MFC BANCORP LTD., 20-F filed on 4/30/2019
Annual and Transition Report (foreign private issuer)
v3.19.1
DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
shares
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]  
Entity Registrant Name MFC BANCORP LTD.
Entity Central Index Key 0000016859
Trading Symbol mfcb
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 12,534,801
Document Type 20-F
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2018
Amendment Flag false
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Entity Shell Company false
v3.19.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 67,760 $ 74,870
Short-term cash deposits   194
Securities 7,400 5,127
Securities-derivatives 209 190
Trade receivables 5,343 34,259
Tax receivables 104 747
Other receivables 8,675 21,690
Inventories 11,406 9,826 [1]
Restricted cash 281  
Deposits, prepaid and other 828 2,378
Total current assets 102,006 149,281
Non-current Assets    
Securities 4,702 771
Securities-derivatives   56
Real estate held for sale 13,830 13,803
Investment property 37,804 37,660
Property, plant and equipment 58,325 83,954
Interests in resource properties 273,250 92,551
Tax receivables 488  
Deferred income tax assets 15,735 16,694 [1]
Other 773 2,132
Other, restricted   45
Total non-current assets 404,907 247,666
Total Assets 506,913 396,947
Current Liabilities    
Short-term bank borrowings   2,074
Debt, current portion 0 43,733
Account payables and accrued expenses 26,315 44,750
Financial liabilities-derivatives 37 302
Income tax liabilities 855 1,910
Total current liabilities 27,207 92,769
Long-term Liabilities    
Loan payable 3,981  
Decommissioning obligations 13,641 13,699
Deferred income tax liabilities 66,421 10,303 [1]
Other 1,257 227
Total long-term liabilities 85,300 24,229
Total liabilities 112,507 116,998
Equity    
Capital stock, fully paid 16 16
Additional paid-in capital 312,132 312,132
Treasury stock (2,643) (2,643)
Contributed surplus 16,735 16,666
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) 19,333 (87,183)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 40,803 38,792
Shareholders' equity 386,376 277,780
Non-controlling interests 8,030 2,169
Total equity 394,406 279,949
Total liabilities and equity $ 506,913 $ 396,947
[1] Restated
v3.19.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Profit or loss [abstract]      
Revenue $ 139,751 $ 274,035 $ 1,131,657
Costs and expenses:      
Costs of sales and services 129,522 263,586 1,061,052
Selling, general and administrative 26,365 45,472 79,164
Share-based compensation - selling, general and administrative 69 2,876 0
Loss on settlement 5,600    
Finance costs 2,125 8,415 24,102
Impairment of available-for-sale securities     91
Reversal of impairment of hydrocarbon, resource properties and property, plant and equipment, net (188,203) (8,945) (8,566)
Exchange differences on foreign currency transactions, net (gain) loss (3,556) 1,038 (7,480)
Total (28,078) 312,442 1,148,363
Income (loss) before income taxes 167,829 (38,407) (16,706)
Income tax (expense) recovery:      
Income taxes (56,105) (6,885) (5,994)
Resource revenue taxes 487 (1,773) (1,020)
(Provision for) recovery of income taxes (55,618) (8,658) (7,014)
Net income (loss) for the year 112,211 (47,065) (23,720)
Net loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interests 65 (790) (1,641)
Net income (loss) attributable to owners of the parent company $ 112,276 $ (47,855) $ (25,361)
Earnings (loss) per share:      
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 8.96 $ (3.81) $ (2.01)
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 8.96 $ (3.81) $ (2.01)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding      
- Basic (in shares) 12,534,801 12,544,141 12,628,454
- Diluted (in shares) 12,534,801 12,544,141 12,628,454
v3.19.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of comprehensive income [abstract]      
Net income (loss) for the year $ 112,211 $ (47,065) $ (23,720)
Items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss      
Exchange differences arising from translating financial statements of foreign operations 2,440 7,002 (14,067)
Reclassification adjustment for exchange differences to statements of operations for subsidiaries deconsolidated 672 (11,306) (560)
Net exchange difference 3,112 (4,304) (14,627)
Fair value gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities   542 (73)
Reclassification of fair value (gain) loss on available-for-sale securities to statements of operations for securities disposed of or impaired   (52) 141
Net fair value gain on available-for-sale securities   490 68
Fair value loss on securities at fair value through other comprehensive income (75)    
Reclassification of reversal of impairment charge to statement of operations (3)    
Net fair value loss on securities at fair value through other comprehensive income (78)    
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Remeasurement of net defined benefit liabilities      
Remeasurement of net defined benefit liabilities   219 192
Other comprehensive (loss) income 3,034 (3,595) (14,367)
Total comprehensive income (loss) for the year 115,245 (50,660) (38,087)
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests (277) (683) (1,585)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to owners of the parent company $ 114,968 $ (51,343) $ (39,672)
v3.19.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Capital Stock and additional paid-in capital
Treasury Stock
Share-based Compensation
Contingently Issuable Shares
(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings
Available-for-sale Securities
Securities at Fair Value Through Other Comprehensive Income
Defined Benefit Obligations
Currency Translation Adjustment
Share-holders' Equity
Non-controlling Interests
Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015 $ 419,916 $ (61,085) $ 13,790 $ 1,627 $ (63,559) $ (97)   $ (499) $ 57,099 $ 367,192 $ 2,008 $ 369,200
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015 17,315,673 (4,687,218)                    
Net (loss) income         (25,361)         (25,361) 1,641 (23,720)
Dividends paid                     (1,683) (1,683)
Net fair value (loss) gain           68       68   68
Net (loss) gain on remeasurements               192   192   192
Net exchange differences                 (14,571) (14,571) (56) (14,627)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016 $ 419,916 $ (61,085) 13,790 1,627 (88,920) (29)   (307) 42,528 327,520 1,910 329,430
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016 17,315,673 (4,687,218)                    
Repurchase and cancellation of shares and cancellation of shares and equity instruments $ (2,856)     $ (1,627) 3,165         (1,318)   (1,318)
Repurchase and cancellation of shares and cancellation of shares and equity instruments (in shares) (90,000)                      
Plan of arrangement - purchase of fractional shares $ (41)                 (41)   (41)
Plan of arrangement - purchase of fractional shares (in shares) (3,654)                      
Plan of arrangement - cash distributions $ (2)                 (2)   (2)
Plan of arrangement - offsetting deficit (87,850)       87,850              
Plan of arrangement - share capital restructuring $ (17,019) $ 58,442     (41,423)              
Plan of arrangement - share capital restructuring (in shares) (4,621,571) 4,621,571                    
Shares issued to non-controlling interests, net of subscription receivables                     1,177 1,177
Net (loss) income         (47,855)         (47,855) 790 (47,065)
Dividends paid                     (1,601) (1,601)
Share based compensation     2,876             2,876   2,876
Loss on disposition of shares in a subsidiary               88   88   88
Net fair value (loss) gain           490       490   490
Net (loss) gain on remeasurements               $ 219   219   219
Net exchange differences                 (4,197) (4,197) (107) (4,304)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017 $ 312,148 $ (2,643) 16,666   (87,183) 461     38,331 277,780 2,169 279,949
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017 12,600,448 (65,647)                    
Change in accounting policy (see Note 2B(i))         524 $ (461) $ (63)          
Net (loss) income         112,276         112,276 (65) 112,211
Dividends paid                     (805) (805)
Return of capital                     (52) (52)
Share based compensation     69             69   69
Loss on disposition of shares in a subsidiary         (6,284)       (157) (6,441) 6,441  
Net (loss) gain on remeasurements             (78)     (78)    
Net exchange differences                 2,770 2,770 342 3,112
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018 $ 312,148 $ (2,643) $ 16,735   $ 19,333   $ (141)   $ 40,944 $ 386,376 $ 8,030 $ 394,406
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018 12,600,448 (65,647)                    
v3.19.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - Components of Capital Stock - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Capital Stock
Common Shares
Capital Stock
Preferred Shares
[1]
Capital Stock
Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015 $ 402,897 $ 17,019 $ 419,916 $ 369,200
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015 12,694,102 4,621,571 17,315,673  
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]        
Issuance of contingently issuable shares     $ 0  
Issuance of contingently issuable shares (in shares)     0  
Plan of arrangement     $ 0  
Plan of arrangement (in shares)     0  
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016 $ 402,897 $ 17,019 $ 419,916 329,430
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016 12,694,102 4,621,571 17,315,673  
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]        
Issuance of contingently issuable shares $ (2,856)   $ (2,856)  
Issuance of contingently issuable shares (in shares) (90,000)   (90,000)  
Plan of arrangement $ (87,893) $ (17,019) $ (104,912)  
Plan of arrangement (in shares) (3,654) (4,621,571) (4,625,225)  
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017 $ 312,148   $ 312,148 279,949
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017 12,600,448   12,600,448  
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]        
Issuance of contingently issuable shares     $ 0  
Issuance of contingently issuable shares (in shares)     0  
Plan of arrangement     $ 0  
Plan of arrangement (in shares)     0  
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018 $ 312,148   $ 312,148 $ 394,406
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018 12,600,448   12,600,448  
[1] Preferred Shares were held by the Group as Treasury Stock
v3.19.1
EQUITY - Components of Common Shares - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of changes in equity [abstract]      
Capital stock, no par value and fully paid     $ 402,897
Issued capital $ 16 $ 16  
Additional paid-in capital 312,132 312,132  
Capital Stock and additional paid-in capital, total $ 312,148 $ 312,148 $ 402,897
v3.19.1
EQUITY - Components of Contributed Surplus - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of changes in equity [abstract]      
Share-based compensation $ 16,735 $ 16,666 $ 13,790
Contingently issuable shares     1,627
Contributed Surplus $ 16,735 $ 16,666 $ 15,417
v3.19.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income (loss) for the year $ 112,211 $ (47,065) $ (23,720)
Adjustments for:      
Amortization, depreciation and depletion 5,712 6,732 11,951
Exchange differences on foreign currency transactions (3,556) 1,038 (7,480)
(Gain) loss on short-term securities and securities at FVTPL (3,856) 1 66
(Gain) loss on dispositions of subsidiaries (25,771) 10,219 (2,585)
Impairment of available-for-sale securities     91
Reversal of impairment of hydrocarbon and resource properties and property, plant and equipment, net (188,203) (8,945) (8,566)
Share-based compensation 69 2,876  
Deferred income taxes 55,238 3,141 1,454
Market value decrease (increase) on commodity inventories 109 (400) 4,273
Interest accretion 373 412 471
Change in fair value of a loan payable measured at FVTPL 167    
Credit losses 34,985 23,923 18,277
Write-offs of intangible assets and prepaid 2,129    
Gains on settlements of liabilities (9,502) (3,779)  
Loss on settlement 5,600    
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:      
Short-term cash deposits 197   39
Short-term securities (1,050)   3,997
Receivables 10,264 30,188 (16,869)
Inventories (1,429) 19,588 184,944
Restricted cash (275)   624
Deposits, prepaid and other 70 8,361 24,661
Assets held for sale   12,636  
Short-term bank borrowings (1,621) (34,513) 34,707
Account payables and accrued expenses 435 (26,513) (124,528)
Income tax liabilities (1,046) 21 (1,576)
Accrued pension assets, net of obligations   (54) 43
Other 1,559 (1,064) (407)
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities (7,191) (3,197) 99,867
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Purchases of securities (1,199)    
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net (198) 4,783 (198)
Acquisition of intangible assets   (765)  
Proceeds from sales of investments, net   526 10,138
Proceeds from sales of investment property 1,018    
Increase in loan receivables   (590) (366)
Decrease in loan receivables   725 693
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired   (44) (23,926)
Dispositions of subsidiaries, net of cash and cash equivalents disposed of (825) (8,384) 48,796
Other (77) 255 345
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities (1,281) (3,494) 35,482
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Debt repayment   (42,253) (186,286)
Debt borrowing     20,694
Cash paid under the plan of arrangement   (43)  
Shares issued to non-controlling interests   1,177  
Return of capital to non-controlling interests (52)    
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (805) (1,601) (1,683)
Cash flows used in financing activities (857) (42,720) (167,275)
Exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents 2,219 3,605 (37,540)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (7,110) (45,806) (69,466)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 74,870 120,676 197,519
Cash and cash equivalents included in assets held for sale, net     (7,377)
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 67,760 74,870 120,676
Supplemental cash flows disclosure (see Note 27)      
Interest received 906 1,079 3,632
Dividends received 168   6
Interest paid (1,198) (4,575) (14,533)
Income taxes paid $ (2,626) $ (2,029) $ (3,317)
v3.19.1
Nature of Business
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure For Nature Of Business [Abstract]  
Nature of Business
Note 1. Nature of Business
MFC Bancorp Ltd. (“MFC Bancorp” or the “Company” is incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. MFC Bancorp and the entities it controls are collectively known as the “Group” in these consolidated financial statements. The Group is a merchant bank that provides financial services, with its core asset being an interest in the Scully Iron Ore Mine in Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada. In addition, the Group owns other merchant banking assets and seeks to invest in businesses or assets whose intrinsic value is not properly reflected. The Group’s investing activities are generally not passive. The Group actively seeks investments where its financial expertise and management can add or unlock value.
On July 14, 2017, the former holding company of the Group completed a plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). The Arrangement was approved by its shareholders and the British Columbia Supreme Court in July 2017. Pursuant to the Arrangement and the Court order, among other things: (i) its common shares were consolidated on a 100 for 1 basis, with any resulting fractional shares being eliminated and, thereafter, such shares were split on a 1 for 20 basis (the “Share Consolidation /  Split”); and (ii) each holder of its shares received one of our common shares for each share held as of the effective date of the Arrangement. In these consolidated financial statements, the number of shares and earnings per share in the prior period have been restated to reflect the Share Consolidation / Split.
v3.19.1
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Basis Of Presentation, Accounting Policies, Critical Accounting Estimates And Judgements [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
A. Basis of Presentation
Basis of Accounting
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the “IASB”). MFC Bancorp complies with all the requirements of IFRS. The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied with the exception of the adoption of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”), IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”) and the amendments to IFRS 2, Share-Based Payment from January 1, 2018. See Note 2B.
These consolidated financial statements were prepared using going concern, accrual (except for cash flow information) and historical cost (except for investment property and certain financial assets and financial liabilities which are measured at fair value and certain inventories that are measured at fair value less costs to sell) bases.
The presentation currency of these consolidated financial statements is the Canadian dollar ($), rounded to the nearest thousand (except per share amounts).
Principles of Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MFC Bancorp and entities it controls. The Company controls an investee if and only if it has all the following: (a) power over the investee; (b) exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and (c) the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of its returns. When the Group holds, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting power of an investee, it is presumed that the Group controls the investee, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that this is not the case. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. All intercompany balances and transactions, including unrealized profits arising from intragroup transactions, have been eliminated in full. Unrealized losses are eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
On the acquisition date, a non-controlling interest is measured at either its fair value or its proportionate share in the recognized amounts of the subsidiary’s identifiable net assets, on a transaction-by-transaction basis. Subsequently, the non-controlling interest increases or decreases for its share of changes in equity since the acquisition date.
After initial consolidation of a subsidiary, when the proportion of equity held by non-controlling interests changes, the Group, as long as it continues to control the subsidiary, adjusts the carrying amounts of the controlling and non-controlling interests to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the subsidiary. The Group recognizes directly in equity any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received and attributes such difference to the owners of MFC Bancorp.
When the Group loses control of a subsidiary it: (a) derecognizes (i) the assets (including any goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary at their carrying amounts at the date when control is lost and (ii) the carrying amount of any non-controlling interests in the former subsidiary at the date when control is lost (including any components of other comprehensive income attributable to them); (b) recognizes (i) the fair value of the consideration received, if any, from the transaction, event or circumstances that resulted in the loss of control, (ii) if the transaction, event or circumstances that resulted in the loss of control involves a distribution of shares of the subsidiary to owners in their capacity as owners, that distribution and (iii) any investment retained in the former subsidiary at its fair value at the date when control is lost; (c) reclassifies to profit or loss, or transfers directly to retained earnings if required by IFRS, the amounts recognized in other comprehensive income in relation to the subsidiary; and (d) recognizes any resulting difference as a gain or loss under costs of sales and services in profit or loss attributable to the owners of MFC Bancorp.
The financial statements of MFC Bancorp and its subsidiaries used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are prepared as of the same date, using uniform accounting policies for like transactions and other events in similar circumstances.
Foreign Currency Translation
The presentation currency of the Group’s consolidated financial statements is the Canadian dollar.
MFC Bancorp conducts its business throughout the world through its foreign operations. Foreign operations are entities that are subsidiaries or branches, the activities of which are based or conducted in countries or currencies other than those of MFC Bancorp. Functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which an entity operates and is normally the currency in which the entity primarily generates and expends cash. Foreign currency is a currency other than the functional currency of the entity. The functional currencies of the Company and its subsidiaries and branches primarily comprise the Canadian dollar, Euro (“EUR” or “€”) and United States dollar (“US$”).
Reporting foreign currency transactions in the functional currency
A foreign currency transaction is a transaction that is denominated or requires settlement in a foreign currency. A foreign currency transaction is recorded, on initial recognition in an entity’s functional currency, by applying to the foreign currency amount the spot exchange rate between the functional currency and the foreign currency at the date of the transaction. At the end of each reporting period: (a) foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate; (b) non-monetary items denominated in a foreign currency that are measured in terms of historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction; and (c) foreign currency non-monetary items that are measured at fair value are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined.
Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items or on translating monetary items at rates different from those at which they were translated on initial recognition during the period or in previous periods are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise, except for exchange differences arising on a monetary item that forms part of a reporting entity’s net investment in a foreign operation which are initially recorded in other comprehensive income in the consolidated financial statements and reclassified from equity to profit or loss on disposal of the net investment.
When a gain or loss on a non-monetary item is recognized in other comprehensive income, any exchange component of that gain or loss is recognized in other comprehensive income. Conversely, when a gain or loss on a non-monetary item is recognized in profit or loss, any exchange component of that gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss.
Use of a presentation currency other than the functional currency
When an entity presents its financial statements in a currency that differs from its functional currency, the results and financial position of the entity are translated into the presentation currency using the following procedures: (a) assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of the statement of financial position; (b) income and expenses for each statement of operations presented are translated at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions or, for practical reasons, the average exchange rates for the periods when they approximate the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions; (c) individual items within equity are translated at either the historical exchange rates when practical or at the closing exchange rates at the date of the statement of financial position; and (d) all resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income.
The following table sets out exchange rates for the translation of the Euro and United States dollar, which represented the major trading currencies of the Group, into the Canadian dollar:
     
EUR
   
US$
 
Closing rate at December 31, 2018
        1.5613           1.3642    
Average rate for the year 2018
        1.5302           1.2957    
Closing rate at December 31, 2017
        1.5052           1.2545    
Average rate for the year 2017
        1.4650           1.2986    
Closing rate at December 31, 2016
        1.4169           1.3427    
Average rate for the year 2016
        1.4660           1.3248    
Fair Value Measurement
Certain assets and liabilities of the Group are measured at fair value (see Note 2B).
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value measurement is for a particular asset or liability. Therefore, when measuring fair value, the Group takes into account the characteristics of the asset or liability if market participants would take those characteristics into account when pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:
(a)     in the principal market for the asset or liability; or
 
(b)     in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
 
The Group measures the fair value of an asset or a liability using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs. IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement (“IFRS 13”),establishes a fair value hierarchy that categorizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels:
Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.
Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.
Non-current Assets Held for Sale
A non-current asset (or disposal group) is classified as held for sale if its carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. For this to be the case, the asset (or disposal group) must be available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for the sale of such asset (or disposal group), the appropriate level of management must be committed to a plan to sell the asset (or disposal group) and an active program to locate a buyer and complete the plan must have been initiated. Further, the asset (or disposal group) must be actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value and the sale is highly probable to complete within one year from the date of classification, except as permitted under certain events and circumstances. If the aforesaid criteria are no longer met, the Group ceases to classify the asset (or disposal group) as held for sale.
Non-current assets (and disposal groups) classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amounts and fair values less costs to sell. The Group does not depreciate or amortize a non-current asset while it is classified as held for sale.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions and Measurement Uncertainty
The timely preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Management’s best estimates are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time estimates are made, historical experience, general economic conditions and trends and management’s assessment of probable future outcomes of these matters. Actual results could differ from these estimates and such differences could be material. For critical judgments in applying accounting policies and major sources of estimation uncertainty (see Notes 2C and 2D).
B. Significant Accounting Policies
(i) Financial Instruments
IFRS 9
The Group adopted IFRS 9 with a date of initial application of January 1, 2018.
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized on the consolidated statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the financial instrument contract. A financial asset is derecognized either when the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset or when cash flows expire. A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, canceled or expired.
The Group classifies its financial assets into the following measurement categories: (a) those measured subsequently at fair value (either through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”) or through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) and (b) subsequently measured at amortized cost. The classification of financial assets depends on the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets and the terms of the contractual cash flows. The Group classifies its financial liabilities as subsequently measured at amortized cost, except for financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.
Initial Adoption of IFRS 9
IFRS 9 does not require restatement of comparative periods. Accordingly, the Group has reflected the retrospective impact of the adoption of IFRS 9 due to the change in accounting policy for investments in equity securities as an adjustment to opening accumulated deficit as at January 1, 2018. Under IFRS 9, the Group’s investments in equity securities, which were previously classified as available for sale or at cost under IAS 39,Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (“IAS 39”), are measured at FVTPL. The retrospective adjustment, which represented the fair value gain adjustment on investments in equity securities as of January 1, 2018, was $524 and debited to other comprehensive income.
Upon the initial adoption of IFRS 9 on January 1, 2018, the financial assets which were previously classified at fair value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity, loans and receivables and available-for-sale have been transferred to, financial assets measured at FVTPL, FVTOCI or amortised cost.
IAS 39 (Accounting Policies Applicable Prior to January 1, 2018)
All financial assets and financial liabilities were classified by characteristic and/or management intent. Except for certain financial instruments which were excluded from the scope, all financial assets were classified into one of four categories: (a) at fair value through profit or loss; (b) held-to-maturity; (c) loans and receivables; and (d) available-for-sale, and all financial liabilities were classified into one of two categories: (a) at fair value through profit or loss; and (b) at amortized cost.
A financial asset or financial liability at fair value through profit or loss was a financial asset or financial liability that met either of the following conditions: (a) it was classified as held for trading if it was (i) acquired or incurred principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing it in the near term, (ii) part of a portfolio of identified financial instruments that were managed together and for which there was evidence of a recent actual pattern of short-term profit taking, or (iii) a derivative, except for a derivative that was a designated and effective hedging instrument; or (b) it was designated by the Group upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss when certain conditions were met.
Available-for-sale financial assets were those non-derivative financial assets that were designated as available for sale, or that were not classified as loans and receivables, held-to-maturity investments, or at fair value through profit or loss.
Non-derivative financial liabilities were classified as financial liabilities measured at amortized cost.
After initial recognition, the Group measured financial assets, including derivatives that were assets, at their fair values, without any deduction for transaction costs it might incur on sale or other disposal, except for the following financial assets: (a) held-to-maturity investments which were measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method; (b) loans and receivables which were measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method; and (c) investments in equity instruments that did not have a quoted market price in an active market and whose fair value could not be reliably measured and derivatives that were linked to and had to be settled by delivery of such unquoted equity instruments which were measured at cost. All financial assets except those measured at fair value through profit or loss were subject to review for impairment.
Common to Both IFRS 9 and IAS 39
Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are accounted for at the settlement date.
When a financial asset or financial liability is recognized initially, the Group measures it at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset or financial liability not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial asset or financial liability. Transaction costs related to the acquisition or issue of a financial asset or financial liability at fair value through profit or loss are expensed as incurred. The subsequent measurement of a financial instrument and the recognition of associated gains and losses are determined by the financial instrument classification.
A gain or loss on a financial asset or financial liability classified as at fair value through profit or loss is recognized in profit or loss for the period in which it arises. A gain or loss on an asset measured at FVTOCI or classified as available for sale is recognized in other comprehensive income, except for impairment losses, until the financial asset is derecognized, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income is recognized in profit or loss for the period. For financial assets and financial liabilities carried at amortized cost, a gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss when the financial asset or financial liability is derecognized or impaired and through the amortization process.
Net gains or net losses on financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss do not include interest or dividend income.
Whenever quoted market prices are available, bid prices are used for the measurement of fair value of financial assets while ask prices are used for financial liabilities. When the market for a financial instrument is not active, the Group establishes fair value by using a valuation technique. Valuation techniques include using recent arm’s length market transactions between knowledgeable, willing parties, if available; reference to the current fair value of another financial instrument that is substantially the same; discounted cash flow analysis; option pricing models; and other valuation techniques commonly used by market participants to price the financial instrument.
(ii) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash at banks and highly liquid investments (e.g. money market funds) readily convertible to a known amount of cash and subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. They have maturities of three months or less from the date of acquisition and are generally interest-bearing.
(iii) Securities
IFRS 9
Investments in equity securities are measured at FVTPL.
Debt securities which are held within a business model whose objective is to collect the contractual cash flows and sell the debt securities, and that have contractual cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal outstanding are measured at FVTOCI.
IAS 39 (Accounting Policies Applicable Prior to January 1, 2018)
Securities were classified as at fair value through profit or loss (i.e. held for trading) or short-term or long-term available-for-sale securities.
Publicly-traded securities (debt and equity) which were acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near term were classified as held for trading.
Available-for-sale securities consisted of publicly-traded securities and unlisted equity securities which were not held for trading and not held to maturity. Long-term available-for-sale securities were purchased with the intention to hold until market conditions render alternative investments more attractive. Short-term available-for-sale securities were held with the intention of management to sell within the current operating cycle but did not meet the definition of trading securities.
When a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale security had been recognized in other comprehensive income and there was objective evidence that the asset is impaired, the cumulative loss that had been recognized in other comprehensive income was reclassified from equity to profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment even though the security had not been derecognized. A significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of an investment in an equity instrument below its cost is an objective evidence of impairment. The Group considered a decline in excess of 25 percent generally as significant and a decline in a quoted market price that persisted for 15 months as prolonged. Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for an investment in an equity instrument classified as available for sale would not be reversed through profit or loss.
Gains and losses on sales of securities are calculated on the average cost basis.
(iv) Securities and Financial Liabilities – Derivatives
A derivative is a financial instrument or other contract with all three of the following characteristics: (a) its value changes in response to the change in a specified interest rate, financial instrument price, product price, foreign exchange rate, index of prices or rates, credit rating or credit index, or other variable; (b) it requires no initial net investment or an initial net investment that is smaller than would be required for other types of contracts that would be expected to have a similar response to changes in market factors; and (c) it is settled at a future date. A derivative financial instrument is either exchange-traded or negotiated. A derivative financial instrument is included in the consolidated statement of financial position as a security (i.e. financial asset) or a financial liability and measured at fair value. The recognition and measurement of a derivative financial instrument under both IFRS 9 and IAS 39 does not apply to a contract that is entered into and continues to be held for the purpose of the receipt or delivery of a non-financial item in accordance with the Group’s expected purchase, sale or usage requirements, unless the Group, as allowed under IFRS 9, designates the contract as measured at fair value through profit or loss if it eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement inconsistency.
Where the Group has both the legal right and intent to settle derivative assets and liabilities simultaneously with the counterparty, the net fair value of the derivative financial instruments is reported as an asset or liability, as appropriate.
Changes in the fair values of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized in profit or loss as they arise.
(v ) Financial Liabilities
The Group measures financial liabilities at either amortised cost or FVTPL. Financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost, unless either it is held for trading and hence required to be measured at FVTPL or the group elects to measure the financial liability at FVTPL.
(vi) Receivables
Receivables are measured at amortized cost under both IFRS 9 and IAS 39.
Receivables are net of an allowance for credit losses, if any. The Group performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses. Receivables are considered past due on an individual basis based on the terms of the contracts.
(vii) Allowance for Credit Losses
IFRS 9
The Group recognizes and measures a loss allowance for expected credit losses on a financial asset which is measured at amortized cost or at FVTOCI, including a lease receivable, a contract asset or a loan commitment and a financial guarantee contract. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition. To assess whether there is a significant increase in credit risk, the Group compares the risk of a default occurring on the asset as at the reporting date with the risk of default as at the date of initial recognition based on all information available, and reasonable and supportive forward-looking information.
When there is significant increase in credit risk or for credit-impaired financial assets, the loss allowance equals the lifetime expected credit losses which is defined as the expected credit losses that result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument. If, at the reporting date, the credit risk on a financial asset has not increased significantly since initial recognition, the Group measures the loss allowance for that financial instrument at an amount equal to the 12-month expected credit losses which is defined as the portion of lifetime expected credit losses that represent the expected credit losses that result from default events on a financial instrument that are possible within the 12 months after the reporting date.
As required by IFRS 9, the Group always measures the loss allowance at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses for trade receivables and contract assets that result from transactions that are within the scope of IFRS 15.
IAS 39 (Accounting Policies Applicable Prior to January 1, 2018)
The Group applied credit risk assessment and valuation methods to its trade and other receivables. Credit losses arose primarily from receivables but might also relate to other credit instruments issued by or on behalf of the Group, such as guarantees and letters of credit. Specific provisions were established on an individual receivable basis.
Common to Both IFRS 9 and IAS 39
The Group’s allowance for credit losses is maintained at an amount considered adequate to absorb expected or estimated credit-related losses. Such allowance reflects management’s best estimate of the losses in the Group’s financial assets and judgments about economic conditions. Estimates and judgments could change in the near term, and could result in a significant change to a recognized allowance. An allowance for credit losses is increased by provisions, which are recognized in profit or loss and reduced by write-offs net of any recoveries. Write-offs are generally recorded after all reasonable restructuring or collection activities have taken place and there is no realistic prospect of recovery.
(viii) Inventories
Inventories principally consist of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. Inventories, other than commodities products, are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost, where appropriate, includes an allocation of manufacturing overheads incurred in bringing inventories to their present location and condition and is assigned by using the first-in, first-out or weighted average cost formula, depending on the class of inventories. Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution. The amount of any write-down of inventories to net realizable value and all losses of inventories are recognized as an expense in the period the write-down or loss occurs. The reversal of a write-down of inventories arising from an increase in net realizable value is recognized as a reduction in the amount of costs of sales and services in the period in which the reversal occurs.
Commodity products acquired by the Group as a broker-trader in the Group’s merchant banking activities with the purpose of selling in the near future and generating a profit from fluctuations in price or broker-traders’ margin are measured at fair value less costs to sell. Fair values of the Group’s inventories are determined by reference to their contractual selling prices or quoted prices in marketplaces in the absence of a contract (Level 1 fair value hierarchy), in accordance with guidance on fair value in IFRS 13.
(ix) Real Estate Held for Sale
Real estate held for sale is real estate intended for sale in the ordinary course of business or in the process of construction or development for such sale.
Real estate held for sale is measured at the lower of cost (on a specific item basis) and net realizable value. Net realizable value is estimated by reference to sale proceeds of similar properties sold in the ordinary course of business less all estimated selling expenses around the reporting date, or by management estimates based on prevailing market conditions. The amount of any write-down of properties to net realizable value is recognized as an expense in the period the write-down occurs. The reversal of a write-down arising from an increase in net realizable value is recognized in the period in which the reversal occurs.
All of the Group’s real estate is located in Europe.
(x) Investment Property
Investment property is property that is held for generating rental income or for capital appreciation or both, rather than for: (a) use in the production or supply of goods or services or for administrative purposes; or (b) sale in the ordinary course of business. The Group’s investment property comprises freehold land and buildings. Investment property is initially recognized at cost including related transaction costs. After initial recognition, investment property is measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.
The Group determines fair value without any deduction for transaction costs it may incur on sale or other disposal. Fair value of the Group’s investment property is based on valuations prepared annually by external evaluators in accordance with guidance issued by the International Valuation Standard Committee and reviewed by the Group, or these valuations are updated by management when there are no significant changes in the inputs to the valuation prepared by external evaluators in the preceding year, in accordance with guidance on fair value in IFRS 13.
(xi) Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and, if any, accumulated impairment losses. The initial cost of an item of property, plant and equipment comprises its purchase price or construction cost, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset into operation, the initial estimate of any decommissioning obligation, if any, and, for qualifying assets, borrowing costs. The purchase price or construction cost is the aggregate amount paid and the fair value of any other consideration given to acquire the asset. Where an item of property, plant and equipment or part of the item that was separately depreciated is replaced and it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the replacement item will flow to the Group, the cost of the replacement item is capitalized and the carrying amount of the replaced asset is derecognized. All other replacement expenditures are recognized in profit or loss when incurred.
Inspection costs associated with major maintenance programs are capitalized and amortized over the period to the next inspection. All other maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
The depreciable amounts of the Group’s property, plant, and equipment (i.e. the costs of the assets less their residual values) are depreciated according to the following estimated useful lives and methods:
     
