Tough slogging in the new world order

Many Canadians could feel a sense of pride when the G20 leaders meeting in Pittsburgh late last month declared that this forum of leaders and finance ministers would replace the G7 as the key body to oversee the global economy and chart its future direction. The idea for a G20 forum of the leaders of the world's most important economies was first outlined by Paul Martin at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2004, not long after he had become prime minister. This was based on Martin's role as the first chair of the G20 of finance...