Gaming, Labour, and Economic Development from 1993 to 2005.
From 1998-2004 Mr. Smith Mr. Smith was a member of the Government of Alberta Treasury Board (responsible for the
annual budget for Alberta) and a contributing member to Alberta’s debt elimination in 2004.
Mr. Smith has a degree in Economics from the University of Calgary (1971) and is a graduate of the London Business School
Senior Executive Program (2000).
Peter Bannister
Mr. Bannister is currently the president of Destiny Energy Inc., a privately owned oil and gas company and is chairman of
Crescent Point Energy Corp., a TSX listed company. Until its sale in February of 2007, Mr. Bannister was Vice-President,
Exploration and a director of Mission Oil and Gas Inc., a TSX listed company. Prior to thereto, he was Vice-President,
Exploration of StarPoint Energy Inc. before its conversion into a royalty trust and President and a director of Impact Energy
Inc., both TSX listed companies. Mr. Bannister previously held the position of Vice-President of Corporate Development of
Startech Energy Inc. until it was acquired by ARC Resources Ltd. at the end of 2000 and also held positions as Vice-President,
Exploration and Development and a director of Boomerang Resources Ltd. and Laurasia Resources Limited, both publicly
traded oil and gas companies. Mr. Bannister served on the Audit Committee of Breaker Energy Ltd. until its sale in 2009.
Mr. Bannister graduated from the University of Calgary in 1981 with a Major in Geology and a Minor in Economics. He was
initially employed by Sproule Associates Limited as a senior geologist. Later, as a partner, he participated in exploration and
property evaluation throughout Western Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. He spent a number of years
managing private capital and developing and executing drilling and acquisition opportunities for investors. Since 1993, Mr.
Bannister has been actively involved in publicly-traded oil and gas companies.
External Auditor Service Fees
KPMG LLP are the auditors of the Corporation. KPMG LLP have been the auditors of the Corporation since May 5, 2010. Prior
thereto, Collins Barrow Chartered Accountants LLP were the auditors of the Corporation.
The following table sets out the aggregate fees billed by KPMG LLP to the Corporation in each of the last two fiscal years.
Year Audit Fees(1) Audit-Related Fees Tax Fees(2) All Other Fees
2012 $177,500
2011 $293,500
$101,906
$54,500
$14,500
$165,500
$67,000
$nil
Notes:
(1) Audit fees consist of fees for the audit of annual financial statements or services that are normally provided in connection with
statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. During fiscal 2011 and 2012, the services provided in this category included
quarterly review fees.
(2) Fees for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
INDUSTRY CONDITIONS
Restrained Pipeline Capacity and Differential Volatility
Western Canada and North Dakota have seen significant growth in crude production volumes over recent years. This has
resulted in pressure on the pipeline take-away capacity, leading to apportionment on the main lines and, in turn, backed-up
local feeder pipelines. This has contributed to a widening of, and increased volatility in, the light oil pricing differential
between WTI and Edmonton Par and the medium/heavy oil pricing differential between WTI and Cromer/WCS/Hardisty.
Although pipeline expansions are ongoing and producers are increasingly turning to rail as an alternative means of
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transportation, the lack of firm pipeline capacity continues to affect the oil and natural gas industry and limit the ability to
produce and to market production. In addition, the pro-rationing of capacity on the interprovincial pipeline systems also
continues to affect the ability to export oil and natural gas.
Availability of Services
The availability of the services necessary to drill and complete the types of horizontal oil wells that form a substantial portion
of Surge's planned exploration and development activities in 2013 remains constrained due to increased demand and
competition for such services. Surge does not anticipate that, at current commodity prices, such constraint will be alleviated
in the near future.
Legislation and Regulation
The oil and natural gas industry is subject to extensive controls and regulations governing its operations (including land
tenure, exploration, development, production, refining, transportation and marketing) imposed by legislation enacted by
various levels of government and with respect to pricing and taxation of oil and natural gas by agreements among the
governments of Canada, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, all of which should be carefully considered by investors in the
oil and natural gas industry. It is not expected that any of these controls or regulations will affect the operations of Surge in a
manner materially different than they would affect other oil and natural gas producers of similar size. All current legislation is
a matter of public record and Surge is unable to predict what additional legislation or amendments may be enacted. Some of
the principal aspects of legislation, regulations and agreements governing the oil and natural gas industry are described
further below.
Pricing and Marketing – Oil
The producers of oil are entitled to negotiate sales contracts directly with oil purchasers, with the result that the market
determines the price of oil. Oil prices are primarily based on worldwide supply and demand. The specific price depends in part
on oil quality, prices of competing fuels, distance to market, the value of refined products, the supply/demand balance, and
contractual terms of sale. Oil exporters are also entitled to enter into export contracts with terms not exceeding one year in
the case of light crude oil and two years in the case of heavy crude oil, provided that an order approving such export has been
obtained from the National Energy Board of Canada (the "NEB"). Any oil export to be made pursuant to a contract of longer
duration (to a maximum of 25 years) requires an exporter to obtain an export licence from the NEB and the issuance of such a
licence requires a public hearing and the approval of the Governor in Council.
Pricing and Marketing – Natural Gas
The price of natural gas is determined by negotiation between buyers and sellers. Natural gas exported from Canada
is subject to regulation by the NEB and the Government of Canada. Exporters are free to negotiate prices and other terms
with purchasers, provided that the export contracts must continue to meet certain other criteria prescribed by the NEB and
the Government of Canada. Natural gas (other than propane, butane and ethane) exports for a term of less than two years or
for a term of two to 20 years (in quantities of not more than 30,000 m3/day), must be made pursuant to an NEB order. Any
natural gas export to be made pursuant to a contract of longer duration (to a maximum of 25 years) or for a larger quantity
requires an exporter to obtain an export licence from the NEB and the issuance of such a licence requires a public hearing and
the approval of the Governor in Council.
The governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta also regulate the volume of natural gas that may be removed from those
provinces for consumption elsewhere based on such factors as reserve availability, transportation arrangements, and market
considerations.
Provincial Royalties and Incentives
General
In addition to federal regulation, each province has legislation and regulations that govern land tenure, royalties, production
rates, environmental protection and other matters. The royalty regime is a significant factor in the profitability of crude oil,
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natural gas, natural gas liquids and sulphur production. Royalties payable on production from lands other than Crown lands
are determined by negotiations between the mineral owner and the lessee, although production from such lands is also
subject to certain provincial taxes and royalties. Operations not on Crown lands and subject to the provisions of specific
agreements are also usually subject to royalties negotiated between the mineral owner and the lessee. These royalties are
not eligible for incentive programs sponsored by various governments as discussed below. Crown royalties are determined by
governmental regulation and are generally calculated as a percentage of the value of the gross production. The rate of
royalties payable generally depends in part on prescribed reference prices, well productivity, geographical location, field
discovery date, method of recovery and the type or quality of the petroleum product produced. Other royalties and royalty-
like interests are from time to time carved out of the working interest owner's interest through non-public transactions.