Lives
   
Method
 
Buildings
   
20 years 
        straight-line    
Processing plant and equipment
   
5 to 20 years 
        straight-line    
Refinery and power plants
   
20 to 30 years 
        straight-line    
Office equipment and other
   
3 to 10 years 
        straight-line    
Depreciation expense is included in costs of sales and services or selling, general and administrative expense, whichever is appropriate.
The residual value and the useful life of an asset are reviewed at least at each financial year-end and, if expectations differ from previous estimates, the changes, if any, are accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate in accordance with IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. The depreciation method applied to an asset is reviewed at least at each financial year-end and, if there has been a significant change in the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the asset, the method is changed to reflect the changed pattern.
The carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item) is included in profit or loss in the period in which the item is derecognized.
(xii) Interests in Resource Properties
The Group’s interests in resource properties are mainly comprised of an interest in the Scully Iron Ore Mine, and to a lesser extent exploration and evaluation assets (comprising hydrocarbon probable reserves and hydrocarbon undeveloped lands), hydrocarbon development and production assets.
(a) Exploration and evaluation assets
Exploration and evaluation costs, including the costs of acquiring undeveloped land and drilling costs are initially capitalized until the drilling of the well is complete and the results have been evaluated in order to determine the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the asset. Technical feasibility and commercial viability are considered to be determinable when proved and/or probable reserves are determined to exist. When proved and/or probable reserves are found, the drilling costs and the costs of associated hydrocarbon undeveloped lands are reclassified to hydrocarbon development and production assets or from hydrocarbon undeveloped lands to hydrocarbon probable reserves. The cost of hydrocarbon undeveloped land that expires or any impairment recognized during a period is charged to profit or loss. Pre-license costs are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.
(b) Hydrocarbon development and production assets and an interest in an iron ore mine
The Group’s interests in resource properties are mainly comprised of an interest in the Scully Iron Ore Mine, and to a lesser extent, hydrocarbon development and production assets.
(1) Recognition and measurement
Interests in resource properties are initially measured at cost and subsequently carried at cost less accumulated depletion and, if any, accumulated impairment losses.
The cost of an interest in resource property includes the initial purchase price and directly attributable expenditures to find, develop, construct and complete the asset. This cost includes reclassifications from exploration and evaluation assets, installation or completion of infrastructure facilities such as platforms, pipelines and the drilling of development wells, including unsuccessful development or delineation wells. Any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary to operate as intended by management and result in an identifiable future benefit are also capitalized. These costs include an estimate of decommissioning obligations and, for qualifying assets, capitalized borrowing costs.
(2) Subsequent costs
Costs incurred subsequent to the determination of technical feasibility and commercial viability and the costs of replacing parts of property are capitalized only when they increase the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which they relate. Such capitalized costs generally represent costs incurred in developing proved reserves and bringing in, or enhancing production from, such reserves and are accumulated on a field or geotechnical area basis. All other expenditures are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. The costs of periodic servicing of the properties are recognized in costs of sales and services as incurred.
The carrying amount of any replaced or sold component is derecognized.
(3) Depletion
The carrying amount of an interest in a resource property is depleted using the unit of production method by reference to the ratio of production in the period to the related reserves.
For interests in hydrocarbon development and production assets, depletion is calculated based on proved producing reserves, taking into account estimated future development costs necessary to bring those reserves into production and the estimated salvage values of the assets at the end of their estimated useful lives. Future development costs are estimated taking into account the level of development required to continue to produce the reserves. Reserves for hydrocarbon development and production assets are estimated annually by independent qualified reserve evaluators and represent the estimated quantities of natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil which geological, geophysical and engineering data demonstrate with a specified degree of certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs and which are considered commercially producible. For depletion purposes, relative volumes of petroleum and natural gas production and reserves are converted at the energy equivalent conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of crude oil.
For the interest in an iron ore mine, depletion is calculated based on proved and probable reserves. The estimate of the reserves of iron ore is reviewed whenever significant new information about the reserve is available, or at least at each financial year-end.
(xiii) Impairment of Non-financial Assets
The Group reviews the carrying amounts of its non-financial assets at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, an asset’s recoverable amount is estimated.
The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. Where an individual asset does not generate separately identifiable cash flows, an impairment test is performed at the cash-generating unit (“CGU”) level. A CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Where the carrying amount of an asset (or CGU) exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset (or CGU) is considered impaired and written down to its recoverable amount. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less costs of disposal, an appropriate valuation model is used. These calculations are corroborated by external valuation metrics or other available fair value indicators wherever possible.
An assessment is made at the end of each reporting period whether there is an indication that previously recognized impairment losses no longer exist or have decreased. If such indication exists, an estimate of the asset’s (or CGU’s) recoverable amount is reviewed. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed to the extent that the events or circumstances that triggered the original impairment have changed. The reversal is limited so that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its recoverable amount, nor exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, depletion and amortization, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior periods. A reversal of an impairment loss for a CGU is allocated to the assets of the CGU pro-rata with the carrying amounts of those assets. During the year ended December 31, 2018, there was a reversal of impairment of the Group’s interest in an iron ore mine (see Note 13).
Hydrocarbon probable reserves are tested for impairment when they are reclassified to hydrocarbon development and production assets or when indicators exist that suggest the carrying amount may exceed the recoverable amount. For purposes of impairment testing, hydrocarbon probable reserves are grouped with related producing resource properties as a CGU with common geography and geological characteristics.
Undeveloped lands are evaluated for indicators separately from hydrocarbon development and production assets and hydrocarbon probable reserves. Impairment is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of undeveloped lands to values determined by an independent land evaluator based on recent market transactions. Management also takes into account future plans for those properties, the remaining terms of the leases and any other factors that may be indicators of potential impairment.
(xiv) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Prior to October 1, 2017, the Group had defined benefit pension plans.
The Group recognizes an accrued pension obligation, which represents the deficit of a defined benefit pension plan and is calculated by deducting the fair value of plan assets from the present value of the defined benefit obligations, in the consolidated statement of financial position.
The Group uses the projected unit credit method to determine the present value of its defined benefit obligations and the related current service cost and, where applicable, past service cost. Actuarial assumptions are unbiased and mutually compatible and comprise demographic and financial assumptions.
Past service cost, which is the change in the present value of the defined benefit obligation for employee service in prior periods resulting from a plan amendment or curtailment, is recognized as an expense at the earlier of when the amendment/curtailment occurs or when the Group recognizes related restructuring or termination costs. The gain or loss on a settlement, which is the difference between the present value of the defined benefit obligation being settled and the settlement price, is recognized in profit or loss when the settlement occurs.
Current service cost and net interest on the accrued pension obligation are recognized in profit or loss.
Remeasurements of the accrued pension obligation, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset)) and any change in the effect of the asset ceiling (excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset)), are recognized in other comprehensive income and are not reclassified to profit or loss in a subsequent period.
(xv) Provisions and Contingencies
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Provisions are measured at management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the reporting date. Where appropriate, the future cash flow estimates are adjusted to reflect risks specific to the liability. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recorded as accretion and included in finance costs.
Contingent liabilities are possible obligations whose existence will only be confirmed by future events not wholly within the control of the Group. Contingent liabilities, other than those assumed in connection with business combinations which are measured at fair value at the acquisition date, are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements but are disclosed unless the possibility of an outflow of economic resources is considered remote. Legal costs in connection with a loss contingency are recognized in profit or loss when incurred.
The Group does not recognize a contingent or reimbursement asset unless it is virtually certain that the contingent or reimbursement asset will be received.
(xvi) Decommissioning Obligations
The Group provides for decommissioning, restoration and similar liabilities (collectively, decommissioning obligations) on its resource properties, facilities, production platforms, pipelines and other facilities based on estimates established by current legislation and industry practices. The decommissioning obligation is initially measured at fair value and capitalized to interests in resource properties or property, plant and equipment as an asset retirement cost. The liability is estimated by discounting expected future cash flows required to settle the liability using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The estimated future asset retirement costs are adjusted for risks such as project, physical, regulatory and timing. The estimates are reviewed periodically. Changes in the provision as a result of changes in the estimated future costs or discount rates are added to or deducted from the asset retirement cost in the period of the change. The liability accretes for the effect of time value of money until it is settled. The capitalized asset retirement cost is amortized through depreciation, depletion and amortization over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Actual asset retirement expenditures are recorded against the obligation when incurred. Any difference between the accrued liability and the actual expenditures incurred is recorded as a gain or loss in the settlement period.
(xvii) Own Equity Instruments
The Group’s holdings of its own equity instruments, including common stock and preferred stock, are presented as “treasury stock” and deducted from shareholders’ equity at cost and in the determination of the number of equity shares outstanding. No gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, re-issue or cancellation of the Group’s own equity instruments.
(xviii) Revenue Recognition
IFRS 15
Effective January 1, 2018, the Group adopted IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”). Pursuant to IFRS 15, the Group recognizes revenue, excluding interest and dividend income and other such income from financial instruments recognized in accordance with IFRS 9, upon transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services based on the following five step approach:
Step 1:   Identify the contracts with customers;
Step 2:   Identify the performance obligations in the contract;
Step 3:   Determine the transaction price;
Step 4:   Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and
Step 5:   Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
The Group typically satisfies its performance obligations upon shipment of the goods, or upon delivery as the services are rendered or upon completion of services depending on whether the performance obligations are satisfied over time or at a point in time. The Group primarily acts as principal in contracts with its customers. The Group does not have material obligations for returns, refunds and other similar obligations, nor warranties and related obligations.
For performance obligations that the Group satisfies over time, the Group typically uses time-based measures of progress because the Group is providing a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer.
For performance obligations that the Group satisfies at a point in time, the Group typically uses shipment or delivery of goods and/or services in evaluating when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services.
A significant financing component exists and is accounted for if the timing of payments agreed to by the parties to the contract provides the customer or the Group with a significant benefit of financing the transfer of goods and services to the customer. As a practical expedient, the Group does not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the Group expects, at contract inception, that the period between when the Group transfers a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less.
The incremental costs of obtaining contracts with customers and the costs incurred in fulfilling contracts with customers that are directly associated with the contract are recognized as an asset (hereinafter, “assets arising from contract costs”) if those costs are expected to be recoverable, which are included in other long-term assets in the consolidated statements of financial position. The incremental costs of obtaining contracts are those costs that the Group incurs to obtain a contract with a customer that they would not have incurred if the contract had not been obtained. As a practical expedient, the Group recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Assets arising from contract costs are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated contract periods.
The Group exercises judgments in determining the amount of the costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer, which includes, but is not limited to (a) the likelihood of obtaining the contract, (b) the estimate of the profitability of the contract, and (c) the credit risk of the customer. An impairment loss will be recognized in profit or loss to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds (a) the remaining amount of consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for the goods or services to which the asset relates, less (b) the costs that relate directly to providing those goods or services and that have not been recognized as expenses.
Initial Adoption of IFRS 15
Pursuant to the transition arrangement permitted under IFRS 15, the Group applied IFRS 15 retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying IFRS 15 recognized at the date of initial application. There were no revisions on the accounts in the consolidated statement of financial position on January 1, 2018 upon the adoption of IFRS 15.
Moreover, there were no financial statement line items affected in the current year ended December 31, 2018 by the application of IFRS 15 as compared to the presentation under IAS 18, Revenue and related interpretations.
IAS 18, Revenue (“IAS 18”) (Accounting Policies Applicable Prior to January 1, 2018)
The Group accounted for revenues under IAS 18 and other related international accounting standards and interpretations for the recognition and measurement of revenue until December 31, 2017.
Revenue included proceeds from sales of merchant banking products and services, real estate properties, medical instruments and supplies, rental income on investment property, interest and dividend income and net gains on securities. In an agency relationship, revenue is the amount of commission earned.
Revenue from the sale of goods was recognized when: (a) the Group had transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods (which generally coincided with the time when the goods were delivered to the buyer and title had passed); (b) the Group retained neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold; (c) the amount of revenue could be measured reliably; (d) it was probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction would flow to the Group; and (e) the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction could be measured reliably.
Revenue from the rendering of services is recognized when: (a) the amount of revenue could be measured reliably; (b) it was probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction would flow to the Group; (c) the stage of completion of the transaction at the reporting date could be measured reliably; and (d) the costs incurred for the transaction and the costs to complete the transaction could be measured reliably.
Revenue was measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, customs duties and sales taxes. When the Group charges shipping and handling fees to customers, such fees are included in sales revenue. Where the Group acts as an agent on behalf of a third party to procure or market goods, any associated fee income is recognized and no purchase or sale is recorded.
Interest, royalty and dividend income were recognized when it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group and the amount of income could be measured reliably.
(xix) Costs of Sales and Services
Costs of sales and services include the costs of goods (merchant banking products and services, real estate properties, medical instruments and supplies) sold. The costs of goods sold include both the direct cost of materials and indirect costs, freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, distribution costs and a provision for warranty when applicable.
Costs of sales and services also include write-downs of inventories, net loss on securities, credit losses on financial assets, gains or losses on dispositions of subsidiaries, and fair value gain and loss on investment property, commodity inventories and derivative contracts.
The reversal of write-downs of inventories and credit losses reduces the costs of sales and services.
(xx) Employee Benefits
Wages, salaries, bonuses, social security contributions, paid annual leave and sick leave are accrued in the period in which the associated services are rendered by employees of the Group. The employee benefits are included in costs of sales and services or selling, general and administrative expenses, as applicable.
(xxi) Leases
A lease is classified as an operating lease if it does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the leased asset. Operating lease payments are expensed in profit or loss over the term of the lease on a straight line basis.
Lease income from operating leases is recognized in income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
(xxii) Share-Based Compensation
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments on the date at which the equity instruments are granted and is recognized as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. Fair value is determined by using an appropriate valuation model. At each reporting date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management’s best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market conditions and the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The movement in cumulative expense since the previous reporting date is recognized in profit or loss, with a corresponding amount in equity.
When the terms of an equity-settled award are modified or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled or settled award, the cost based on the original award terms continues to be recognized over the original vesting period. In addition, an expense is recognized over the remainder of the new vesting period for the incremental fair value of any modification, based on the difference between the fair value of the original award and the fair value of the modified award, both as measured on the date of the modification. No reduction is recognized if this difference is negative. When an equity-settled award is cancelled other than by forfeiture when the vesting conditions are not satisfied, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation and any cost not yet recognized in profit or loss for the award is expensed immediately.
Share-based compensation expenses are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. When stock options are exercised, the exercise price proceeds together with the amount initially recorded in contributed surplus are credited to capital stock.
(xxiii) Finance Costs
Finance costs comprise interest expense on borrowings, accretion of the discount on provisions, decommissioning obligations and other liabilities and charges and fees relating to factoring transactions.
Finance costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use, are added to the cost of those assets until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use. All other finance costs are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.
Capital stock and debt are recorded at the amount of proceeds received, net of direct issue costs (transaction costs). The transaction costs attributable to debt issued are amortized over the debt term using the effective interest method.
(xxiv) Income Taxes
Income tax expense (recovery) comprises current income tax expense (recovery) and deferred income tax expense (recovery) and includes all domestic and foreign taxes which are based on taxable profits. The current income tax provision is based on the taxable profits for the period. Taxable profit differs from income before income taxes as reported in the consolidated statements of operations because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other periods and items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current income tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. Deferred income tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated statement of financial position.
Deferred income tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences:
-       except where the deferred income tax liability arises on goodwill that is not tax deductible or the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss.
 
-       in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and branches, except where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
 
Deferred income tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and the carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized:
-       except where the deferred income tax asset arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss.
 
-       in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and branches, deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future.
 
On the reporting date, management reviews the Group’s deferred income tax assets to determine whether it is probable that the benefits associated with these assets will be realized. The Group also reassesses unrecognized deferred income tax assets. The review and assessment involve evaluating both positive and negative evidence. The Group recognizes a previously unrecognized deferred income tax asset to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred income tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Tax relating to items recognized in other comprehensive income or equity is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity and not in profit or loss.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current income tax assets against current income tax liabilities, and when they relate to income tax levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current income tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.
Withholding taxes (which include withholding taxes payable by a subsidiary on distributions to the Group) are treated as income taxes when they have the characteristics of an income tax. This is considered to be the case when they are imposed under government authority and the amount payable is calculated by reference to revenue derived.
The Group includes interest charges and penalties on current income tax liabilities as a component of interest expense.
(xxv) Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing net income attributable to ordinary equity holders of MFC Bancorp by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, net of treasury stock.
Diluted earnings per share is determined using the same method as basic earnings per share, except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding includes the effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares. For the purpose of calculating diluted earnings per share, the Group assumes the exercise of its dilutive options with the assumed proceeds from these instruments regarded as having been received from the issue of common shares at the average market price of common shares during the period. The difference between the number of common shares issued and the number of common shares that would have been issued at the average market price of common shares during the period is treated as an issue of common shares for no consideration and added to the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The amount of the dilution is the average market price of common shares during the period minus the issue price and the issue price includes the fair value of services to be supplied to the Group in the future under the share-based payment arrangement. Potential ordinary shares are treated as dilutive when, and only when, their conversion to ordinary shares would decrease earnings per share or increase loss per share from continuing operations.
When share-based payments are granted during the period, the shares issuable are weighted to reflect the portion of the period during which the payments are outstanding. The shares issuable are also weighted to reflect forfeitures occurring during the period. When stock options are exercised during the period, shares issuable are weighted to reflect the portion of the period prior to the exercise date and actual shares issued are included in the weighted average number of shares outstanding from the exercise date.
(xxvi) Business Combinations
The Group accounts for each business combination by applying the acquisition method. Pursuant to the acquisition method, the Group, when a business combination occurs and it is identified as the acquirer, determines the acquisition date (on which the Group legally transfers the consideration, acquires the assets and assumes the liabilities of the acquiree), recognizes and measures the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, and recognizes and measures goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase (i.e. negative goodwill). The identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are measured at their acquisition-date fair values. A non-controlling interest is measured at either its fair value or its proportionate share in the recognized amounts of the subsidiary’s identifiable net assets, on a transaction-by-transaction basis.
The consideration transferred in a business combination is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets transferred by the Group, the liabilities incurred by the Group to former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Group.
In a business combination achieved in stages, the Group remeasures its previously held equity interest in the acquiree at its acquisition-date fair value and recognizes the resulting gain or loss, if any, in profit or loss.
If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Group reports in its financial statements provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. During the measurement period, the Group retrospectively adjusts the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. During the measurement period, the Group also recognizes additional assets or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have resulted in the recognition of those assets and liabilities as of that date. The measurement period ends as soon as the Group receives the information it was seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date or learns that more information is not obtainable. However, the measurement period does not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
Acquisition-related costs are costs the Group incurs to effect a business combination. Those costs include finder’s fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; and costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities. The Group accounts for acquisition-related costs as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received, except for the costs to issue debt or equity securities (see Significant Accounting Policy Item (xxiii) above).
C. Critical Judgments in Applying Accounting Policies
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management makes various judgments, apart from those involving estimations under Note 2D below, that can significantly affect the amounts it recognizes in the consolidated financial statements. The following are the critical judgments that management has made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effects on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements:
(i) Identification of Cash-generating Units
The Group’s assets are aggregated into CGUs, for the purpose of assessing and calculating impairment, based on their ability to generate largely independent cash flows. The determination of CGUs requires judgment in defining the smallest identifiable group of assets that generate cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. CGUs have been determined based on similar geological structure, shared infrastructure, geographical proximity, product type and similar exposure to market risks. In the event facts and circumstances surrounding factors used to determine the Group’s CGUs change, the Group will re-determine the groupings of CGUs.
(ii) Impairment and Reversals of Impairment on Non-Financial Assets
The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets, other than and deferred tax assets, are reviewed at the end of each reporting period to determine whether there is an indication of impairment or reversal of previously recorded impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount is estimated.
Determining whether there are any indications of impairment or impairment reversals requires significant judgment of external factors, such as an extended change in prices or margins for hydrocarbon commodities or refined products, a significant change in an asset’s market value, a significant revision of estimated volumes, revision of future development costs, a change in the entity’s market capitalization or significant changes in the technological, market, economic or legal environment that would have an impact on the Company’s CGUs. Given that the calculations for recoverable amounts require the use of estimates and assumptions, including forecasts of commodity prices, marketing supply and demand, product margins and in the case of hydrocarbon properties, expected production volumes, it is possible that the assumptions may change, which may impact the estimated life of the CGU and may require a material adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill and non-financial assets.
Impairment losses recognized in prior years are assessed at the end of each reporting period for indications that the impairment has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset or CGU does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depletion, depreciation and amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.
(iii) Valuation of Investment Property
Investment properties are included in the consolidated statement of financial position at their market value, unless their fair value cannot be reliably determined at that time. The market value of investment properties is assessed annually by an independent qualified valuer, who is an authorized expert for the valuation of developed and undeveloped land in Germany, after taking into consideration the net income with inputs on realized basic rents, operating costs and damages and defects. The assumptions adopted in the property valuations are based on the market conditions existing at the end of the reporting period, with reference to current market sales prices and the appropriate capitalization rate. Changes in any of these inputs, or incorrect assumptions related to any of these items, could materially impact these valuations.
(iv) Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
The Group applies judgment to determine whether an asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition and that its sale is highly probable and therefore should be classified as held for sale at the balance sheet date. In order to assess whether it is highly probable that the sale can be completed within one year, or the extension period in certain circumstances, management reviews the business and economic factors, both macro and micro, which include the industry trends and capital markets, and the progress towards a sale transaction. It is also open to all forms of sales, including exchanges of non-current assets for other non-current assets when the exchange will have commercial substance in accordance with IAS 16, Property, Plant and Equipment.
A discontinued operation is a component of an entity (which comprises operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished, operationally and, for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the entity) that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale. While a component of the entity has distinguished financial data, judgments must be exercised on the presentation of inter-company transactions between components that are presented as discontinued operations and those that are presented as continuing operations. Furthermore, the allocation of income tax expense (recovery) also involves the exercise of judgments as the tax position of continuing operations may have an impact on the tax position of discontinued operations, or vice versa.
(v) Consolidation
Judgment is required when assessing whether the Group controls and therefore consolidates an entity, particularly an entity with complex share capital, management/decision-making or financing structures. Judgment is required to determine whether the Group has decision-making power over the key relevant activities of an investee, whether the Group has exposure or rights to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and whether the Group has the ability to use that power to affect its returns.
(vi) Purchase Price Allocations
For each business combination, the Group measures the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair values. The determination of fair value requires the Group to make assumptions, estimates and judgments regarding future events, including the profit forecast of the new subsidiary in the future. The allocation process is inherently subjective and impacts the amounts assigned to individual identifiable assets and liabilities, including the fair value of long-lived assets, the recognition and measurement of any unrecorded intangible assets and/or contingencies and the final determination of the amount of goodwill or bargain purchase. The inputs to the exercise of judgments include legal, contractual, business and economic factors. As a result, the purchase price allocation impacts the Group’s reported assets and liabilities and future net earnings due to the impact on future depreciation, depletion and amortization and impairment tests.
(vii) Credit Losses and Impairment of Receivables
On January 1, 2018, the Group adopted IFRS 9. As a result, the Group applies credit risk assessment and valuation methods to its trade and other receivables under IFRS 9 which establishes a single forward-looking expected loss impairment model to replace the incurred impairment model under IAS 39.
The Group measures the loss allowance for a financial instrument at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses if the credit risk on that financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition. The objective of the impairment requirements is to recognize lifetime expected credit losses for all financial instruments for which there have been significant increases in credit risk since initial recognition — whether assessed on an individual or collective basis — considering all reasonable and supportable information, including that which is forward-looking.
At each reporting date, management assesses whether the credit risk on a financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition. When making the assessment, management uses the change in the risk of a default occurring over the expected life of the financial instrument instead of the change in the amount of expected credit losses. To make that assessment, management compares the risk of a default occurring on the financial instrument as at the reporting date with the risk of a default occurring on the financial instrument as at the date of initial recognition and consider reasonable and supportable information, that is available without undue cost or effort, that is indicative of significant increases in credit risk since initial recognition.
Allowance for credit losses is maintained at an amount considered adequate to absorb the expected credit losses. Such allowance for credit losses reflects management’s best estimate of changes in the credit risk on the Group’s financial instruments and judgments about economic conditions. The assessment of allowance for credit losses is a complex process, particularly on a looking-forward basis; which involves a significant degree of judgment and a high level of estimation uncertainty. The input factors include the assessment of the credit risk of the Group’s financial instruments, legal rights and obligations under all the contracts and the expected future cash flows from the financial instruments, which include inventories, mortgages and other credit enhancement instruments. The major source of estimation uncertainty relates to the likelihood of the various scenarios under which different amounts are expected to be recovered through the security in place on the financial assets. The expected future cash flows are projected under different scenarios and weighted by probability, which involves the exercise of significant judgment. Estimates and judgments could change in the near-term and could result in a significant change to a recognized allowance.
D. Major Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
The timely preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.
The major assumptions about the future and other major sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below. These items require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex estimates. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.
(i) Interests in Resource Properties and Reserve Estimates
The Group had interests in resource properties mainly comprised of an interest in the Scully Iron Ore Mine, and to a lesser extent, hydrocarbon properties, with an aggregate carrying amount of  $273,250 as at December 31, 2018.
Estimation of reported recoverable quantities of proved and probable reserves include judgmental assumptions regarding production profile, prices of products produced, exchange rates, remediation costs, timing and amount of future development costs and production, transportation and marketing costs for future cash flows. It also requires interpretation of geological and geophysical models in anticipated recoveries. The economical, geological and technical factors used to estimate reserves may change from period to period. Changes in reported reserves can impact the carrying amounts of the Group’s interests in resource properties and/or property, plant and equipment, the recognition of impairment losses and reversal of impairment losses, the calculation of depletion and depreciation, the provision for decommissioning obligations and the recognition of deferred income tax assets or liabilities due to changes in expected future cash flows. The recoverable quantities of reserves and estimated cash flows from the Group’s hydrocarbon interests are independently evaluated by reserve engineers at least annually. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group recognized a reversal of impairment of  $188,203 in respect of its interest in an iron ore mine (see Note 13).
The Group’s hydrocarbon reserves represent the estimated quantities of petroleum, natural gas and natural gas liquids which geological, geophysical and engineering data demonstrate with a specified degree of certainty to be economically recoverable in future years from known reservoirs and which are considered commercially producible. Such reserves may be considered commercially producible if management has the intention of developing and producing them and such intention is based upon: (a) a reasonable assessment of the future economics of such production; (b) a reasonable expectation that there is a market for all or substantially all the expected hydrocarbon production; and (c) evidence that the necessary production, transmission and transportation facilities are available or can be made available. Reserves may only be considered proven and probable if producibility is supported by either production or conclusive formation tests.
Included in interests in resource properties as at December 31, 2018, were exploration and evaluation assets with an aggregate carrying amount of  $17,007. Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an exploration and evaluation asset may exceed its recoverable amount and upon reclassification to hydrocarbon development and production assets. If such indicators exist, impairment, if any, is determined by comparing the carrying amounts to the recoverable amounts. The measurement of the recoverable amount involves a number of assumptions, including the timing, likelihood and amount of commercial production, further resource assessment plans and future revenue and costs expected from the asset, if any.
(ii) Impairment of Other Non-Financial Assets
The Group had property, plant and equipment aggregating $58,325 as at December 31, 2018, consisting mainly of a power plant and a natural gas processing facility. Impairment of the Group’s non-financial assets is evaluated at the CGU level. In testing for impairment, the recoverable amounts of the Company’s CGUs are determined as the higher of their values in use and fair values less costs of disposal. In the absence of quoted market prices, the recoverable amount is based on estimates of future production rates, future product selling prices and costs, discount rates and other relevant assumptions. Increases in future costs and/or decreases in estimates of future production rates and product selling prices may result in a write-down of the Group’s property, plant and equipment.
(iii) Taxation
The Group is subject to tax in a number of jurisdictions and judgment is required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences using the liability method, with deferred income tax liabilities generally being provided for in full (except for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and branches where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future) and deferred income tax assets being recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.
The operations and organization structures of the Group are complex, and related tax interpretations, regulations and legislation are continually changing. As a result, there are usually some tax matters in question that result in uncertain tax positions. The Group only recognizes the income tax benefit of an uncertain tax position when it is probable that the ultimate determination of the tax treatment of the position will result in that benefit being realized.
The Group companies’ income tax filings are subject to audit by taxation authorities in numerous jurisdictions. There are audits in progress and items under review, some of which may increase the Group’s income tax liabilities. In addition, the companies have filed appeals and have disputed certain issues. While the results of these items cannot be ascertained at this time, the Group believes that the Group has an adequate provision for income taxes based on available information.
The Group recognized deferred income tax assets of  $15,735 as at December 31, 2018. In assessing the realizability of deferred income tax assets, management considers whether it is probable that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible or before tax loss and tax credit carry-forwards expire. Management considers the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, taxable income in prior years and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Unrecognized deferred income tax assets are reassessed at the end of each reporting period.
The Group provides for future income tax liabilities in respect of uncertain tax positions where additional income tax may become payable in future periods and such provisions are based on management’s assessment of exposure. The Group did not recognize the full deferred tax liability on taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and branches where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. The Group may change its investment decision in its normal course of business, thus resulting in additional income tax liabilities.
(iv) Contingencies
Pursuant to IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, the Group does not recognize a contingent liability. By their nature, contingencies will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The assessment of contingencies inherently involves the exercise of significant judgment and estimates of the outcome of future events. If it becomes probable that an outflow of future economic benefits will be required for an item previously accounted for as a contingent liability, an accrual or a provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements of the period in which the change in probability occurs. See Note 26 for further disclosures on contingencies.
E. Accounting Changes
Future Accounting Changes
IFRS 16, Leases (“IFRS 16”), issued in January 2016, introduces a single on-balance sheet model of accounting for leases by lessees that eliminates the distinction between operating and finance leases. Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged and the distinction between operating and finance leases is retained. IFRS 16 supersedes IAS 17, Leases, and related interpretations and management will adopt IFRS 16 for annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2019. Management concluded that the impacts of IFRS 16 on the Group’s consolidated financial statements as of January 1, 2019 would be a debit of  $2,911 to the right-of-use assets with credits of  $843 and $2,068, respectively, to the current and long-term lease payables.
In December 2017, Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015-2017 Cycle amended paragraph 14 of IAS 23, Borrowing Costs. The amendments clarify that the capitalization rate to the expenditures on a qualifying asset shall be the weighted average of the borrowing costs applicable to the borrowings of the entity that are outstanding during the period, and an entity shall exclude from this calculation borrowing costs applicable to borrowings made specifically for the purpose of obtaining the qualifying asset until substantially all the activities necessary to prepare that asset for its intended use or sale are complete. The Group will apply these amendments for annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019 and management concluded that there will be no material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2017, IASB issued IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments. IFRIC 23 aims to reduce diversity in how companies recognize and measure a tax liability or tax asset when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The Group will apply IFRIC 23 for annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019 and management concluded that there will be no material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
In October 2018, IASB issued amendments to its definition of material to make it easier for companies to make materiality judgements. The updated definition amends IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, and IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. The amendments clarify the definition of material and how it should be applied and ensure that the definition of material is consistent across all IFRS Standards. The changes are effective from January 1, 2020, but companies can decide to apply them earlier. Management is assessing its impacts on the Group’s financial statement presentation.
v3.19.1
Capital Disclosure on the Group's Objectives, Policies and Processes for Managing Its Capital
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of objectives, policies and processes for managing capital [abstract]  
Capital Disclosure on the Group's Objectives, Policies and Processes for Managing Its Capital Structure
Note 3. 
Capital Disclosure on the Group’s Objectives, Policies and Processes for Managing Its Capital Structure
 
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to: (a) safeguard the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern so that it can continue to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders; (b) provide an adequate return to shareholders by pricing products and services commensurately with the level of risk; and (c) maintain a flexible capital structure which optimizes the cost of capital at acceptable risk.
The Group allocates capital in proportion to risk. The Group manages the capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares, or issue new debt.
Consistent with others in its industry, the Group monitors its capital on the basis of the debt-to-adjusted capital ratio and long-term debt-to-equity ratio. The debt-to-adjusted capital ratio is calculated as net debt divided by adjusted capital. Net debt is calculated as total debt less cash and cash equivalents. Adjusted capital comprises all components of shareholders’ equity. The long-term debt-to-equity ratio is calculated as long-term debt divided by shareholders’ equity. Debt does not include short-term bank borrowings.
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Total debt
   
$          — 
   
$    43,733 
 
Less: cash and cash equivalents
   
(67,760) 
   
(74,870) 
 
Net debt
   
Not applicable 
   
Not applicable 
 
Shareholders’ equity
   
386,376 
   
277,780 
 
Debt-to-adjusted capital ratio
   
Not applicable 
   
Not applicable 
 
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Long-term debt
   
$          — 
   
$          — 
 
Shareholders’ equity
   
386,376 
   
277,780 
 
Long-term debt-to-equity ratio
   
Not applicable 
   
Not applicable 
 
The above tables do not include a non-interest bearing long-term loan payable of  $3,981 (2017: $nil) which does not have a fixed repayment date.
During 2018, the Group’s strategy, which was unchanged from 2017, was to maintain the debt-to-adjusted capital ratio and the long-term debt-to-equity ratio at a manageable level. The ratios did not change in 2018 (i.e. not applicable).
v3.19.1
Acquisitions of Consolidated Entities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about business combination [abstract]  
Acquisitions of Consolidated Entities
Note 4.  Acquisitions of Consolidated Entities
Year 2018
There was no business combination during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Year 2017
Effective October 1, 2017, the Group completed the acquisition of a metal processing company based in Europe. Pursuant to the transaction, the Group acquired the company which equaled the fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed on the closing date. Goodwill of  $502 was recognized upon the acquisition of the metal processing company. The amount of acquisition-related costs was nominal, which was included in selling, general and administrative expenses in profit or loss. This acquisition was not considered a material business combination and did not have material impact on the Group’s financial position.
Year 2016
Effective February 1, 2016, the Group completed the acquisition of a western European bank (the “Bank”). Pursuant to the transaction, the Group acquired the Bank for total purchase consideration of $142,419 which equaled the fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed on the closing date. There were no goodwill or intangible assets acquired. The amount of acquisition-related costs was nominal, which was included in selling, general and administrative expenses in profit or loss. This acquisition was not considered a material business combination and did not have material impact on the Group’s financial position.
v3.19.1
Assets Classified as Held for Sale
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Assets Classified As Held For Sale And Discontinued Operation [Abstract]  
Assets Classified as Held for Sale
Note 5.  Assets Classified as Held for Sale
On December 31, 2016, the Group reclassified the assets and liabilities of a commodities trading subsidiary as held for sale, which had net assets held for sale of  $15,770. The sale was completed in 2017 and included in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017.
v3.19.1
Business Segment Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of operating segments [abstract]  
Business Segment Information
Note 6. Business Segment Information
The Group is primarily in the merchant banking business, which includes its iron ore royalty, financial services and other resource interests and other proprietary investments.
In reporting to management, the Group’s operating results are categorized into the following operating segments: merchant banking and all other segments.
Basis of Presentation
In reporting segments, certain of the Group’s business lines have been aggregated where they have similar economic characteristics and are similar in each of the following areas: (a) the nature of the products and services; (b) the methods of distribution; and (b) the types or classes of customers/clients for the products and services.
The Group’s merchant banking segment includes its interest, captive supply assets, financial services and proprietary investing activities. The Group’s core merchant banking asset is an interest in the Scully Iron Ore Mine in Wabush, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada. In addition, The Group owns other merchant banking assets and seeks to invest in businesses or assets whose intrinsic value is not properly reflected. The Group’s investing activities are generally not passive. The Group actively seeks investments where its financial expertise and management can add or unlock value.
The all other segment includes the Group’s corporate and operating segments whose quantitative amounts do not exceed 10% of any of the Group’s: (a) reported revenue; (b) net income; or (c) total assets. The Group’s all other operating segment primarily includes business activities in medical equipment, instruments, supplies and services.
The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 2B. The chief operating decision maker evaluates performance on the basis of income or loss from operations before income taxes and does not consider acquisition accounting adjustments in assessing the performance of the Group’s reporting segments. The segment information presented below is prepared according to the following methodologies: (a) revenue and expenses directly associated with each segment are included in determining pre-tax earnings; (b) intersegment sales and transfers are accounted for as if the sales or transfers were to third parties at current market prices; (c) certain selling, general and administrative expenses paid by corporate, particularly incentive compensation and share-based compensation, are not allocated to reporting segments; (d) all intercompany investments, receivables and payables are eliminated in the determination of each segment’s assets and liabilities; and (e) deferred income tax assets and liabilities are not allocated.
Segment Operating Results
     
