Mr. Speaker, it is quite normal when there is an agreement between two countries for one of the countries to inform the other when there is a proposed agreement. We have an agreement with France under which provinces can submit subtext. We encourage them to do so. However when that subtext carries certain statements in it that it takes on to itself the right of sovereignty, we cannot accept that.
In the House of Commons on October 21st, 1997. See this statement in context.