These are often referred to as overriding royalties, gross overriding royalties, net profits interests or net carried interests.
From time to time the governments of the western Canadian provinces have established incentive programs for exploration
and development. Such programs often provide for royalty rate reductions, royalty holidays and tax credits for the purpose of
encouraging oil and natural gas exploration or enhanced recovery projects. The programs are designed to encourage
exploration and development activity by improving earnings and cash flow within the industry. Royalty holidays and
reductions would reduce the amount of Crown royalties paid by oil and natural gas producers to the provincial governments
and would increase the net income and funds from operations of such producers. However, the trend in recent years has
been for provincial governments to allow such incentive programs to expire without renewal, and consequently few such
incentive programs are currently operative.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, crude oil Crown royalties and freehold production tax depend on the current market price of oil, the
classification and vintage of the oil and the quantity of oil produced in a month. Crude oil is classified as "heavy oil",
"southwest designated oil" or "non-heavy oil other than southwest designated oil", and the vintage classifications ("fourth
tier oil", "third tier oil", "new oil" or "old oil") are applicable to each of these three crude oil types. Newly drilled oil wells in
Saskatchewan qualify for "volume based" incentives ranging from 0 to 16,000 cubic metres, depending on the type of well
(deep or non-deep, exploratory or development, and horizontal or vertical). Qualifying incentive volumes are subject to a
maximum royalty rate of 2.5% and a freehold production tax rate of 0%.
Saskatchewan Crown royalties and freehold production tax on natural gas are price sensitive, depending also on the vintage
of the natural gas, the quantity produced in a month, and whether the gas is associated (gas produced from oil wells) or non-
associated. The vintage classifications of gas production are "fourth tier gas", "third tier gas", "new gas" and "old gas". Newly
drilled qualifying exploratory gas wells in Saskatchewan qualify for a 25,000,000 cubic metre "volume based" incentive. The
qualifying incentive volume is subject to a maximum Crown royalty rate of 2.5% and a freehold production tax rate of 0%.
The majority of Surge's production in Saskatchewan is "non-heavy oil other than southwest designated oil" with a vintage
classification of "fourth tier oil". Saskatchewan royalty payable on this production is 2.5% until 6,000 m3 (37,740 barrels) of oil
have been produced. Production in excess of this threshold is subject to a royalty rate based on well productivity and oil
prices, with a base royalty rate of 5%, which represents the minimum royalty rate, and a maximum marginal royalty rate of
30%.
Alberta
In Alberta, the Crown royalty rates on conventional oil and natural gas fluctuate, depending on when a well was drilled, well
depth, well production volume and the price of oil and natural gas. On October 25, 2007, the Alberta Government introduced
a new royalty regime which became effective on January 1, 2009 applicable to all conventional oil and natural gas wells in
Alberta ("New Royalty Regime"). The New Royalty Regime assesses the applicable royalty rate on a well by well basis using a
sliding scale which takes into account the price of oil and/or natural gas and the well’s production volumes. On November 19,
2008 and November 24, 2008 the Alberta Government announced an optional transitional royalty program ("Transitional
Program"). On March 11, 2010 the Alberta Government announced modifications to the New Royalty Regime and the
Transitional Program ("Modified Regime").
Under the New Royalty Regime the royalty reserved to the Alberta Crown on conventional oil production ranges from zero
percent (0%) to fifty percent (50%) and is capped at fifty percent once the price of conventional oil reaches $120 per barrel.
The royalty applicable to natural gas production under the new royalty regime ranges from five percent (5%) to fifty percent
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(50%) and is capped once the price of natural gas reaches $17.75 per gigajoule. The new royalty regime has retained the
Natural Gas Deep Drilling Program and the Deep Oil Exploration Program. The new royalty regime also sets royalties for
natural gas liquids at forty percent (40%) for pentanes and thirty percent (30%) for butanes and propane.
The Modified Regime became effective on January 1, 2011 and reduces the maximum royalty rates under the New Royalty
Regime as follows: for conventional oil production from fifty percent (50%) to forty percent (40%) and for natural gas from
fifty percent (50%) to thirty six percent (36%). The Modified Regime also made permanent the 5% maximum royalty rate on
the first 12 production months, 50,000 barrels of oil production or 500 million cubic feet (MMcfe) of gas production from a
well, whichever is reached first.
The Transitional Program, as amended, applies to conventional oil and natural gas wells drilled to measured depths between
1,000 to 3,500 meters between November 19, 2008 and December 31, 2010. For each well, the producer can make a one
time election to produce the well under the old royalty regime or the New Royalty Regime. As of January 1, 2014 all
production subject to the Transitional Program will revert to the New Royalty Regime, as modified. The Natural Gas Deep
Drilling and Deep Oil Exploration programs are not available to wells producing under the Transitional Program. Wells subject
to the Transitional Program are permitted to switch to the Modified Regime after January 1, 2011.
For conventional oil produced under the Transitional Program, the royalty reserved to the Alberta Crown is variable
depending on the pools’ vintage (when the pool was discovered), oil density, well production volume, and the price of oil.
The royalty is capped at thirty-five percent (35%), which maximum is reached at an oil price of approximately $30 per barrel,
depending on other factors such as production rates.
For natural gas produced under the Transitional Program, the royalty reserved to the Alberta Crown varies depending on the
vintage, production volume and the inflation adjusted price of gas less adjustments for the cost of processing the Crown’s
share of the gas. The royalty will vary between fifteen percent (15%) to thirty-five percent (35%). The maximum is reached at
a natural gas price of approximately $3.70 per gigajoule, depending on other factors such as production rates.
Manitoba
In Manitoba, the royalty amount payable on oil produced from Crown lands depends on the classification of the oil produced
as "old oil" (produced from a well drilled prior to April 1, 1974 that does not qualify as new oil or third tier oil), "new oil" (oil
that is not third tier oil and is produced from a well drilled on or after April 1, 1974 and prior to April 1, 1999, from an
abandoned well re-entered during that period, from an old oil well as a result of an enhanced recovery project implemented
during that period, or from a horizontal well), "third tier oil" (oil produced from a vertical well drilled after April 1, 1999, an
abandoned well re-entered after that date, an inactive vertical well activated after that date, a marginal well that has
undergone a major workover, or from an old oil well or a new oil well as a result of an enhanced recovery project
implemented after that date), or "holiday oil" (oil that is exempt from any royalty or tax payable). Royalty rates are
calculated on a sliding scale and based on the monthly oil production from a spacing unit, or oil production allocated to a unit
tract under a unit agreement or unit order from the Minister. For horizontal wells, the royalty on oil produced from Crown
lands is calculated based on the amount of oil production allocated to a spacing unit in accordance with the applicable
regulations.