Year ended December 31, 2018
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Revenue from external customers
      $ 134,496         $ 5,255         $ 139,751    
Intersegment sale
        3,363           191           3,554    
Interest expense
        1,779           3           1,782    
Income (loss) before income taxes
        183,395           (15,566)           167,829    
     
Year ended December 31, 2017
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Revenue from external customers
      $ 256,412         $ 17,623         $ 274,035    
Intersegment sale
        1,668           204           1,872    
Interest expense
        4,931                     4,931    
Loss before income taxes
        (28,254)           (10,153)           (38,407)    
     
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Revenue from external customers
      $ 1,095,896         $ 35,761         $ 1,131,657    
Intersegment sale
        1,975           360           2,335    
Interest expense
        15,751                     15,751    
Loss before income taxes
        (13,785)           (2,921)           (16,706)    
     
As at December 31, 2018
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Segment assets
      $ 458,998         $ 47,915         $ 506,913    
     
As at December 31, 2017
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Segment assets
      $ 343,649         $ 53,298         $ 396,947    
     
As at December 31, 2018
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Segment liabilities
      $ 106,651         $ 5,856         $ 112,507    
     
As at December 31, 2017
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Segment liabilities
      $ 106,713         $ 10,285         $ 116,998    
Geographic Information
Due to the highly integrated nature of international products and services, merchant banking activities and markets, and a significant portion of the Group’s activities requiring cross-border coordination in order to serve the Group’s customers and clients, the methodology for allocating the Group’s profitability to geographic regions is dependent on estimates and management judgment.
Geographic results are generally determined as follows:
Segment
   
Basis for attributing revenue
 
Merchant banking
    Locations of external customers or the reporting units, whichever is appropriate  
All other
    Locations of the reporting units  
Due to the nature of cross-border business, the Group presents its geographic information by geographic regions, instead of by countries. The following table presents revenue from external customers by geographic region of such customers:
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Canada
      $ 13,035         $ 19,595         $ 28,328    
Germany
        51,867           122,643           280,552    
Africa
        4,254           4,283           32,519    
Americas
        1,786           22,446           256,598    
Asia
        1,549           14,894           113,821    
Europe
        67,260           90,174           419,839    
        $ 139,751         $ 274,035         $ 1,131,657    
 
Except for the geographic concentrations as indicated in the above table and a customer in the merchant banking segment located in Slovakia representing approximately 16% of the Group’s revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no other revenue concentrations during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
The following table presents non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred income tax assets and other non-current assets by geographic area based upon the location of the assets.
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Canada
      $ 297,537         $ 144,452    
Africa
        33,258           32,258    
Asia
        20           889    
Europe
        52,914           52,501    
        $ 383,729         $ 230,100    
 
 
v3.19.1
Securities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Securities [Abstract]  
Securities
Note 7. Securities
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Short-term securities                          
Equity securities at FVTPL, publicly traded
      $ 1,072         $ 6    
Debt securities at FVOCI
        6,328              
Debt securities available for sale
                  5,121    
        $ 7,400         $ 5,127    
Long-term securities                          
Equity securities at FVTPL, publicly traded
      $ 701         $    
Equity securities at FVTPL, privately held
        4001              
Equity securities available for sale, publicly traded
                  771    
        $ 4,702         $ 771    
 
Equity securities available for sale of  $771 as at December 31, 2017 were reclassified to equity securities at FVTPL upon the initial adoption of IFRS 9 on January 1, 2018.
v3.19.1
Trade Receivables
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Trade and other receivables [abstract]  
Trade Receivables
Note 8. Trade Receivables
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Trade receivables, gross amount
      $ 5,654         $ 43,207    
Less: Allowance for expected credit losses under IFRS 9 or credit losses under IAS 39 
        (311)           (8,948)    
Trade receivables, net amount
      $ 5,343         $ 34,259    
 
All trade receivables comprise accounts from contracts with customers and primarily arise from merchant banking activities.
The Group has two non-recourse factoring arrangements with banks for trade receivables (see Note 15).
As at December 31, 2018, trade receivables of  $311 were credit-impaired and a loss allowance for lifetime expected credit losses of  $311 were recognized.
The movement in the loss allowance during the year ended December 31, 2018 was as follows:
     
Loss allowance measured at an amount 
equal to lifetime expected credit losses
 
     
Financial assets that 
are credit-impaired 
at year-end
   
Other trade 
receivables
   
Total
 
Loss allowance: opening balance
      $         $         $    
Reclassification from IAS 39 upon initial adoption of IFRS 9
        8,948                     8,948    
Additions for the year
        21,817           87           21,904    
Reversal
                               
Written off
        (30,935)                     (30,935)    
Exchange effect
        184           10           194    
Other
                  200           200    
Loss allowance: ending balance
      $ 14         $ 297         $ 311    
 
The allowance for expected credit losses under IFRS 9 as of January 1, 2018 and the allowance for credit losses under IAS 39 as of December 31, 2017 were of the same amount. As a result, no adjustment nor reconciliation was required when the Group adopted IFRS 9 on January 1, 2018.
In accordance with IFRS 9, management reviews the expected credit losses for the following twelve months based upon, among other things, the credit-worthiness of the exposure, collateral and other risk mitigation instruments, and the nature of the underlying business transaction. There have been no financial instruments acquired whose credit risk has increased substantially since initial recognition.
As at December 31, 2017, trade receivables of  $11,352 were past due but not impaired. The aging analysis of these trade receivables as at December 31, 2017 are as follows:
Past-due
   
2017
 
Below 30 days
      $ 7,322    
Between 31 and 60 days
        728    
Between 61 and 90 days
        1,175    
Between 91 and 365 days
        1,813    
Over 365 days
        314    
        $ 11,352    
 
As at December 31, 2017, trade receivables of  $30,337 were impaired and an allowance for credit losses of $8,948 has been provided. Not all past-due account balances are uncollectible as most of the accounts are covered by credit insurance or other collection procedures. Credit risk from trade account receivables is mitigated since they are credit insured, covered by letters of credit, bank guarantees and/or other credit enhancements (see Note 29).
The aging analyses of impaired trade receivables as at December 31, 2017 are as follows:
Past-due
   
2017
 
Below 30 days
      $    
Between 31 and 60 days
           
Between 61 and 90 days
           
Between 91 and 365 days
           
Over 365 days
        30,337    
          30,337    
Allowance for credit losses
        (8,948)    
Expected recoverable amount of impaired trade receivables(1)
      $ 21,389    
 
 
(1)     The recoverable amount of impaired trade receivables is covered by credit insurance, bank guarantees and/or other credit enhancements and, therefore, management of the Group believes this entire net amount to be collectible in the ordinary course of business.
 
The movement in the allowance for credit losses during the year ended December 31, 2017 was as follows:
     
2017
 
Balance, beginning of the year
      $ 58,488    
Additions
        12,213    
Reversals
        (1,541)    
Write-offs
        (7,726)    
Disposition of subsidiaries
        (33,999)    
Other
        (21,099)    
Currency translation adjustment
        2,612    
Balance, end of the year
      $ 8,948    
 
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Group received proceeds of  $39,149 from risk mitigation assets, of which $35,121 was credited to profit or loss through a recovery of credit losses and the remainder was credited to trade receivables.
As at December 31, 2016, management of the Group reviewed the underlying contracts, legal documents, credit enhancement instruments and collateral to assess the recoverability of outstanding amounts related to a former insolvent customer, and recognized a cumulative allowance for credit losses of $43,943 in connection with this former customer group as at December 31, 2016, including an additional provision of $33,301 which was recognized during the second quarter of 2016. After the recognition of such impairment losses, the Group had net trade receivables of $100,008 due from this former customer group as at December 31, 2016.
During 2017, management of the Group continued to monitor and assess the collectability of the receivables. As a result of such reviews, the Group reversed and credited an allowance of  $1,541 to profit or loss in the third quarter. During the fourth quarter, the Group deconsolidated subsidiaries which had trade receivables due from this former customer group (see Note 31). Furthermore, the Group increased the valuation allowance by $224 based on its revision of expected future cash flows. As such, the Group had net trade receivables of  $21,375 due from this former customer group as at December 31, 2017.
During 2018, management recognized a further credit loss of  $21,812 and subsequently wrote off the remaining receivable balance from this former customer group as management determined the amount to be uncollectible. The maximum amount of credit risk, without taking into account any collateral or other credit enhancements, is equal to the carrying value of our receivables. The Group intends to pursue, where commercially reasonable, the recovery of receivables which have been impaired historically.
v3.19.1
Other Receivables
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Other Current Receivables [Abstract]  
Other Receivables
Note 9. Other Receivables
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Royalty income from contracts with customers (net of an allowance of  $nil and $1,425, respectively)
      $         $ 4,525    
Contract assets under contracts with customers
        295           876    
Suppliers with debit balance
                  293    
Loans
        6,087           321    
Other
        2,293           15,675    
        $ 8,675         $ 21,690    
 
Other receivables primarily arise in the normal course of business and are expected to be collected within one year from the reporting date.
Royalty income receivables as of December 31, 2017 included $5,300 which had been disputed. Management of the Group reviewed the facts relating to the royalty receivables with its legal advisors, believing that the dispute was without merit, and determined that it was probable that the receivables would be recovered as the payments were held in trust. However, in March 2018 there was a court judgment which was not in favor of the Group, and the Group appealed. As a result of the initial court judgment, the Group provided $1,425 as a valuation allowance for the royalty income receivables as of December 31, 2017. In the second quarter of 2018, a higher court refused to grant leave to the Group to appeal the lower court judgment, and as a result, the Group wrote off the remaining receivable balance of  $3,875 during the year ended December 31, 2018.
The movement of contract assets under contracts with customers for the year ended December 31, 2018 was as follows:
     
2018
 
Balance, beginning of the year
      $ 876    
A change in the time frame for a right to consideration to become unconditional
        (581)    
Balance, end of the year
      $ 295    
v3.19.1
Inventories
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Inventories [Abstract]  
Inventories
Note 10. Inventories
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Raw materials
      $ 3,640         $ 3,632    
Work-in-progress
        3,568           3,444    
Finished goods
        1,960           1,440    
Commodity inventories
        2,238           1,310    
        $ 11,406         $ 9,826    
Comprising:
               
(Restated)
 
Inventories contracted at fixed prices or hedged
      $ 9,432         $ 8,160    
Inventories – other
        1,974           1,666    
        $ 11,406         $ 9,826    
 
v3.19.1
Investment Property
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about investment property [abstract]  
Investment Property
Note 11. Investment Property
All of the Group’s investment property is located in Europe.
Changes in investment property included in non-current assets:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Balance, beginning of year
      $ 37,660         $ 35,663    
Change in fair value during the year
        (274)           (26)    
Disposals
        (976)           (194)    
Currency translation adjustments
        1,394           2,217    
Balance, end of year
      $ 37,804         $ 37,660    
 
The amounts recognized in profit or loss in relation to investment property during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Rental income
      $ 1,611         $ 1,510         $ 1,511    
Direct operating expenses (including repairs and maintenance) arising from investment property during the year
        193           256           226  
v3.19.1
Property, Plant and Equipment
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [abstract]  
Property, Plant and Equipment
Note 12. Property, Plant and Equipment
The following changes in property, plant and equipment were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2018:
Costs
   
Opening
balance
   
Additions
   
Disposals
   
Dispositions
of
subsidiaries
   
Impairments
   
Currency
translation
adjustments
   
Ending
balance
 
Refinery and power plants
      $ 92,434         $         $ (148)         $ (27,214)         $         $ 3,487         $ 68,559    
Processing plant and equipment
        3,703           88           (25)                     (42)           37           3,761    
Office equipment
        1,135           340           (56)                     (4)           35           1,450    
        $ 97,272         $ 428         $ (229)         $ (27,214)         $ (46)         $ 3,559         $ 73,770    
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
Opening
balance
   
Additions
   
Disposals
   
Dispositions
of
subsidiaries
   
Impairments
   
Currency
translation
adjustments
   
Ending
balance
 
Refinery and power plants
      $ 11,047         $ 2,775         $ (148)         $ (1,668)         $         $ 757         $ 12,763    
Processing plant and equipment
        1,626           255           (10)                     (27)           29           1,873    
Office equipment
        645           211           (60)                     (4)           17           809    
          13,318         $ 3,241         $ (218)         $ (1,668)         $ (31)         $ 803           15,445    
Net book value
      $ 83,954                                                                     $ 58,325    
 
The following changes in property, plant and equipment were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2017:
Costs
   
Opening
balance
   
Additions
   
Disposals
   
Dispositions
of
subsidiaries*
   
Reclassified
from
inventories
   
Impairments
   
Currency
translation
adjustments
   
Ending
balance
 
Land and buildings
      $ 944         $ 26         $         $ (1,221)         $         $         $ 251         $    
Refinery and power plants
        91,392                                         3,786                     (2,744)           92,434    
Processing plant and equipment
        18,880           987           (8,678)           57                     (7,863)           320           3,703    
Office equipment
        5,189           300           (1,343)           (3,163)                               152           1,135    
        $ 116,405         $ 1,313         $ (10,021)         $ (4,327)         $ 3,786         $ (7,863)         $ (2,021)         $ 97,272    
 
 
*      Net of acquisition of a subsidiary
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
Opening
balance
   
Additions
   
Disposals
   
Dispositions
of
subsidiaries
   
Impairments
   
Currency
translation
adjustments
   
Ending
balance
 
Land and buildings
      $ 208         $ 344         $         $ (598)         $         $ 46         $    
Refinery and power plants
        9,308           2,267                                         (528)           11,047    
Processing plant and equipment
        3,545           1,377           (2,294)           (27)           (1,223)           248           1,626    
Office equipment
        3,901           384           (1,118)           (2,639)                     117           645    
          16,962         $ 4,372         $ (3,412)         $ (3,264)         $ (1,223)         $ (117)           13,318    
Net book value
      $ 99,443                                                                     $ 83,954    
 
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group deconsolidated a subsidiary which owned a power plant (see Note 31).
During the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 respectively, no expenditures were recognized in the carrying amounts of items of property, plant and equipment in the course of their construction.
v3.19.1
Interests in Resource Properties
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Abstract]  
Interests in Resource Properties
Note 13.  Interests in Resource Properties
The Group’s interests in resource properties as at December 31, 2018 and 2017 comprised the following:
     
2018
   
2017
 
Interest in an iron ore mine
      $ 218,203         $ 30,000    
Hydrocarbon development and production assets
        38,040           40,849    
Exploration and evaluation assets – hydrocarbon probable reserves
        12,367           12,367    
Exploration and evaluation assets – hydrocarbon undeveloped lands
        4,640           9,335    
        $ 273,250         $ 92,551    
 
The movements in the interest in an iron ore mine and hydrocarbon development and production assets included in non-current assets during the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:
Costs
   
Opening
balance
   
Decommissioning
obligations
   
Reversal of
impairment
losses
   
Ending
balance
 
Interest in an iron ore mine
      $ 30,000         $       —         $ 188,203         $ 218,203    
Hydrocarbon development and production assets
        45,871           (338)                     45,533    
        $ 75,871         $ (338)         $ 188,203         $ 263,736    
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
Opening
balance
   
Additions
   
Reversal of
impairment
losses
   
Ending
balance
 
Interest in an iron ore mine
      $         $         $       —         $    
Hydrocarbon development and production assets
        5,022           2,471                     7,493    
          5,022         $ 2,471         $           7,493    
Carrying amount
      $ 70,849                                 $ 256,243    
 
The movements in the interest in an iron ore mine and hydrocarbon development and production assets included in non-current assets during the year ended December 31, 2017 were as follows:
Costs
   
Opening
balance
   
Decommissioning
obligations
   
Reversal of
impairment
losses
   
Ending
balance
 
Interest in an iron ore mine
      $ 30,000         $        —         $         $ 30,000    
Hydrocarbon development and production assets
        32,353           254           13,264           45,871    
        $ 62,353         $ 254         $ 13,264         $ 75,871    
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
Opening
balance
   
Additions
   
Reversal of
impairment
losses
   
Ending
balance
 
Interest in an iron ore mine
      $         $         $       —         $    
Hydrocarbon development and production assets
        2,661           2,361                     5,022    
          2,661         $ 2,361         $           5,022    
Carrying amount
      $ 59,692                                 $ 70,849    
 
The movements in exploration and evaluation assets presented as hydrocarbon probable reserves and undeveloped lands during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
     
2018
   
2017
 
     
Probable 
reserves
   
Undeveloped 
lands
   
Probable 
reserves
   
Undeveloped 
lands
 
Balance, beginning of year
      $ 12,367         $ 9,335         $ 9,416         $ 10,039    
Additions
                                         
Disposal
                  (4,695)                     (74)    
Reversal (recognition) of impairment (losses)
                            2,951           (630)    
Balance, end of year
      $ 12,367         $ 4,640         $ 12,367         $ 9,335    
 
Interest in an iron ore mine
The Group derives revenues from a mining sub-lease of the lands upon which the Scully iron ore mine is situated in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The sub-lease commenced in 1956 and expires in 2055. The iron ore deposit is currently sub-leased to a third-party entity under certain lease agreements which will also expire in 2055. Pursuant and subject to the terms of the lease agreements, the Group collects royalty payments directly from a third-party operator based on a pre-determined formula, with a minimum payment not to be less than $3,250 per year.
In 2017, a third party (the new operator) acquired the mine out of CCAA proceedings. In 2018, the new operator announced that it had completed the financing for the mining operations on the iron ore mine and planned to recommence the operations in 2019. As a result of these new developments, management re-assessed whether there was any indication that previously recognized impairments for the asset might no longer exist or might have decreased. Pursuant to the re-assessment study of which the future cash flows were discounted at 8.3% per annum, management concluded that the previously recognized impairment loss of  $188,203 should be reversed.
Hydrocarbon properties
The Group owns hydrocarbon properties in western Canada. The majority of such operations are located in the Deep Basin fairway of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. The Group’s hydrocarbon development and production assets include producing natural gas wells, non-producing natural gas wells, producing oil wells and non-producing oil wells, but do not include a land position that includes net working interests in undeveloped acreage and properties containing probable reserves only, both of which are included in exploration and evaluation assets.
The recoverable amounts of the Group’s hydrocarbon CGUs are determined whenever facts and circumstances provide impairment indicators. CGU’s are mainly determined based upon the geographical region of the Group’s producing properties. The recoverable amounts of each CGU are based on the future post-tax cash flows expected to be derived from the Group’s hydrocarbon properties using a fair value less costs of disposal methodology (Level 3 fair value hierarchy). The post-tax cash flow projections incorporate management’s best estimates of future natural gas prices, production based on current estimates of recoverable reserves and resources, exploration potential, future operating costs, non-expansionary capital expenditures and inflation.
On December 31, 2016, the Group performed an impairment assessment on its hydrocarbon properties utilizing a post-tax discount rate of 10% and recognized a net non-cash reversal of impairment losses of $8,566, of which $7,672 were allocated to development and production assets and $1,684 to probable reserves and an impairment loss of  $790 was allocated to undeveloped lands. The related deferred income tax expense for 2016 was $2,526. On December 31, 2017, the Group performed an impairment assessment on its hydrocarbon properties utilizing a post-tax discount rate of 11% and recognized a net non-cash reversal of impairment losses of  $15,585, of which $13,264 were allocated to development and production assets and $2,951 to probable reserves and an impairment loss of  $630 was allocated to undeveloped lands. On December 31, 2018, the Group performed an impairment assessment on its hydrocarbon properties utilizing a post-tax discount rate of 9.25% and no impairments or reversals of impairments were recognized.
v3.19.1
Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]  
Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities
Note 14. Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities
The tax effect of temporary differences and tax loss carry-forwards that give rise to significant components of the Group’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
                 
(Restated)
 
Non-capital tax loss carry-forwards
      $ 26,363         $ 25,504    
Interests in resource properties
        (56,904)           (10,536)    
Other assets
        (8,800)           (4,817)    
Other liabilities
        (11,345)           (3,760)    
        $ (50,686)         $ 6,391    
Presented on the consolidated statements of financial position as follows:                          
Deferred income tax assets
      $ 15,735         $ 16,694    
Deferred income tax liabilities
        (66,421)           (10,303)    
Net
      $ (50,686)         $ 6,391    
 
As at December 31, 2018, the Group had estimated accumulated non-capital losses, which expire in the following countries as follows. Management is of the opinion that not all of these non-capital losses are probable to be utilized in the future.
Country
   
Gross amount
   
Amount for which
no deferred
income tax asset
is recognized
   
Expiration dates
 
Canada
      $ 19,911      
$         13 
   
2035-2038 
 
Germany
        2,738      
— 
   
Indefinite 
 
Austria
        6,125      
6,125 
   
Indefinite 
 
China
        226      
226 
   
2023 
 
Malta
        98,752      
70,056 
   
Indefinite 
 
Uganda
        33,544      
— 
   
Indefinite 
 
The utilization of the deferred tax assets is dependent on future taxable profits in excess of the profits arising from the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and the Group companies have suffered losses in either the current or preceding period(s) in the tax jurisdictions to which the deferred tax assets relate.
A former affiliate received notices of tax reassessments from taxation authorities relating to prior periods, which denied certain deductions, losses and credits, and included income in the computation of income taxes payable. The former affiliate has objected or will object to such reassessment notices and has appealed certain federal assessments in court. Based on, among other things, the Group’s consultation with its advisors and review of the reassessments, the material facts related thereto and the subject transactions, management determined that the probability of the reassessments being successful in court was remote. Accordingly, the Group did not record any liability in prior years in connection with such reassessments. While the Group is not a party to these proceedings, there can be no assurance that the former affiliate will be successful and, if unsuccessful, that there will not be potential claims made against the Group in relation thereto.
The Group companies’ income tax, value-added tax and payroll tax filings are also subject to audit by taxation authorities in numerous jurisdictions. There are audits in progress and items under review, some of which may increase the Group’s income tax, value-added tax and payroll tax liability. In the event that management’s estimate of the future resolution of these matters changes, the Group will recognize the effects of the changes in its consolidated financial statements in the appropriate period relative to when such changes occur.
v3.19.1
Short-term Bank Borrowings
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Short Term Borrowings [Abstract]  
Short-term Bank Borrowings
Note 15. Short-term Bank Borrowings
Short-term bank borrowings are repayable within a year from the borrowing date. They are used to finance the Group’s day-to-day merchant banking business.
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Credit facilities from banks
      $    —         $ 2,074    
 
As at December 31, 2018, the Group had credit facilities aggregating $22,343 as follows: (a) non-recourse factoring lines for receivables financing of  $20,297; and (b) a commodity hedging credit facility of  $2,046 which allows management to hedge industrial metals and products for the Group’s production subsidiaries. All these facilities are renewable on a yearly basis or usable until further notice.
v3.19.1
Debt
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Debt Securities [Abstract]  
Debt
Note 16.  Debt
Certain of the Group’s subsidiaries entered into long-term debt agreements with numerous banks and financial institutions. These agreements, which included customary terms and conditions in accordance with industry standards for unsecured facilities, include:
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Due to a bank, US$nil and US$19,430 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively
      $         $ 24,374    
Due to a bank, €nil and €13,605 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively
                  19,359    
        $         $ 43,733    
Current portion
      $         $ 43,733    
Long-term portion
                     
        $    —         $ 43,733    
 
For additional information, see Note 27.
All long-term debt was classified to current liabilities as at December 31, 2017. The Group did not have debt outstanding as of December 31, 2018.
No interest expense was capitalized and included in property, plant and equipment during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
v3.19.1
Account Payables and Accrued Expenses
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Current prepayments and current accrued income [abstract]  
Account Payables and Accrued Expenses
Note 17.  Account Payables and Accrued Expenses
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Trade and account payables
      $ 18,849         $ 39,528    
Value-added, goods and services and other taxes (other than income taxes)
        831           2,559    
Compensation
        247           392    
Contract liabilities under contracts with customers
        6,388           769    
Provision for guarantee
                  1,502    
        $ 26,315         $ 44,750    
 
Trade payables arise from the Group’s day-to-day activities. The Group’s expenses for services and other operational expenses are included in account payables. Generally, these payables and accrual accounts do not bear interest and have a maturity of less than one year.
The movement of contract liabilities under contracts with customers for the year ended December 31, 2018 was as follows:
     
2018
 
Balance, beginning of the year
      $ 797    
A change in the time frame for a performance obligation to be satisfied
        6,839    
Balance, end of the year
      $ 7,636    
 
The Group expects to recognize the contract liabilities as revenue in the following years:
 
2019 (included in current liabilities)
      $ 6,388    
 
2020 (included in long-term liabilities)
        1,248    
          $ 7,636
v3.19.1
Accrued Pension Obligations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [abstract]  
Accrued Pension Obligations
Note 18.  Accrued Pension Obligations
At December 31, 2016, the Group had post-retirement defined benefit plans for certain of its employees in Europe. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the aforesaid subsidiaries were deconsolidated alongside the defined benefit obligations and the related plan assets, which had net accrued pension obligations of  $2,593 at the time of the disposals. As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Group did not have any post-retirement defined benefit plans and its defined benefit obligations and fair value of the related plan assets were both $nil.
v3.19.1
Decommissioning Obligations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Provision for decommissioning, restoration and rehabilitation costs [abstract]  
Decommissioning Obligations
Note 19.  Decommissioning Obligations
     
2018
   
2017
 
Decommissioning obligations, beginning of year
      $ 13,699         $ 13,219    
Changes in estimates
        (338)           255    
Accretion
        280           225    
Decommissioning obligations, end of year
      $ 13,641         $ 13,699    
 
Decommissioning obligations represent the present value of estimated remediation and reclamation costs associated with hydrocarbon properties and property, plant and equipment. As at December 31, 2018, management revised its estimates of the expected decommissioning obligations related to its hydrocarbon production and processing assets. The Group discounted the decommissioning obligations using an average discount rate of 1.98% (2017: 1.98%), which is the risk-free rate in Canada for blended government securities.
The Group’s decommissioning obligations are unsecured and will be funded from future cash flows from operations.
v3.19.1
Shareholders' Equity
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [abstract]  
Shareholders' Equity
Note 20.  Shareholders’ Equity
Capital Stock
The authorized share capital of MFC Bancorp is US$450,000 divided into 300,000,000 common shares of US$0.001 par value each and 150,000,000 preference shares divided into US$0.001 par value each.
Holders of common shares may receive dividends declared by the Company in accordance with the Company’s memorandum and articles of association, subject to any preferential dividend rights of any other classes or series of preference shares issued and outstanding. Holders of common shares are entitled to one vote per share at any general or special meeting of shareholders. The holders of common shares have the right on the winding up or dissolution of the Company to participate in the surplus assets of the Company in accordance with the provisions of the memorandum and articles of association of the Company, subject to the rights of any issued and outstanding preference shares.
All of the Company’s issued capital stock is fully paid.
Treasury Stock
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Total number of common shares held as treasury stock
        65,647           65,647    
Total carrying amount of treasury stock
      $ 2,643         $ 2,643    
 
All of the Company’s treasury stock is held by wholly-owned subsidiaries.
v3.19.1
Consolidated Statements of Operation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]  
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Note 21. Consolidated Statements of Operations
Revenue
The Group’s revenue comprised:
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Merchant banking products and services
      $ 124,059         $ 249,581         $ 1,078,745    
Interest
        676           973           3,056    
Dividends
        168                     6    
Gain on securities, net
        3,856                        
Other, including medical and real estate sectors
        10,992           23,481           49,850    
Revenue
      $ 139,751         $ 274,035         $ 1,131,657    
 
The revenue of  $124,059 from merchant banking products and services for the year ended December 31, 2018 comprised metals of  $107,540, natural gas of  $10,371, change in royalty revenue estimate of  ($2,437), power and electricity of  $4,254 and fees of  $4,331. Revenue from merchant banking products are generally recognized from contracts with customers.
The revenue of  $249,581 from merchant banking products and services for the year ended December 31, 2017 comprised metals of  $143,572, plastics of  $98, steel products of  $23,898, minerals, chemicals and alloys of  $57,768, natural gas of  $8,931, royalties of  $8,868, power and electricity of  $4,215 and fees of $2,231.
The Group’s revenue includes the revenue of the metals processing acquisition from October 1, 2017 and the Bank from February 1, 2016 in its merchant banking segment.
In December 2016, the Group disposed of certain non-core commodities subsidiaries. Effective January 31, 2017, the Group completed the sale of a non-core commodities trading subsidiary which focused on Latin America. Effective October 1, 2017, the Group disposed of certain subsidiaries, including certain commodities trading subsidiaries in Europe. In September 2018, the Group disposed of certain European subsidiaries which did not have significant business activities.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, management of the Group reclassified certain revenue related to its iron ore royalty interest to contract liabilities. This was accounted for as a change in accounting estimates under IAS 8 and, as a result, during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group reversed $2,437 which was previously recognized as revenue in the year ended December 31, 2017 and classified the amount to contract liabilities.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Group recognized $5,619 for the underpayment of resource property royalties from prior years, which was included in revenue from merchant banking products and services.
Expenses
The Group’s costs of sales and services comprised:
Years Ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Merchant banking products and services
      $  119,552         $  223,049         $  1,027,627    
Credit losses on loans and receivables and guarantees, net of recoveries
        34,985*           23,923*           17,023*    
Market value decrease (increase) on commodity inventories
        109           (400)           4,273    
Loss (gain) on derivative contracts, net
        794           (1,934)           521    
Loss on securities, net
                  619           116    
Dispositions of subsidiaries
        (25,771)           10,219           (2,585)    
Gains on settlements of liabilities
        (9,502)           (3,779)              
Change in fair value of loan payable at FVTPL
        167                        
Other, including medical and real estate sectors
        9,188           11,889           14,077    
Total costs of sales and services
      $ 129,522         $ 263,586         $ 1,061,052    
 
 
*       Includes credit losses of  $9,957 on receivables due from former consolidated entities in the year ended December 31, 2018 (2017: $8,585 and 2016: $11,296).
 
The Group included the following items in costs of sales and services:
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Inventories as costs of goods sold (including depreciation, amortization 
and depletion expenses allocated to costs of goods sold)
      $  92,138         $  206,644         $  974,497    
The Group’s selling, general and administrative expenses comprised:
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Compensation (wages and salaries)
      $ 10,305         $ 16,369    
Legal and professional
        4,469           8,860    
Accounting
        1,784           1,979    
Consulting and fees
        4,276           5,506    
Depreciation and amortization
        254           1,640    
Office
        1,026           1,797    
Other
        4,251           9,321    
        $ 26,365         $ 45,472    
 
Additional information on the nature of expenses incurred in continuing operations
Years Ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Depreciation, amortization and depletion
      $  5,712         $  6,732         $  11,951    
Employee benefits expenses*
        18,403           21,016           31,890    
 
*       Employee benefits expenses do not include the directors’ fees. For directors’ fees, please see Note 28.
 
