McCarthy Tétrault brings Canadian perspective to global Corporate Governance Guide

McCarthy Tétrault Partners Jennifer Longhurst and Samantha Pettinato have contributed to Global Legal Post’s Law Over Borders: Corporate Governance Comparative Guide 2026, authoring the Canadian perspective and providing market insights on the shifting legal, regulatory and market forces shaping corporate governance today.

The multi-jurisdictional Guide brings together insights on corporate governance frameworks, regulatory developments and emerging trends from around the world. With boards and senior management facing economic and geopolitical uncertainty, rapid technological change and evolving stakeholder expectations, the Guide examines how governance practices are responding across jurisdictions.

“Boards today are being asked to navigate an increasingly broad and complex set of issues,” said Jennifer Longhurst, Partner in McCarthy Tétrault’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group and Co-leader of the Firm’s Critical Situations & Shareholder Activism and Corporate Governance Groups. “Developments such as AI, evolving investor expectations, and increased shareholder engagement and activism are reshaping governance priorities and the issues boards are being asked to consider. We were pleased to bring a Canadian perspective to this global discussion.”

Jennifer and Samantha authored two chapters of the Guide.

Market Insights: Canada examines some of the key issues influencing corporate governance in Canada, including AI governance, board diversity, auditor independence, shareholder activism and ESG disclosure. It highlights the need for Canadian leaders to build and maintain effective and adaptive corporate governance frameworks, and the tools to support that work.

The Canada chapter provides a broader overview of the country’s corporate governance framework, including the laws, regulations, institutions and market forces shaping governance practices for public companies. It also answers questions about the key stakeholders and external factors informing Canadian corporate governance practices, the top concerns facing businesses today, and the impact of M&A and activism on governance.

“Good governance is not the end, but rather a means to drive sustainable, long-term value in a world where disruption is now the norm,” said Samantha Pettinato, Partner in McCarthy Tétrault’s Mergers & Acquisitions and Global Metals & Mining Groups. “Boards that treat governance as static risk exposing themselves to activism and investor and regulatory scrutiny; those that pair strong fundamentals with ongoing self-assessment and a willingness to adapt, are best positioned as risks and stakeholder expectations evolve.”

Explore the Market Insights: Canada chapter

Explore the Canada chapter

Access the full Law Over Borders: Corporate Governance Comparative Guide 2026

About McCarthy Tétrault

McCarthy Tétrault LLP provides a broad range of legal services, delivering strategic and industry-focused advice and solutions for Canadian and international interests. The Firm has a substantial presence in Canada's major commercial centres as well as in New York, London, and Santiago.

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