Royalties payable on natural gas production from Crown lands are equal to 12.5 percent of the volume of natural gas sold.
Producers of oil and natural gas from freehold lands in Manitoba are required to pay monthly freehold production taxes. The
freehold production tax payable on oil is calculated on a sliding scale based on the monthly production volume and the
classification of oil as old oil, new oil, third tier oil and holiday oil. Producers of natural gas from freehold lands in Manitoba
are required to pay a monthly freehold production tax equal to 1.2 percent of the volume sold. There is no freehold
production tax payable on gas consumed as lease fuel.
The Government of Manitoba maintains a Drilling Incentive Program (the "Program") with the intent of promoting investment
in the sustainable development of petroleum resources. The Program provides the licensee of newly drilled wells, or
qualifying wells where a major workover has been completed, with a "holiday oil volume" pursuant to which no Crown
royalties or freehold production taxes are payable until the holiday oil volume has been produced. Under the Program, wells
drilled for purposes of injection (or wells converted to injection prior to producing predetermined volumes of oil) in an
approved enhanced oil recovery project earn a one-year holiday for portions of the project area.
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The Program consists of the following components:
New Well Incentive provides licensees of newly drilled, non-horizontal wells drilled prior to January 1, 2014
with a holiday oil volume to a maximum of 10,000 m3;
Deep Drilling Incentive provides licensees who drill a well to a total depth sufficient to penetrate the
Devonian Duperow formation with a holiday oil volume of 20,000 m3, and licensees who drill a well deeper
than the Devonian Three Forks formation can make a one-time assignment of up to 10,000 m3 of holiday oil
volume earned through previous drilling or major workovers to such well’s holiday oil volume;
Horizontal Well Initiative provides licensees of horizontal wells drilled prior to January 1, 2014 with a
holiday oil volume of 10,000 m3, and a horizontal leg drilled from an existing horizontal well on or after
January 1, 2009 and prior to January 1, 2014 will earn an additional holiday royalty volume of 3,000 m3;
Marginal Well Major Workover Incentive provides licensees of marginal wells where a major workover is
completed prior to January 1, 2014 with a holiday oil volume of 500 m3 ,with a marginal oil well defined as
an abandoned well or a well that was either not operated over the previous 12 months or produced oil at
an average rate of less than 1 m3 per operating day; and
Injection Well Incentive provides a one year exemption from the payment of Crown royalties or freehold
production taxes on production allocated to a unit tract in which a well is drilled or converted to water
injection.
Further, holiday oil volumes earned by a newly drilled well or a marginal well that has undergone a major workover can be
transferred to a Holiday Oil Volume Account at the request of the licensee, the purpose of which is to optimize the value of
holiday oil volumes earned by providing a company with the flexibility of allocating holiday oil volumes earned among new
wells.
Climate Change Regulation
Federal
In December 2002, the Government of Canada ratified the Kyoto Protocol ("Kyoto Protocol"), which requires a reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions by signatory countries between 2008 and 2012. The Kyoto Protocol officially came into force on
February 16, 2005 and commits Canada to reduce its greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions levels to 6% below 1990 "business-
as-usual" levels by 2012. In December of 2011, the Government of Canada announced that it would withdraw from the Kyoto
Protocol.
On April 26, 2007, the Government of Canada released "Turning the Corner: An Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and
Air Pollution" (the "Action Plan") which set forth a plan for regulations to address both greenhouse gases and air pollution. An
update to the Action Plan, "Turning the Corner: Regulatory Framework for Industrial Greenhouse Gas Emissions" was released
on March 10, 2008 (the "Updated Action Plan"). Although draft regulations for the implementation of the Updated Action
Plan were intended to be published in the fall of 2008 and become binding on January 1, 2010, only certain regulations
related to the transport industry and clean fuels have been proposed to date. Further, representatives of the Government of
Canada have indicated that the proposals contained in the Updated Action Plan will be modified to ensure consistency with
the direction ultimately taken by the United States with respect to greenhouse gas emissions regulation. The stated goal of
the Updated Action Plan, as currently drafted, is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17% below 2005 levels by 2020 and
60-70% by 2050. As noted above, the goal has now been modified by the Government of Canada. The approach of the Unites
States may include an absolute cap on emissions combined with allowances to be used for compliance that may be partially
auctioned off to regulated entities. It is also unclear whether the approach adopted by the United States will provide for the
payment into a technology fund as a compliance mechanism, as is currently permitted in Alberta and by the Updated Action
Plan. As a result, many provisions of the Updated Action Plan are expected to be significantly modified.
It is expected that any regulations eventually implemented by the Government of Canada will have an impact of the oil and
gas industry as a whole, which could result in increased costs for Surge to comply with such legislation. In the meantime,
39
Surge will continue to monitor the policies of the Government of Canada and any resulting legislation with respect to GHG
emissions. The US Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) is proceeding to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air
Act. This EPA action is subject to legal and political challenges, the outcome of which cannot be predicted. The ultimate form
of Canadian regulation is anticipated to be strongly influenced by the regulatory decisions made within the United States.
Various states have enacted or are evaluating low carbon fuel standards, which may affect access to market for crude oils
with higher emissions intensity.
Alberta
Alberta enacted the Climate Change and Emissions Management Act (the "CCEMA") on July 1, 2007, amending it through the
Climate Change and Emissions Management Amendment Act which received royal assent on November 4, 2008. The CCEMA
is based on an emissions intensity approach similar to the Updated Action Plan and aims for a 50% reduction from 1990
emissions relative to GDP by 2020. Alberta facilities emitting more than 100,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year are
subject to comply with the CCEMA. At this point Surge does not own or anticipate owning or operating any facilities which
emit more than 100,000 tonnes of GHGs per year.
Saskatchewan
On May 11, 2009, the Government of Saskatchewan announced The Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Act
(the "MRGGA") to regulate GHG emissions in the province. The MRGGA has received royal assent but has not yet been
proclaimed and so is not yet in force. It remains unclear to what degree a scheme implemented under the MRGGA will affect
Surge.
Manitoba
The Government of Manitoba has commenced public consultations with respect to the development of a cap and trade
system to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The enactment of The Climate Change and Emissions Reductions Act (Manitoba)
sets emission reduction targets as of December 31, 2012 at 6% below 1990 emissions and details the commitment of the
Government of Manitoba to various initiatives in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but no legislation has been
effected which imposes mandatory emission reduction targets on emitters.
Land Tenure
Crude oil and natural gas located in the western Canadian provinces is owned both by the respective provincial governments
and by private individuals. Provincial governments grant rights to explore for and produce oil and natural gas pursuant to
leases, licenses and permits for varying periods and on conditions set forth in provincial legislation, including requirements to
perform specific work or make payments. Where oil and natural gas is privately owned, rights to explore for and produce
such oil and natural gas are granted by lease on such terms and conditions as may be negotiated.