 
During the year ended December 31, 2018, certain of the Group’s subsidiaries entered into a court-approved settlement agreement related to proceedings respecting the insolvent estate of certain of our former hydrocarbon subsidiaries. As a result of the settlement, the Group incurred a non-cash charge of  $5,600, which was the carrying value of assets which the Group contributed under the settlement.
During the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the deconsolidation of subsidiaries resulted in a reclassification of cumulative currency translation adjustment loss of  $672 and gain of  $11,306, respectively, from accumulated other comprehensive income within equity to exchange differences on foreign currency transactions in profit or loss.
v3.19.1
Share-Based Compensation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [abstract]  
Share-Based Compensation
Note 22.  Share-Based Compensation
The 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, referred to as the “2017 Plan”, was adopted by the Company on July 14, 2017.
Pursuant to the terms of the 2017 Plan, the board of directors, the Compensation Committee or such other committee as is appointed by the board of directors to administer the Incentive Plan, may grant stock options, restricted stock rights, restricted stock, performance share awards, performance share units and stock appreciation rights under the 2017 Plan, establish the terms and conditions for those awards, construe and interpret the 2017 Plan and establish the rules for the 2017 Plan’s administration. Such awards may be granted to employees, non-employee directors, officers or consultants of ours or any affiliate or any person to whom an offer of employment with the Group or any affiliate is extended. Such committee has the authority to determine which employees, non-employee directors, officers, consultants and prospective employees should receive such awards.
Subject to adjustment for changes in capitalization, the total number of Common Shares subject to all awards under the 2017 Plan is 575,403 Common Shares.
Pursuant to a plan of arrangement which was completed in 2017, 40,000 options were issued under the 2017 Plan in exchange for options issued and outstanding under a previous equity incentive plan.
In December 2017, the Company issued 535,000 options to directors, officers, employees and consultants with an exercise price of US$8.76 per Common Share and an expiry date of December 1, 2027.
On May 12, 2018, a Group executive surrendered for cancellation 20,000 options to purchase the Company’s common shares. On the same date, the Company granted to a different employee options to purchase 20,000 of the Company’s common shares at an exercise price of US$8.76 per share. The options vested immediately and expire on December 1, 2027.
The following table is a summary of the changes in stock options granted under the plans:
     
2017 Plan
   
2008 Plan
   
1997 Plan
 
     
Number 
of 
options
   
Weighted 
average 
exercise 
Price 
per share 
(US$)
   
Number 
of 
options
   
Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
per share 
(US$)
   
Number 
of 
options
   
Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
per share 
(US$)
 
Outstanding as at December 31, 2015
                            172,000           39.15           274,500           39.05    
Expired
                            (132,000)           39.05           (274,500)           39.05    
Outstanding as at December 31, 2016
                            40,000           40.05                        
Exchanged under the plan of arrangement
        40,000           40.05           (40,000)           40.05                        
Granted
        535,000           8.76                                            
Outstanding as at December 31, 2017
        575,000           10.94                                            
Forfeited
        (125,000)           13.77                                            
Cancelled
        (20,000)           40.05                                            
Granted
        20,000           8.76                                            
Outstanding as at December 31, 2018
        450,000                                                        
As at December 31, 2018:                                                                          
Options exercisable
        450,000           8.76                                                
Options available for granting in future periods
        125,403                                                            
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable as at December 31, 2018:
     
Options Outstanding and Exercisable
 
Exercise Price per Share (US$)
   
Number outstanding
   
Weighted average remaining
contractual life (in years)
 
$8.76
        450,000           8.92    
 
The following table summarizes the share-based compensation expenses recognized by the Group:
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Share-based compensation expenses arising from stock options granted by the Company
      $    69         $    2,876         $    —    
 
On May 12, 2018, the Company granted to an employee options to purchase 20,000 MFC Bancorp common shares at an exercise price of US$8.76 per share. The options vested immediately and expire on December 1, 2027.
On December 1, 2017, the Company granted to certain employees options to purchase 535,000 MFC Bancorp common shares in aggregate at an exercise price of US$8.76 per share. The options vested immediately and expire on December 1, 2027.
The weighted average assumptions and inputs used in calculating the fair value of the stock options granted on May 12, 2018 and December 1, 2017, respectively, using the Black-Scholes-Merton formula are as follows:
     
2018
   
2017
 
Number of options granted
   
20,000 
   
535,000 
 
Vesting requirements
   
Immediately 
   
Immediately 
 
Contractual life
   
9.54 years 
   
10 years 
 
Method of settlement
   
In equity 
   
In equity 
 
Exercise price per share
   
US$8.76 
   
US$8.76 
 
Market price per share on grant date
   
US$6.30 
   
US$8.40 
 
Expected volatility
   
37.86% 
   
37.74% 
 
Expected option life
   
9.54 years 
   
10 years 
 
Expected dividends
   
0.00% 
   
0.00% 
 
Risk-free interest rate
   
2.93% 
   
2.38% 
 
Fair value of option granted (per option)
   
$3.44(US$2.69) 
   
$5.38(US$4.22) 
 
The expected volatility was determined based on the historical price movement over the expected option life, with adjustments for underlying businesses. The stock option holders are not entitled to dividends or dividend equivalents until the options are exercised.
The aggregate fair value of options granted was $69 and $2,876, respectively, which was recognized as share-based compensation expense in the Group’s consolidated statement of operations, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
v3.19.1
Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Detailed Information About Income Taxes [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Note 23. Income Taxes
Income (loss) before income taxes comprised:
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Canada
      $ 170,538         $ 7,360         $ 380    
Outside Canada
        (2,709)           (45,767)           (17,086)    
        $ 167,829         $ (38,407)         $ (16,706)    
 
The components of income tax expense comprised:
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Current taxes
      $ (867)         $ (3,744)         $ (4,540)    
Deferred taxes
        (55,238)           (3,141)           (1,454)    
Resource revenue recovery (expense)
        487           (1,773)           (1,020)    
        $ (55,618)         $ (8,658)         $ (7,014)    
 
A reconciliation of income (loss) before income taxes to the provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations is as follows:
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
      $ 167,829         $ (38,407)         $ (16,706)    
Computed (expense) recovery of income taxes
      $ (50,137)         $ 9,792         $ 4,344    
Decrease (increase) in income taxes resulting from:                                      
Subsidiaries’ tax rate differences
                            714    
Other non-taxable income
        45           7           6,057    
Revisions to prior years
        (1,355)           4,650           (112)    
Taxable capital gains and losses on dispositions, net
        (5,357)           (3,150)           (3,543)    
Resource property revenue taxes
        356           (1,311)           (755)    
Unrecognized losses in current year
        (1,411)           (20,916)           (15,623)    
Previously unrecognized deferred income tax assets, net
        3,041           2,877           5,747    
Permanent differences
        (306)           (363)           (1,448)    
Other, net
        (494)           (244)           (2,395)    
Provision for income taxes
      $ (55,618)         $ (8,658)         $ (7,014)    
 
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Group’s income tax recovery was computed at the statutory tax rate of 26%. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the income tax expense and recovery were computed at the domestic tax rates applicable to the countries concerned. MFC Bancorp has a zero tax rate under its tax jurisdiction since 2017.
In addition, the aggregate current and deferred income tax relating to items that are charged directly to other comprehensive income or loss was an expense of  $nil for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
v3.19.1
Earnings Per Share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure For Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings Per Share
Note 24.  Earnings Per Share
 
Earnings per share data for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are summarized as follows:
     
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Basic income (loss) attributable to holders of common shares
      $  112,276         $  (47,855)         $  (25,361)    
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Diluted income (loss)
      $ 112,276         $ (47,855)         $ (25,361)    
 
     
Number of Shares
 
     
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic
        12,534,801           12,544,141           12,628,454    
Effect of dilutive securities:                                      
Options
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted
        12,534,801           12,544,141           12,628,454    
 
In 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Group’s potential ordinary shares include stock options outstanding. In 2016, the potential ordinary shares also included contingently issuable shares pursuant to a share purchase agreement.
As at December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, there were 450,000, 575,000 and 40,000 stock options, respectively, outstanding that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future, but were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were antidilutive for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
v3.19.1
Dividends Paid
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dividend Paid [Abstract]  
Dividends Paid
Note 25.  Dividends Paid
The Company did not declare nor pay dividends in 2018, 2017 and 2016.
v3.19.1
Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies
Note 26. Commitments and Contingencies
Leases as lessors
The Group leases out land and buildings and equipment under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The leases have varying terms, subject to the customary practices in the particular regions.
Future minimum rentals under long-term non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:
Years ending December 31:
   
Amount
 
2019
      $ 1,020    
2020
        916    
2021
        645    
2022
        461    
2023
        28    
Thereafter
        14    
        $ 3,084    
 
The Group recognized rental and lease income of  $3,273, $6,026 and $15,470 for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Leases as lessees
Future minimum commitments under long-term non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:
Years ending December 31:
   
Amount
 
2019
      $ 1,327    
2020
        927    
2021
        475    
2022
        455    
2023
        447    
Thereafter
        1,155    
        $ 4,786    
 
The leases, which principally comprise office space, have varying terms, subject to the customary practices in the local regions. Minimum lease payments recognized as expenses were $2,303 (including contingent rents of  $423), $3,120 (including contingent rents of  $115) and $2,565 (including sublease of  $734 and contingent rents of  $20) for the year ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Litigation
The Group is subject to routine litigation incidental to its business and is named from time to time as a defendant and is a plaintiff from time to time in various legal actions arising in connection with its activities, certain of which may include large claims for punitive damages. Further, due to the size, complexity and nature of the Group’s operations, various legal and tax matters are outstanding from time to time, including periodic audit by various tax authorities. Currently, based upon information available, management does not believe any such matters would have a material adverse effect upon the Group’s financial condition or results of operations as at December 31, 2018. However, due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there cannot be certainty as to the eventual outcome of any case. If management’s current assessments are incorrect or if management is unable to resolve any of these matters favorably, there may be a material adverse impact on the Group’s financial performance, cash flows or results of operations.
One of the Group’s subsidiaries in Europe is disputing certain assessments by the relevant tax authorities related to the recoverability of certain value-added tax assets in prior fiscal years. The Group believes that the tax authorities’ conclusions are contradictory to the relevant country and European Union laws, so the Group has appealed these matters locally. Management believes that it is more likely than not that it will be successful in these appeals, however the timing is unknown. The total amount of the assessments is $1,853, of which $488 has been paid in dispute. The amount of  $488 that has been paid has been reclassified as a long-term tax receivable to reflect the expected timing of recovery being longer than twelve months.
One of the Group’s subsidiaries is disputing certain assessments by the relevant tax authorities related to expatriate staff payroll tax, and the Group has appealed these matters locally. Management believes that it is more likely than not that it will be successful in this appeal, however the timing is unknown. The total amount of the assessments is $2,996 of which $899 has been paid in dispute. The amount that has been paid has been written off due to management’s expectations of probability of recovery.
Guarantees
Guarantees are accounted for as contingent liabilities unless it becomes probable that the Group will be required to make a payment under the guarantee.
In the normal course of its merchant banking activities, the Group issues guarantees to its trade and financing partners in order to secure financing facilities. Upon the use or drawdown of the underlying financing facilities, the financing facilities are recorded as liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial position such as short-term bank borrowings or debt. Accordingly, the issued guarantees relating to such financing facilities that are used or drawn are not considered contingent liabilities or off-balance sheet transactions. As at December 31, 2018, the Group did not have unrecorded contingent liabilities relating to outstanding guarantees issued to its trade and financing partners in the normal course of its merchant banking activities (see Note 29).
Rights to Subscribe to Shares in Subsidiaries
During 2017, two subsidiaries of the Group entered into agreements with third party employee incentive corporations whereby the latter were granted the rights to buy up to 10% of the share capital of the subsidiaries on a diluted basis at a price to be no less or more than the then existing net tangible asset value. The rights expire in 10 years.
Purchase Obligations
As at December 31, 2018, the Group had open purchase contracts aggregating $686 due in 2019. None of these contracts have been recognized on the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2018.
v3.19.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Supplemental Disclosure
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities [abstract]  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Supplemental Disclosure
Note 27. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Supplemental Disclosure
Interest paid and received, dividends received and income taxes paid are classified as operating activities. Dividends paid are classified as financing activities. Income taxes paid include the payments of advance tax prepayments and are net of tax cash refunds.
The Group establishes, utilizes and maintains various kinds of credit lines and facilities with banks and insurers. Most of these facilities are short term. These facilities are used in our day-to-day supply chain business and structured solutions activities. The amounts drawn under such facilities fluctuate with the kind and level of transactions being undertaken. As a result, management considers short-term bank borrowings to be a part of its operating activities and that it is most appropriate to include the changes in short-term bank borrowings within operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
There are no circumstances in which cash and cash equivalents held by an entity are not available for use by the Group other than amounts presented as restricted cash.
Consolidated cash flows statement – reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Debt, opening balance
      $ 43,733         $ 116,813    
Cash flows
                  (42,253)    
Non-cash changes:                          
Dispositions of subsidiaries
        (45,465)           (34,996)    
Accretion
        94           187    
Rollover of interest expenses into principal
        286              
Cumulative transaction adjustments
        1,352           3,982    
Debt, ending balance
      $         $ 43,733    
 
Non-cash transactions
Non-cash transactions during the year ended December 31, 2018: (1) a non-cash settlement loss of  $5,600 which represented the carrying amounts of assets that the Group contributed under a court-approved settlement agreement (see Note 21); and (2) the deconsolidation of a subsidiary resulting in recognition of a long-term non-interest bearing loan payable of  $3,645 (see Note 31).
Non-cash transactions during the year ended December 31, 2017: (1) sale of the shares of a non-core Latin America focused commodities trading subsidiary to a company controlled by the former President of the Company (see Note 28); (2) disposition of subsidiaries (see Note 31); (3) offsetting of a payable of  $12,264 due to a former subsidiary against a receivable due from the same entity; (4) redemption of preferred shares of  $52,299 in a subsidiary held by the former subsidiary in an exchange of trade receivables with a fair value of  $52,299; and (5) offsetting of long-term deposit liabilities of  $545 against finance lease receivables.
Non-cash transactions during the year ended December 31, 2016: (1) purchase of certain undeveloped lands from a former subsidiary for $790 at their fair value in exchange for a reduction of the Group’s loan receivables due from the former subsidiary; and (2) settlement of a trade receivable of  $1,343 by the customer undertaking to deliver physical commodity goods of equal value to the Group in the future.
v3.19.1
Related Party Transactions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [abstract]  
Related Party Transactions
Note 28. Related Party Transactions
In the normal course of operations, the Group enters into transactions with related parties, which include affiliates in which the Group has a significant equity interest (10% or more) or has the ability to influence their operating and financing policies through significant shareholding, representation on the board of directors, corporate charter and/or bylaws. The related parties also include MFC Bancorp’s directors, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and their close family members, as well as any person or entity which has significant influence over MFC Bancorp. In addition to transactions disclosed elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements, the Group had the following transactions with its related parties:
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Dividends received
      $    168         $    —         $    —    
Puttable instrument financial liability
In connection with an acquisition in November 2012, the Group entered into call and put agreements with the non-controlling interest, which allowed or required the Group to acquire up to 100% of the entity. As a result of the put options (i.e. puttable instrument), the non-controlling interest was classified as a financial liability.
In April 2014, the Group entered into a share purchase agreement with the holder of the puttable instrument (the “Put Holder”) whereby the Group acquired from the Put Holder his 40% equity shares in the acquired company. Upon the execution of the agreement, the puttable instrument was terminated. In May 2014, the Put Holder was appointed by the board of directors as the president and chief executive officer of the former holding company. The share purchase agreement was amended in June 2014 which included a contingent purchase price whereby 10,000 common shares of the former holding company would be issued to the Put Holder for each year from 2014 to 2024 if the underlying company achieves an annual net income milestone as computed under IFRS for the year.
In January 2017, in connection with its previously announced strategy to re-allocate capital and resources and exit certain products and geographies, the Group sold the shares of a non-core Latin America focused commodities trading subsidiary to a company controlled by the Put Holder. Under the transaction, the Group received total consideration of  $14,413, including 90,000 common shares of the former holding company and the release of any further obligations to issue shares in connection with a prior share purchase agreement between the parties. The Group recognized a gain of  $57 from the disposition of the subsidiary and its immediate parent company. The Put Holder resigned as the president and chief executive officer of the former holding company in March 2017 and as the director in May 2018.
Key management personnel
The Group’s key management personnel comprise the members of its Board of Directors, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The remuneration of key management personnel of the Group was as follows:
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Short-term employee benefits
      $  1,245         $  1,777         $  2,296    
Directors’ fees
        594           576           634    
Share-based compensation
                  713              
Total
      $ 1,839         $ 3,066         $ 2,930    
 
The share-based compensation for the year ended December 31, 2017 comprised $323 and $390, respectively, on the stock options granted to directors and other key management personnel (see Note 22).
v3.19.1
Financial Instruments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [abstract]  
Financial Instruments
Note 29. Financial Instruments
The fair values of the Group’s financial instruments as at December 31, 2018 and 2017, other than those with carrying amounts that approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature, are summarized as follows:
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
     
Carrying 
Amount
   
Fair 
Value
   
Carrying 
Amount
   
Fair 
Value
 
Financial Assets:                                                  
Fair value through profit or loss:                                                  
Equity securities
      $ 5,774         $ 5,774         $ 6         $ 6    
Derivative assets
        209           209           246           246    
Fair value through other comprehensive income (or available-for-sale 
instruments in 2017)
                                                 
Equity securities
                            771           771    
Debt securities
        6,328           6,328           5,121           5,121    
Financial Liabilities:                                                  
Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost:                                                  
Debt
      $         $         $ 43,733         $ 43,733    
Fair value through profit or loss:                                                  
Derivative liabilities
        37           37           302           302    
Loan payable
        3,981           3,981                        
Fair value of a financial instrument represents the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction in the principal (or most advantageous) market at the measurement date under current market conditions regardless of whether that price is directly observable or estimated using a valuation technique. The price for a transaction which takes place under duress or the seller is forced to accept the price in the transaction might not represent the fair value of an asset or a liability. The best evidence of fair value is published price quotations in an active market. When the market for a financial asset or financial liability is not active, the Group establishes fair value by using a valuation technique. The valuation technique used maximizes the use of inputs observed in active markets, and minimizes the use of inputs generated by the Group. Internally generated inputs take into account factors that market participants would consider when pricing the financial instruments, such as liquidity and credit risks. Use of judgment is significantly involved in estimating fair value of financial instruments in inactive markets and actual results could materially differ from the estimates. To value longer-term transactions and transactions in less active markets for which pricing information is not generally available, unobservable inputs may be used.
The fair values of financial assets measured at FVTPL and FVTOCI are based on quoted market prices (Level 1 fair value hierarchy) or a valuation method with observable inputs (Level 2 fair value hierarchy). The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term cash deposits, short-term receivables, short-term borrowings and account payables and accrued expenses, due to their short-term nature and normal trade credit terms, approximate their fair values. The fair values of long-term debt and other long-term liabilities are determined using discounted cash flows at prevailing market rates of interest for similar instruments with similar credit ratings (Level 2 fair value hierarchy).
The fair values of derivative financial instruments are based on quoted market prices when possible; and if not available, estimates from third-party brokers. These broker estimates are corroborated with multiple sources and/or other observable market data utilizing assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and market liquidity (Level 2 fair value hierarchy). Inputs may be readily observable or market-corroborated.
The fair values of a loan payable are estimated using an appropriate valuation method. Inputs to the valuation technique are unobservable (Level 3 fair value hierarchy).
The afore-said measurements also applied to the financial instruments prior to 2018.
The following tables present the Group’s financial instruments measured at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial position classified by level of the fair value hierarchy as at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively:
As at December 31, 2018
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Financial Assets:                                                  
Fair value through profit or loss:                                                  
Equity securities
      $ 1,773         $ 4,001         $         $ 5,774    
Derivative assets
                  209                     209    
Fair value through other comprehensive income:                                                  
Debt securities
        6,328                               6,328    
Total
      $ 8,101         $ 4,210         $         $ 12,311    
Financial Liabilities:                                                  
Fair value through profit or loss:                                                  
Derivative liabilities
      $         $ 37         $         $ 37    
Loan payable
                            3,981           3,981    
        $         $ 37         $ 3,981         $ 4,018    
 
As at December 31, 2018, the Group held an investment in a privately held company which was measured at FVTPL. The fair value was determined using discounted cash flows at prevailing market rates of interest for similar instruments with observable inputs (Level 2 fair value hierarchy).
As at December 31, 2018, a subsidiary of the Group has a loan payable with a former subsidiary which is non-interest bearing, is without recourse to the Group and has no fixed repayment date. The undiscounted contractual amount due out of surplus cash of the subsidiary is $57,392 (US$42,070) and is expected to be repaid in greater than 15 years. The fair value is determined using a discount rate for similar instruments with unobservable inputs (Level 3 fair value hierarchy), which included the sale price, demand for products, production and labour costs in the future periods. The actual repayment may be significantly different from both the carrying amount and the amount due at maturity. Sensitivity to changes in the discount rate is included under “Interest Rate Risk” in this Note 29.
As at December 31, 2017
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Financial Assets:                                                  
Fair value through profit or loss:                                                  
Short-term securities
      $ 6         $         $  —         $ 6    
Derivative assets
                  246                     246    
Available-for-sale:                                                  
Equity securities
        771                               771    
Debt securities
        5,121                               5,121    
Total
      $  5,898         $  246         $   —         $  6,144    
Financial Liabilities:                                                  
Fair value through profit or loss:                                                  
Derivative liabilities
      $         $  302         $         $ 302    
 
Generally, management of the Group believes that current financial assets and financial liabilities, due to their short-term nature, do not pose significant financial risks. The Group uses various financial instruments to manage its exposure to various financial risks. The policies for controlling the risks associated with financial instruments include, but are not limited to, standardized company procedures and policies on matters such as hedging of risk exposure, avoidance of undue concentration of risk and requirements for collateral (including letters of credit and bank guarantees) to mitigate credit risk. The Group has risk managers and other personnel to perform checking functions and risk assessments so as to ensure that the Group’s procedures and policies are complied with.
Many of the Group’s strategies, including the use of derivative instruments and the types of derivative instruments selected by the Group, are based on historical trading patterns and correlations and the Group’s management’s expectations of future events. However, these strategies may not be fully effective in all market environments or against all types of risks. Unexpected market developments may affect the Group’s risk management strategies during the period, and unanticipated developments could impact the Group’s risk management strategies in the future. If any of the variety of instruments and strategies the Group utilizes is not effective, the Group may incur losses.
The Group does not trade in financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes.
The nature of the risks that the Group’s financial instruments are subject to as at December 31, 2018 is set out in the following table:
     
Risks
 
           
Market risks
 
Financial instrument
   
Credit
   
Liquidity
   
Currency
   
Interest rate
   
Other price
 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
   
X
         
X
   
X
       
Equity securities
               
X
         
X
 
Debt securities
   
X
               
X
   
X
 
Derivative securities and financial liabilities
   
X
   
X
   
X
         
X
 
Receivables
   
X
         
X
             
Short-term bank borrowings
         
X
   
X
             
Account payables and accrued expenses
         
X
   
X
             
Loan payable
                     
X
       
A sensitivity analysis for each type of market risk to which the Group is exposed on its financial instruments at the end of the reporting period is provided, showing how profit or loss and equity would have been affected by changes in the relevant risk variable that were reasonably possible at that date. These ranges of parameters are estimated by management, which are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time estimates are made, and an assumption of stable socio-economic and geopolitical states. No unusual nor exceptional events, for example, natural disasters or human-made crises and calamities, are taken into consideration when the sensitivity analysis is prepared. Actual occurrence could differ from these assumptions and such differences could be material.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that one party to a financial instrument will cause a financial loss for the other party by failing to discharge an obligation. Financial instruments which potentially subject the Group to credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term cash deposits, derivative financial instruments, receivables and committed transactions (including loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts). The Group has deposited cash and cash equivalents and short-term cash deposits and entered into derivative financial instrument contracts with reputable financial institutions with high credit ratings and management believes the risk of loss from these counterparties to be remote.
Most of the Group’s credit exposure is with counterparties in the merchant banking segment and are subject to normal industry credit risk. The Group has receivables from various entities and credit risk from trade receivables is mitigated since they are credit insured, covered by letters of credit, bank guarantees and/or other credit enhancements. The Group routinely monitors credit risk exposure, including sector, geographic and corporate concentrations of credit and set and regularly review counterparties’ credit limits based on rating agency credit ratings and/or internal assessments of the customers and industry analysis. The Group also uses factoring and credit insurances to manage credit risk. Management believes that these measures minimize the Group’s overall credit risk; however, there can be no assurance that these processes will protect the Group against all losses from non-performance.
The Group measures the loss allowance for a financial instrument at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses or 12-month expected credit losses (see Note 2B(vi)).
At each reporting date, the Group assesses whether the credit risk on a financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition. When making the assessment, the Group uses the change in the risk of a default occurring over the expected life of the financial instrument instead of the change in the amount of expected credit losses. To make that assessment, the Group compares the risk of a default occurring on the financial instrument as at the reporting date with the risk of a default occurring on the financial instrument as at the date of initial recognition and considers reasonable and supportable information, that is available without undue cost or effort, that is indicative of significant increases in credit risk since initial recognition. The Group assumes that the credit risk on a financial instrument has not increased significantly since initial recognition if the financial instrument is determined to have low credit risk at the reporting date.
Under IFRS 9, there is a rebuttable presumption that the credit risk on a financial asset has increased significantly since initial recognition when contractual payments are more than 30 days past due; although, this rebuttable presumption is not an absolute indicator that lifetime expected credit losses should be recognized, but is presumed to be the latest point at which lifetime expected credit losses should be recognized even when using forward-looking information (including macroeconomic factors on a portfolio level).
The credit risk on a financial instrument is considered low if the financial instrument has a low risk of default, the borrower has a strong capacity to meet its contractual cash flow obligations in the near term and adverse changes in economic and business conditions in the longer term may, but will not necessarily, reduce the ability of the borrower to fulfil its contractual cash flow obligations.
Financial instruments are not considered to have low credit risk when they are regarded as having a low risk of loss simply because of the value of collateral and the financial instrument without that collateral would not be considered low credit risk. Financial instruments are also not considered to have low credit risk simply because they have a lower risk of default than the Group’s other financial instruments or relative to the credit risk of the jurisdiction within which the Group operates.
To determine whether a financial instrument has low credit risk, the Group may use its internal credit risk ratings or other methodologies that are consistent with a globally understood definition of low credit risk and that consider the risks and the type of financial instruments that are being assessed. Generally, an external rating of  “investment grade” is an example of a financial instrument that may be considered as having low credit risk. Financial instruments are considered to have low credit risk from a market participant perspective taking into account all of the terms and conditions of the financial instrument.
A financial asset is credit-impaired when one or more events that have a detrimental impact on the estimated future cash flows of that financial asset have occurred. Evidence that a financial asset is credit-impaired include observable data about the following events: (a) significant financial difficulty of the issuer or the borrower; (b) a breach of contract, such as a default or past due event; (c) the lender(s) of the borrower, for economic or contractual reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, having granted to the borrower a concession(s) that the lender(s) would not otherwise consider; (d) it is becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization; (e) the disappearance of an active market for that financial asset because of financial difficulties; or (f) the purchase or origination of a financial asset at a deep discount that reflects the incurred credit losses. It may not be possible to identify a single discrete event; instead, the combined effect of several events may have caused financial assets to become credit-impaired.
The Group adopts the presumption in IFRS 9 as its accounting policy that default does not occur later than when a financial asset is 90 days past due, unless it has reasonable and supportable information to demonstrate that a more lagging default criterion is more appropriate. The definition of default used for these purposes is applied consistently to all financial instruments unless information becomes available that demonstrates that another default definition is more appropriate for a particular financial instrument.
The average contractual credit period for trade receivables is 30-60 days and up to 180 days for certain sales. With the use of non-recourse factoring facilities, the average cash collection period is reduced to approximately 14 days.
The maximum credit risk exposure as at December 31, 2018 is as follows:
 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
      $ 68,041    
 
Derivative assets
        209    
 
Receivables
        14,018    
 
Amounts recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position
        82,268    
 
Guarantees (see Note 26)
           
 
Maximum credit risk exposure
      $ 82,268    
 
In February 2016, certain guarantees related to a customer filing for insolvency were called and the Group met its obligations under these amounts. Since these guarantees were no longer contingent, but instead were probable, they were recognized as provisions of  $40,677 as at December 31, 2015, which were paid during the year ended December 31, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Group received proceeds of  $39,149 from risk mitigation assets related to these guarantees, of which $35,121 was credited to profit or loss through a recovery of credit loss and the remainder was credited to trade receivables. During 2017, a net reversal of credit loss of  $1,317 was credited to profit or loss. During 2018, the Group wrote off the remaining receivable balance and recognized a credit loss of  $21,812 (see Note 8).
In February 2018, the calling of a guarantee resulted in a provision for credit loss of  $1,502 as at December 31, 2017 (see Note 17). During the year ended December 31, 2018, the credit loss resulting from the calling of the guarantee was reduced by $833 and was no longer outstanding as at December 31, 2018.
Please see sub-heading of  “Concentration risk” in this note on credit risk concentration.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Group requires liquidity specifically to fund capital requirements, satisfy financial obligations as they become due, and to operate its merchant banking business. The Group puts in place an actively managed production and capital expenditure budgeting process for major capital programs. The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it always has sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when they fall due, under normal and stress conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses. The Group maintains an adequate level of liquidity, with a portion of its assets held in cash and cash equivalents. The Group also maintains adequate banking facilities, including factoring arrangements. It is the Group’s policy to invest cash in highly liquid, diversified money market funds or bank deposits for a period of less than three months. The Group may also invest in cash deposits with an original maturity date of more than three months so as to earn higher interest income.
Generally, trade payables are due within 90 days and other payables and accrued expenses are due within one year. All short-term bank borrowings are renewable on a yearly basis. As a result of the dispositions of certain subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group did not have any bank debt outstanding as of December 31, 2018. The timing of future payments is based on the Group’s historical payment patterns and management’s interpretation of contractual arrangements. The actual cash outflows might occur significantly earlier than indicated in the payment projection or be amounts significantly different from those indicated in the payment projection.
Currency risk
Currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The Group operates internationally and is exposed to risks from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly the Euro, Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar.
Currency risk arises principally from future trading transactions, and recognized assets and liabilities. In order to reduce the Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk on material contracts (including intercompany loans) denominated in foreign currencies (other than the functional currencies of the Group companies), the Group may use foreign currency forward contracts and options to protect its financial positions. As at December 31, 2018, the Group had foreign currency derivative financial instruments (foreign currency forward contracts and options) with aggregate notional amounts of  $nil (2017: $14,766) and a net unrealized fair value gain of  $nil (2017: net gain of  $75).
The Group holds cash balances in renminbi (“RMB”) in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). The PRC imposes controls on the convertibility of RMB, the official currency of the PRC, into foreign currencies. The value of RMB is subject to changes in the central government policies and to international economic and political developments affecting supply and demand in the PRC foreign exchange trading system market. In the PRC, certain foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions at exchange rates set by the People’s Bank of China (the “PBOC”).
The Group does not have any material exposure to highly inflationary foreign currencies.
Sensitivity analysis:
At December 31, 2018, if the U.S. dollar had weakened 10% against the Group companies’ functional currencies with all other variables held constant, net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been $1,377 lower. Conversely, if the U.S. dollar had strengthened 10% against the Group companies’ functional currencies with all other variables held constant, net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been $1,377 higher. The reason for such change is mainly due to certain U.S. dollar denominated financial instrument assets (net of liabilities) held by entities whose functional currencies were not the U.S. dollar. There would have been no material impact arising from financial instruments on other comprehensive income in either case.
At December 31, 2018, if the Euro had weakened 10% against the Group companies’ functional currencies with all other variables held constant, net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been $6,559 higher. Conversely, if the Euro had strengthened 10% against the Group companies’ functional currencies with all other variables held constant, net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been $6,559 lower. The reason for such change is mainly due to certain Euro denominated financial instrument liabilities (net of assets) owed by entities whose functional currencies were not the Euro. There would have been no impact arising from financial instruments on other comprehensive income in either case.
At December 31, 2018, if the Canadian dollar had weakened 10% against the Group companies’ functional currencies with all other variables held constant, net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been $6,943, higher. Conversely, if the Canadian dollar had strengthened 10% against the Group companies’ functional currencies with all other variables held constant, net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been $6,943 lower. The reason for such change is mainly due to certain Canadian dollar-denominated financial instrument liabilities (net of assets) owed by entities whose functional currencies were not the Canadian dollar. There would have been no impact arising from financial instruments on other comprehensive income in either case.
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. Short-term financial assets and financial liabilities are generally not exposed to significant interest rate risk because of their short-term nature. As at December 31, 2018, the Group did not have any long-term bank debt.
Sensitivity analysis:
At December 31, 2018, if benchmark interest rates (such as EURIBOR, LIBOR or prime rates) at that date had been 100 basis points (1.00%) per annum lower with all other variables held constant, net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been $506 lower. Conversely, if the benchmark interest rate had been 100 basis points per annum higher with all other variables held constant, net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been $424 higher. The reason for such change is mainly due to the loan payable measured at FVTPL. There would have been no impact arising from financial instruments on the Group’s other comprehensive income in either case.
Other price risk
Other price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or currency risk), whether those changes are caused by factors specific to the individual financial instrument or its issuer or by factors affecting all similar financial instruments traded in the market. The Group’s other price risk includes equity price risk whereby the Group’s investments in equities of other entities that are classified as held for trading are subject to market price fluctuations.
Sensitivity analysis:
At December 31, 2018, if equity prices in general had weakened 10% with all other variables held constant, net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been $416 lower. Conversely, if equity prices in general had strengthened 10% with all other variables held constant, net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have been $416 higher. There would have been no impact on other comprehensive income in either case.
In addition, the Group buys and sells futures contracts on the London Metal Exchange and enters into financial derivative contracts (e.g. futures and swaps) with banks, customers and brokers. Management uses the financial derivative contracts to manage the price fluctuations for its own account or for customers. As at December 31, 2018, the Group had outstanding derivative financial instruments with an aggregate notional amount of  $9,720 (2017: $8,690), primarily to hedge against the long position in inventories and the usage of energy, which resulted in a net unrealized fair value gain of  $172 (2017: loss $131). As these future contracts are to hedge against the Group’s physical inventory position, any change in the fair value of the future contracts will offset the change in the fair value, though in opposite direction, of the physical inventories. As a result, the sensitivity analysis of the price risk arising from the future contracts on the Group is not applicable.
Concentration risk
Management determines the concentration risk threshold amount as any single financial asset (or liability) exceeding 10% of total financial assets (or liabilities) in the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position.
In the PRC, foreign exchange transactions are required by law to be transacted only by authorized financial institutions at exchange rates set by the PBOC. Remittances in currencies other than RMB by the Group in the PRC must be processed through the PBOC or other PRC foreign exchange regulatory bodies and require certain supporting documentation in order to effect the remittance. If such foreign exchange control system prevents the Group from obtaining sufficient foreign currencies to satisfy its currency demands, the Group may not be able to pay dividends in foreign currencies and the Group’s ability to fund its business activities that are conducted in foreign currencies could be adversely affected.
Except as disclosed in the preceding paragraph, at December 31, 2018, there were no customer, company or entity holding financial assets or liabilities exceeding the threshold amounts.
Additional disclosure
In addition to information disclosed elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements, the Group had significant items of income, expense, and gains and losses resulting from financial assets and financial liabilities which were included in profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 as follows:
     
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Interest income on financial assets not at FVTPL
      $ 15         $ 434         $ 605    
Interest income on financial assets classified at FVTPL
        661           539           2,451    
Total interest income
      $ 676         $ 973         $ 3,056    
Interest expense on financial liabilities not at FVTPL
      $ 989         $ 3,509         $ 7,747    
Interest expense on financial liabilities classified at FVTPL
            680               1,195               7,720    
Total interest expense
      $ 1,669         $ 4,704         $ 15,467    
Dividend income on financial assets at FVTPL
      $ 168         $         $    
Dividend income on financial assets classified not at FVTPL
                            6    
Net gain on financial assets at FVTPL
        3,785           6,825           1,240    
Loss on loan payable at FVTPL
        (167)                        
Reversal of impairment on securities measured at FVTOCI
        (3)                        
 
v3.19.1
Fair Value Disclosure for Non-financial Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [abstract]  
Fair Value Disclosure for Non-financial Assets
Note 30. Fair Value Disclosure for Non-financial Assets
The fair values of the Group’s financial instrument assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial position are discussed in Note 29. The following tables present non-financial assets which are measured at or based on fair value in the consolidated statements of financial position, classified by level of the fair value hierarchy:
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at December 31, 2018:
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Inventories
      $ 2,238         $         $    
Investment property
                            37,804    
Total
      $      2,238         $      —         $      37,804    
 
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at December 31, 2017:
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                 
(Restated)
   
(Restated)
 
Inventories
      $       1,039         $       271         $       —    
Investment property
                            37,660    
Total
      $ 1,039         $ 271         $ 37,660    
 
