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Foreign and finance ministers have always played a key role in the G-8. While they have long supported the summit agenda, since 1998 foreign and finance ministers have developed their own agenda and followed up on their commitments. G-8 foreign ministers deal specifically with political and security issues. G7 finance ministers meet regularly throughout the year, with a focus on promoting global economic growth and stability. Other ministers meet as required.

Foreign Ministers Meeting

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lawrence Cannon, hosted the foreign ministers of G-8 countries for a meeting on March 29 and 30, 2010, at the Château Cartier in Gatineau, Quebec. The meeting addressed the major issues affecting international peace and security, while continuing to promote respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Development Ministers Meeting

G-8 ministers and senior officials responsible for development cooperation met in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on April 27 and 28, 2010, to lay the foundations on development issues for the Muskoka G-8 Leaders Summit in June 2010. The meeting was hosted by Minister of International Cooperation, Beverley J. Oda.

Finance Ministers Meeting

Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty, hosted a meeting of G7 finance ministers and central bank governors in Iqaluit, Nunavut, on February 5 and 6, 2010. The meeting’s discussions focused on reviewing the state of the global economy as well as key issues that have been at the heart of international meetings throughout the global economic crisis, such as fiscal responsibility, cooperation in financial sector regulation and following through on development commitments.