United States
Surge's wholly-owned subsidiary, Surge Energy USA Inc., owns oil and natural gas properties and related assets in North
Dakota in the United States. Surge's oil and natural gas operations in the United States are regulated by administrative
agencies under statutory provisions of the state of North Dakota. These statutory provisions regulate matters such as the
exploration for and production of crude oil and natural gas, including provisions related to permits for the drilling of wells,
bonding requirements in order to drill or operate wells, the location of wells, the method of drilling and casing wells, the
surface use and restoration of properties upon which wells are drilled, and the abandonment of wells. Surge's operations in
the United States are also subject to various conservation laws and regulations which regulate matters such as the size of
drilling and spacing units or proration units, the number of wells which may be drilled in an area, and the unitization or
pooling of crude oil and natural gas properties. In addition, state conservation laws sometimes establish maximum rates of
production from crude oil and natural gas wells, restrict or prohibit the venting or flaring of natural gas and impose certain
requirements regarding the rateability or fair apportionment of production from fields and individual wells.
40
RISK FACTORS
An investment in Common Shares would be subject to certain risks. Investors should carefully consider the following risk
factors:
Operational Risks
Oil and natural gas exploration operations are subject to all the risks and hazards typically associated with such operations,
including hazards such as fire, explosion, blowouts, cratering and oil spills, each of which could result in substantial damage to
oil and natural gas wells, producing facilities, other property and the environment or in personal injury. In accordance with
industry practice, Surge is not fully insured against all of these risks, nor are all such risks insurable. Although Surge maintains
liability insurance in an amount which it considers adequate, the nature of these risks is such that liabilities could exceed
policy limits, in which event Surge could incur significant costs that could have a materially adverse effect upon its financial
condition. Oil and natural gas production operations are also subject to all the risks typically associated with such operations,
including premature decline of reservoirs and the invasion of water into producing formations.
Oil and natural gas exploration and development activities are dependent on the availability of drilling and related equipment
in the particular areas where such activities will be conducted. Demand for such limited equipment or access restrictions may
affect the availability of such equipment to Surge and may delay exploration and development activities.
Oil and natural gas exploration and development activities are dependent on access to areas where operations are to be
conducted. Seasonal weather variations, including freeze-up and break-up, affect access in certain circumstances.
Unexpected adverse weather conditions, such as flooding or prolonged break-up, can have a significant negative impact on
capital expenditures, operations and costs.
To the extent Surge is not the operator of its oil and natural gas properties, it is dependent on such operators for the timing
of activities related to such properties and is largely unable to direct or control the activities of the operators. Payments from
production generally flow through the operator and there is a risk of delay and additional expense in receiving such revenues
if the operator becomes insolvent. Although Surge intends to operate the majority of its properties, there is no guarantee
that it will remain operator of such properties or that Surge will operate other properties it may acquire in the future.
In addition, the success of Surge will be largely dependent upon the performance of its management and key employees.
Surge does not have any key man insurance policies and, therefore, there is a risk that the death or departure of any member
of management or any key employee could have a material adverse effect on Surge.
Surge's ability to market oil and natural gas from its wells also depends upon numerous other factors beyond its control,
including, among other things, the availability of natural gas processing and storage capacity, the availability of pipeline
capacity, the price of oilfield services and the effects of inclement weather. Because of these factors, Surge may be unable to
market some or all of the oil and natural gas it produces or to obtain favourable prices for the oil and natural gas it produces.
Volatility of Oil and Natural Gas Prices and Markets
Surge's financial performance and condition are substantially dependent on the prevailing prices of oil and natural gas which
are unstable and subject to fluctuation. Fluctuations in oil or natural gas prices could have an adverse effect on Surge's
operations and financial condition and the value and amount of its reserves. Prices for crude oil fluctuate in response to
global and North American supply of and demand for oil, market performance and uncertainty and a variety of other factors
which are outside the control of Surge including, but not limited, to the world economy and OPEC's ability to adjust supply to
world demand, government regulation, political stability and the availability of alternative fuel sources. In addition, the prices
received by Surge for its oil are subject to differentials against such benchmarks as WTI and Edmonton Par which can
fluctuate substantially and result in Surge realizing prices substantially below such benchmarks. Natural gas prices are
influenced primarily by factors within North America, including North American supply and demand, economic performance,
weather conditions and availability and pricing of alternative fuel sources.
Decreases in oil and natural gas prices realized by Surge will result in reduced net production revenue and may change the
economics of producing from some wells, which could result in a reduction in the volume of Surge's reserves. Any further
substantial declines in the prices of crude oil or natural gas could also result in delay or cancellation of existing or future
41
drilling, development or construction programs or the curtailment of production. All of these factors could result in a
material decrease in Surge's net production revenue, cash flows and profitability causing a reduction in its oil and gas
acquisition and development activities. In addition, bank borrowings available to Surge will in part be determined by Surge's
borrowing base. A sustained material decline in prices from historical average prices could further reduce such borrowing
base, therefore reducing the bank credit available and could require that a portion of its bank debt be repaid.
Surge may enter into agreements to receive fixed prices on its oil and natural gas production to offset the risk of revenue
losses if commodity prices decline; however, if commodity prices increase beyond the levels set in such agreements, Surge
will not benefit from such increases.
Sour Natural Gas
Some of the Corporation’s current or future properties include wells that produce sour natural gas and facilities that process
sour natural gas. An accidental discharge or leak of sour natural gas can be fatal or cause serious injury. The dangers
associated with drilling for, producing, processing and transporting sour natural gas necessitate increased environmental,
health and safety compliance costs to Surge and any accidental discharge or leak of sour natural gas could lead to significant
liabilities to Surge. Surge has implemented policies and protocols to address this risk, but it is not possible for any issuer to
eliminate all of the risks associated with producing, processing and transporting sour natural gas.
Environmental Concerns
Many aspects of the oil and natural gas business present environmental risks and hazards, including the risk that Surge may
be in noncompliance with an environmental law, regulation, permit, licence, or other regulatory approval, possibly
unintentionally or without knowledge. Such risks may expose Surge to fines or penalties, third party liabilities or to the
requirement to remediate, which could be material.
The operational hazards associated with possible blowouts, accidents, oil spills, natural gas leaks, fires, or other damage to a
well or a pipeline may require Surge to incur costs and delays to undertake corrective actions, could result in environmental
damage or contamination or could result in serious injury or death to employees, consultants, contractors or members of the
public, creating the potential for significant liability to Surge. Also, the occurrence of any such incident could damage Surge's
reputation in the surrounding communities and make it more difficult for Surge to pursue its operations in those areas.