Commodity inventories are measured at fair value less costs to sell. The fair values are determined by reference to their contractual selling prices or quoted prices in marketplaces in the absence of a contract (level 1 fair value hierarchy). An average of past sale prices is used when there are no observable market prices or current contracts but there have been recent past sales of such goods and there are no indications that the market prices have been materially impacted (level 2 fair value hierarchy).
The fair values of investment property are measured using an income approach which includes the following inputs: land value, realized basic rents, operating costs, discount rates and damages and defects (level 3 fair value hierarchy). The valuation approach was consistent for both 2018 and 2017. Both the 2018 and 2017 valuations were performed by an independent external valuator who is an authorized expert for the valuation of developed and undeveloped land in Germany and holds recognized and relevant professional qualifications and has recent experience in the location and category of the investment property being valued.
v3.19.1
MFC Bancorp and its Significant Subsidiaries
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of information about consolidated structured entities [abstract]  
MFC Bancorp and its Significant Subsidiaries
Note 31. MFC Bancorp and its Significant Subsidiaries
MFC Bancorp, through a subsidiary, has an office at Unit 803, Dina House, Ruttonjee Centre, 11 Duddell Street, Hong Kong SAR, China.
A subsidiary is an entity that is controlled by MFC Bancorp. The following table shows the Company’s direct and indirect significant subsidiaries as at December 31, 2018. The table excludes subsidiaries which only hold intercompany assets and liabilities and do not have an active business as well as subsidiaries whose results and net assets did not materially impact the consolidated results and net assets of the Group.
Subsidiaries
   
Country of Incorporation
   
Proportion of
Voting Interest
 
MFC (A) Ltd
    Marshall Islands    
100%
 
MFC (D) Ltd
    Marshall Islands    
100%
 
Brock Metals s.r.o.
    Slovakia    
100%
 
1178936 B.C. Ltd.
    Canada    
100%
 
As at December 31, 2018, the Group controlled entities in which the Group held more than 50% of the voting rights and did not control any entities in which the Group held 50% or less of the voting rights. The Group’s proportional voting interests in the subsidiaries are identical to its proportional beneficial interests, except for: MFC (A) Ltd. and MFC (D) Ltd., in each of which the Group holds a 99.72% proportional beneficial interest. In addition, the Group consolidated a structured entity as at December 31, 2018.
As at December 31, 2018, none of the non-controlling interests are material to the Group. As at December 31, 2018, there were no significant restrictions (statutory, contractual and regulatory restrictions, including protective rights of non-controlling interests) on MFC Bancorp’s ability to access or use the assets and settle the liabilities of the Group except for amounts presented as restricted cash.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group completed merchant banking transactions which resulted in (i) recognition of a pre-tax gain of  $25,740; (ii) recognition of deferred tax expense of  $7,204; (iii) reclassification of cumulative translation loss of  $672 from accumulated other comprehensive income to profit or loss; (iv) recognition of a long-term liability of  $3,645; (v) recognition of non-controlling interests of  $6,441 in another subsidiary and (vi) a debit adjustment of  $6,284 to deficit under equity. In aggregate, the Group recognized total gains of  $25,771 on the deconsolidation of subsidiaries during the year ended December 31, 2018, being the amount of net liabilities at the times of dispositions, and total consideration of  $nil. Such gains were included in costs of sales and services in the Group’s consolidated statement of operations.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, two subsidiaries, pursuant to the terms of respective option deeds (see Note 26), issued shares to the non-controlling interests. These share issuances were accounted for as equity transactions and were credited to non-controlling interests directly. As of December 31, 2018, such rights had been exercised in respect of less than 0.5% of the ownership of each such subsidiary, respectively.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Group sold the shares of a non-core Latin America focused commodities trading subsidiary, resulting in a gain of  $57 (see Note 28). The Group also disposed of several other subsidiaries which resulted in a net loss of  $10,276, which were included in the consolidated statement of operations.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Group disposed of several merchant banking subsidiaries resulting in a gain of  $3,590. The Group also recognized a total loss of  $1,005 on the dispositions of other merchant banking subsidiaries. These gain and losses on the dispositions of the subsidiaries were included in the consolidated statement of operations.
v3.19.1
Subsequent Event
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [abstract]  
Subsequent Event
Note 32. Subsequent Events
The Company has scheduled a meeting of the holders of its common shares on May 31, 2019, to consider and approve: (i) the change of the Company’s name to “Scully Limited”; and (ii) a consolidation of its common shares on a 25 for 1 basis, and subsequent forward split of such shares on a 1 for 25 basis. Subject to receipt of requisite shareholder approval at the scheduled meeting, the Company currently expects that such actions will be completed on or about June 3, 2019.
v3.19.1
Approval of Consolidated Financial Statements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Approval Of Consolidated Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Approval of Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 33. Approval of Consolidated Financial Statements
These consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorized for issue on April 29, 2019.
v3.19.1
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Basis Of Presentation, Accounting Policies, Critical Accounting Estimates And Judgements [Abstract]  
Basis of Accounting
Basis of Accounting
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (the “IASB”). MFC Bancorp complies with all the requirements of IFRS. The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied with the exception of the adoption of IFRS 9, Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”), IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”) and the amendments to IFRS 2, Share-Based Payment from January 1, 2018. See Note 2B.
These consolidated financial statements were prepared using going concern, accrual (except for cash flow information) and historical cost (except for investment property and certain financial assets and financial liabilities which are measured at fair value and certain inventories that are measured at fair value less costs to sell) bases.
The presentation currency of these consolidated financial statements is the Canadian dollar ($), rounded to the nearest thousand (except per share amounts).
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MFC Bancorp and entities it controls. The Company controls an investee if and only if it has all the following: (a) power over the investee; (b) exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and (c) the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of its returns. When the Group holds, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting power of an investee, it is presumed that the Group controls the investee, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that this is not the case. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases. All intercompany balances and transactions, including unrealized profits arising from intragroup transactions, have been eliminated in full. Unrealized losses are eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.
On the acquisition date, a non-controlling interest is measured at either its fair value or its proportionate share in the recognized amounts of the subsidiary’s identifiable net assets, on a transaction-by-transaction basis. Subsequently, the non-controlling interest increases or decreases for its share of changes in equity since the acquisition date.
After initial consolidation of a subsidiary, when the proportion of equity held by non-controlling interests changes, the Group, as long as it continues to control the subsidiary, adjusts the carrying amounts of the controlling and non-controlling interests to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the subsidiary. The Group recognizes directly in equity any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received and attributes such difference to the owners of MFC Bancorp.
When the Group loses control of a subsidiary it: (a) derecognizes (i) the assets (including any goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary at their carrying amounts at the date when control is lost and (ii) the carrying amount of any non-controlling interests in the former subsidiary at the date when control is lost (including any components of other comprehensive income attributable to them); (b) recognizes (i) the fair value of the consideration received, if any, from the transaction, event or circumstances that resulted in the loss of control, (ii) if the transaction, event or circumstances that resulted in the loss of control involves a distribution of shares of the subsidiary to owners in their capacity as owners, that distribution and (iii) any investment retained in the former subsidiary at its fair value at the date when control is lost; (c) reclassifies to profit or loss, or transfers directly to retained earnings if required by IFRS, the amounts recognized in other comprehensive income in relation to the subsidiary; and (d) recognizes any resulting difference as a gain or loss under costs of sales and services in profit or loss attributable to the owners of MFC Bancorp.
The financial statements of MFC Bancorp and its subsidiaries used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are prepared as of the same date, using uniform accounting policies for like transactions and other events in similar circumstances.
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign Currency Translation
The presentation currency of the Group’s consolidated financial statements is the Canadian dollar.
MFC Bancorp conducts its business throughout the world through its foreign operations. Foreign operations are entities that are subsidiaries or branches, the activities of which are based or conducted in countries or currencies other than those of MFC Bancorp. Functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which an entity operates and is normally the currency in which the entity primarily generates and expends cash. Foreign currency is a currency other than the functional currency of the entity. The functional currencies of the Company and its subsidiaries and branches primarily comprise the Canadian dollar, Euro (“EUR” or “€”) and United States dollar (“US$”).
Reporting foreign currency transactions in the functional currency
A foreign currency transaction is a transaction that is denominated or requires settlement in a foreign currency. A foreign currency transaction is recorded, on initial recognition in an entity’s functional currency, by applying to the foreign currency amount the spot exchange rate between the functional currency and the foreign currency at the date of the transaction. At the end of each reporting period: (a) foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate; (b) non-monetary items denominated in a foreign currency that are measured in terms of historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction; and (c) foreign currency non-monetary items that are measured at fair value are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined.
Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items or on translating monetary items at rates different from those at which they were translated on initial recognition during the period or in previous periods are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise, except for exchange differences arising on a monetary item that forms part of a reporting entity’s net investment in a foreign operation which are initially recorded in other comprehensive income in the consolidated financial statements and reclassified from equity to profit or loss on disposal of the net investment.
When a gain or loss on a non-monetary item is recognized in other comprehensive income, any exchange component of that gain or loss is recognized in other comprehensive income. Conversely, when a gain or loss on a non-monetary item is recognized in profit or loss, any exchange component of that gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss.
Use of a presentation currency other than the functional currency
When an entity presents its financial statements in a currency that differs from its functional currency, the results and financial position of the entity are translated into the presentation currency using the following procedures: (a) assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of the statement of financial position; (b) income and expenses for each statement of operations presented are translated at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions or, for practical reasons, the average exchange rates for the periods when they approximate the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions; (c) individual items within equity are translated at either the historical exchange rates when practical or at the closing exchange rates at the date of the statement of financial position; and (d) all resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income.
The following table sets out exchange rates for the translation of the Euro and United States dollar, which represented the major trading currencies of the Group, into the Canadian dollar:
     
EUR
   
US$
 
Closing rate at December 31, 2018
        1.5613           1.3642    
Average rate for the year 2018
        1.5302           1.2957    
Closing rate at December 31, 2017
        1.5052           1.2545    
Average rate for the year 2017
        1.4650           1.2986    
Closing rate at December 31, 2016
        1.4169           1.3427    
Average rate for the year 2016
        1.4660           1.3248
Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value Measurement
Certain assets and liabilities of the Group are measured at fair value (see Note 2B).
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value measurement is for a particular asset or liability. Therefore, when measuring fair value, the Group takes into account the characteristics of the asset or liability if market participants would take those characteristics into account when pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:
(a)    in the principal market for the asset or liability; or
 
(b)    in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
 
The Group measures the fair value of an asset or a liability using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs. IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement (“IFRS 13”), establishes a fair value hierarchy that categorizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels:
Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.
Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.
Non-current Assets Held for Sale
Non-current Assets Held for Sale
A non-current asset (or disposal group) is classified as held for sale if its carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. For this to be the case, the asset (or disposal group) must be available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for the sale of such asset (or disposal group), the appropriate level of management must be committed to a plan to sell the asset (or disposal group) and an active program to locate a buyer and complete the plan must have been initiated. Further, the asset (or disposal group) must be actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value and the sale is highly probable to complete within one year from the date of classification, except as permitted under certain events and circumstances. If the aforesaid criteria are no longer met, the Group ceases to classify the asset (or disposal group) as held for sale.
Non-current assets (and disposal groups) classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amounts and fair values less costs to sell. The Group does not depreciate or amortize a non-current asset while it is classified as held for sale.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions and Measurement Uncertainty
Use of Estimates and Assumptions and Measurement Uncertainty
The timely preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Management’s best estimates are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time estimates are made, historical experience, general economic conditions and trends and management’s assessment of probable future outcomes of these matters. Actual results could differ from these estimates and such differences could be material. For critical judgments in applying accounting policies and major sources of estimation uncertainty (see Notes 2C and 2D).
Financial Instruments
(i) Financial Instruments
IFRS 9
The Group adopted IFRS 9 with a date of initial application of January 1, 2018.
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized on the consolidated statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the financial instrument contract. A financial asset is derecognized either when the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset or when cash flows expire. A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, canceled or expired.
The Group classifies its financial assets into the following measurement categories: (a) those measured subsequently at fair value (either through other comprehensive income (“FVTOCI”) or through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) and (b) subsequently measured at amortized cost. The classification of financial assets depends on the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets and the terms of the contractual cash flows. The Group classifies its financial liabilities as subsequently measured at amortized cost, except for financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.
Initial Adoption of IFRS 9
IFRS 9 does not require restatement of comparative periods. Accordingly, the Group has reflected the retrospective impact of the adoption of IFRS 9 due to the change in accounting policy for investments in equity securities as an adjustment to opening accumulated deficit as at January 1, 2018. Under IFRS 9, the Group’s investments in equity securities, which were previously classified as available for sale or at cost under IAS 39,Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (“IAS 39”), are measured at FVTPL. The retrospective adjustment, which represented the fair value gain adjustment on investments in equity securities as of January 1, 2018, was $524 and debited to other comprehensive income.
Upon the initial adoption of IFRS 9 on January 1, 2018, the financial assets which were previously classified at fair value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity, loans and receivables and available-for-sale have been transferred to, financial assets measured at FVTPL, FVTOCI or amortised cost.
IAS 39 (Accounting Policies Applicable Prior to January 1, 2018)
All financial assets and financial liabilities were classified by characteristic and/or management intent. Except for certain financial instruments which were excluded from the scope, all financial assets were classified into one of four categories: (a) at fair value through profit or loss; (b) held-to-maturity; (c) loans and receivables; and (d) available-for-sale, and all financial liabilities were classified into one of two categories: (a) at fair value through profit or loss; and (b) at amortized cost.
A financial asset or financial liability at fair value through profit or loss was a financial asset or financial liability that met either of the following conditions: (a) it was classified as held for trading if it was (i) acquired or incurred principally for the purpose of selling or repurchasing it in the near term, (ii) part of a portfolio of identified financial instruments that were managed together and for which there was evidence of a recent actual pattern of short-term profit taking, or (iii) a derivative, except for a derivative that was a designated and effective hedging instrument; or (b) it was designated by the Group upon initial recognition as at fair value through profit or loss when certain conditions were met.
Available-for-sale financial assets were those non-derivative financial assets that were designated as available for sale, or that were not classified as loans and receivables, held-to-maturity investments, or at fair value through profit or loss.
Non-derivative financial liabilities were classified as financial liabilities measured at amortized cost.
After initial recognition, the Group measured financial assets, including derivatives that were assets, at their fair values, without any deduction for transaction costs it might incur on sale or other disposal, except for the following financial assets: (a) held-to-maturity investments which were measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method; (b) loans and receivables which were measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method; and (c) investments in equity instruments that did not have a quoted market price in an active market and whose fair value could not be reliably measured and derivatives that were linked to and had to be settled by delivery of such unquoted equity instruments which were measured at cost. All financial assets except those measured at fair value through profit or loss were subject to review for impairment.
Common to Both IFRS 9 and IAS 39
Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are accounted for at the settlement date.
When a financial asset or financial liability is recognized initially, the Group measures it at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset or financial liability not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial asset or financial liability. Transaction costs related to the acquisition or issue of a financial asset or financial liability at fair value through profit or loss are expensed as incurred. The subsequent measurement of a financial instrument and the recognition of associated gains and losses are determined by the financial instrument classification.
A gain or loss on a financial asset or financial liability classified as at fair value through profit or loss is recognized in profit or loss for the period in which it arises. A gain or loss on an asset measured at FVTOCI or classified as available for sale is recognized in other comprehensive income, except for impairment losses, until the financial asset is derecognized, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income is recognized in profit or loss for the period. For financial assets and financial liabilities carried at amortized cost, a gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss when the financial asset or financial liability is derecognized or impaired and through the amortization process.
Net gains or net losses on financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss do not include interest or dividend income.
Whenever quoted market prices are available, bid prices are used for the measurement of fair value of financial assets while ask prices are used for financial liabilities. When the market for a financial instrument is not active, the Group establishes fair value by using a valuation technique. Valuation techniques include using recent arm’s length market transactions between knowledgeable, willing parties, if available; reference to the current fair value of another financial instrument that is substantially the same; discounted cash flow analysis; option pricing models; and other valuation techniques commonly used by market participants to price the financial instrument.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
(ii) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash at banks and highly liquid investments (e.g. money market funds) readily convertible to a known amount of cash and subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. They have maturities of three months or less from the date of acquisition and are generally interest-bearing.
Securities
(iii) Securities
IFRS 9
Investments in equity securities are measured at FVTPL.
Debt securities which are held within a business model whose objective is to collect the contractual cash flows and sell the debt securities, and that have contractual cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal outstanding are measured at FVTOCI.
IAS 39 (Accounting Policies Applicable Prior to January 1, 2018)
Securities were classified as at fair value through profit or loss (i.e. held for trading) or short-term or long-term available-for-sale securities.
Publicly-traded securities (debt and equity) which were acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near term were classified as held for trading.
Available-for-sale securities consisted of publicly-traded securities and unlisted equity securities which were not held for trading and not held to maturity. Long-term available-for-sale securities were purchased with the intention to hold until market conditions render alternative investments more attractive. Short-term available-for-sale securities were held with the intention of management to sell within the current operating cycle but did not meet the definition of trading securities.
When a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale security had been recognized in other comprehensive income and there was objective evidence that the asset is impaired, the cumulative loss that had been recognized in other comprehensive income was reclassified from equity to profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment even though the security had not been derecognized. A significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of an investment in an equity instrument below its cost is an objective evidence of impairment. The Group considered a decline in excess of 25 percent generally as significant and a decline in a quoted market price that persisted for 15 months as prolonged. Impairment losses recognized in profit or loss for an investment in an equity instrument classified as available for sale would not be reversed through profit or loss.
Gains and losses on sales of securities are calculated on the average cost basis.
Securities and Financial Liabilities - Derivatives
(iv) Securities and Financial Liabilities – Derivatives
A derivative is a financial instrument or other contract with all three of the following characteristics: (a) its value changes in response to the change in a specified interest rate, financial instrument price, product price, foreign exchange rate, index of prices or rates, credit rating or credit index, or other variable; (b) it requires no initial net investment or an initial net investment that is smaller than would be required for other types of contracts that would be expected to have a similar response to changes in market factors; and (c) it is settled at a future date. A derivative financial instrument is either exchange-traded or negotiated. A derivative financial instrument is included in the consolidated statement of financial position as a security (i.e. financial asset) or a financial liability and measured at fair value. The recognition and measurement of a derivative financial instrument under both IFRS 9 and IAS 39 does not apply to a contract that is entered into and continues to be held for the purpose of the receipt or delivery of a non-financial item in accordance with the Group’s expected purchase, sale or usage requirements, unless the Group, as allowed under IFRS 9, designates the contract as measured at fair value through profit or loss if it eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement inconsistency.
Where the Group has both the legal right and intent to settle derivative assets and liabilities simultaneously with the counterparty, the net fair value of the derivative financial instruments is reported as an asset or liability, as appropriate.
Changes in the fair values of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognized in profit or loss as they arise.
Financial Liabilities
(v ) Financial Liabilities
The Group measures financial liabilities at either amortised cost or FVTPL. Financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost, unless either it is held for trading and hence required to be measured at FVTPL or the group elects to measure the financial liability at FVTPL.
Receivables
(vi) Receivables
Receivables are measured at amortized cost under both IFRS 9 and IAS 39.
Receivables are net of an allowance for credit losses, if any. The Group performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and recognizes a loss allowance for expected credit losses. Receivables are considered past due on an individual basis based on the terms of the contracts.
Allowance for Credit Losses
(vii) Allowance for Credit Losses
IFRS 9
The Group recognizes and measures a loss allowance for expected credit losses on a financial asset which is measured at amortized cost or at FVTOCI, including a lease receivable, a contract asset or a loan commitment and a financial guarantee contract. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition. To assess whether there is a significant increase in credit risk, the Group compares the risk of a default occurring on the asset as at the reporting date with the risk of default as at the date of initial recognition based on all information available, and reasonable and supportive forward-looking information.
When there is significant increase in credit risk or for credit-impaired financial assets, the loss allowance equals the lifetime expected credit losses which is defined as the expected credit losses that result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument. If, at the reporting date, the credit risk on a financial asset has not increased significantly since initial recognition, the Group measures the loss allowance for that financial instrument at an amount equal to the 12-month expected credit losses which is defined as the portion of lifetime expected credit losses that represent the expected credit losses that result from default events on a financial instrument that are possible within the 12 months after the reporting date.
As required by IFRS 9, the Group always measures the loss allowance at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses for trade receivables and contract assets that result from transactions that are within the scope of IFRS 15.
IAS 39 (Accounting Policies Applicable Prior to January 1, 2018)
The Group applied credit risk assessment and valuation methods to its trade and other receivables. Credit losses arose primarily from receivables but might also relate to other credit instruments issued by or on behalf of the Group, such as guarantees and letters of credit. Specific provisions were established on an individual receivable basis.
Common to Both IFRS 9 and IAS 39
The Group’s allowance for credit losses is maintained at an amount considered adequate to absorb expected or estimated credit-related losses. Such allowance reflects management’s best estimate of the losses in the Group’s financial assets and judgments about economic conditions. Estimates and judgments could change in the near term, and could result in a significant change to a recognized allowance. An allowance for credit losses is increased by provisions, which are recognized in profit or loss and reduced by write-offs net of any recoveries. Write-offs are generally recorded after all reasonable restructuring or collection activities have taken place and there is no realistic prospect of recovery.
Inventories
(viii) Inventories
Inventories principally consist of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods. Inventories, other than commodities products, are recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost, where appropriate, includes an allocation of manufacturing overheads incurred in bringing inventories to their present location and condition and is assigned by using the first-in, first-out or weighted average cost formula, depending on the class of inventories. Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution. The amount of any write-down of inventories to net realizable value and all losses of inventories are recognized as an expense in the period the write-down or loss occurs. The reversal of a write-down of inventories arising from an increase in net realizable value is recognized as a reduction in the amount of costs of sales and services in the period in which the reversal occurs.
Commodity products acquired by the Group as a broker-trader in the Group’s merchant banking activities with the purpose of selling in the near future and generating a profit from fluctuations in price or broker-traders’ margin are measured at fair value less costs to sell. Fair values of the Group’s inventories are determined by reference to their contractual selling prices or quoted prices in marketplaces in the absence of a contract (Level 1 fair value hierarchy), in accordance with guidance on fair value in IFRS 13.
Real Estate Held for Sale
(ix) Real Estate Held for Sale
Real estate held for sale is real estate intended for sale in the ordinary course of business or in the process of construction or development for such sale.
Real estate held for sale is measured at the lower of cost (on a specific item basis) and net realizable value. Net realizable value is estimated by reference to sale proceeds of similar properties sold in the ordinary course of business less all estimated selling expenses around the reporting date, or by management estimates based on prevailing market conditions. The amount of any write-down of properties to net realizable value is recognized as an expense in the period the write-down occurs. The reversal of a write-down arising from an increase in net realizable value is recognized in the period in which the reversal occurs.
All of the Group’s real estate is located in Europe.
Investment Property
(x) Investment Property
Investment property is property that is held for generating rental income or for capital appreciation or both, rather than for: (a) use in the production or supply of goods or services or for administrative purposes; or (b) sale in the ordinary course of business. The Group’s investment property comprises freehold land and buildings. Investment property is initially recognized at cost including related transaction costs. After initial recognition, investment property is measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they arise.
The Group determines fair value without any deduction for transaction costs it may incur on sale or other disposal. Fair value of the Group’s investment property is based on valuations prepared annually by external evaluators in accordance with guidance issued by the International Valuation Standard Committee and reviewed by the Group, or these valuations are updated by management when there are no significant changes in the inputs to the valuation prepared by external evaluators in the preceding year, in accordance with guidance on fair value in IFRS 13.
Property, Plant and Equipment
(xi) Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and, if any, accumulated impairment losses. The initial cost of an item of property, plant and equipment comprises its purchase price or construction cost, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset into operation, the initial estimate of any decommissioning obligation, if any, and, for qualifying assets, borrowing costs. The purchase price or construction cost is the aggregate amount paid and the fair value of any other consideration given to acquire the asset. Where an item of property, plant and equipment or part of the item that was separately depreciated is replaced and it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the replacement item will flow to the Group, the cost of the replacement item is capitalized and the carrying amount of the replaced asset is derecognized. All other replacement expenditures are recognized in profit or loss when incurred.
Inspection costs associated with major maintenance programs are capitalized and amortized over the period to the next inspection. All other maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
The depreciable amounts of the Group’s property, plant, and equipment (i.e. the costs of the assets less their residual values) are depreciated according to the following estimated useful lives and methods:
     
Lives
   
Method
 
Buildings
   
20 years 
        straight-line    
Processing plant and equipment
   
5 to 20 years 
        straight-line    
Refinery and power plants
   
20 to 30 years 
        straight-line    
Office equipment and other
   
3 to 10 years 
        straight-line    
Depreciation expense is included in costs of sales and services or selling, general and administrative expense, whichever is appropriate.
The residual value and the useful life of an asset are reviewed at least at each financial year-end and, if expectations differ from previous estimates, the changes, if any, are accounted for as a change in an accounting estimate in accordance with IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. The depreciation method applied to an asset is reviewed at least at each financial year-end and, if there has been a significant change in the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the asset, the method is changed to reflect the changed pattern.
The carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item) is included in profit or loss in the period in which the item is derecognized.
Interests in Resource Properties
(xii) Interests in Resource Properties
The Group’s interests in resource properties are mainly comprised of an interest in the Scully Iron Ore Mine, and to a lesser extent exploration and evaluation assets (comprising hydrocarbon probable reserves and hydrocarbon undeveloped lands), hydrocarbon development and production assets.
(a) Exploration and evaluation assets
Exploration and evaluation costs, including the costs of acquiring undeveloped land and drilling costs are initially capitalized until the drilling of the well is complete and the results have been evaluated in order to determine the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the asset. Technical feasibility and commercial viability are considered to be determinable when proved and/or probable reserves are determined to exist. When proved and/or probable reserves are found, the drilling costs and the costs of associated hydrocarbon undeveloped lands are reclassified to hydrocarbon development and production assets or from hydrocarbon undeveloped lands to hydrocarbon probable reserves. The cost of hydrocarbon undeveloped land that expires or any impairment recognized during a period is charged to profit or loss. Pre-license costs are recognized in profit or loss as incurred.
(b) Hydrocarbon development and production assets and an interest in an iron ore mine
The Group’s interests in resource properties are mainly comprised of an interest in the Scully Iron Ore Mine, and to a lesser extent, hydrocarbon development and production assets.
(1) Recognition and measurement
Interests in resource properties are initially measured at cost and subsequently carried at cost less accumulated depletion and, if any, accumulated impairment losses.
The cost of an interest in resource property includes the initial purchase price and directly attributable expenditures to find, develop, construct and complete the asset. This cost includes reclassifications from exploration and evaluation assets, installation or completion of infrastructure facilities such as platforms, pipelines and the drilling of development wells, including unsuccessful development or delineation wells. Any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary to operate as intended by management and result in an identifiable future benefit are also capitalized. These costs include an estimate of decommissioning obligations and, for qualifying assets, capitalized borrowing costs.
(2) Subsequent costs
Costs incurred subsequent to the determination of technical feasibility and commercial viability and the costs of replacing parts of property are capitalized only when they increase the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which they relate. Such capitalized costs generally represent costs incurred in developing proved reserves and bringing in, or enhancing production from, such reserves and are accumulated on a field or geotechnical area basis. All other expenditures are recognized in profit or loss as incurred. The costs of periodic servicing of the properties are recognized in costs of sales and services as incurred.
The carrying amount of any replaced or sold component is derecognized.
(3) Depletion
The carrying amount of an interest in a resource property is depleted using the unit of production method by reference to the ratio of production in the period to the related reserves.
For interests in hydrocarbon development and production assets, depletion is calculated based on proved producing reserves, taking into account estimated future development costs necessary to bring those reserves into production and the estimated salvage values of the assets at the end of their estimated useful lives. Future development costs are estimated taking into account the level of development required to continue to produce the reserves. Reserves for hydrocarbon development and production assets are estimated annually by independent qualified reserve evaluators and represent the estimated quantities of natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil which geological, geophysical and engineering data demonstrate with a specified degree of certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs and which are considered commercially producible. For depletion purposes, relative volumes of petroleum and natural gas production and reserves are converted at the energy equivalent conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of crude oil.
For the interest in an iron ore mine, depletion is calculated based on proved and probable reserves. The estimate of the reserves of iron ore is reviewed whenever significant new information about the reserve is available, or at least at each financial year-end.
Impairment of Non-financial Assets
(xiii) Impairment of Non-financial Assets
The Group reviews the carrying amounts of its non-financial assets at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, an asset’s recoverable amount is estimated.
The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and value in use. Where an individual asset does not generate separately identifiable cash flows, an impairment test is performed at the cash-generating unit (“CGU”) level. A CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Where the carrying amount of an asset (or CGU) exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset (or CGU) is considered impaired and written down to its recoverable amount. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less costs of disposal, an appropriate valuation model is used. These calculations are corroborated by external valuation metrics or other available fair value indicators wherever possible.
An assessment is made at the end of each reporting period whether there is an indication that previously recognized impairment losses no longer exist or have decreased. If such indication exists, an estimate of the asset’s (or CGU’s) recoverable amount is reviewed. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed to the extent that the events or circumstances that triggered the original impairment have changed. The reversal is limited so that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its recoverable amount, nor exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, depletion and amortization, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior periods. A reversal of an impairment loss for a CGU is allocated to the assets of the CGU pro-rata with the carrying amounts of those assets. During the year ended December 31, 2018, there was a reversal of impairment of the Group’s interest in an iron ore mine (see Note 13).
Hydrocarbon probable reserves are tested for impairment when they are reclassified to hydrocarbon development and production assets or when indicators exist that suggest the carrying amount may exceed the recoverable amount. For purposes of impairment testing, hydrocarbon probable reserves are grouped with related producing resource properties as a CGU with common geography and geological characteristics.
Undeveloped lands are evaluated for indicators separately from hydrocarbon development and production assets and hydrocarbon probable reserves. Impairment is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of undeveloped lands to values determined by an independent land evaluator based on recent market transactions. Management also takes into account future plans for those properties, the remaining terms of the leases and any other factors that may be indicators of potential impairment.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
(xiv) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Prior to October 1, 2017, the Group had defined benefit pension plans.
The Group recognizes an accrued pension obligation, which represents the deficit of a defined benefit pension plan and is calculated by deducting the fair value of plan assets from the present value of the defined benefit obligations, in the consolidated statement of financial position.
The Group uses the projected unit credit method to determine the present value of its defined benefit obligations and the related current service cost and, where applicable, past service cost. Actuarial assumptions are unbiased and mutually compatible and comprise demographic and financial assumptions.
Past service cost, which is the change in the present value of the defined benefit obligation for employee service in prior periods resulting from a plan amendment or curtailment, is recognized as an expense at the earlier of when the amendment/curtailment occurs or when the Group recognizes related restructuring or termination costs. The gain or loss on a settlement, which is the difference between the present value of the defined benefit obligation being settled and the settlement price, is recognized in profit or loss when the settlement occurs.
Current service cost and net interest on the accrued pension obligation are recognized in profit or loss.
Remeasurements of the accrued pension obligation, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset)) and any change in the effect of the asset ceiling (excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability (asset)), are recognized in other comprehensive income and are not reclassified to profit or loss in a subsequent period.
Provisions and Contingencies
(xv) Provisions and Contingencies
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Provisions are measured at management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the reporting date. Where appropriate, the future cash flow estimates are adjusted to reflect risks specific to the liability. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recorded as accretion and included in finance costs.
Contingent liabilities are possible obligations whose existence will only be confirmed by future events not wholly within the control of the Group. Contingent liabilities, other than those assumed in connection with business combinations which are measured at fair value at the acquisition date, are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements but are disclosed unless the possibility of an outflow of economic resources is considered remote. Legal costs in connection with a loss contingency are recognized in profit or loss when incurred.
The Group does not recognize a contingent or reimbursement asset unless it is virtually certain that the contingent or reimbursement asset will be received.
Decommissioning Obligations
(xvi) Decommissioning Obligations
The Group provides for decommissioning, restoration and similar liabilities (collectively, decommissioning obligations) on its resource properties, facilities, production platforms, pipelines and other facilities based on estimates established by current legislation and industry practices. The decommissioning obligation is initially measured at fair value and capitalized to interests in resource properties or property, plant and equipment as an asset retirement cost. The liability is estimated by discounting expected future cash flows required to settle the liability using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The estimated future asset retirement costs are adjusted for risks such as project, physical, regulatory and timing. The estimates are reviewed periodically. Changes in the provision as a result of changes in the estimated future costs or discount rates are added to or deducted from the asset retirement cost in the period of the change. The liability accretes for the effect of time value of money until it is settled. The capitalized asset retirement cost is amortized through depreciation, depletion and amortization over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Actual asset retirement expenditures are recorded against the obligation when incurred. Any difference between the accrued liability and the actual expenditures incurred is recorded as a gain or loss in the settlement period.
Own Equity Instruments
(xvii) Own Equity Instruments
The Group’s holdings of its own equity instruments, including common stock and preferred stock, are presented as “treasury stock” and deducted from shareholders’ equity at cost and in the determination of the number of equity shares outstanding. No gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, re-issue or cancellation of the Group’s own equity instruments.
Revenue Recognition
(xviii) Revenue Recognition
IFRS 15
Effective January 1, 2018, the Group adopted IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“IFRS 15”). Pursuant to IFRS 15, the Group recognizes revenue, excluding interest and dividend income and other such income from financial instruments recognized in accordance with IFRS 9, upon transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services based on the following five step approach:
Step 1:   Identify the contracts with customers;
Step 2:   Identify the performance obligations in the contract;
Step 3:   Determine the transaction price;
Step 4:   Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and
Step 5:   Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.
The Group typically satisfies its performance obligations upon shipment of the goods, or upon delivery as the services are rendered or upon completion of services depending on whether the performance obligations are satisfied over time or at a point in time. The Group primarily acts as principal in contracts with its customers. The Group does not have material obligations for returns, refunds and other similar obligations, nor warranties and related obligations.
For performance obligations that the Group satisfies over time, the Group typically uses time-based measures of progress because the Group is providing a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer.
For performance obligations that the Group satisfies at a point in time, the Group typically uses shipment or delivery of goods and/or services in evaluating when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services.
A significant financing component exists and is accounted for if the timing of payments agreed to by the parties to the contract provides the customer or the Group with a significant benefit of financing the transfer of goods and services to the customer. As a practical expedient, the Group does not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the Group expects, at contract inception, that the period between when the Group transfers a promised good or service to a customer and when the customer pays for that good or service will be one year or less.
The incremental costs of obtaining contracts with customers and the costs incurred in fulfilling contracts with customers that are directly associated with the contract are recognized as an asset (hereinafter, “assets arising from contract costs”) if those costs are expected to be recoverable, which are included in other long-term assets in the consolidated statements of financial position. The incremental costs of obtaining contracts are those costs that the Group incurs to obtain a contract with a customer that they would not have incurred if the contract had not been obtained. As a practical expedient, the Group recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. Assets arising from contract costs are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated contract periods.
The Group exercises judgments in determining the amount of the costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer, which includes, but is not limited to (a) the likelihood of obtaining the contract, (b) the estimate of the profitability of the contract, and (c) the credit risk of the customer. An impairment loss will be recognized in profit or loss to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds (a) the remaining amount of consideration that the entity expects to receive in exchange for the goods or services to which the asset relates, less (b) the costs that relate directly to providing those goods or services and that have not been recognized as expenses.
Initial Adoption of IFRS 15
Pursuant to the transition arrangement permitted under IFRS 15, the Group applied IFRS 15 retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying IFRS 15 recognized at the date of initial application. There were no revisions on the accounts in the consolidated statement of financial position on January 1, 2018 upon the adoption of IFRS 15.
Moreover, there were no financial statement line items affected in the current year ended December 31, 2018 by the application of IFRS 15 as compared to the presentation under IAS 18, Revenue and related interpretations.
IAS 18, Revenue (“IAS 18”) (Accounting Policies Applicable Prior to January 1, 2018)
The Group accounted for revenues under IAS 18 and other related international accounting standards and interpretations for the recognition and measurement of revenue until December 31, 2017.
Revenue included proceeds from sales of merchant banking products and services, real estate properties, medical instruments and supplies, rental income on investment property, interest and dividend income and net gains on securities. In an agency relationship, revenue is the amount of commission earned.
Revenue from the sale of goods was recognized when: (a) the Group had transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods (which generally coincided with the time when the goods were delivered to the buyer and title had passed); (b) the Group retained neither continuing managerial involvement to the degree usually associated with ownership nor effective control over the goods sold; (c) the amount of revenue could be measured reliably; (d) it was probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction would flow to the Group; and (e) the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction could be measured reliably.
Revenue from the rendering of services is recognized when: (a) the amount of revenue could be measured reliably; (b) it was probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction would flow to the Group; (c) the stage of completion of the transaction at the reporting date could be measured reliably; and (d) the costs incurred for the transaction and the costs to complete the transaction could be measured reliably.
Revenue was measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, customs duties and sales taxes. When the Group charges shipping and handling fees to customers, such fees are included in sales revenue. Where the Group acts as an agent on behalf of a third party to procure or market goods, any associated fee income is recognized and no purchase or sale is recorded.
Interest, royalty and dividend income were recognized when it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group and the amount of income could be measured reliably.
Costs of Sales and Services
(xix) Costs of Sales and Services
Costs of sales and services include the costs of goods (merchant banking products and services, real estate properties, medical instruments and supplies) sold. The costs of goods sold include both the direct cost of materials and indirect costs, freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, distribution costs and a provision for warranty when applicable.
Costs of sales and services also include write-downs of inventories, net loss on securities, credit losses on financial assets, gains or losses on dispositions of subsidiaries, and fair value gain and loss on investment property, commodity inventories and derivative contracts.
The reversal of write-downs of inventories and credit losses reduces the costs of sales and services.
Employee Benefits
(xx) Employee Benefits
Wages, salaries, bonuses, social security contributions, paid annual leave and sick leave are accrued in the period in which the associated services are rendered by employees of the Group. The employee benefits are included in costs of sales and services or selling, general and administrative expenses, as applicable.
Leases
(xxi) Leases
A lease is classified as an operating lease if it does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the leased asset. Operating lease payments are expensed in profit or loss over the term of the lease on a straight line basis.
Lease income from operating leases is recognized in income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Share-Based Compensation
(xxii) Share-Based Compensation
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments on the date at which the equity instruments are granted and is recognized as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. Fair value is determined by using an appropriate valuation model. At each reporting date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated, representing the extent to which the vesting period has expired and management’s best estimate of the achievement or otherwise of non-market conditions and the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The movement in cumulative expense since the previous reporting date is recognized in profit or loss, with a corresponding amount in equity.
When the terms of an equity-settled award are modified or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled or settled award, the cost based on the original award terms continues to be recognized over the original vesting period. In addition, an expense is recognized over the remainder of the new vesting period for the incremental fair value of any modification, based on the difference between the fair value of the original award and the fair value of the modified award, both as measured on the date of the modification. No reduction is recognized if this difference is negative. When an equity-settled award is cancelled other than by forfeiture when the vesting conditions are not satisfied, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation and any cost not yet recognized in profit or loss for the award is expensed immediately.
Share-based compensation expenses are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. When stock options are exercised, the exercise price proceeds together with the amount initially recorded in contributed surplus are credited to capital stock.
Finance Costs
(xxiii) Finance Costs
Finance costs comprise interest expense on borrowings, accretion of the discount on provisions, decommissioning obligations and other liabilities and charges and fees relating to factoring transactions.
Finance costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use, are added to the cost of those assets until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use. All other finance costs are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.
Capital stock and debt are recorded at the amount of proceeds received, net of direct issue costs (transaction costs). The transaction costs attributable to debt issued are amortized over the debt term using the effective interest method.
Income Taxes
(xxiv) Income Taxes
Income tax expense (recovery) comprises current income tax expense (recovery) and deferred income tax expense (recovery) and includes all domestic and foreign taxes which are based on taxable profits. The current income tax provision is based on the taxable profits for the period. Taxable profit differs from income before income taxes as reported in the consolidated statements of operations because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other periods and items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current income tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. Deferred income tax is provided, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated statement of financial position.
Deferred income tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences:
-       except where the deferred income tax liability arises on goodwill that is not tax deductible or the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss.
 
