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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2023
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK  
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK

11.    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, GICs and term deposists included in short-term investments, receivables and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates their carrying values due to their short term to maturity. The fair value of U.S. treasury securities, corporate debt securities and commercial paper included in short-term investments  are measured using Level 2 inputs based on standard observable inputs, including reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and bids and/or offers (Note 4).

Fair value estimates of financial instruments are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant information about financial markets and specific financial instruments. As these estimates are subjective in nature, involving uncertainties and matters of judgement, they cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions can significantly affect estimated fair values.

Financial risk factors

The Company’s risk exposures and the impact on the Company’s financial instruments are summarized below:

Credit risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and receivables. The Company limits its exposure to credit loss by placing its cash, to the extent possible in segregated funds with major financial institutions. The Company considers highly liquid investments with a maturity of up to twelve months when purchased to be short-term investments. Short-term investments includes investments that may have maturity dates exceeding one year at the date of purchase; however, the Company may liquidate investment positions prior to maturity to implement management strategies. The Company maintains an investment policy which requires certain minimum investment grades over its investment instruments.

As of March 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents consisted of cash in Canada and the United States and term deposits in Canada and investments in certain instruments which have a maturity of less than three months at the date of purchase. Balances in cash accounts exceed amounts insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation for up to C$100,000 and by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for up to $250,000. Amounts due from government agencies are considered to have minimal credit risk.

Liquidity risk

The Company’s approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet liabilities when due. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had working capital of $155,967,246. The Company does not generate revenue and will be reliant on external financing to fund operations. Debt and equity financing are dependent on market conditions and may not be available on favorable terms.

Market risk

Market risk is the risk of loss that may arise from changes in market factors such as interest rates, and foreign exchange rates.

(a)Interest rate risk

As of March 31, 2023, the Company has cash and cash equivalents balances and short-term investments which are interest bearing. Interest income is not central to the Company’s capital management strategy and not significant to the Company’s projected operational budget. Interest rate fluctuations are not significant to the Company’s risk assessment.

(b)Foreign currency risk

The Company’s foreign currency risk exposure relates to net monetary assets denominated in Canadian dollars and Euro. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in U.S. dollars and converts on an as needed basis to discharge Canadian denominated expenditures. A 10% change in the foreign exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar in relation to Canadian dollar held at March 31, 2023 would result in a fluctuation of $1,988 in the net gain recognized for the period. The Company does not currently engage in hedging activities.