Harper calls first ministers meeting for Nov. 10

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has called a first ministers meeting for Nov. 10 to discuss the impact of global economic turmoil on Canada.

Holding a first ministers meeting was one of six steps Harper promised to take to address the financial situation after his Conservative government was re-elected earlier this month.

The Ottawa meeting of federal, provincial and territorial leaders will take place in the midst of a series of  talks between world leaders about the ongoing financial crisis.

On Nov. 15, Harper will be attending a so-called Group of 20 world leaders meeting in Washington to examine possible solutions to the financial-sector meltdown that has triggered an economic chain-reaction.

G20 finance ministers are also convening in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for their annual meeting on Nov. 8-9.

Canada's premiers held their own meeting in Montreal last Monday to talk about ways the regions can co-operate to reduce the impact of global financial stability here at home. The prime minister declined an invitation to participate in their emergency meeting.

The ministers urged him to hold a formal first ministers meeting as soon as possible, but asked that it be focused on solutions.

"This isn't just a meeting to go around the table," Quebec Premier Jean Charest said at the time. "This has to be a meeting where a lot is done in advance."