-       in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and branches, except where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
 
Deferred income tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and the carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilized:
-       except where the deferred income tax asset arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss.
 
-       in respect of deductible temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and branches, deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that the temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future.
 
On the reporting date, management reviews the Group’s deferred income tax assets to determine whether it is probable that the benefits associated with these assets will be realized. The Group also reassesses unrecognized deferred income tax assets. The review and assessment involve evaluating both positive and negative evidence. The Group recognizes a previously unrecognized deferred income tax asset to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred income tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Tax relating to items recognized in other comprehensive income or equity is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity and not in profit or loss.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current income tax assets against current income tax liabilities, and when they relate to income tax levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current income tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.
Withholding taxes (which include withholding taxes payable by a subsidiary on distributions to the Group) are treated as income taxes when they have the characteristics of an income tax. This is considered to be the case when they are imposed under government authority and the amount payable is calculated by reference to revenue derived.
The Group includes interest charges and penalties on current income tax liabilities as a component of interest expense.
Earnings Per Share
(xxv) Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing net income attributable to ordinary equity holders of MFC Bancorp by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, net of treasury stock.
Diluted earnings per share is determined using the same method as basic earnings per share, except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding includes the effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares. For the purpose of calculating diluted earnings per share, the Group assumes the exercise of its dilutive options with the assumed proceeds from these instruments regarded as having been received from the issue of common shares at the average market price of common shares during the period. The difference between the number of common shares issued and the number of common shares that would have been issued at the average market price of common shares during the period is treated as an issue of common shares for no consideration and added to the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The amount of the dilution is the average market price of common shares during the period minus the issue price and the issue price includes the fair value of services to be supplied to the Group in the future under the share-based payment arrangement. Potential ordinary shares are treated as dilutive when, and only when, their conversion to ordinary shares would decrease earnings per share or increase loss per share from continuing operations.
When share-based payments are granted during the period, the shares issuable are weighted to reflect the portion of the period during which the payments are outstanding. The shares issuable are also weighted to reflect forfeitures occurring during the period. When stock options are exercised during the period, shares issuable are weighted to reflect the portion of the period prior to the exercise date and actual shares issued are included in the weighted average number of shares outstanding from the exercise date.
Business Combinations
(xxvi) Business Combinations
The Group accounts for each business combination by applying the acquisition method. Pursuant to the acquisition method, the Group, when a business combination occurs and it is identified as the acquirer, determines the acquisition date (on which the Group legally transfers the consideration, acquires the assets and assumes the liabilities of the acquiree), recognizes and measures the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, and recognizes and measures goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase (i.e. negative goodwill). The identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are measured at their acquisition-date fair values. A non-controlling interest is measured at either its fair value or its proportionate share in the recognized amounts of the subsidiary’s identifiable net assets, on a transaction-by-transaction basis.
The consideration transferred in a business combination is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets transferred by the Group, the liabilities incurred by the Group to former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Group.
In a business combination achieved in stages, the Group remeasures its previously held equity interest in the acquiree at its acquisition-date fair value and recognizes the resulting gain or loss, if any, in profit or loss.
If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Group reports in its financial statements provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. During the measurement period, the Group retrospectively adjusts the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. During the measurement period, the Group also recognizes additional assets or liabilities if new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and, if known, would have resulted in the recognition of those assets and liabilities as of that date. The measurement period ends as soon as the Group receives the information it was seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date or learns that more information is not obtainable. However, the measurement period does not exceed one year from the acquisition date.
Acquisition-related costs are costs the Group incurs to effect a business combination. Those costs include finder’s fees; advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and other professional or consulting fees; general administrative costs, including the costs of maintaining an internal acquisitions department; and costs of registering and issuing debt and equity securities. The Group accounts for acquisition-related costs as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received, except for the costs to issue debt or equity securities (see Significant Accounting Policy Item (xxiii) above).
Critical Judgments in Applying Accounting Policies
C. Critical Judgments in Applying Accounting Policies
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management makes various judgments, apart from those involving estimations under Note 2D below, that can significantly affect the amounts it recognizes in the consolidated financial statements. The following are the critical judgments that management has made in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effects on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements:
(i) Identification of Cash-generating Units
The Group’s assets are aggregated into CGUs, for the purpose of assessing and calculating impairment, based on their ability to generate largely independent cash flows. The determination of CGUs requires judgment in defining the smallest identifiable group of assets that generate cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. CGUs have been determined based on similar geological structure, shared infrastructure, geographical proximity, product type and similar exposure to market risks. In the event facts and circumstances surrounding factors used to determine the Group’s CGUs change, the Group will re-determine the groupings of CGUs.
(ii) Impairment and Reversals of Impairment on Non-Financial Assets
The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-financial assets, other than and deferred tax assets, are reviewed at the end of each reporting period to determine whether there is an indication of impairment or reversal of previously recorded impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount is estimated.
Determining whether there are any indications of impairment or impairment reversals requires significant judgment of external factors, such as an extended change in prices or margins for hydrocarbon commodities or refined products, a significant change in an asset’s market value, a significant revision of estimated volumes, revision of future development costs, a change in the entity’s market capitalization or significant changes in the technological, market, economic or legal environment that would have an impact on the Company’s CGUs. Given that the calculations for recoverable amounts require the use of estimates and assumptions, including forecasts of commodity prices, marketing supply and demand, product margins and in the case of hydrocarbon properties, expected production volumes, it is possible that the assumptions may change, which may impact the estimated life of the CGU and may require a material adjustment to the carrying value of goodwill and non-financial assets.
Impairment losses recognized in prior years are assessed at the end of each reporting period for indications that the impairment has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset or CGU does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depletion, depreciation and amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.
(iii) Valuation of Investment Property
Investment properties are included in the consolidated statement of financial position at their market value, unless their fair value cannot be reliably determined at that time. The market value of investment properties is assessed annually by an independent qualified valuer, who is an authorized expert for the valuation of developed and undeveloped land in Germany, after taking into consideration the net income with inputs on realized basic rents, operating costs and damages and defects. The assumptions adopted in the property valuations are based on the market conditions existing at the end of the reporting period, with reference to current market sales prices and the appropriate capitalization rate. Changes in any of these inputs, or incorrect assumptions related to any of these items, could materially impact these valuations.
(iv) Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
The Group applies judgment to determine whether an asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition and that its sale is highly probable and therefore should be classified as held for sale at the balance sheet date. In order to assess whether it is highly probable that the sale can be completed within one year, or the extension period in certain circumstances, management reviews the business and economic factors, both macro and micro, which include the industry trends and capital markets, and the progress towards a sale transaction. It is also open to all forms of sales, including exchanges of non-current assets for other non-current assets when the exchange will have commercial substance in accordance with IAS 16, Property, Plant and Equipment.
A discontinued operation is a component of an entity (which comprises operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished, operationally and, for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the entity) that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale. While a component of the entity has distinguished financial data, judgments must be exercised on the presentation of inter-company transactions between components that are presented as discontinued operations and those that are presented as continuing operations. Furthermore, the allocation of income tax expense (recovery) also involves the exercise of judgments as the tax position of continuing operations may have an impact on the tax position of discontinued operations, or vice versa.
(v) Consolidation
Judgment is required when assessing whether the Group controls and therefore consolidates an entity, particularly an entity with complex share capital, management/decision-making or financing structures. Judgment is required to determine whether the Group has decision-making power over the key relevant activities of an investee, whether the Group has exposure or rights to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and whether the Group has the ability to use that power to affect its returns.
(vi) Purchase Price Allocations
For each business combination, the Group measures the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition-date fair values. The determination of fair value requires the Group to make assumptions, estimates and judgments regarding future events, including the profit forecast of the new subsidiary in the future. The allocation process is inherently subjective and impacts the amounts assigned to individual identifiable assets and liabilities, including the fair value of long-lived assets, the recognition and measurement of any unrecorded intangible assets and/or contingencies and the final determination of the amount of goodwill or bargain purchase. The inputs to the exercise of judgments include legal, contractual, business and economic factors. As a result, the purchase price allocation impacts the Group’s reported assets and liabilities and future net earnings due to the impact on future depreciation, depletion and amortization and impairment tests.
(vii) Credit Losses and Impairment of Receivables
On January 1, 2018, the Group adopted IFRS 9. As a result, the Group applies credit risk assessment and valuation methods to its trade and other receivables under IFRS 9 which establishes a single forward-looking expected loss impairment model to replace the incurred impairment model under IAS 39.
The Group measures the loss allowance for a financial instrument at an amount equal to the lifetime expected credit losses if the credit risk on that financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition. The objective of the impairment requirements is to recognize lifetime expected credit losses for all financial instruments for which there have been significant increases in credit risk since initial recognition — whether assessed on an individual or collective basis — considering all reasonable and supportable information, including that which is forward-looking.
At each reporting date, management assesses whether the credit risk on a financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition. When making the assessment, management uses the change in the risk of a default occurring over the expected life of the financial instrument instead of the change in the amount of expected credit losses. To make that assessment, management compares the risk of a default occurring on the financial instrument as at the reporting date with the risk of a default occurring on the financial instrument as at the date of initial recognition and consider reasonable and supportable information, that is available without undue cost or effort, that is indicative of significant increases in credit risk since initial recognition.
Allowance for credit losses is maintained at an amount considered adequate to absorb the expected credit losses. Such allowance for credit losses reflects management’s best estimate of changes in the credit risk on the Group’s financial instruments and judgments about economic conditions. The assessment of allowance for credit losses is a complex process, particularly on a looking-forward basis; which involves a significant degree of judgment and a high level of estimation uncertainty. The input factors include the assessment of the credit risk of the Group’s financial instruments, legal rights and obligations under all the contracts and the expected future cash flows from the financial instruments, which include inventories, mortgages and other credit enhancement instruments. The major source of estimation uncertainty relates to the likelihood of the various scenarios under which different amounts are expected to be recovered through the security in place on the financial assets. The expected future cash flows are projected under different scenarios and weighted by probability, which involves the exercise of significant judgment. Estimates and judgments could change in the near-term and could result in a significant change to a recognized allowance.
Major Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
D. Major Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
The timely preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.
The major assumptions about the future and other major sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period that have a significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below. These items require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex estimates. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.
(i) Interests in Resource Properties and Reserve Estimates
The Group had interests in resource properties mainly comprised of an interest in the Scully Iron Ore Mine, and to a lesser extent, hydrocarbon properties, with an aggregate carrying amount of  $273,250 as at December 31, 2018.
Estimation of reported recoverable quantities of proved and probable reserves include judgmental assumptions regarding production profile, prices of products produced, exchange rates, remediation costs, timing and amount of future development costs and production, transportation and marketing costs for future cash flows. It also requires interpretation of geological and geophysical models in anticipated recoveries. The economical, geological and technical factors used to estimate reserves may change from period to period. Changes in reported reserves can impact the carrying amounts of the Group’s interests in resource properties and/or property, plant and equipment, the recognition of impairment losses and reversal of impairment losses, the calculation of depletion and depreciation, the provision for decommissioning obligations and the recognition of deferred income tax assets or liabilities due to changes in expected future cash flows. The recoverable quantities of reserves and estimated cash flows from the Group’s hydrocarbon interests are independently evaluated by reserve engineers at least annually. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Group recognized a reversal of impairment of  $188,203 in respect of its interest in an iron ore mine (see Note 13).
The Group’s hydrocarbon reserves represent the estimated quantities of petroleum, natural gas and natural gas liquids which geological, geophysical and engineering data demonstrate with a specified degree of certainty to be economically recoverable in future years from known reservoirs and which are considered commercially producible. Such reserves may be considered commercially producible if management has the intention of developing and producing them and such intention is based upon: (a) a reasonable assessment of the future economics of such production; (b) a reasonable expectation that there is a market for all or substantially all the expected hydrocarbon production; and (c) evidence that the necessary production, transmission and transportation facilities are available or can be made available. Reserves may only be considered proven and probable if producibility is supported by either production or conclusive formation tests.
Included in interests in resource properties as at December 31, 2018, were exploration and evaluation assets with an aggregate carrying amount of  $17,007. Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an exploration and evaluation asset may exceed its recoverable amount and upon reclassification to hydrocarbon development and production assets. If such indicators exist, impairment, if any, is determined by comparing the carrying amounts to the recoverable amounts. The measurement of the recoverable amount involves a number of assumptions, including the timing, likelihood and amount of commercial production, further resource assessment plans and future revenue and costs expected from the asset, if any.
(ii) Impairment of Other Non-Financial Assets
The Group had property, plant and equipment aggregating $58,325 as at December 31, 2018, consisting mainly of a power plant and a natural gas processing facility. Impairment of the Group’s non-financial assets is evaluated at the CGU level. In testing for impairment, the recoverable amounts of the Company’s CGUs are determined as the higher of their values in use and fair values less costs of disposal. In the absence of quoted market prices, the recoverable amount is based on estimates of future production rates, future product selling prices and costs, discount rates and other relevant assumptions. Increases in future costs and/or decreases in estimates of future production rates and product selling prices may result in a write-down of the Group’s property, plant and equipment.
(iii) Taxation
The Group is subject to tax in a number of jurisdictions and judgment is required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences using the liability method, with deferred income tax liabilities generally being provided for in full (except for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and branches where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future) and deferred income tax assets being recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilized.
The operations and organization structures of the Group are complex, and related tax interpretations, regulations and legislation are continually changing. As a result, there are usually some tax matters in question that result in uncertain tax positions. The Group only recognizes the income tax benefit of an uncertain tax position when it is probable that the ultimate determination of the tax treatment of the position will result in that benefit being realized.
The Group companies’ income tax filings are subject to audit by taxation authorities in numerous jurisdictions. There are audits in progress and items under review, some of which may increase the Group’s income tax liabilities. In addition, the companies have filed appeals and have disputed certain issues. While the results of these items cannot be ascertained at this time, the Group believes that the Group has an adequate provision for income taxes based on available information.
The Group recognized deferred income tax assets of  $15,735 as at December 31, 2018. In assessing the realizability of deferred income tax assets, management considers whether it is probable that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences become deductible or before tax loss and tax credit carry-forwards expire. Management considers the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, taxable income in prior years and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Unrecognized deferred income tax assets are reassessed at the end of each reporting period.
The Group provides for future income tax liabilities in respect of uncertain tax positions where additional income tax may become payable in future periods and such provisions are based on management’s assessment of exposure. The Group did not recognize the full deferred tax liability on taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and branches where the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. The Group may change its investment decision in its normal course of business, thus resulting in additional income tax liabilities.
(iv) Contingencies
Pursuant to IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, the Group does not recognize a contingent liability. By their nature, contingencies will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. The assessment of contingencies inherently involves the exercise of significant judgment and estimates of the outcome of future events. If it becomes probable that an outflow of future economic benefits will be required for an item previously accounted for as a contingent liability, an accrual or a provision is recognized in the consolidated financial statements of the period in which the change in probability occurs. See Note 26 for further disclosures on contingencies.
Accounting Changes
E. Accounting Changes
Future Accounting Changes
IFRS 16, Leases (“IFRS 16”), issued in January 2016, introduces a single on-balance sheet model of accounting for leases by lessees that eliminates the distinction between operating and finance leases. Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged and the distinction between operating and finance leases is retained. IFRS 16 supersedes IAS 17, Leases, and related interpretations and management will adopt IFRS 16 for annual reporting periods beginning on January 1, 2019. Management concluded that the impacts of IFRS 16 on the Group’s consolidated financial statements as of January 1, 2019 would be a debit of  $2,911 to the right-of-use assets with credits of  $843 and $2,068, respectively, to the current and long-term lease payables.
In December 2017, Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015-2017 Cycle amended paragraph 14 of IAS 23, Borrowing Costs. The amendments clarify that the capitalization rate to the expenditures on a qualifying asset shall be the weighted average of the borrowing costs applicable to the borrowings of the entity that are outstanding during the period, and an entity shall exclude from this calculation borrowing costs applicable to borrowings made specifically for the purpose of obtaining the qualifying asset until substantially all the activities necessary to prepare that asset for its intended use or sale are complete. The Group will apply these amendments for annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019 and management concluded that there will be no material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2017, IASB issued IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments. IFRIC 23 aims to reduce diversity in how companies recognize and measure a tax liability or tax asset when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The Group will apply IFRIC 23 for annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019 and management concluded that there will be no material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
In October 2018, IASB issued amendments to its definition of material to make it easier for companies to make materiality judgements. The updated definition amends IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, and IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. The amendments clarify the definition of material and how it should be applied and ensure that the definition of material is consistent across all IFRS Standards. The changes are effective from January 1, 2020, but companies can decide to apply them earlier. Management is assessing its impacts on the Group’s financial statement presentation.
v3.19.1
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Basis Of Presentation, Accounting Policies, Critical Accounting Estimates And Judgements [Abstract]  
Schedule of sets out exchange rates for the translation of the Euro and U.S. dollar
     
EUR
   
US$
 
Closing rate at December 31, 2018
        1.5613           1.3642    
Average rate for the year 2018
        1.5302           1.2957    
Closing rate at December 31, 2017
        1.5052           1.2545    
Average rate for the year 2017
        1.4650           1.2986    
Closing rate at December 31, 2016
        1.4169           1.3427    
Average rate for the year 2016
        1.4660           1.3248    
Schedule of estimated useful lives and methods of property, plant and equipment
     
Lives
   
Method
 
Buildings
   
20 years 
        straight-line    
Processing plant and equipment
   
5 to 20 years 
        straight-line    
Refinery and power plants
   
20 to 30 years 
        straight-line    
Office equipment and other
   
3 to 10 years 
        straight-line    
v3.19.1
Capital Disclosure on the Group's Objectives, Policies and Processes for Managing Its Capital (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of objectives, policies and processes for managing capital [abstract]  
Schedule of debt or long term debt to adjusted capital or equity ratio
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Total debt
   
$          — 
   
$    43,733 
 
Less: cash and cash equivalents
   
(67,760) 
   
(74,870) 
 
Net debt
   
Not applicable 
   
Not applicable 
 
Shareholders’ equity
   
386,376 
   
277,780 
 
Debt-to-adjusted capital ratio
   
Not applicable 
   
Not applicable 
 
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Long-term debt
   
$          — 
   
$          — 
 
Shareholders’ equity
   
386,376 
   
277,780 
 
Long-term debt-to-equity ratio
   
Not applicable 
   
Not applicable 
 
v3.19.1
Business Segment Information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of operating segments [abstract]  
Schedule of segment operating
Segment Operating Results
     
Year ended December 31, 2018
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Revenue from external customers
      $ 134,496         $ 5,255         $ 139,751    
Intersegment sale
        3,363           191           3,554    
Interest expense
        1,779           3           1,782    
Income (loss) before income taxes
        183,395           (15,566)           167,829    
     
Year ended December 31, 2017
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Revenue from external customers
      $ 256,412         $ 17,623         $ 274,035    
Intersegment sale
        1,668           204           1,872    
Interest expense
        4,931                     4,931    
Loss before income taxes
        (28,254)           (10,153)           (38,407)    
     
Year ended December 31, 2016
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Revenue from external customers
      $ 1,095,896         $ 35,761         $ 1,131,657    
Intersegment sale
        1,975           360           2,335    
Interest expense
        15,751                     15,751    
Loss before income taxes
        (13,785)           (2,921)           (16,706)    
     
As at December 31, 2018
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Segment assets
      $ 458,998         $ 47,915         $ 506,913    
     
As at December 31, 2017
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Segment assets
      $ 343,649         $ 53,298         $ 396,947    
     
As at December 31, 2018
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Segment liabilities
      $ 106,651         $ 5,856         $ 112,507    
     
As at December 31, 2017
 
     
Merchant 
banking
   
All other
   
Total
 
Segment liabilities
      $ 106,713         $ 10,285         $ 116,998    
 
Schedule of geographic information
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Canada
      $ 13,035         $ 19,595         $ 28,328    
Germany
        51,867           122,643           280,552    
Africa
        4,254           4,283           32,519    
Americas
        1,786           22,446           256,598    
Asia
        1,549           14,894           113,821    
Europe
        67,260           90,174           419,839    
        $ 139,751         $ 274,035         $ 1,131,657    
 
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Canada
      $ 297,537         $ 144,452    
Africa
        33,258           32,258    
Asia
        20           889    
Europe
        52,914           52,501    
        $ 383,729         $ 230,100    
 
 
v3.19.1
Securities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Securities [Abstract]  
Schedule of securities
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Short-term securities                          
Equity securities at FVTPL, publicly traded
      $ 1,072         $ 6    
Debt securities at FVOCI
        6,328              
Debt securities available for sale
                  5,121    
        $ 7,400         $ 5,127    
Long-term securities                          
Equity securities at FVTPL, publicly traded
      $ 701         $    
Equity securities at FVTPL, privately held
        4001              
Equity securities available for sale, publicly traded
                  771    
        $ 4,702         $ 771    
 
 
v3.19.1
Trade Receivables (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Trade and other receivables [abstract]  
Schedule of trade receivable
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Trade receivables, gross amount
      $ 5,654         $ 43,207    
Less: Allowance for expected credit losses under IFRS 9 or credit losses under IAS 39 
        (311)           (8,948)    
Trade receivables, net amount
      $ 5,343         $ 34,259    
 
Schedule of movement in the loss allowance
     
Loss allowance measured at an amount 
equal to lifetime expected credit losses
 
     
Financial assets that 
are credit-impaired 
at year-end
   
Other trade 
receivables
   
Total
 
Loss allowance: opening balance
      $         $         $    
Reclassification from IAS 39 upon initial adoption of IFRS 9
        8,948                     8,948    
Additions for the year
        21,817           87           21,904    
Reversal
                               
Written off
        (30,935)                     (30,935)    
Exchange effect
        184           10           194    
Other
                  200           200    
Loss allowance: ending balance
      $ 14         $ 297         $ 311    
 
 
Schedule of trade receivables that were past due but not impaired
Past-due
   
2017
 
Below 30 days
      $ 7,322    
Between 31 and 60 days
        728    
Between 61 and 90 days
        1,175    
Between 91 and 365 days
        1,813    
Over 365 days
        314    
        $ 11,352    
 
Schedule of aging analysis of impaired trade receivables
Past-due
   
2017
 
Below 30 days
      $    
Between 31 and 60 days
           
Between 61 and 90 days
           
Between 91 and 365 days
           
Over 365 days
        30,337    
          30,337    
Allowance for credit losses
        (8,948)    
Expected recoverable amount of impaired trade receivables(1)
      $ 21,389    
 
 
(1)      The recoverable amount of impaired trade receivables is covered by credit insurance, bank guarantees and/or other credit enhancements and, therefore, management of the Group believes this entire net amount to be collectible in the ordinary course of business.
 
Schedule of movements in the allowance for credit losses
     
2017
 
Balance, beginning of the year
      $ 58,488    
Additions
        12,213    
Reversals
        (1,541)    
Write-offs
        (7,726)    
Disposition of subsidiaries
        (33,999)    
Other
        (21,099)    
Currency translation adjustment
        2,612    
Balance, end of the year
      $ 8,948    
 
v3.19.1
Other Receivables (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Other Current Receivables [Abstract]  
Schedule of other current receivables
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Royalty income from contracts with customers (net of an allowance of  $nil and $1,425, respectively)
      $         $ 4,525    
Contract assets under contracts with customers
        295           876    
Suppliers with debit balance
                  293    
Loans
        6,087           321    
Other
        2,293           15,675    
        $ 8,675         $ 21,690    
 
Schedule of movement of contract assets under contracts with customers
     
2018
 
Balance, beginning of the year
      $ 876    
A change in the time frame for a right to consideration to become unconditional
        (581)    
Balance, end of the year
      $ 295    
 
v3.19.1
Inventories (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Inventories [Abstract]  
Schedule of inventories
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Raw materials
      $ 3,640         $ 3,632    
Work-in-progress
        3,568           3,444    
Finished goods
        1,960           1,440    
Commodity inventories
        2,238           1,310    
        $ 11,406         $ 9,826    
Comprising:
               
(Restated)
 
Inventories contracted at fixed prices or hedged
      $ 9,432         $ 8,160    
Inventories – other
        1,974           1,666    
        $ 11,406         $ 9,826    
 
v3.19.1
Investment Property (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about investment property [abstract]  
Schedule Of Changes In Investment Property
Changes in investment property included in non-current assets:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Balance, beginning of year
      $ 37,660         $ 35,663    
Change in fair value during the year
        (274)           (26)    
Disposals
        (976)           (194)    
Currency translation adjustments
        1,394           2,217    
Balance, end of year
      $ 37,804         $ 37,660    
 
Schedule of rental Income investment property
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Rental income
      $ 1,611         $ 1,510         $ 1,511    
Direct operating expenses (including repairs and maintenance) arising from investment property during the year
        193           256           226    
v3.19.1
Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [abstract]  
Schedule of changes in property, plant and equipment
The following changes in property, plant and equipment were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2018:
Costs
   
Opening
balance
   
Additions
   
Disposals
   
Dispositions
of
subsidiaries
   
Impairments
   
Currency
translation
adjustments
   
Ending
balance
 
Refinery and power plants
      $ 92,434         $         $ (148)         $ (27,214)         $         $ 3,487         $ 68,559    
Processing plant and equipment
        3,703           88           (25)                     (42)           37           3,761    
Office equipment
        1,135           340           (56)                     (4)           35           1,450    
        $ 97,272         $ 428         $ (229)         $ (27,214)         $ (46)         $ 3,559         $ 73,770    
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
Opening
balance
   
Additions
   
Disposals
   
Dispositions
of
subsidiaries
   
Impairments
   
Currency
translation
adjustments
   
Ending
balance
 
Refinery and power plants
      $ 11,047         $ 2,775         $ (148)         $ (1,668)         $         $ 757         $ 12,763    
Processing plant and equipment
        1,626           255           (10)                     (27)           29           1,873    
Office equipment
        645           211           (60)                     (4)           17           809    
          13,318         $ 3,241         $ (218)         $ (1,668)         $ (31)         $ 803           15,445    
Net book value
      $ 83,954                                                                     $ 58,325    
 
The following changes in property, plant and equipment were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2017:
Costs
   
Opening
balance
   
Additions
   
Disposals
   
Dispositions
of
subsidiaries*
   
Reclassified
from
inventories
   
Impairments
   
Currency
translation
adjustments
   
Ending
balance
 
Land and buildings
      $ 944         $ 26         $         $ (1,221)         $         $         $ 251         $    
Refinery and power plants
        91,392                                         3,786                     (2,744)           92,434    
Processing plant and equipment
        18,880           987           (8,678)           57                     (7,863)           320           3,703    
Office equipment
        5,189           300           (1,343)           (3,163)                               152           1,135    
        $ 116,405         $ 1,313         $ (10,021)         $ (4,327)         $ 3,786         $ (7,863)         $ (2,021)         $ 97,272    
 
 
*      Net of acquisition of a subsidiary
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
Opening
balance
   
Additions
   
Disposals
   
Dispositions
of
subsidiaries
   
Impairments
   
Currency
translation
adjustments
   
Ending
balance
 
Land and buildings
      $ 208         $ 344         $         $ (598)         $         $ 46         $    
Refinery and power plants
        9,308           2,267                                         (528)           11,047    
Processing plant and equipment
        3,545           1,377           (2,294)           (27)           (1,223)           248           1,626    
Office equipment
        3,901           384           (1,118)           (2,639)                     117           645    
          16,962         $ 4,372         $ (3,412)         $ (3,264)         $ (1,223)         $ (117)           13,318    
Net book value
      $ 99,443                                                                     $ 83,954
v3.19.1
Interests in Resource Properties (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Abstract]  
Schedule of components of interests in resource properties
     
2018
   
2017
 
Interest in an iron ore mine
      $ 218,203         $ 30,000    
Hydrocarbon development and production assets
        38,040           40,849    
Exploration and evaluation assets – hydrocarbon probable reserves
        12,367           12,367    
Exploration and evaluation assets – hydrocarbon undeveloped lands
        4,640           9,335    
        $ 273,250         $ 92,551    
 
Schedule of movements in interest in resource properties
The movements in the interest in an iron ore mine and hydrocarbon development and production assets included in non-current assets during the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:
Costs
   
Opening
balance
   
Decommissioning
obligations
   
Reversal of
impairment
losses
   
Ending
balance
 
Interest in an iron ore mine
      $ 30,000         $       —         $ 188,203         $ 218,203    
Hydrocarbon development and production assets
        45,871           (338)                     45,533    
        $ 75,871         $ (338)         $ 188,203         $ 263,736    
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
Opening
balance
   
Additions
   
Reversal of
impairment
losses
   
Ending
balance
 
Interest in an iron ore mine
      $         $         $       —         $    
Hydrocarbon development and production assets
        5,022           2,471                     7,493    
          5,022         $ 2,471         $           7,493    
Net book value
      $ 70,849                                 $ 256,243    
 
