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PotashCorp Logo
Notice of Annual and Special Meeting
of Shareholders and Management Proxy Circular
Annual and Special Meeting
May 7, 2009
 

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Report

M. Mogford

M. Mogford, Chair
W. Fetzer III

W. Fetzer III
D. Howe

D. Howe
A. Laberge

A. Laberge

General

The Corporation has a standing Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, referred to as the "CG&N Committee" hereinafter in this report. The CG&N Committee has a charter which is available to shareholders and others at the Corporation's website, www.potashcorp.com. Each of the following four directors who comprise the CG&N Committee is independent according to the Board's independence standards as set out in the "PotashCorp Governance Principles" (which is available on the Corporation's website), NI 58-101, applicable rules of the SEC and the corporate governance rules of the NYSE. See also "Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors — Director Independence and Other Relationships". During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, the CG&N Committee met 5 times.

Mary Mogford (Chair)
Frederick J. Blesi (until his retirement May 8, 2008)
Wade Fetzer III
Dallas J. Howe
Alice D. Laberge
E. Robert Stromberg (until February 2008)

Disclosure Regarding Governance Procedures

The CG&N Committee is responsible for overseeing compliance with current and emerging governance requirements established by governmental regulators in the United States and Canada and by the NYSE and TSX. The CG&N Committee maintains a checklist of regulatory requirements which is updated and reviewed at every meeting. The CG&N Committee also is responsible for developing and implementing best Board governance practices. The Chair of the CG&N Committee works closely with the Corporate Secretary, the Associate General Counsel and the Senior Director of Investor Relations to ensure that the CG&N Committee stays aware of developments and trends in best governance practices, particularly from the perspective of regulatory bodies, shareholder advocates, individual and institutional investors, governance organizations and academic commentators. In addition, the CG&N Committee is charged with management of the annual review of the performance of the Board, a process that is described in greater detail in "Board/Director Assessment" and in Appendix A.

2008 Governance Activities

In 2008, PotashCorp was awarded the Governance Gavel Award for Director Disclosure by the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance which recognizes excellence in the way companies communicate with their shareholders via the annual proxy circular and our Board was ranked first by the Globe and Mail in its 2008 Board Games, which ranks the corporate governance practices of Canadian public companies.

During 2008, the Committee continued its refinement of the Board evaluation process, including an element of input from senior management into the Board effectiveness evaluations.

During 2008, the CG&N Committee also addressed the issue of whether to provide an advisory vote on executive compensation as per a number of proposals received by other companies regarding such votes. For the reasons set forth in the response to the "Say on Pay" proposal, in Appendix D, the CG&N Committee remains of the view that such advisory votes on executive compensation are not appropriate under the circumstances.

Disclosure Regarding Nominating Processes

In accordance with the provisions of section 137 of the Canada Business Corporations Act (the "CBCA"), shareholders holding in the aggregate not less than 5% of the Corporation's outstanding shares may submit a formal proposal for individuals to be nominated for election as directors. Shareholders wishing to make such a formal proposal should refer to the relevant provisions of the CBCA for a description of the procedures to be followed. For additional information regarding shareholder proposals, see "2010 Shareholder Proposals". Shareholders who do not meet the threshold criteria for making, or otherwise choose not to make, a formal proposal may at any time suggest nominees for election to the Board. Names of and supporting information regarding such nominees should be submitted to: Corporate Secretary, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc., Suite 500, 122 — 1st Avenue South, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7K 7G3, Canada.

The role of the CG&N Committee is to identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board consistent with criteria approved by the Board, to recommend to the Board nominees for election to the Board at each annual meeting of shareholders or to fill vacancies on the Board and to address related matters. In addition, the CG&N Committee also develops and recommends to the Board corporate governance principles applicable to the Corporation and is responsible for leading the annual review of the performance of the Board.

