OTTAWA - The Harper government is shrugging off a confidential document that suggests Britain considers Canada a second-rate participant in an international economic summit of 20 countries.

But opposition critics say the document proves Canada has become a bit player on the world stage under Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

The flap erupted Friday after the London-based Financial Times newspaper obtained a secret document revealing that Britain's lobbying campaign in advance of next month's G20 summit has been aimed at "11 high-priority states."

The United States, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, China, India, South Africa, Brazil, South Korea and Saudi Arabia were all considered top-rank countries. The European Union was also included in the top tier.

Canada, however, was relegated to the "tier 2" or "B-list" of countries, along with Australia, Russia, Argentina, Indonesia, Mexico and Turkey, according to the newspaper.

The document came to light just as Canada's finance minister, Jim Flaherty, had arrived in London for a G20 finance ministers' meeting.

Flaherty could not be reached for comment. But government sources said British officials took pains Friday to reassure the minister and the rest of the Canadian delegation that the document is "a bit of nonsense" that does not reflect British policy.

The officials explained that the offending reference to two tiers of countries was included in a tender document inviting companies to bid on a contract to help the Foreign Office lobby G20 countries and conduct public relations campaigns in advance of next month's leaders' summit.

Sources said British officials assured Flaherty the document was drafted by a "junior official," that the contract was never awarded and that the wording of the document in no way reflects official British policy on Canada.

A spokesman for Flaherty declined to discuss the matter but said the minister is focused on delivering a "positive message" about Canada's economic performance.

"We're meeting our G20 commitments on avoiding protectionism, we've exceeded the IMF target for stimulus and we have a financial system that is recognized for its stability," said Mike Storeshaw.

"(Flaherty's) goal for the meeting this weekend will be to continue to present the Canadian model as an example to our international partners."

However, Liberal foreign affairs critic Bob Rae said the document reflects the Harper government's neglect of foreign policy and its short-sighted decision to cut budgets for diplomatic endeavours.

"There can be no question that the amateur hour on the Rideau that has infected our foreign policy since the formation of the Harper government has had an impact," Rae said.

"It can't be traced to any one issue but its core has been the inability of the government to take an active, intelligent role in the key issues of our time. There's no depth, no vision, no strategy, and the talent of our public service has been sidelined by partisan incompetence."

While other countries have increased funding for their diplomatic efforts, Rae said Canada is "just not in the game."

Chris Charlton, deputy finance critic for the NDP, said the document underscores the fact that Canada has been far less aggressive than other countries in stimulating its economy.

"I'm not surprised that other countries aren't looking to us for leadership," she said.

"I think it's a really disturbing indication of our international reputation."