The movements in the interest in an iron ore mine and hydrocarbon development and production assets included in non-current assets during the year ended December 31, 2017 were as follows:
Costs
   
Opening
balance
   
Decommissioning
obligations
   
Reversal of
impairment
losses
   
Ending
balance
 
Interest in an iron ore mine
      $ 30,000         $        —         $         $ 30,000    
Hydrocarbon development and production assets
        32,353           254           13,264           45,871    
        $ 62,353         $ 254         $ 13,264         $ 75,871    
 
Accumulated depreciation
   
Opening
balance
   
Additions
   
Reversal of
impairment
losses
   
Ending
balance
 
Interest in an iron ore mine
      $         $         $       —         $    
Hydrocarbon development and production assets
        2,661           2,361                     5,022    
          2,661         $ 2,361         $           5,022    
Carrying amount
      $ 59,692                                 $ 70,849    
 
 
Schedule of movements in exploration and evaluation assets
     
2018
   
2017
 
     
Probable 
reserves
   
Undeveloped 
lands
   
Probable 
reserves
   
Undeveloped 
lands
 
Balance, beginning of year
      $ 12,367         $ 9,335         $ 9,416         $ 10,039    
Additions
                                         
Disposal
                  (4,695)                     (74)    
Reversal (recognition) of impairment (losses)
                            2,951           (630)    
Balance, end of year
      $ 12,367         $ 4,640         $ 12,367         $ 9,335    
 
v3.19.1
Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]  
Schedule of of temporary differences of deferred income tax assets and liabilities
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
                 
(Restated)
 
Non-capital tax loss carry-forwards
      $ 26,363         $ 25,504    
Interests in resource properties
        (56,904)           (10,536)    
Other assets
        (8,800)           (4,817)    
Other liabilities
        (11,345)           (3,760)    
        $ (50,686)         $ 6,391    
Presented on the consolidated statements of financial position as follows:                          
Deferred income tax assets
      $ 15,735         $ 16,694    
Deferred income tax liabilities
        (66,421)           (10,303)    
Net
      $ (50,686)         $ 6,391    
 
 
Schedule of estimated accumulated non capital losses
As at December 31, 2018, the Group had estimated accumulated non-capital losses, which expire in the following countries as follows. Management is of the opinion that not all of these non-capital losses are probable to be utilized in the future.
Country
   
Gross amount
   
Amount for which
no deferred
income tax asset
is recognized
   
Expiration dates
 
Canada
      $ 19,911      
$         13 
   
2035-2038 
 
Germany
        2,738      
— 
   
Indefinite 
 
Austria
        6,125      
6,125 
   
Indefinite 
 
China
        226      
226 
   
2023 
 
Malta
        98,752      
70,056 
   
Indefinite 
 
Uganda
        33,544      
— 
   
Indefinite
v3.19.1
Short-term Bank Borrowings (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Short Term Borrowings [Abstract]  
Schedule of short-term bank borrowings
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Credit facilities from banks
      $    —         $ 2,074    
 
v3.19.1
Debt (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Debt Securities [Abstract]  
Schedule of long term debt agreements
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Due to a bank, US$nil and US$19,430 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively
      $         $ 24,374    
Due to a bank, €nil and €13,605 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively
                  19,359    
        $         $ 43,733    
Current portion
      $         $ 43,733    
Long-term portion
                     
        $    —         $ 43,733    
 
v3.19.1
Account Payables and Accrued Expenses (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Current prepayments and current accrued income [abstract]  
Schedule of account payables and accrued expenses
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Trade and account payables
      $ 18,849         $ 39,528    
Value-added, goods and services and other taxes (other than income taxes)
        831           2,559    
Compensation
        247           392    
Contract liabilities under contracts with customers
        6,388           769    
Provision for guarantee
                  1,502    
        $ 26,315         $ 44,750    
 
Schedule of movement of contract liabilities under contracts with customers
     
2018
 
Balance, beginning of the year
      $ 797    
A change in the time frame for a performance obligation to be satisfied
        6,839    
Balance, end of the year
      $ 7,636    
 
Schedule of contract liabilities expects to recognize as revenue
 
2019 (included in current liabilities)
      $ 6,388    
 
2020 (included in long-term liabilities)
        1,248    
          $ 7,636    
 
v3.19.1
Decommissioning Obligations (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Provision for decommissioning, restoration and rehabilitation costs [abstract]  
Schedule of decommissioning obligations
     
2018
   
2017
 
Decommissioning obligations, beginning of year
      $ 13,699         $ 13,219    
Changes in estimates
        (338)           255    
Accretion
        280           225    
Decommissioning obligations, end of year
      $ 13,641         $ 13,699  
v3.19.1
Shareholders' Equity (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [abstract]  
Schedule of treasury stock
Treasury Stock
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Total number of common shares held as treasury stock
        65,647           65,647    
Total carrying amount of treasury stock
      $ 2,643         $ 2,643
v3.19.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]  
Schedule of gross revenue
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Merchant banking products and services
      $ 124,059         $ 249,581         $ 1,078,745    
Interest
        676           973           3,056    
Dividends
        168                     6    
Gain on securities, net
        3,856                        
Other, including medical and real estate sectors
        10,992           23,481           49,850    
Revenue
      $ 139,751         $ 274,035         $ 1,131,657    
 
 
Schedule of group's costs of sales and services comprised
Years Ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Merchant banking products and services
      $  119,552         $  223,049         $  1,027,627    
Credit losses on loans and receivables and guarantees, net of recoveries
        34,985*           23,923*           17,023*    
Market value decrease (increase) on commodity inventories
        109           (400)           4,273    
Loss (gain) on derivative contracts, net
        794           (1,934)           521    
Loss on securities, net
                  619           116    
Dispositions of subsidiaries
        (25,771)           10,219           (2,585)    
Gains on settlements of liabilities
        (9,502)           (3,779)              
Change in fair value of loan payable at FVTPL
        167                        
Other, including medical and real estate sectors
        9,188           11,889           14,077    
Total costs of sales and services
      $ 129,522         $ 263,586         $ 1,061,052    
 
 
*       Includes credit losses of  $9,957 on receivables due from former consolidated entities in the year ended December 31, 2018 (2017: $8,585 and 2016: $11,296).
Schedule of costs of sales and services
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Inventories as costs of goods sold (including depreciation, amortization 
and depletion expenses allocated to costs of goods sold)
      $  92,138         $  206,644         $  974,497    
Schedule of selling, general and administrative expenses
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Compensation (wages and salaries)
      $ 10,305         $ 16,369    
Legal and professional
        4,469           8,860    
Accounting
        1,784           1,979    
Consulting and fees
        4,276           5,506    
Depreciation and amortization
        254           1,640    
Office
        1,026           1,797    
Other
        4,251           9,321    
        $ 26,365         $ 45,472    
 
 
Schedule of nature of expenses incurred in continuing operations
Years Ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Depreciation, amortization and depletion
      $  5,712         $  6,732         $  11,951    
Employee benefits expenses*
        18,403           21,016           31,890    
 
*       Employee benefits expenses do not include the directors’ fees. For directors’ fees, please see Note 28.
v3.19.1
Share-Based Compensation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [abstract]  
Schedule of changes in stock options granted
     
2017 Plan
   
2008 Plan
   
1997 Plan
 
     
Number 
of 
options
   
Weighted 
average 
exercise 
Price 
per share 
(US$)
   
Number 
of 
options
   
Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
per share 
(US$)
   
Number 
of 
options
   
Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price 
per share 
(US$)
 
Outstanding as at December 31, 2015
                            172,000           39.15           274,500           39.05    
Expired
                            (132,000)           39.05           (274,500)           39.05    
Outstanding as at December 31, 2016
                            40,000           40.05                        
Exchanged under the plan of arrangement
        40,000           40.05           (40,000)           40.05                        
Granted
        535,000           8.76                                            
Outstanding as at December 31, 2017
        575,000           10.94                                            
Forfeited
        (125,000)           13.77                                            
Cancelled
        (20,000)           40.05                                            
Granted
        20,000           8.76                                            
Outstanding as at December 31, 2018
        450,000                                                        
As at December 31, 2018:                                                                          
Options exercisable
        450,000           8.76                                                
Options available for granting in future periods
        125,403                                                            
 
Schedule of information about stock options outstanding and exercisable
     
Options Outstanding and Exercisable
 
Exercise Price per Share (US$)
   
Number outstanding
   
Weighted average remaining
contractual life (in years)
 
$8.76
        450,000           8.92    
 
Schedule of share-based compensation expenses recognized
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Share-based compensation expenses arising from stock options granted by the Company
      $    69         $    2,876         $    —    
 
Schedule of black-scholes-merton formula
     
2018
   
2017
 
Number of options granted
   
20,000 
   
535,000 
 
Vesting requirements
   
Immediately 
   
Immediately 
 
Contractual life
   
9.54 years 
   
10 years 
 
Method of settlement
   
In equity 
   
In equity 
 
Exercise price per share
   
US$8.76 
   
US$8.76 
 
Market price per share on grant date
   
US$6.30 
   
US$8.40 
 
Expected volatility
   
37.86% 
   
37.74% 
 
Expected option life
   
9.54 years 
   
10 years 
 
Expected dividends
   
0.00% 
   
0.00% 
 
Risk-free interest rate
   
2.93% 
   
2.38% 
 
Fair value of option granted (per option)
   
$3.44(US$2.69) 
   
$5.38(US$4.22) 
 
v3.19.1
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Detailed Information About Income Taxes [Abstract]  
Schedule of income (loss) from continuing operations
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Canada
      $ 170,538         $ 7,360         $ 380    
Outside Canada
        (2,709)           (45,767)           (17,086)    
        $ 167,829         $ (38,407)         $ (16,706)    
 
Schedule of income tax (expense) recovery
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Current taxes
      $ (867)         $ (3,744)         $ (4,540)    
Deferred taxes
        (55,238)           (3,141)           (1,454)    
Resource revenues recovery (expense)
        487           (1,773)           (1,020)    
        $ (55,618)         $ (8,658)         $ (7,014)    
 
Schedule of reconciliation of the loss before income taxes
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
      $ 167,829         $ (38,407)         $ (16,706)    
Computed (expense) recovery of income taxes
      $ (50,137)         $ 9,792         $ 4,344    
Decrease (increase) in income taxes resulting from:                                      
Subsidiaries’ tax rate differences
                            714    
Other non-taxable income
        45           7           6,057    
Revisions to prior years
        (1,355)           4,650           (112)    
Taxable capital gains and losses on dispositions, net
        (5,357)           (3,150)           (3,543)    
Resource property revenue taxes
        356           (1,311)           (755)    
Unrecognized losses in current year
        (1,411)           (20,916)           (15,623)    
Previously unrecognized deferred income tax assets, net
        3,041           2,877           5,747    
Permanent differences
        (306)           (363)           (1,448)    
Other, net
        (494)           (244)           (2,395)    
Provision for income taxes
      $ (55,618)         $ (8,658)         $ (7,014)    
 
 
v3.19.1
Earnings Per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure For Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of earnings per share
     
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Basic income (loss) attributable to holders of common shares
      $  112,276         $  (47,855)         $  (25,361)    
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Diluted income (loss)
      $ 112,276         $ (47,855)         $ (25,361)    
 
     
Number of Shares
 
     
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic
        12,534,801           12,544,141           12,628,454    
Effect of dilutive securities:                                      
Options
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – diluted
        12,534,801           12,544,141           12,628,454    
 
v3.19.1
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure Of Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]  
Schedule of future minimum rentals under long-term non-cancellable operating leases
Years ending December 31:
   
Amount
 
2019
      $ 1,020    
2020
        916    
2021
        645    
2022
        461    
2023
        28    
Thereafter
        14    
        $ 3,084    
 
Schedule of future minimum commitments under long-term non-cancellable operating leases
Years ending December 31:
   
Amount
 
2019
      $ 1,327    
2020
        927    
2021
        475    
2022
        455    
2023
        447    
Thereafter
        1,155    
        $ 4,786    
 
v3.19.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Supplemental Disclosure (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities [abstract]  
Schedule of reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
Debt, opening balance
      $ 43,733         $ 116,813    
Cash flows
                  (42,253)    
Non-cash changes:                          
Dispositions of subsidiaries
        (45,465)           (34,996)    
Accretion
        94           187    
Rollover of interest expenses into principal
        286              
Cumulative transaction adjustments
        1,352           3,982    
Debt, ending balance
      $         $ 43,733  
v3.19.1
Related Party Transactions (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [abstract]  
Schedule of transactions with related party
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Dividends received
      $    168         $    —         $    —    
Schedule of key management personnel
Years ended December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Short-term employee benefits
      $  1,245         $  1,777         $  2,296    
Directors’ fees
        594           576           634    
Share-based compensation
                  713              
Total
      $ 1,839         $ 3,066         $ 2,930    
 
v3.19.1
Financial Instruments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [abstract]  
Schedule of carrying amounts that approximate their fair values due to their short-term nature
As at December 31:
   
2018
   
2017
 
     
Carrying 
Amount
   
Fair 
Value
   
Carrying 
Amount
   
Fair 
Value
 
Financial Assets:                                                  
Fair value through profit or loss:                                                  
Equity securities
      $ 5,774         $ 5,774         $ 6         $ 6    
Derivative assets
        209           209           246           246    
Fair value through other comprehensive income (or available-for-sale 
instruments in 2017)
                                                 
Equity securities
                            771           771    
Debt securities
        6,328           6,328           5,121           5,121    
Financial Liabilities:                                                  
Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost:                                                  
Debt
      $         $         $ 43,733         $ 43,733    
Fair value through profit or loss:                                                  
Derivative liabilities
        37           37           302           302    
Loan payable
        3,981           3,981                        
Schedule of statements of financial position classified by level of the fair value hierarchy
As at December 31, 2018
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Financial Assets:                                                  
Fair value through profit or loss:                                                  
Equity securities
      $ 1,773         $ 4,001         $         $ 5,774    
Derivative assets
                  209                     209    
Fair value through other comprehensive income:                                                  
Debt securities
        6,328                               6,328    
Total
      $ 8,101         $ 4,210         $         $ 12,311    
Financial Liabilities:                                                  
Fair value through profit or loss:                                                  
Derivative liabilities
      $         $ 37         $         $ 37    
Loan payable
                            3,981           3,981    
        $         $ 37         $ 3,981         $ 4,018    
 
As at December 31, 2017
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Financial Assets:                                                  
Fair value through profit or loss:                                                  
Short-term securities
      $ 6         $         $  —         $ 6    
Derivative assets
                  246                     246    
Available-for-sale:                                                  
Equity securities
        771                               771    
Debt securities
        5,121                               5,121    
Total
      $  5,898         $  246         $   —         $  6,144    
Financial Liabilities:                                                  
Fair value through profit or loss:                                                  
Derivative liabilities
      $         $  302         $         $ 302    
 
 
Schedule of nature of the risks of financial instruments
     
Risks
 
           
Market risks
 
Financial instrument
   
Credit
   
Liquidity
   
Currency
   
Interest rate
   
Other price
 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
   
X
         
X
   
X
       
Equity securities
               
X
         
X
 
Debt securities
   
X
               
X
   
X
 
Derivative securities and financial liabilities
   
X
   
X
   
X
         
X
 
Receivables
   
X
         
X
             
Short-term bank borrowings
         
X
   
X
             
Account payables and accrued expenses
         
X
   
X
             
Loan payable
                     
X
       
Schedule of maximum credit risk exposure
 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
      $ 68,041    
 
Derivative assets
        209    
 
Receivables
        14,018    
 
Amounts recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position
        82,268    
 
Guarantees (see Note 26)
           
 
Maximum credit risk exposure
      $ 82,268    
 
Schedule of profit or loss from continuing operations
     
2018
   
2017
   
2016
 
Interest income on financial assets not at FVTPL
      $ 15         $ 434         $ 605    
Interest income on financial assets classified at FVTPL
        661           539           2,451    
Total interest income
      $ 676         $ 973         $ 3,056    
Interest expense on financial liabilities not at FVTPL
      $ 989         $ 3,509         $ 7,747    
Interest expense on financial liabilities classified at FVTPL
            680               1,195               7,720    
Total interest expense
      $ 1,669         $ 4,704         $ 15,467    
Dividend income on financial assets at FVTPL
      $ 168         $         $    
Dividend income on financial assets classified not at FVTPL
                            6    
Net gain on financial assets at FVTPL
        3,785           6,825           1,240    
Loss on loan payable at FVTPL
        (167)                        
Reversal of impairment on securities measured at FVTOCI
        (3)                        
v3.19.1
Fair Value Disclosure for Non-financial Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [abstract]  
Schedule of non-financial assets measured at fair value in consolidated statements of financial position, classified by level
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at December 31, 2018:
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Inventories
      $ 2,238         $         $    
Investment property
                            37,804    
Total
      $      2,238         $      —         $      37,804    
 
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as at December 31, 2017:
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
                 
(Restated)
   
(Restated)
 
Inventories
      $       1,039         $       271         $       —    
Investment property
                            37,660    
Total
      $ 1,039         $ 271         $ 37,660    
 
 
v3.19.1
MFC Bancorp and its Significant Subsidiaries (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of information about consolidated structured entities [abstract]  
Schedule of country of incorporation and proportion of interest
Subsidiaries
   
