G-20

The 2010 G-20 Toronto Summit is the fourth meeting of the G-20 heads of government, in dicussion of the global financial system and the world economy, which took place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada during June 26–27, 2010. The summit was initially proposed to be held in the town of Huntsville, Ontario, where the concurrent 36th G8 summit was hosted, by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The town was later deemed too small, and the Toronto venue for the G-20 summit was adopted.^[1]

In his welcome speech at the G-20 sherpas' meeting, Harper announced the theme of the Toronto summit would be Recovery and New Beginnings,^[2] referring to an economic stimulus from the impact of the ongoing world recession. The summit's priorities included evaluating the progress of financial reform, developing sustainable stimulus measures,^[2] debating global bank tax,^[3] and promoting open markets.^[4]

An Integrated Security Unit, consisting of police officers from different regional departments,^[5] began working on security in the Downtown area, where the venue is located, three months ahead of the summit. Police officials chose specific locations to detain protestors and mapped traffic detours which would be in place during the two day summit. Several local events which were set to take place during the time of the summit were affected due to their proximity to the summit location.^[6] The total cost for preparations, including security, infrastructure, and hospitality for the summit, was determined to be approximately C$1.1 billion.^[7] The summit was part of the largest and most expensive security operation in Canadian history.^[8]

The ISU performed sweeping powers of arrest within a specific boundary from the summit venue.^[9] However, despite media coverage informing the public that officers had the power to demand identification and to detain people within five metres of the site, no such law existed.^[10] Individuals arrested during the protests condemned the treatment they received from police.^[11]

^~Each leader of the G-20 brought their own agenda to the summit.^[12] The prime issue of the summit was the recovery from the ongoing global recession and the more recent European debt crisis.^[13] However, the leaders were divided over strategies on tackling the problem. The European Union wanted to focus on austerity to cut their deficits, while the United States sought to maintain economic stimulus spending to encourage growth.^[14] India was said to pitch for "durable, balanced. and sustainable" global growth.^[15]

A divide between China, India, and the United States, who favor increased stimulus funding to alleviate the recession, and the countries of the European Union, who favor a reduction in spending and balanced budgets. Taxes on financial institutions, such as the bank tax and the Robin Hood tax, which is supported by countries of the European Union, as well as France and Germany, but opposed by the United States and Canada, was a major issue of discussion.^[16] International development was also on the agenda, as well as requests to increase international aid to Africa and the developing world.^[17] Also on the agenda was discussion of Israel's Gaza strip blockade, and the nuclear programs of North Korea, each of which was met with criticism. The situation in Gaza was called "unsustainable", while the nuclear programs were considered very concerning for global and regional security.^[13] Corruption and security in Afghanistan was also an issue put out by the United States.

Leaders of the G8 arrived in Toronto after wrapping up their meeting in Huntsville, Ontario. During the afternoon of June 26, the rest of the G-20 leaders arrived to take part in the G-20 summit. That evening, Stephen Harper formally welcomed the G-20 leaders to the summit and a working dinner was arranged^[18] at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.^[19] The following day, June 27, the formal summit meeting began during the morning.