A CG&N Committee-recommended nominee for a position on the Board must, at a minimum, meet the qualification standards for directors established by section 105 of the CBCA. In addition, such nominee must possess and exhibit the highest degree of integrity, professionalism, values and independent judgment. The CG&N Committee also believes that the Board should be comprised of directors who possess experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:

  • fertilizer industry
  • agriculture
  • global agriculture
  • global/international commerce
  • transportation industry
  • e-commerce/technology
  • finance
  • global senior executive management
  • investment banking
  • legal
  • accounting
  • mining industry
  • chemical industry
  • general business management
  • public policy
  • corporate governance
  • compensation/human resources

On an ongoing basis the CG&N Committee asks incumbent directors and senior management to suggest individuals who should be considered as proposed nominees to the Board. The CG&N Committee identifies the mix of expertise and qualities required for the Board. The Chair of the CG&N Committee, in consultation with the CG&N Committee, the Board Chair and the CEO maintains an evergreen list of potential candidates suggested by incumbent directors, senior management or shareholders and biographical information for each such potential candidate. When it becomes apparent that a vacancy on the Board will arise, either from mandatory or elective retirement or otherwise, the CG&N Committee reviews its list of potential candidates against the skill sets of incumbent Board members and the range of experience and expertise necessary for the Board. In completing this analysis, the CG&N Committee utilizes a skills matrix. Potential candidates who have, in the opinion of the CG&N Committee, the desired expertise are identified. Those who have the requisite qualifications and meet the Corporation's standards are ranked by the CG&N Committee in order of preference and contacted to determine their interest in serving on the Board. If this process does not result in the identification of suitable nominees, the CG&N Committee may engage the services of a search firm to assist in the identification of director candidates. The CG&N Committee evaluates all potential candidates in the manner described, no matter what the source of the recommendation.

Prior to joining the Board, new directors are informed of the degree of energy and commitment the Corporation expects of its directors.

In an uncontested election, any nominee for director who fails to receive votes in favor of his or her election representing at least a majority of the votes cast (added together with the votes withheld) shall tender his or her resignation for consideration by the CG&N Committee. Except in extenuating circumstances, it is expected that the CG&N Committee will recommend to the Board that the resignation be accepted and effective within a period of 90 days and that the action taken be publicly disclosed. To the extent possible, the CG&N Committee and Board members who act on the resignation shall be directors who have themselves received a majority of votes cast.

Disclosure Regarding Director Orientation and Continuing Education

The Board has adopted a written New Director Orientation Policy designed to:

(a) provide each new director with a baseline of knowledge about the Corporation that will serve as a basis for informed decision-making;
(b) tailor the program for each new director to take into account his or her unique mix of skills, experience, education, knowledge and needs; and
(c) deliver information over a period of time to minimize the likelihood of overload and maximize the lasting educational impact.

The orientation program is tailored to the needs of each new director and consists of a combination of written materials, one-on-one meetings with senior management, site visits and other briefings and training as appropriate.

The Board also recognizes the importance of ongoing director education and the need for each director to take personal responsibility for this process. To facilitate ongoing education, the Corporation:

(a) maintains a director's intranet site to facilitate the exchange of views and published information;
(b) maintains a membership for each director in an organization dedicated to corporate governance and ongoing director education;
(c) each year encourages and funds the attendance of each director at one seminar or conference of interest and relevance, and funds the attendance of each committee Chair at one additional seminar or conference. In all cases, approval for attendance is obtained, in advance, from the Board Chair;
(d) encourages presentations by outside experts to the Board or committees on matters of particular import or emerging significance; and
(e) at least annually, schedules a site visit in conjunction with a Board meeting.

The Board holds one meeting each year at an operating facility. Site visits by the Board and meetings with senior management of the facility are incorporated into the itinerary.

Disclosure Regarding the Ability of Shareholders to Communicate With the Board of Directors

The Corporation has a process for shareholders or other interested parties who wish to communicate with members of the Board, including the Chair or the non-management directors as a group. Communications in writing should be sent to:

PotashCorp Board of Directors
c/o Corporate Secretary
Suite 500, 122 – 1st Avenue South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 7G3
CANADA

Communications by e-mail should be sent to directors@potashcorp.com.

Matters relating to the Corporation's accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters are referred to the Audit Committee. Other matters are referred to the Board Chair.

To further facilitate communications between the Corporation's shareholders and the Board, the Corporation has adopted a policy that all directors standing for re-election and all new director nominees are expected to attend the Meeting. In 2008, all such directors and nominees attended the annual meeting.

Submitted on behalf of the CG&N Committee: Mary Mogford, Wade Fetzer III, Dallas J. Howe and Alice D. Laberge.