force and effect. 26.0 HEADINGS AND CAPTIONS 26.1 Headings and captions are inserted for each section of this Agreement for convenience only and in no way define, limit or describe the scope of intent of this Agreement, nor shall they have any effect in regard to its interpretation. 27.0 AMENDMENTS 27.1 Unless otherwise provided herein, this Agreement shall not in any manner be supplemented, amended or modified except by written instrument executed on behalf of both Parties by their duly authorized representatives. 28.0 SINGULAR/PLURAL 28.1 Whenever, in this Agreement, the context requires or permits the singular number shall be read as if plural were expressed. 29.0 SEPARATE COUNTERPARTS 29.1 This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed to be an original of this Agreement and such counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same instrument. 30.0 TIME 30.1 Time shall, in all respects, be of the essence in each and every of the terms, covenants, obligations and conditions in this Agreement. 31.0 SEVERABILITY 31.1 In the event that any provision of this Agreement is invalid, unenforceable or illegal, then such provision shall be severed from this Agreement and this Agreement shall be read as if such provision were not part of this Agreement and provided such severance does not 17 - 17 - substantially frustrate the intention of this Agreement, such invalidity or unenforceability or illegality shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement. 32.0 BINDING EFFECT 32.1 This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties hereto, successors and assigns. 33.0 RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES 33.1 The Parties recognize that they operate as an independent business and declare that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as creating a relationship of employment, joint