Country of Incorporation
   
Proportion of
Voting Interest
 
MFC (A) Ltd
    Marshall Islands    
100%
 
MFC (D) Ltd
    Marshall Islands    
100%
 
Brock Metals s.r.o.
    Slovakia    
100%
 
1178936 B.C. Ltd.
    Canada    
100%
 
 
v3.19.1
Nature of Business (Detail Textuals)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure For Nature Of Business [Abstract]  
Share consolidation ratio with any resulting fractional shares being eliminated 100
Reverse share consolidation ratio after any resulting fractional shares being eliminated 20
v3.19.1
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Euro_Rate
USD_Rate
Dec. 31, 2017
Euro_Rate
USD_Rate
Dec. 31, 2016
Euro_Rate
USD_Rate
Euro Member Countries, Euro      
Effect Of Changes In Foreign Exchange Rates [Line Items]      
Closing rate | Euro_Rate 1.5613 1.5052 1.4169
Average rate | Euro_Rate 1.5302 1.4650 1.4660
United States of America, Dollars      
Effect Of Changes In Foreign Exchange Rates [Line Items]      
Closing rate | USD_Rate 1.3642 1.2545 1.3427
Average rate | USD_Rate 1.2957 1.2986 1.3248
v3.19.1
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Buildings  
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]  
Useful lives or depreciation rates property plant and equipment 20 years
Depreciation, Method straight-line
Processing plant and equipment  
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]  
Useful lives or depreciation rates property plant and equipment 5 to 20 years
Depreciation, Method straight-line
Refinery and power plants  
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]  
Useful lives or depreciation rates property plant and equipment 20 to 30 years
Depreciation, Method straight-line
Office equipment and other  
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]  
Useful lives or depreciation rates property plant and equipment 3 to 10 years
Depreciation, Method straight-line
v3.19.1
Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Detail Textuals)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2019
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
powerplant
Mcf
bbl
Dec. 31, 2017
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
CAD ($)
Jan. 02, 2018
CAD ($)
Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Percentage of voting power in subsidiaries   50.00%      
Accumulated other comprehensive income on available-for-sale equity securities reclassified to deficit upon initial adoption IFRS 9         $ 524
Volume of natural gas as numerator of energy equivalent conversion rate | Mcf   6,000      
Volume of crude oil as denominator of energy equivalent conversion rate | bbl   1      
Interests in resource properties, carrying amount   $ 273,250      
Exploration and evaluation assets, aggregate carrying amount   17,007      
Aggregate value of property, plant and equipment   $ 58,325 $ 83,954 $ 99,443  
Number of power plants | powerplant   1      
Percentage of excess decline in quoted market   25.00%      
Deferred income tax assets   $ 15,735 16,694 [1]    
Reversal of impairment of hydrocarbon, resource properties and property, plant and equipment, net   $ (188,203) $ (8,945) $ (8,566)  
Leases (IFRS 16)          
Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Additions to right-of-use assets $ 2,911        
Addition to current lease payables 843        
Addition to long term lease payables $ 2,068        
[1] Restated
v3.19.1
Capital Disclosure on the Group's Objectives, Policies and Processes for Managing Its Capital (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
CAD ($)
Disclosure of objectives, policies and processes for managing capital [abstract]        
Total debt $ 0 $ 43,733    
Less: cash and cash equivalents (67,760) (74,870) $ (120,676) $ (197,519)
Net debt    
Shareholders' equity $ 386,376 $ 277,780    
Debt-to-adjusted capital ratio    
Long-term debt $ 0 $ 0    
Long-term debt-to-equity ratio    
v3.19.1
Capital Disclosure on the Group's Objectives, Policies and Processes for Managing Its Capital (Detail Textuals) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of objectives, policies and processes for managing capital [abstract]    
Non-interest bearing long-term loan payable $ 3,981
v3.19.1
Acquisitions of Consolidated Entities (Detail Textuals) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Oct. 01, 2017
Feb. 01, 2016
Metal processing company    
Disclosure of transactions recognized separately from acquisition of assets and assumption of liabilities in business combination [line items]    
Goodwill recognized $ 502  
Western European bank    
Disclosure of transactions recognized separately from acquisition of assets and assumption of liabilities in business combination [line items]    
Total purchase consideration   $ 142,419
v3.19.1
Assets Classified as Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2016
CAD ($)
Disclosure Of Assets Classified As Held For Sale And Discontinued Operation [Abstract]  
Net assets held for sale $ 15,770
v3.19.1
Business Segment Information (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue from external customers $ 139,751 $ 274,035 $ 1,131,657
Interest expense 1,669 4,704 15,467
Income (loss) before income taxes 167,829 (38,407) (16,706)
Operating segments      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue from external customers 139,751 274,035 1,131,657
Interest expense 1,782 4,931 15,751
Income (loss) before income taxes 167,829 (38,407) (16,706)
Operating segments | Merchant banking      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue from external customers 134,496 256,412 1,095,896
Interest expense 1,779 4,931 15,751
Income (loss) before income taxes 183,395 (28,254) (13,785)
Operating segments | All other segments      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue from external customers 5,255 17,623 35,761
Interest expense 3 0 0
Income (loss) before income taxes (15,566) (10,153) (2,921)
Elimination of intersegment amounts      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue from external customers 3,554 1,872 2,335
Elimination of intersegment amounts | Merchant banking      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue from external customers 3,363 1,668 1,975
Elimination of intersegment amounts | All other segments      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Revenue from external customers $ 191 $ 204 $ 360
v3.19.1
Business Segment Information (Details 1) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]    
Segment assets $ 506,913 $ 396,947
Segment liabilities 112,507 116,998
Operating segments    
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]    
Segment assets 506,913 396,947
Segment liabilities 112,507 116,998
Operating segments | Merchant banking    
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]    
Segment assets 458,998 343,649
Segment liabilities 106,651 106,713
Operating segments | All other segments    
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]    
Segment assets 47,915 53,298
Segment liabilities $ 5,856 $ 10,285
v3.19.1
Business Segment Information (Details 2) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Gross revenues $ 139,751 $ 274,035 $ 1,131,657
Canada      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Gross revenues 13,035 19,595 28,328
Germany      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Gross revenues 51,867 122,643 280,552
Africa      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Gross revenues 4,254 4,283 32,519
Americas      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Gross revenues 1,786 22,446 256,598
Asia      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Gross revenues 1,549 14,894 113,821
Europe      
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]      
Gross revenues $ 67,260 $ 90,174 $ 419,839
v3.19.1
Business Segment Information (Details 3) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]    
Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred income tax assets and other non-current assets $ 383,729 $ 230,100
CANADA    
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]    
Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred income tax assets and other non-current assets 297,537 144,452
Africa    
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]    
Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred income tax assets and other non-current assets 33,258 32,258
Asia    
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]    
Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred income tax assets and other non-current assets 20 889
Europe    
Disclosure of operating segments [line items]    
Non-current assets other than financial instruments, deferred income tax assets and other non-current assets $ 52,914 $ 52,501
v3.19.1
Business Segment Information (Detail Textuals)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of operating segments [abstract]  
Percentage of merchant banking in total revenue 16.00%
v3.19.1
Securities (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Short-term securities    
Equity securities at FVTPL, publicly traded $ 1,072 $ 6
Debt securities at FVOCI 6,328 0
Debt securities available for sale 0 5,121
Current securities 7,400 5,127
Long-term securities    
Equity securities at FVTPL, publicly traded 701 0
Equity securities at FVTPL, privately held 4,001 0
Equity securities available for sale, publicly traded 0 771
Long-term securities $ 4,702 $ 771
v3.19.1
Trade Receivables (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Trade and other receivables [abstract]      
Trade receivables, gross amount $ 5,654 $ 43,207  
Less: Allowance for expected credit losses under IFRS 9 or credit losses under IAS 39 (311) (8,948) $ (58,488)
Trade receivables, net amount $ 5,343 $ 34,259  
v3.19.1
Trade Receivables (Details 1) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]    
Loss allowance: opening balance $ 8,948 $ 58,488
Additions for the year   12,213
Reversal   1,541
Write-offs   (7,726)
Exchange effect   2,612
Other   (21,099)
Loss allowance: ending balance 311 8,948
Loss allowance measured at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses    
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]    
Loss allowance: opening balance 0  
Reclassification from IAS 39 upon initial adoption of IFRS 9 8,948  
Additions for the year 21,904  
Reversal 0  
Write-offs (30,935)  
Exchange effect 194  
Other 200  
Loss allowance: ending balance 311 0
Loss allowance measured at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses | Financial assets that are credit impaired at year end    
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]    
Loss allowance: opening balance 0  
Reclassification from IAS 39 upon initial adoption of IFRS 9 8,948  
Additions for the year 21,817  
Reversal 0  
Write-offs (30,935)  
Exchange effect 184  
Other 0  
Loss allowance: ending balance 14 0
Loss allowance measured at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses | Other trade receivables    
Disclosure of financial assets [line items]    
Loss allowance: opening balance 0  
Reclassification from IAS 39 upon initial adoption of IFRS 9 0  
Additions for the year 87  
Reversal 0  
Write-offs 0  
Exchange effect 10  
Other 20  
Loss allowance: ending balance $ 297 $ 0
v3.19.1
Trade Receivables (Details 2) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]    
Expected recoverable amount of impaired trade receivables $ 5,343 $ 34,259
Financial assets past due but not impaired    
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]    
Expected recoverable amount of impaired trade receivables   11,352
Financial assets past due but not impaired | Below 30 days    
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]    
Expected recoverable amount of impaired trade receivables   7,322
Financial assets past due but not impaired | Between 31 and 60 days    
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]    
Expected recoverable amount of impaired trade receivables   728
Financial assets past due but not impaired | Between 61 and 90 days    
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]    
Expected recoverable amount of impaired trade receivables   1,175
Financial assets past due but not impaired | Between 91 and 365 days    
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]    
Expected recoverable amount of impaired trade receivables   1,813
Financial assets past due but not impaired | Over 365 days    
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]    
Expected recoverable amount of impaired trade receivables   $ 314
v3.19.1
Trade Receivables (Details 3) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]      
Trade receivables, gross amount $ 5,654 $ 43,207  
Less: Allowance for expected credit losses under IFRS 9 or credit losses under IAS 39 (311) (8,948) $ (58,488)
Expected recoverable amount of impaired trade receivables $ 5,343 34,259  
Financial assets impaired      
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]      
Trade receivables, gross amount   30,337  
Less: Allowance for expected credit losses under IFRS 9 or credit losses under IAS 39   (8,948)  
Expected recoverable amount of impaired trade receivables   21,389  
Financial assets impaired | Below 30 days      
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]      
Trade receivables, gross amount   0  
Financial assets impaired | Between 31 and 60 days      
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]      
Trade receivables, gross amount   0  
Financial assets impaired | Between 61 and 90 days      
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]      
Trade receivables, gross amount   0  
Financial assets impaired | Between 91 and 365 days      
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]      
Trade receivables, gross amount   0  
Financial assets impaired | Over 365 days      
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]      
Trade receivables, gross amount   $ 30,337  
v3.19.1
Trade Receivables (Details 4) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Trade and other receivables [abstract]    
Loss allowance: opening balance $ 8,948 $ 58,488
Additions   12,213
Reversals   (1,541)
Write-offs   (7,726)
Disposition of subsidiaries   (33,999)
Other   (21,099)
Currency translation adjustment   2,612
Loss allowance: ending balance $ 311 $ 8,948
v3.19.1
Trade Receivables (Detail Textuals)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Factoring
Dec. 31, 2017
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
CAD ($)
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]      
Trade receivables   $ 30,337  
Impaired and an allowance for credit losses   8,948  
Proceeds from risk mitigation assets     $ 39,149
Risk mitigation assets credited to profit or loss through a recovery of credit losses     $ 35,121
Net trade receivables due from customer and affiliates   21,375  
Number of non-recourse factoring arrangements with banks for trade receivables | Factoring 2    
Financial assets past due but not impaired      
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]      
Trade receivables past due but not impaired   $ 11,352  
v3.19.1
Trade Receivables (Detail Textuals 1) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]      
Cumulative allowance for credit losses $ 311 $ 8,948 $ 58,488
Additional provision for allowance for credit losses   12,213  
Net trade receivables due from former customer group 5,343 34,259  
Reversals   1,541  
Credit risk      
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]      
Management recognized credit loss $ 21,812 1,317  
Large exposure customers | Credit risk      
Disclosure of financial assets that are either past due or impaired [line items]      
Cumulative allowance for credit losses     43,943
Additional provision for allowance for credit losses     33,301
Net trade receivables due from former customer group     $ 100,008
Reversals   1,541  
Increase in valuation allowance based on revision of expected future cash flows   $ 224  
v3.19.1
Other Receivables (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Other Current Receivables [Abstract]    
Royalty income from contracts with customers (net of an allowance of $nil and $1,425, respectively) $ 0 $ 4,525
Contract assets under contracts with customers 295 876
Suppliers with debit balance 0 293
Loans 6,087 321
Other 2,293 15,675
Total $ 8,675 $ 21,690
v3.19.1
Other Receivables (Details 1)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
Disclosure Of Other Current Receivables [Abstract]  
Balance, beginning of the year $ 876
A change in the time frame for a right to consideration to become unconditional (581)
Balance, end of the year $ 295
v3.19.1
Other Receivables (Detail Textuals) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Other Current Receivables [Abstract]    
Royalty income receivables due from former operator   $ 5,300
Valuation allowance for the royalty income receivables   $ 1,425
Other receivables relating to finance and loan receivables from a former hydrocarbon subsidiary written off $ 3,875  
v3.19.1
Inventories (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Inventories [Abstract]    
Raw materials $ 3,640 $ 3,632
Work-in-progress 3,568 3,444
Finished goods 1,960 1,440
Commodity inventories 2,238 1,310
Inventories 11,406 9,826 [1]
Inventories contracted at fixed prices or hedged 9,432 8,160 [1]
Inventories - other 1,974 1,666 [1]
Current inventories $ 11,406 $ 9,826 [1]
[1] Restated
v3.19.1
Investment Property (Detail) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about investment property [abstract]    
Balance, beginning of year $ 37,660 $ 35,663
Change in fair value during the year (274) (26)
Disposals (976) (194)
Currency translation adjustments 1,394 2,217
Balance, end of year $ 37,804 $ 37,660
v3.19.1
Investment Property (Detail 1) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of detailed information about investment property [abstract]      
Rental income $ 1,611 $ 1,510 $ 1,511
Direct operating expenses (including repairs and maintenance) arising from investment property during the year $ 193 $ 256 $ 226
v3.19.1
Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Opening balance $ 83,954 $ 99,443
Ending balance 58,325 83,954
Gross carrying amount    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Opening balance 97,272 116,405
Additions 428 1,313
Disposals (229) (10,021)
Dispositions of subsidiaries (27,214) (4,327) [1]
Reclassified from inventories   3,786
Impairments (46) (7,863)
Currency translation adjustments 3,559 (2,021)
Ending balance 73,770 97,272
Gross carrying amount | Land and buildings    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Opening balance 0 944
Additions   26
Disposals   0
Dispositions of subsidiaries [1]   (1,221)
Reclassified from inventories   0
Impairments   0
Currency translation adjustments   251
Ending balance   0
Gross carrying amount | Refinery and power plants    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Opening balance 92,434 91,392
Additions 0 0
Disposals (148) 0
Dispositions of subsidiaries (27,214) 0 [1]
Reclassified from inventories   3,786
Impairments 0 0
Currency translation adjustments 3,487 (2,744)
Ending balance 68,559 92,434
Gross carrying amount | Processing plant and equipment    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Opening balance 3,703 18,880
Additions 88 987
Disposals (25) (8,678)
Dispositions of subsidiaries 0 57 [1]
Reclassified from inventories   0
Impairments (42) (7,863)
Currency translation adjustments 37 320
Ending balance 3,761 3,703
Gross carrying amount | Office equipment    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Opening balance 1,135 5,189
Additions 340 300
Disposals (56) (1,343)
Dispositions of subsidiaries 0 (3,163) [1]
Reclassified from inventories   0
Impairments (4) 0
Currency translation adjustments 35 152
Ending balance 1,450 1,135
Accumulated depreciation    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Opening balance 13,318 16,962
Additions 3,241 4,372
Disposals (218) (3,412)
Dispositions of subsidiaries (1,668) (3,264)
Impairments (31) (1,223)
Currency translation adjustments 803 (117)
Ending balance 15,445 13,318
Accumulated depreciation | Land and buildings    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Opening balance 0 208
Additions   344
Disposals   0
Dispositions of subsidiaries   (598)
Impairments   0
Currency translation adjustments   46
Ending balance   0
Accumulated depreciation | Refinery and power plants    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Opening balance 11,047 9,308
Additions 2,775 2,267
Disposals (148) 0
Dispositions of subsidiaries (1,668) 0
Impairments 0 0
Currency translation adjustments 757 (528)
Ending balance 12,763 11,047
Accumulated depreciation | Processing plant and equipment    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Opening balance 1,626 3,545
Additions 255 1,377
Disposals (10) (2,294)
Dispositions of subsidiaries 0 (27)
Impairments (27) (1,223)
Currency translation adjustments 29 248
Ending balance 1,873 1,626
Accumulated depreciation | Office equipment    
Disclosure of detailed information about property, plant and equipment [line items]    
Opening balance 645 3,901
Additions 211 384
Disposals (60) (1,118)
Dispositions of subsidiaries 0 (2,639)
Impairments (4) 0
Currency translation adjustments 17 117
Ending balance $ 809 $ 645
[1] Net of acquisition of a subsidiary
v3.19.1
Interests in Resource Properties (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Line Items]      
Tangible exploration and evaluation assets $ 273,250 $ 92,551 $ 59,692
Interest in an iron ore mine      
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Line Items]      
Tangible exploration and evaluation assets 218,203 30,000  
Hydrocarbon development and production assets      
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Line Items]      
Tangible exploration and evaluation assets 38,040 40,849  
Exploration and evaluation assets - hydrocarbon probable reserves      
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Line Items]      
Tangible exploration and evaluation assets 12,367 12,367 9,416
Exploration and evaluation assets - hydrocarbon Undeveloped lands      
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Line Items]      
Tangible exploration and evaluation assets $ 4,640 $ 9,335 $ 10,039
v3.19.1
Interests in Resource Properties (Details 1) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Roll Forward]    
Opening balance $ 92,551 $ 59,692
Ending balance 273,250 92,551
Costs    
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Roll Forward]    
Opening balance 75,871 62,353
Decommissioning obligations (338) 254
Reversal of impairment losses 188,203 13,264
Ending balance 263,736 75,871
Accumulated depreciation    
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Roll Forward]    
Opening balance 5,022 2,661
Additions 2,471 2,361
Reversal of impairment losses 0 0
Ending balance 7,493 5,022
Interest in an iron ore mine    
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Roll Forward]    
Opening balance 30,000  
Ending balance 218,203 30,000
Interest in an iron ore mine | Costs    
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Roll Forward]    
Opening balance 30,000 30,000
Decommissioning obligations 0 0
Reversal of impairment losses 188,203 0
Ending balance 218,203 30,000
Interest in an iron ore mine | Accumulated depreciation    
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Roll Forward]    
Opening balance 0 0
Additions 0 0
Reversal of impairment losses 0 0
Ending balance 0 0
Hydrocarbon development and production assets    
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Roll Forward]    
Opening balance 40,849  
Ending balance 38,040 40,849
Hydrocarbon development and production assets | Costs    
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Roll Forward]    
Opening balance 45,871 32,353
Decommissioning obligations (338) 254
Reversal of impairment losses 0 13,264
Ending balance 45,533 45,871
Hydrocarbon development and production assets | Accumulated depreciation    
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Roll Forward]    
Opening balance 5,022 2,661
Additions 2,471 2,361
Reversal of impairment losses 0 0
Ending balance $ 7,493 $ 5,022
v3.19.1
Interests in Resource Properties (Details 2) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Movements In Exploration And Evaluation Assets [Roll Forward]    
Opening balance $ 92,551 $ 59,692
Ending balance 273,250 92,551
Hydrocarbon Probable Reserves    
Disclosure Of Movements In Exploration And Evaluation Assets [Roll Forward]    
Opening balance 12,367 9,416
Additions 0 0
Disposal 0 0
Reversal (recognition) of impairment (losses) 0 2,951
Ending balance 12,367 12,367
Hydrocarbon Undeveloped lands    
Disclosure Of Movements In Exploration And Evaluation Assets [Roll Forward]    
Opening balance 9,335 10,039
Additions 0 0
Disposal (4,695) (74)
Reversal (recognition) of impairment (losses) 0 (630)
Ending balance $ 4,640 $ 9,335
v3.19.1
Interests in Resource Properties (Detail Textuals) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Line Items]      
Reversal of non cash impairment loss     $ 1,684
Interest in an iron ore mine      
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Line Items]      
Expected future minimum sublease payments receivable $ 3,250    
Percentage of pre tax discount rate used to determine expected future cash flows 8.30%    
Reversal of non cash impairment loss $ 188,203    
Hydrocarbon properties      
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Line Items]      
Reversal of non cash impairment loss   $ 15,585 $ 8,566
Percentage of post tax discount rate 9.25% 11.00% 10.00%
Hydrocarbon development and production assets      
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Line Items]      
Reversal of non cash impairment loss   $ 13,264  
Deferred tax liability related to non cash impairment loss     $ 7,672
Deferred income tax recovery     2,526
Hydrocarbon Probable Reserves      
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Line Items]      
Reversal of non cash impairment loss   2,951 1,684
Hydrocarbon Undeveloped lands      
Disclosure Of Interests In Resource Properties [Line Items]      
Reversal of non cash impairment loss   $ 630 $ 790
v3.19.1
Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
[1]
Disclosure Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]    
Non-capital tax loss carry-forwards $ 26,363 $ 25,504
Interests in resource properties (56,904) (10,536)
Other assets (8,800) (4,817)
Other liabilities (11,345) (3,760)
Net (50,686) 6,391
Presented on the consolidated statements of financial position as follows:    
Deferred income tax assets 15,735 16,694
Deferred income tax liabilities (66,421) (10,303)
Net $ (50,686) $ 6,391
[1] Restated
v3.19.1
Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details 1)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
Canada    
Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Gross amount $ 19,911 $ 19,911
Amount for which no deferred income tax asset is recognized 13 $ 13
Canada | Bottom of range    
Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Expiration period for estimated accumulated non capital losses   2035
Canada | Top of range    
Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Expiration period for estimated accumulated non capital losses   2038
Germany    
Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Gross amount 2,738 $ 2,738
Amount for which no deferred income tax asset is recognized $ 0 0
Expiration dates for estimated accumulated non capital losses Indefinite  
Austria    
Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Gross amount $ 6,125 6,125
Amount for which no deferred income tax asset is recognized 6,125 $ 6,125
Expiration dates for estimated accumulated non capital losses   Indefinite
China    
Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Gross amount 226 $ 226
Amount for which no deferred income tax asset is recognized 226 $ 226
Expiration period for estimated accumulated non capital losses   2023
Malta    
Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Gross amount 98,752 $ 98,752
Amount for which no deferred income tax asset is recognized 70,056 $ 70,056
Expiration dates for estimated accumulated non capital losses   Indefinite
Uganda    
Deferred Income Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items]    
Gross amount 33,544 $ 33,544
Amount for which no deferred income tax asset is recognized $ 0 $ 0
Expiration dates for estimated accumulated non capital losses   Indefinite
v3.19.1
Short-term Bank Borrowings (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]    
Credit facilities from banks $ 0 $ 43,733
Credit facilities from banks    
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]    
Credit facilities from banks $ 0 $ 2,074
v3.19.1
Short-term Bank Borrowings (Detail Textuals) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]    
Borrowings $ 0 $ 43,733
Credit facilities    
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]    
Borrowings 22,343  
Non recourse factoring lines for receivables    
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]    
Borrowings 20,297  
Commodity hedging credit facility    
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]    
Borrowings $ 2,046  
v3.19.1
Debt (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]    
Borrowings $ 0 $ 43,733
Current portion 0 43,733
Long-term portion 0 0
Total debt 0 43,733
Due to a bank, US$nil and US$19,430 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively    
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]    
Borrowings 0 24,374
Total debt 0 24,374
Due to a bank, ?nil and ?13,605 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively    
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]    
Borrowings 0 19,359
Total debt $ 0 $ 19,359
v3.19.1
Debt (Detail Textuals)
€ in Thousands, $ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
EUR (€)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
EUR (€)
Due to a bank, US$nil and US$19,430 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively        
Disclosure of detailed information about borrowings [line items]        
Amount of long term debt for unsecured facility $ 19,430 € 13,605
v3.19.1
Account Payables and Accrued Expenses (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Current prepayments and current accrued income [abstract]    
Trade and account payables $ 18,849 $ 39,528
Value-added, goods and services and other taxes (other than income taxes) 831 2,559
Compensation 247 392
Contract liabilities under contracts with customers 6,388 769
Provision for guarantee 0 1,502
Account payables and accrued expenses $ 26,315 $ 44,750
v3.19.1
Account Payables and Accrued Expenses (Details 1)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
Current prepayments and current accrued income [abstract]  
Balance, beginning of the year $ 797
A change in the time frame for a performance obligation to be satisfied 6,839
Balance, end of the year $ 7,636
v3.19.1
Account Payables and Accrued Expenses (Details 2) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Current prepayments and current accrued income [abstract]    
2019 (included in current liabilities) $ 6,388 $ 769
2020 (included in long-term liabilities) 1,248  
Contract liabilities, revenue $ 7,636 $ 797
v3.19.1
Accrued Pension Obligations (Detail Textuals) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of defined benefit plans [abstract]    
Net accrued pension obligations   $ 2,593
Fair value of plan assets
v3.19.1
Decommissioning Obligations (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Provision for decommissioning, restoration and rehabilitation costs [abstract]    
Decommissioning obligations, beginning of year $ 13,699 $ 13,219
Changes in estimates (338) 255
Accretion 280 225
Decommissioning obligations, end of year $ 13,641 $ 13,699
v3.19.1
Decommissioning Obligations (Detail Textuals)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Provision for decommissioning, restoration and rehabilitation costs [abstract]    
Decommissioning obligations using an average discount rate 1.98% 1.98%
v3.19.1
Shareholders' Equity (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [abstract]    
Number Of Common Shares Held As Treasury Stock 65,647 65,647
Total carrying amount of treasury stock $ 2,643 $ 2,643
v3.19.1
Shareholders' Equity (Detail Textuals)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]  
Value of shares authorized | $ $ 450,000
Description of voting rights one vote
Common Shares  
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]  
Number of shares authorized | shares 300,000,000
Par value of shares authorized | $ / shares $ 0.001
Preferred Shares  
Disclosure of classes of share capital [line items]  
Number of shares authorized | shares 150,000,000
Par value of shares authorized | $ / shares $ 0.001
v3.19.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]      
Merchant banking products and services $ 124,059 $ 249,581 $ 1,078,745
Interest 676 973 3,056
Dividends 168 0 6
Gain on securities, net 3,856 0 0
Other, including medical and real estate sectors 10,992 23,481 49,850
Revenue $ 139,751 $ 274,035 $ 1,131,657
v3.19.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details 1) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]      
Merchant banking products and services $ 119,552 $ 223,049 $ 1,027,627
Credit losses on loans and receivables and guarantees, net of recoveries [1] 34,985 23,923 17,023
Market value decrease (increase) on commodity inventories 109 (400) 4,273
Loss (gain) on derivative contracts, net 794 (1,934) 521
Loss on securities, net 0 619 116
Dispositions of subsidiaries (25,771) 10,219 (2,585)
Gains on settlements of liabilities (9,502) (3,779)  
Change in fair value of loan payable at FVTPL 167    
Other, including medical and real estate sectors 9,188 11,889 14,077
Total costs of sales and services $ 129,522 $ 263,586 $ 1,061,052
[1] Includes credit losses of $9,957 on receivables due from former consolidated entities in the year ended December 31, 2018 (2017: $8,585 and 2016: $11,296).
v3.19.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details 2) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]      
Inventories as costs of goods sold (including depreciation, amortization and depletion expenses allocated to costs of goods sold) $ 92,138 $ 206,644 $ 974,497
v3.19.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details 3) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]      
Compensation (wages and salaries) $ 10,305 $ 16,369  
Legal and professional 4,469 8,860  
Accounting 1,784 1,979  
Consulting and fees 4,276 5,506  
Depreciation and amortization 254 1,640 $ 11,951
Office 1,026 1,797  
Other 4,251 9,321  
Selling, general and administrative expense $ 26,365 $ 45,472 $ 79,164
v3.19.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details 4) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]      
Depreciation, amortization and depletion $ 5,712 $ 6,732 $ 11,951
Employee benefits expenses [1] $ 18,403 $ 21,016 $ 31,890
[1] Employee benefits expenses do not include the directors’ fees. For directors’ fees, please see Note 28.
v3.19.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Detail Textuals) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]      
Revenue from merchant banking products and services $ 124,059 $ 249,581 $ 1,078,745
Metals 107,540 143,572  
Plastics   98  
Steel products   23,898  
Minerals, chemicals and alloys   57,768  
Natural gas 10,371 8,931  
Royalties (2,437) 8,868  
Power and electricity 4,254 4,215  
Fees 4,331 2,231  
Interest to contract liabilities 2,437    
Underpayment of resource property royalties from prior years   5,619  
Credit losses on loans and receivables due from a former consolidated entity 9,957 8,585 11,296
Loss on settlement 5,600    
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation adjustment loss (gain) $ 672 $ (11,306) $ (560)
v3.19.1
Share-Based Compensation (Details)
12 Months Ended
May 12, 2018
USD ($)
share
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
share
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
share
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
share
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]        
Number of options, Outstanding   40,000    
Number of options, granted 20,000 20,000 535,000  
Number of options, Outstanding     40,000  
Weighted average exercise price per share, Granted | $ $ 8.76      
2017 Plan        
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]        
Number of options, Outstanding   575,000 0 0
Number of options, Expired       0
Number of options, Forfeited   (125,000)    
Number of options, Cancelled   (20,000)    
Number of options, Exchanged under the Arrangement     40,000  
Number of options, granted   20,000 535,000  
Number of options, Outstanding   450,000 575,000 0
Number of options, exercisable   450,000    
Options available for granting in future periods   125,403    
Weighted average exercise price per share, outstanding | $   $ 10.94 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Weighted average exercise price per share, Expired | $       0.00
Weighted average exercise price per share, Forfeited | $   13.77    
Weighted average exercise price per share, Cancelled | $   40.05    
Weighted average exercise price per share, Exchanged under the Arrangement | $     40.05  
Weighted average exercise price per share, Granted | $   8.76 8.76  
Weighted average exercise price per share, outstanding | $     $ 10.94 $ 0.00
Weighted average exercise price per share, options exercisable | $   $ 8.76    
2008 Plan        
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]        
Number of options, Outstanding   0 40,000 172,000
Number of options, Expired       (132,000)
Number of options, Forfeited   0    
Number of options, Cancelled   0    
Number of options, Exchanged under the Arrangement     (40,000)  
Number of options, granted   0 0  
Number of options, Outstanding   0 0 40,000
Number of options, exercisable   0    
Options available for granting in future periods   0    
Weighted average exercise price per share, outstanding | $   $ 0.00 $ 40.05 $ 39.15
Weighted average exercise price per share, Expired | $       39.05
Weighted average exercise price per share, Forfeited | $   0.00    
Weighted average exercise price per share, Cancelled | $   0.00    
Weighted average exercise price per share, Exchanged under the Arrangement | $     40.05  
Weighted average exercise price per share, Granted | $   0.00 0  
Weighted average exercise price per share, outstanding | $   $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 40.05
1997 Plan        
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]        
Number of options, Outstanding   0 0 274,500
Number of options, Expired       (274,500)
Number of options, Forfeited   0    
Number of options, Cancelled   0    
Number of options, Exchanged under the Arrangement     0  
Number of options, granted   0 0  
Number of options, Outstanding   0 0 0
Number of options, exercisable   0    
Options available for granting in future periods   0    
Weighted average exercise price per share, outstanding | $   $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 39.05
Weighted average exercise price per share, Expired | $       39.05
Weighted average exercise price per share, Forfeited | $   0.00    
Weighted average exercise price per share, Cancelled | $   0.00    
Weighted average exercise price per share, Exchanged under the Arrangement | $     0.00  
Weighted average exercise price per share, Granted | $   0.00 0.00  
Weighted average exercise price per share, outstanding | $   $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00
v3.19.1
Share-Based Compensation (Details 1) - $8.76
Dec. 31, 2018
share
Year
$ / shares
Disclosure of number and weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding share options [line items]  
Exercise price per share | $ / shares $ 8.76
Number of options, outstanding and exercisable | share 450,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life | Year 8.92
v3.19.1
Share-Based Compensation (Details 2) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [abstract]      
Share-based compensation expenses arising from stock options granted by the Company $ 69 $ 2,876 $ 0
v3.19.1
Share-Based Compensation (Details 3)
12 Months Ended
May 12, 2018
share
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
share
Year
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
share
Year
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2017
CAD ($)
share
Year
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
share
Year
$ / shares
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [abstract]          
Number of options granted | share 20,000 20,000 20,000 535,000 535,000
Vesting requirements   Immediately Immediately Immediately Immediately
Contractual life     9.54   10
Method of settlement   In equity In equity In equity In equity
Exercise price per share | $     $ 8.76   $ 8.76
Market price per share on grant date | $ / shares     $ 6.30   $ 8.40
Expected volatility   37.86% 37.86% 37.74% 37.74%
Expected option life   9.54 9.54 10 10
Expected dividends   0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
Risk-free interest rate   2.93% 2.93% 2.38% 2.38%
Fair value of option granted (per option)   $ 3.44 $ 2.69 $ 5.38 $ 4.22
v3.19.1
Share-Based Compensation (Detail Textuals)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
May 12, 2018
USD ($)
share
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
share
Dec. 31, 2017
CAD ($)
share
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
share
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]        
Number of common shares subject to all awards     575,403  
Number of options issued in exchange for options issued and outstanding       40,000
Number of options granted to certain employees 20,000 20,000 535,000  
Exercise Price per Share | $       $ 8.76
Exercise price of common shares | $ $ 8.76      
Aggregate fair value of options granted recognized as Share-based compensation expenses | $   $ 69 $ 2,876  
Common shares        
Disclosure of terms and conditions of share-based payment arrangement [line items]        
Number of options granted to certain employees 20,000      
Exercise price of common shares | $ $ 8.76      
Number of options, surrendered for cancellation 20,000      
v3.19.1
Income Taxes (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]      
Income (loss) before income taxes $ 167,829 $ (38,407) $ (16,706)
Canada      
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]      
Income (loss) before income taxes 170,538 7,360 380
Outside Canada      
Disclosure of geographical areas [line items]      
Income (loss) before income taxes $ (2,709) $ (45,767) $ (17,086)
v3.19.1
Income Taxes (Details 1) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Detailed Information About Income Taxes [Abstract]      
Current taxes $ (867) $ (3,744) $ (4,540)
Deferred taxes (55,238) (3,141) (1,454)
Resource revenue recovery (expense) 487 (1,773) (1,020)
(Provision for) recovery of income taxes $ (55,618) $ (8,658) $ (7,014)
v3.19.1
Income Taxes (Details 2) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure Of Detailed Information About Income Taxes [Abstract]      
Income (loss) before income taxes $ 167,829 $ (38,407) $ (16,706)
Computed (expense) recovery of income taxes (50,137) 9,792 4,344
Decrease (increase) in income taxes resulting from:      
Subsidiaries' tax rate differences 0 0 714
Other non-taxable income 45 7 6,057
Revisions to prior years (1,355) 4,650 (112)
Taxable capital gains and losses on dispositions, net (5,357) (3,150) (3,543)
Resource property revenue taxes 356 (1,311) (755)
Unrecognized losses in current year (1,411) (20,916) (15,623)
Previously unrecognized deferred income tax assets, net 3,041 2,877 5,747
Permanent differences (306) (363) (1,448)
Other, net (494) (244) (2,395)
(Provision for) recovery of income taxes $ (55,618) $ (8,658) $ (7,014)
v3.19.1
Income Taxes (Detail Textuals) - CAD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Note [Line Items]      
Statutory tax rate     26.00%
Current and deferred income tax relating to items charged directly to equity
New MFC      
Income Tax Note [Line Items]      
Statutory tax rate 0.00% 0.00%  
v3.19.1
Earnings Per Share (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure For Earnings Per Share [Abstract]      
Basic income (loss) attributable to holders of common shares $ 112,276 $ (47,855) $ (25,361)
Effect of dilutive securities:      
Diluted income (loss) $ 112,276 $ (47,855) $ (25,361)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 12,534,801 12,544,141 12,628,454
Effect of dilutive securities:      
Options 0 0 0
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 12,534,801 12,544,141 12,628,454
v3.19.1
Earnings Per Share (Detail Textuals) - shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure For Earnings Per Share [Abstract]      
Number of stock option not included in diluted earnings per share 450,000 575,000 40,000
v3.19.1
Commitments and Contingencies (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessor [abstract]  
Future minimum rentals under long-term non-cancellable operating leases $ 3,084
2019  
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessor [abstract]  
Future minimum rentals under long-term non-cancellable operating leases 1,020
2020  
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessor [abstract]  
Future minimum rentals under long-term non-cancellable operating leases 916
2021  
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessor [abstract]  
Future minimum rentals under long-term non-cancellable operating leases 645
2022  
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessor [abstract]  
Future minimum rentals under long-term non-cancellable operating leases 461
2023  
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessor [abstract]  
Future minimum rentals under long-term non-cancellable operating leases 28
Thereafter  
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessor [abstract]  
Future minimum rentals under long-term non-cancellable operating leases $ 14
v3.19.1
Commitments and Contingencies (Details 1)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessee [line items]  
Future minimum commitments under long-term non-cancellable operating leases $ 4,786
2019  
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessee [line items]  
Future minimum commitments under long-term non-cancellable operating leases 1,327
2020  
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessee [line items]  
Future minimum commitments under long-term non-cancellable operating leases 927
2021  
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessee [line items]  
Future minimum commitments under long-term non-cancellable operating leases 475
2022  
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessee [line items]  
Future minimum commitments under long-term non-cancellable operating leases 455
2023  
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessee [line items]  
Future minimum commitments under long-term non-cancellable operating leases 447
Thereafter  
Disclosure of finance lease and operating lease by lessee [line items]  
Future minimum commitments under long-term non-cancellable operating leases $ 1,155
v3.19.1
Commitments and Contingencies (Detail Textuals)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
CAD ($)
Subsidiary
Dec. 31, 2016
CAD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]      
Rental and lease income $ 3,273 $ 6,026 $ 15,470
Minimum lease payments recognized as expenses 2,303 3,120 2,565
Contingent rents 423 $ 115 20
Sublease     $ 734
Amount of assessment 2,996    
Amount of assessment paid in dispute 899    
Number of subsidiaries | Subsidiary   2  
Maximum percentage of share capital of subsidiaries   10.00%  
Period for expiration of rights   10 years  
Open purchase contracts due in 2019 686    
Recovery timing longer than twelve months      
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]      
Amount of assessment 1,853    
Amount of assessment paid in dispute 488    
Reclassification of long term tax receivable $ 488    
v3.19.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosure (Details) - Debt - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities [line items]    
Debt, opening balance $ 43,733 $ 116,813
Cash flows 0 (42,253)
Non-cash changes:    
Dispositions of subsidiaries (45,465) (34,996)
Accretion 94 187
Rollover of interest expenses into principal 286 0
Cumulative transaction adjustments 1,352 3,982
Debt, ending balance $ 0 $ 43,733
v3.19.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosure (Detail Textuals) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities [abstract]      
Non-cash settlement loss $ 5,600    
Offsetting of payable against receivable due from entity   $ 12,264  
Redemption of preferred shares   52,299  
Fair value of trade receivables   52,299 $ 1,343
Offsetting of long-term deposit liabilities against finance lease receivables   $ 545  
Purchase of unproved lands at fair value     $ 790
Deconsolidation of subsidiary recognition of long-term non-interest bearing loan payable $ 3,645    
v3.19.1
Related Party Transactions (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [abstract]      
Dividends received $ 168 $ 0 $ 0
v3.19.1
Related Party Transactions (Detail 1) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [abstract]      
Short-term employee benefits $ 1,245 $ 1,777 $ 2,296
Directors' fees 594 576 634
Share-based compensation 0 713 0
Total $ 1,839 $ 3,066 $ 2,930
v3.19.1
Related Party Transactions (Detail Textuals) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2017
Jun. 30, 2015
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Apr. 30, 2014
Nov. 30, 2012
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]              
Minimum percentage of significant equity interest     10.00%        
Gain from disposition of subsidiary     $ 25,740 $ 57 $ 3,590    
Written put options              
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]              
Percentage of equity shares acquired           40.00%  
Put Holder              
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]              
Number of common stock shares issued   10,000          
Consideration received on sale of subsidiary $ 14,413            
Number of common stock shares issued 90,000            
Gain from disposition of subsidiary $ 57            
Put Holder | Written put options              
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]              
Percentage of equity shares acquired             100.00%
v3.19.1
Related Party Transactions (Detail Textuals 1) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]      
Share-based compensation $ 0 $ 713 $ 0
Directors      
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]      
Share-based compensation   323  
Other key management personnel      
Disclosure of transactions between related parties [line items]      
Share-based compensation   $ 390  
v3.19.1
Financial Instruments (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt | Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial Liabilities Carrying Amount $ 0 $ 43,733
Financial Liabilities Fair Value 0 43,733
Derivative liabilities | Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial Liabilities Carrying Amount 37 302
Financial Liabilities Fair Value 37 302
Loan payable | Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial Liabilities Carrying Amount   0
Financial Liabilities Fair Value   0
Loan payable | Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial Liabilities Carrying Amount 3,981 0
Financial Liabilities Fair Value 3,981 0
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss | Equity securities    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial Assets Carrying Amount 5,774 6
Financial Assets Fair Value 5,774 6
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss | Derivative assets    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial Assets Carrying Amount 209 246
Financial Assets Fair Value 209 246
Fair value through other comprehensive income | Equity securities    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial Assets Carrying Amount 0 771
Financial Assets Fair Value 0 771
Fair value through other comprehensive income | Debt securities    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial Assets Carrying Amount 6,328 5,121
Financial Assets Fair Value $ 6,328 $ 5,121
v3.19.1
Financial Instruments (Details 1) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss $ 12,311 $ 6,144
Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss 4,018  
Level 1    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 8,101 5,898
Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss 0  
Level 2    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 4,210 246
Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss 37  
Level 3    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 0 0
Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss 3,981  
Derivative liabilities | Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss 37 302
Derivative liabilities | Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss | Level 1    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss 0 0
Derivative liabilities | Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss | Level 2    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss 37 302
Derivative liabilities | Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss | Level 3    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss 0 0
Loan payable | Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss 3,981  
Loan payable | Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss | Level 1    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss 0  
Loan payable | Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss | Level 2    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss 0  
Loan payable | Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss | Level 3    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial liabilities fair value through profit or loss 3,981  
Equity securities | Financial assets available-for-sale instruments    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss   771
Equity securities | Financial assets available-for-sale instruments | Level 1    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss   771
Equity securities | Financial assets available-for-sale instruments | Level 2    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss   0
Equity securities | Financial assets available-for-sale instruments | Level 3    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss   0
Equity securities | Financial assets fair value through profit or loss    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 5,774  
Equity securities | Financial assets fair value through profit or loss | Level 1    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 1,773  
Equity securities | Financial assets fair value through profit or loss | Level 2    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 4,001  
Equity securities | Financial assets fair value through profit or loss | Level 3    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 0  
Debt securities | Financial assets available-for-sale instruments    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss   5,121
Debt securities | Financial assets available-for-sale instruments | Level 1    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss   5,121
Debt securities | Financial assets available-for-sale instruments | Level 2    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss   0
Debt securities | Financial assets available-for-sale instruments | Level 3    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss   0
Debt securities | Fair value through other comprehensive income    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 6,328  
Debt securities | Fair value through other comprehensive income | Level 1    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 6,328  
Debt securities | Fair value through other comprehensive income | Level 2    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 0  
Debt securities | Fair value through other comprehensive income | Level 3    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 0  
Short-term securities | Financial assets fair value through profit or loss    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss   6
Short-term securities | Financial assets fair value through profit or loss | Level 1    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss   6
Short-term securities | Financial assets fair value through profit or loss | Level 2    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss   0
Short-term securities | Financial assets fair value through profit or loss | Level 3    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss   0
Derivative assets | Financial assets fair value through profit or loss    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 209 246
Derivative assets | Financial assets fair value through profit or loss | Level 1    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 0 0
Derivative assets | Financial assets fair value through profit or loss | Level 2    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss 209 246
Derivative assets | Financial assets fair value through profit or loss | Level 3    
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [line items]    
Financial assets fair value through profit or loss $ 0 $ 0
v3.19.1
Financial Instruments (Details 2) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]        
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 67,760 $ 74,870 $ 120,676 $ 197,519
Credit risk        
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]        
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 68,041      
Derivative assets 209      
Receivables 14,018      
Amounts recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position 82,268      
Guarantees (see Note 26) 0      
Maximum credit risk exposure $ 82,268      
v3.19.1
Financial Instruments (Details 3) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [abstract]      
Interest income on financial assets not at FVTPL $ 15 $ 434 $ 605
Interest income on financial assets classified at FVTPL 661 539 2,451
Total interest income 676 973 3,056
Interest expense on financial liabilities not at FVTPL 989 3,509 7,747
Interest expense on financial liabilities classified at FVTPL 680 1,195 7,720
Total interest expense 1,669 4,704 15,467
Dividend income on financial assets at FVTPL 168 0 0
Dividend income on financial assets classified not at FVTPL 0 0 6
Net gain on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 3,785 6,825 1,240
Loss on loan payable at FVTPL (167) 0 0
Reversal of impairment on securities measured at FVTOCI $ (3) $ 0 $ 0
v3.19.1
Financial Instruments (Detail Textuals)
$ in Thousands, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]        
Undiscounted contractual amount due out of surplus cash of subsidiary $ 57,392     $ 42,070
Minimum expected repayment period of undiscounted contractual due 15 years      
Proceeds from risk mitigation assets related to guarantees     $ 39,149  
Recovery of credit loss     35,121  
Credit risk        
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]        
Reduced average contractual credit period 14 days      
Payments for provisions     40,677  
Proceeds from risk mitigation assets related to guarantees     39,149  
Recovery of credit loss     $ 35,121  
Net reversal of credit loss $ 21,812 $ 1,317    
Credit risk | Provision for credit commitments        
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]        
Provision for credit loss $ 833 $ 1,502    
Bottom of range | Credit risk        
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]        
Average contractual credit period for trade receivables 30 days      
Top of range | Credit risk        
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]        
Average contractual credit period for trade receivables 60 days      
Average contractual credit period for sales 180 days      
v3.19.1
Financial Instruments (Detail Textuals 1) - Derivatives - Currency risk - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]    
Notional amount of derivative financial instruments $ 0 $ 14,766
Net unrealized fair value gain (loss) of derivative $ 0 $ 75
v3.19.1
Financial Instruments (Detail Textuals 2)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
Disclosure of detailed information about financial instruments [abstract]  
Increase in Loss from continuing operations if U.S. dollar currency weakened 10% against functional currencies $ 1,377
Decrease in Loss from continuing operations if U.S. dollar currency strengthened 10% against functional currencies (1,377)
Decrease in Loss from continuing operations if Euro weakened 10% against functional currencies (6,559)
Increase in Loss from continuing operations if Euro strengthened 10% against functional currencies 6,559
Decrease in Loss from continuing operations if Canadian dollar weakened 10% against functional currencies (6,943)
Increase in Loss from continuing operations if Canadian dollar strengthened 10% against functional currencies $ 6,943
v3.19.1
Financial Instruments (Detail Textuals 3) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative liabilities | Other price risk    
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]    
Notional amount of derivative financial instruments $ 9,720 $ 8,690
Net unrealized fair value gain (loss) of derivative 172 $ (131)
Bottom of range | Interest rate risk    
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]    
Decrease in Loss from continuing operations 1% if benchmark interest rate is lower with all other variables held constant 506  
Increase in Loss from continuing operations if 1% benchmark interest rate is higher with all other variables held constant 424  
Bottom of range | Other price risk    
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]    
Decrease in other comprehensive loss from continuing operations if equity prices strengthened 10% with all other variables held constant 416  
Top of range | Other price risk    
Disclosure of nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments [line items]    
Increase in other comprehensive loss from continuing operations if equity prices weakened 10% with all other variables held constant $ 416  
v3.19.1
Fair Value Disclosure for Non-financial Assets (Details) - CAD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]    
Assets $ 506,913 $ 396,947
Recurring fair value measurement | Level 1    
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]    
Assets 2,238 1,039
Recurring fair value measurement | Level 2    
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]    
Assets 0 271
Recurring fair value measurement | Level 3    
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]    
Assets 37,804 37,660
Recurring fair value measurement | Inventories | Level 1    
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]    
Assets 2,238 1,039
Recurring fair value measurement | Inventories | Level 2    
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]    
Assets 0 271 [1]
Recurring fair value measurement | Inventories | Level 3    
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]    
Assets 0 0 [1]
Recurring fair value measurement | Investment property | Level 1    
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]    
Assets 0 0
Recurring fair value measurement | Investment property | Level 2    
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]    
Assets 0 0
Recurring fair value measurement | Investment property | Level 3    
Disclosure of fair value measurement of assets [line items]    
Assets $ 37,804 $ 37,660
[1] Restated
v3.19.1
MFC Bancorp and its Significant Subsidiaries (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Proportion of Voting Interest 0.46%
MFC (A) Ltd  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Subsidiaries MFC (A) Ltd
Country of Incorporation Marshall Islands
Proportion of Voting Interest 100.00%
MFC (D) Ltd  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Subsidiaries MFC (D) Ltd
Country of Incorporation Marshall Islands
Proportion of Voting Interest 100.00%
Brock Metals s.r.o.  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Subsidiaries Brock Metals s.r.o.
Country of Incorporation Slovakia
Proportion of Voting Interest 100.00%
1178936 B.C. Ltd.  
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]  
Subsidiaries 1178936 B.C. Ltd.
Country of Incorporation Canada
Proportion of Voting Interest 100.00%
v3.19.1
MFC Bancorp and its Significant Subsidiaries (Detail Textuals)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
CAD ($)
subsidaries
Dec. 31, 2017
CAD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
CAD ($)
Disclosure of information about consolidated structured entities [abstract]      
Proportion of voting rights held in subsidiary 50.00%    
Percentage of proportional beneficial interest in MFC (A) Ltd. and MFC (B) Ltd 99.72%    
Proportion of voting rights held by non-controlling interests 0.04%    
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary 0.46%    
Recognition of a pre-tax gain $ 25,740    
Recognition of deferred tax expense 7,204    
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation adjustment loss (gain) 672 $ (11,306) $ (560)
Recognition of a long-term liability 3,645    
Recognition of non-controlling interests 6,441    
Adjustment to deficit under equity $ 6,284    
Number of subsidiaries | subsidaries 2    
Total consideration of disposition of subsidiary    
Maximum percentage of ownership of each subsidiary to exercise rights of non controlling interest 0.50%    
Gain from disposition of subsidiary $ 25,740 57 3,590
Loss on the dispositions of the subsidiaries   $ 10,276 $ 1,005
Gains on deconsolidation of subsidiaries $ 25,771    
v3.19.1
Subsequent Event (Detail Textuals) - Subsequent forward split of common shares
1 Months Ended
May 31, 2019
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items]  
Share consoldiation ratio 25
Subsequent forward split 1 for 25 basis