Ensuring that Board members understand EnCana, the industry and the regulatory environment is critical to ensuring that Board members are effective in their role as stewards of the Corporation.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance (NCG) Committee (PDF: 30k) is responsible for and has implemented procedures to orient and educate new Board members concerning their role and responsibilities and for the continued development of existing Board members.
The formal program for new directors includes a series of interviews and orientation sessions with senior management and field tours of major producing properties and areas of operations. Directors are also provided with an informational package which includes EnCana's strategic planning materials, a directors' information handbook, recently issued disclosure materials, the Corporate Constitution and independent third-party peer comparison information.
New members are also encouraged to conduct their own due diligence through independent meetings with the Board Chair, CEO, or any other directors.
EnCana provides continuing education opportunities for all directors so that individual directors can enhance their skills and have a current understanding of EnCana’s business environment. Opportunities provided during 2007 included presentations by third-party expert advisors concerning human resources matters and tours of the Corporation's facilities, including, the Wood River refinery in Illinois.
Directors also have the opportunity to attend external educational programs to assist in their development as a director of EnCana. All such external programs are approved through the Chair of the Board.