Compliance with environmental laws and regulations could materially increase Surge's costs. Surge may incur substantial
capital and operating costs to comply with increasingly complex laws and regulations covering the protection of the
environment and human health and safety. In particular, Surge may be required to incur significant costs to comply with
future federal or provincial greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements or other regulations, if enacted.
Although Surge maintains insurance consistent with prudent industry practice, it is not fully insured against certain
environmental risks, either because such insurance is not available or because of high premium costs. In particular, insurance
against risks from environmental pollution occurring over time (as opposed to sudden and catastrophic damages) is not
available on economically reasonable terms. Accordingly, Surge's properties may be subject to liability due to hazards that
cannot be insured against, or that have not been insured against due to prohibitive premium costs or for other reasons. It is
also possible that changing regulatory requirements or emerging jurisprudence could render such insurance of less benefit to
Surge.
Hydraulic Fracturing
The proliferation of the use of hydraulic fracturing as a recovery technique employed in oil and natural gas drilling has given
rise to increased public scrutiny of its environmental aspects, particularly with respect to its potential impact on local
aquifers. Surge utilizes hydraulic fracturing in a significant portion of the light oil wells it drills and completes. Negative public
perception of hydraulic fracturing may place pressure on governments in the jurisdictions where Surge operates to
implement additional regulatory requirements or limitations on the utilization of hydraulic fracturing, which in turn could
restrict Surge's operations and increase its costs.
42
Availability of Services
The availability of the services necessary to drill and complete the types of horizontal oil wells that form a substantial portion
of Surge's planned exploration and development activities in 2013 remains constrained due to increased demand and
competition for such services. Such constraint may increase the costs of such services or result in the delay of planned
exploration and development activities.
Reserve Estimates
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in evaluating quantities of reserves and the net present value of future net
revenue to be derived therefrom, including many factors beyond the control of Surge. The reserves information contained in
the Sproule Report and set forth herein, including information respecting the net present value of future net revenue from
reserves, represents an estimate only. This estimate is based on a number of assumptions relating to factors such as initial
production rates, production decline rates, ultimate recovery of reserves, timing and amount of capital expenditures,
marketability of production, future prices of oil and natural gas, operating costs and royalties and other government levies
that may be imposed over the producing life of the reserves. These assumptions were based on price forecasts in use at the
date the Sproule Report was prepared and many of these assumptions are subject to change and are beyond the control of
Surge. Ultimately, the actual reserves attributable to Surge's properties will vary from the estimates contained in the Sproule
Report and those variations may be material and affect the market price of the Common Shares.
Reserve Replacement
Surge's future oil and natural gas reserves and production and the cash flows to be derived therefrom are highly dependent
on successfully acquiring or discovering new reserves. Without the continual addition of new reserves, any existing reserves
Surge may have at any particular time and the production therefrom will decline over time as such existing reserves are
exploited. A future increase in reserves will depend not only on Surge's ability to develop any properties it may have from
time to time, but also on its ability to select and acquire suitable producing properties or prospects. There can be no
assurance that Surge's future exploration and development efforts will result in the discovery and development of additional
commercial accumulations of oil and natural gas.
Industry Regulation and Competition
There is strong competition relating to all aspects of the oil and natural gas industry. Surge will actively compete for capital,
skilled personnel, undeveloped land, reserve acquisitions, access to drilling rigs, service rigs and other equipment, access to
processing facilities and pipeline and refining capacity, and in all other aspects of its operations with a substantial number of
other organizations, many of which may have greater technical and financial resources than Surge. Some of those
organizations not only explore for, develop and produce oil and natural gas but also carry on refining operations and market
petroleum and other products on a world-wide basis and as such have greater and more diverse resources on which to draw.
Surge's ability to increase reserves and production in the future will depend not only on its ability to develop its present
properties, but also on its ability to select and acquire suitable producing properties or prospects for exploratory drilling.
The marketability of oil and natural gas acquired or discovered will be affected by numerous factors beyond the control of
Surge. These factors include reservoir characteristics, market fluctuations, the proximity and capacity of oil and natural gas
pipelines and processing equipment and government regulation. Oil and natural gas operations (exploration, production,
pricing, marketing, transportation and royalty rates) are subject to extensive controls and regulations imposed by various
levels of government, including those described above under the heading "Industry Conditions", which may be amended from
time to time. Surge's oil and natural gas operations may also be subject to compliance with federal, provincial and local laws
and regulations controlling the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the
environment. Changes to the regulation of the oil and gas industry in jurisdictions in which Surge operates may adversely
impact Surge's ability to economically develop existing reserves and add new reserves.
Variations in Foreign Exchange Rates and Interest Rates
Surge's expenses will be denominated in Canadian dollars, while the price of oil and natural gas will generally be denominated
in U.S. dollars or impacted by the Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate. As the exchange rate for the Canadian dollar
43
versus the U.S. dollar increases, Surge will generally receive fewer Canadian dollars for its production. If the value of the
Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar increases, the financial results of Surge may be negatively affected. Surge's
management may initiate certain hedges to mitigate these risks. Future fluctuations in the Canadian/United States foreign
exchange rate may impact the future value of Surge's reserves as determined by independent evaluators. In addition,
variations in interest rates could result in a significant change in the amount Surge will pay to service debt, potentially
adversely affecting the value of the Common Shares.
Price Volatility of Publicly Traded Securities
In recent years, the securities markets in Canada and the United States have experienced a high level of price and volume
volatility, and the market price of securities of many companies, particularly those considered to be development stage
companies, has experienced wide fluctuations in price which have not necessarily been related to the operating performance,
underlying asset values or prospects of such companies. There can be no assurance that continual fluctuations in price will
not occur. It is likely that the market price for the Common Shares will be subject to market trends generally, notwithstanding
the financial and operational performance of Surge.
Substantial Capital Requirements; Liquidity
Surge may have to make substantial capital expenditures for the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil
and natural gas reserves in the future. If revenues or reserves decline, Surge may have limited ability to expend the capital
necessary to undertake or complete future drilling programs. There can be no assurance that debt or equity financing or cash
generated by operations will be available or sufficient to meet these requirements or for other corporate purposes or, if debt
or equity financing is available, that it will be on terms acceptable to the company. Moreover, future activities may require
Surge to alter its capitalization significantly. The inability of the company to access sufficient capital for its operations could
have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or prospects.
Issuance of Debt
From time to time Surge may enter into transactions to acquire assets or shares of other corporations. These transactions
may be financed partially or wholly through debt, which may increase debt levels above industry standards. Surge's articles
and by-laws do not limit the amount of indebtedness it may incur. The level of Surge's indebtedness from time to time could
impair its ability to obtain additional financing in the future on a timely basis to take advantage of business opportunities that
may arise.
