Finance ministers of the G7 nations met in Rome, Italy this past weekend to discuss the global financial crisis and to coordinate more secure banking practices for the future.

Canada was singled out as having among the safest and most stable banking practices. The Group of 20 nations is looking to Canada as a leader and a model from which to design better worldwide banking practices.

As many banks around the world are struggling to keep things together, Canada's Big Five banks are (relatively speaking) doing well. Over the past four months, they have together raised close to $9-billion in common equity and preferred shares.

Amid the economic uncertainty, Canada remains a good place to invest. Canadian business immigration offers such investment opportunities through the Immigrant Investor program, the Entrepreneur program, and the Self-Employer Persons program.

The stated goal of Canada's Business Immigration Program is to promote economic development and employment in Canada by attracting investors from outside Canada with venture capital, business acumen and entrepreneurial skills. It is a fast-track option for immigration to Canada.