Abandonment and Reclamation Costs
Surge will be responsible for compliance with terms and conditions of environmental and regulatory approvals and all laws
and regulations regarding abandonment and reclamation in respect of its properties, which abandonment and reclamation
costs may be substantial. A breach of such legislation or regulations may result in the imposition of fines and penalties,
including an order for cessation of operations at the site until satisfactory remedies are made.
Possible Failure to Realize Anticipated Benefits of Future Acquisitions
Surge may complete acquisitions to strengthen its position in the oil and natural gas industry and to create the opportunity to
realize certain benefits including, among other things, potential cost savings. Achieving the benefits of any future acquisitions
depends, in part, on successfully consolidating functions and integrating operations, procedures and personnel in a timely
and efficient manner, as well as Surge's ability to realize the anticipated growth opportunities and synergies from combining
the acquired businesses and operations with its own. The integration of acquired businesses requires the dedication of
substantial management effort, time and resources which may divert management’s focus and resources from other strategic
opportunities and from operational matters during this process. The integration process may result in the loss of key
employees and the disruption of ongoing business, customer and employee relationships that may adversely affect Surge's
ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of these and future acquisitions.
Delay in Cash Receipts and Credit Worthiness of Counterparties
44
In addition to the usual delays in payment by purchasers of oil and natural gas to the operators of Surge's properties, and by
the operator to Surge, payments between any of such parties may also be delayed by restrictions imposed by lenders, delays
in the sale or delivery of products, delays in the connection of wells to a gathering system, blowouts or other accidents,
recovery by the operator of expenses incurred in the operation of Surge's properties or the establishment by the operator of
reserves for such expenses. In addition, the insolvency or financial impairment of any counterparty owing money to Surge,
including industry partners and marketing agents, could prevent Surge from collecting such debts.
Dilution
Common Shares, including rights, warrants, special warrants, subscription receipts and other securities to purchase, to
convert into or to exchange into Common Shares, may be created, issued, sold and delivered on such terms and conditions
and at such times as the Board may determine. In addition, Surge may issue additional Common Shares from time to time
pursuant to Surge's stock option plan and stock incentive plan. The issuance of these Common Shares would result in dilution
to holders of Common Shares.
Net Asset Value
Surge's net asset value will vary depending upon a number of factors beyond the control of Surge's management, including oil
and natural gas prices. The trading price of the Common Shares is also determined by a number of factors which are beyond
the control of management and such trading price may be greater than or less than the net asset value of Surge.
Reliance on Management
Shareholders will be dependent on the management of Surge in respect of the administration and management of all matters
relating to Surge and its properties and operations. Investors who are not willing to rely on the management of Surge should
not invest in Common Shares.
Permits and Licenses
The operations of Surge may require licenses and permits from various governmental authorities. There can be no assurance
that Surge will be able to obtain all necessary licenses and permits that may be required to carry out exploration and
development at its projects.
Title to Properties
Although title reviews will be done according to industry standards prior to the purchase of most oil and natural gas
producing properties or the commencement of drilling wells as determined appropriate by management, such reviews do not
guarantee or certify that an unforeseen defect in the chain of title will not arise to defeat a claim of Surge which could result
in a reduction of Surge's interest in a property or well and the revenue received by Surge therefrom.
Aboriginal Claims
Aboriginal peoples have claimed aboriginal title and rights to resources and various properties in western Canada. Such
claims, in relation to any of Surge's lands, if successful, could have an adverse effect on its operations.
Corporate Matters
To date, Surge has not paid any dividends on its outstanding Common Shares. Certain of the directors and officers of Surge
are also directors and officers of other oil and gas companies involved in natural resource exploration and development, and
conflicts of interest may arise between their duties as officers and directors of Surge, as the case may be, and as officers and
directors of such other companies.
Failure to Maintain Listing of the Common Shares
The Common Shares are currently listed for trading on the facilities of the TSX. The failure of Surge to meet the applicable
listing or other requirements of the TSX in the future may result in the Common Shares ceasing to be listed for trading on the
45
TSX, which would have a material adverse effect on the value of the Common Shares. There can be no assurance that the
Common Shares will continue to be listed for trading on the TSX.
Structure of Surge
From time to time, Surge may take steps to organize its affairs in a manner that minimizes taxes and other expenses payable
with respect to the operation of Surge and its subsidiaries. If the manner in which Surge structures its affairs is successfully
challenged by a taxation or other authority, Surge and the holders of Common Shares may be adversely affected.
Changes in Legislation
It is possible that the Canadian federal and provincial government or regulatory authorities could choose to change the
Canadian federal income tax laws, royalty regimes, environmental laws or other laws applicable to oil and gas companies and
that any such changes could materially adversely affect Surge, its shareholders and the market value of the Common Shares.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND REGULATORY ACTIONS
There are no legal proceedings involving claims for damages for which the potential exposure is more than 10% of the
Corporation's current assets to which the Corporation is or was a party or in respect of which any of its properties are or were
subject during the year ended December 31, 2012, nor are there any such proceedings known to the Corporation to be
contemplated, other than the following: Canadian Natural Resources Limited (“CNRL”) has commenced an action against
Surge claiming conversion, interference with economic relations, negligence and unjust enrichment. CNRL alleges that Surge
has been producing gas belonging to CNRL at Valhalla and claims damages of $10,000,000, along with other forms of relief.
The issues in dispute are the subject of a hearing before the Energy Resources Conservation Board scheduled to commence
on May 21, 2013. Surge believes that any compensation which may become payable to CNRL is not likely to be material.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, there were (i) no penalties or sanctions imposed against the Corporation by a
court relating to securities legislation or by a securities regulatory authority; (ii) no other penalties or sanctions imposed by a
court or regulatory body against the Corporation that it believes would likely be considered important to a reasonable
investor in making an investment decision; and (iii) no settlement agreements entered into by the Corporation with a court
relating to securities legislation or with a securities regulatory authority.
INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS
In connection with the Recapitalization, on April 13, 2010, the current directors and officers of the Corporation, with the
exception of Murray Smith and Colin Davies, purchased 20,452 Common Shares at a price of $4.40 per Common Share,
1,099,413 Units at a price of $4.40 per Unit and 661,951 FT Units at a price of $4.40 per FT Unit. Each Unit consists of one
Common Share and Performance Warrant while each FT Unit consists of one Common Share issued on a “flow-through” basis
in accordance with the Tax Act and one Performance Warrant.
Each of James Pasieka, a director of the Corporation, and Thomas Cotter, the Corporate Secretary of the Corporation, is a
partner of the national law firm Heenan Blaikie LLP, which law firm renders legal services to the Corporation. Surge paid an
aggregate of $0.6 million in legal fees to Heenan Blaikei LLP during the year ended December 31, 2012 and $0.3 million in
legal fees to Heenan Blaikie LLP during the year ended December 31, 2011.
Except as disclosed above or as may be disclosed elsewhere in this AIF, none of the directors, executive officers or principal
shareholders of the Corporation, and no associate or affiliate of any of them, has or has had any material interest in any
transaction or any proposed transaction which has materially affected or is reasonably expected to materially affect the
Corporation or any of its affiliates.
AUDITOR, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The auditor of the Corporation is KPMG LLP who has been the auditor since May 5, 2010.
46
The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Shares is Olympia Trust Company at its principal offices in Calgary, Alberta
and Toronto, Ontario.
INTEREST OF EXPERTS
The Sproule Report and certain reserves estimates contained in filings made by the Corporation under National Instrument
51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Requirements during the year ended December 31, 2012 were prepared by Sproule. As at
the date of this Annual Information Form, the directors, officers, employees and consultants of Sproule who participated in
the preparation of the Sproule Report or such reserves estimates or who were in a position to directly influence the
preparation or outcome of the preparation of the Sproule Report or such reserves estimates, as a group, owned, directly or
indirectly, less than 1% of the outstanding Common Shares.
Certain audit reports contained in filings made by the Corporation under National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure
Requirements during the year ended December 31, 2009 were prepared by Collins Barrow Calgary LLP. KPMG LLP were
appointed auditors of the Corporation on May 5, 2010. KPMG LLP are independent of the Corporation pursuant to the rules
of professional conduct of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta. The previous auditors of the Corporation,
Collins Barrow Calgary LLP, were independent of the Corporation pursuant to the rules of professional conduct of the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta for the period during which they were the auditors of the Corporation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional
information concerning the Corporation may be found under the Corporation’s profile on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com. Additional information, including information concerning directors’ and officers’ remuneration and
indebtedness, principal holders of the Corporation’s securities and securities authorized for issuance under equity
compensation plans, will be contained in the information circular of the Corporation for the annual general meeting of the
holders of Common Shares scheduled for May 15th, 2013. Additional financial information is provided in the Corporation’s
comparative financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2012.
47
SCHEDULE “A”
REPORT ON RESERVES DATA BY INDEPENDENT QUALIFIED RESERVES EVALUATOR OR AUDITOR
A-1
A-2
A-3
SCHEDULE “B”
FORM 51-101F3
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS ON RESERVES DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION
Terms to which a meaning is ascribed in National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities have
the same meaning herein.
Management of Surge Energy Inc. (the “Corporation”) is responsible for the preparation and disclosure of information with
respect to the Corporation’s oil and gas activities in accordance with securities regulatory requirements. This information
includes reserves data, which are estimates of proved reserves and probable reserves and related future net revenue as at
December 31, 2012, estimated using forecast prices and costs.
An independent qualified reserves evaluator has evaluated and reviewed the Corporation’s reserves data. The report of the
independent qualified reserves evaluator is presented in Schedule “A” to the Annual Information Form of the Corporation for
the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “AIF”).
The Reserves Committee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation has:
(a)
(b)
reviewed the Corporation’s procedures for providing information to the independent qualified reserves evaluator,
Sproule Associates Limited (“Sproule”);
met with Sproule to determine whether any restrictions affected the ability of Sproule to report without reservation;
and
(c)
reviewed the reserves data with management and with Sproule.
The Reserves Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed the Corporation’s procedures for assembling and reporting
other information associated with oil and gas activities and has reviewed that information with management. The Board of
Directors has, on the recommendation of the Reserves Committee, approved:
(d)
(e)
(f)
the content and filing with securities regulatory authorities of Form 51-101F1, incorporated into the AIF, containing
reserves data and other oil and gas information;
the filing of Form 51-101F2, which is the report of Sproule on the reserves data; and
the content and filing of this report.
Because the reserves data are based on judgements regarding future events, actual results will vary and the variations may be
material. However, any variations should be consistent with the fact that reserves are categorized according to the
probability of their recovery.
(signed) “P. Daniel O’Neil”
P. Daniel O’Neil, President & Chief Executive Officer
(signed) “Maxwell Lof”
Maxwell Lof, Vice-President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
(signed) "Peter Bannister”
Peter Bannister, Director & Chairman of the Reserves Committee
(signed) "Paul Colborne"
Paul Colborne, Director & Chairman of the Board of Directors
March 19, 2013
B - 1
SCHEDULE “C”
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
SURGE ENERGY INC.
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
Role and Objective
The Audit Committee is a committee of the Board of Directors of Surge Energy Inc. (the “Corporation”) to which the Board
has delegated its responsibility for oversight of the nature and scope of the annual audit, management’s reporting on internal
accounting standards and practices, financial information and accounting systems and procedures, financial reporting and
statements and recommending, for Board approval, the audited consolidated financial statements and other mandatory
disclosure releases containing financial information of the Corporation. The objectives of the Audit Committee are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
to assist directors in fulfilling their legal and fiduciary obligations (especially for accountability) in respect of the
preparation and disclosure of the financial statements of the Corporation and related matters;
to oversee the audit efforts of the external auditors of the Corporation;
to maintain free and open means of communication among the directors, the external auditors, the financial and
senior management of the Corporation;
to satisfy itself that the external auditors are independent of the Corporation; and
to strengthen the role of the outside directors by facilitating in depth discussions between directors on the
Committee, management and external auditors.
The function of the Committee is one of oversight of management and the external auditors in the execution of their
responsibilities. Management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the financial statements of the
Corporation, maintaining appropriate accounting and financial reporting principles and policies and implementing
appropriate internal controls and procedures. The external auditors are responsible for planning and carrying out a proper
audit of the annual financial statements of the Corporation and reviewing the interim financial statements of the Corporation
prior to their filing with securities regulatory authorities and other procedures.
Composition of the Committee
1.
2.
3.
The Audit Committee shall consist of at least three directors. The Board shall appoint one member of the Audit
Committee to be the Chair of the Audit Committee.
Each director appointed to the Audit Committee by the Board must be independent. A director is independent if the
director has no direct or indirect material relationship with the Corporation. A material relationship means a
relationship which could, in the view of the Board, reasonably interfere with the exercise of the director's
independent judgment. In determining whether a director is independent of management, the Board shall make
reference to National Instrument 52-110 – Audit Committees or the then current legislation, rules, policies and
instruments of applicable regulatory authorities.
Each member of the Audit Committee shall be “financially literate”. In order to be financially literate, a director must
be, at a minimum, able to read and understand financial statements that present a breadth and complexity of
C - 1
accounting issues generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues expected to be raised by the
Corporation's financial statements.
4.
A director appointed by the Board to the Audit Committee shall be a member of the Audit Committee until replaced
by the Board or until his or her resignation.
Meetings of the Committee
1.
2.
The Audit Committee shall convene a minimum of four times each year at such times and places as may be
designated by the Chair of the Audit Committee and whenever a meeting is requested by the Board, a member of
the Audit Committee, the auditors, or a senior officer of the Corporation. Meetings of the Audit Committee shall
correspond with the review of the quarterly financial statements and management discussion and analysis of the
Corporation.
Notice of each meeting of the Audit Committee shall be given to each member of the Audit Committee. The auditors
shall be given notice of each meeting of the Audit Committee at which financial statements of the Corporation are to
be considered and such other meetings as determined by the Chair and shall be entitled to attend each such meeting
of the Audit Committee.
3.
Notice of a meeting of the Audit Committee shall:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
be in writing;
state the nature of the business to be transacted at the meeting in reasonable detail;
to the extent practicable, be accompanied by copies of documentation to be considered at the meeting;
and
be given at least two business days prior to the time stipulated for the meeting or such shorter period as the
members of the Audit Committee may permit.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
A quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the Audit Committee shall consist of a majority of the
members of the Audit Committee. However, it shall be the practice of the Audit Committee to require review, and, if
necessary, approval of certain important matters by all members of the Audit Committee.
A member or members of the Audit Committee may participate in a meeting of the Audit Committee by means of
such telephonic, electronic or other communication facilities, as permits all persons participating in the meeting to
communicate adequately with each other. A member participating in such a meeting by any such means is deemed
to be present at the meeting.
In the absence of the Chair of the Audit Committee, the members of the Audit Committee shall choose one of the
members present to be Chair of the meeting. In addition, the members of the Audit Committee shall choose one of
the persons present to be the Secretary of the meeting.
The Chairman of the Board, senior management of the Corporation and other parties may attend meetings of the
Audit Committee; however the Audit Committee (i) shall meet with the external auditors independent of
management as necessary, in the sole discretion of the Committee, but in any event, not less than quarterly; and (ii)
may meet separately with management.
Minutes shall be kept of all meetings of the Audit Committee and shall be signed by the Chair and the Secretary of
the meeting.
C - 2
Duties and Responsibilities of the Committee
1.
2.
3.
4.
It is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to oversee the work of the external auditors, including resolution of
disagreements between management and the external auditors regarding financial reporting. The external auditors
shall report directly to the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee shall, in the exercise of its powers, authorities and discretion so authorized, conform to any
regulations or restrictions that may from time to time be made or imposed upon it by the Board or the legislation,
policies or regulations governing the Corporation and its business.
It is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to satisfy itself on behalf of the Board that the Corporation’s system of
internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures are satisfactory for the purpose of:
(a)
(b)
identifying, monitoring and mitigating the principal risks;
ensuring compliance with legal, ethical and regulatory requirements;
and to review with the external auditors their assessment of the internal controls over financial reporting and the
disclosure controls of the Corporation, their written reports containing recommendations for improvement, and
management’s response and any follow-up to any identified weaknesses.
It is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to review the annual financial statements of the Corporation and, if
deemed appropriate, recommend the financial statements to the Board for approval. This process should include
but be not to be limited to:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
reviewing and accepting, if appropriate, the annual audit plan of the external auditors of the Corporation,
including the scope of audit activities, and monitor such plan’s progress and results during the year;
reviewing changes in accounting principles, or in their application, which may have a material impact on the
current or future years’ financial statements;
reviewing significant accruals, reserves or other estimates such as the ceiling test calculation;
reviewing the methods used to account for significant unusual or non-recurring transactions;
ascertaining compliance with covenants under loan agreements;
reviewing disclosure requirements for commitments and contingencies;
reviewing adjustments raised by the external auditors, whether or not included in the financial statements;
reviewing unresolved differences between management and the external auditors;
obtain explanations of significant variances with comparative reporting periods;
review of business systems changes and implications;
review of authority and approval limits;
review the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting and internal control policies of the Corporation
and procedures through inquiry and discussions with the external auditors and management;
(m)
confirm through private discussion with the external auditors and the management that no management
restrictions are being placed on the scope of the external auditors’ work;
(n)
review of tax policy issues; and
C - 3
(o)
review of emerging accounting issues that could have an impact on the Corporation.
5.
It is the responsibility Audit Committee to review the interim financial statements of the Corporation and, if deemed
appropriate, to recommend the financial statements to the Board for approval and to review all related
management discussion and analysis. The Audit Committee must be satisfied that adequate procedures are in place
for the review of the Corporation’s disclosure of all other financial information and shall periodically assess the
accuracy of those procedures.
6.
The Audit Committee shall have the authority to:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
inspect any and all of the books and records of the Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates;
discuss with the management and senior staff of the Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates, any affected
party and the external auditors, such accounts, records and other matters as any member of the Audit
Committee considers necessary and appropriate;
engage independent counsel and other advisors as it determines necessary to carry out its duties; and
to set and pay the compensation for any advisors employed by the Audit Committee.
7.
With respect to the appointment of external auditors by the Board, the Audit Committee shall:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
recommend to the Board the appointment of the external auditors;
review the performance of the external auditors and make recommendations to the Board regarding the
replacement or termination of the external auditors when circumstances warrant;
oversee the independence of the external auditors by, among other things, requiring the external auditors
to deliver to the Audit Committee, on a periodic basis, a formal written statement delineating all
relationships between the external auditors and the Corporation and its subsidiaries;
recommend to the Board the terms of engagement of the external auditor, including the compensation of
the auditors and a confirmation that the external auditors shall report directly to the Committee; and
when there is to be a change in auditors, review the issues related to the change and the information to be
included in the required notice to securities regulators of such change.
8.
9.
10.
Audit Committee shall review annually with the external auditors their plan for their audit and, upon completion of
the audit, their reports upon the financial statements of the Corporation and its subsidiaries.
The Audit Committee must pre-approve all non-audit services to be provided to the Corporation or its subsidiaries by
external auditors. The Audit Committee may delegate, to one or more members, the authority to pre-approve non-
audit services, provided that the member report to the Audit Committee at the next scheduled meeting and such
pre-approval and the member comply with such other procedures as may be established by the Audit Committee
form time to time.
The Audit Committee shall review the risk management policies and procedures of the Corporation (i.e. hedging,
litigation and insurance), including the annual review of insurance coverage and make appropriate recommendations
to the Board with respect thereto.
11.
The Audit Committee shall establish and maintain procedures for:
(a)
the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Corporation regarding accounting
controls, or auditing matters; and
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(b)
the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Corporation of concerns regarding
questionable accounting or auditing matters.
12.
13.
14.
The Audit Committee shall review and approve the Corporation’s hiring policies regarding employees and former
employees of the present and former external auditors or auditing matters.
The Audit Committee shall periodically report the results of reviews undertaken and any associated
recommendations to the Board.
The Audit Committee shall assess, on an annual basis, the adequacy of this Mandate and the performance of the
Audit Committee.
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