Mr. Speaker, we will try to dissipate the confusion somewhat.
On February 12, the Minister for International Trade assured us in this House that Canada would not sign the MIA without the cultural exemption clause. The next morning, this very minister said that the clause would be preferable, but that, if it proved impossible, Canada would be satisfied with a few stipulations.
My question is very simple: What is the minister saying in his speech? Is the cultural exemption clause an essential condition to the signing of the agreement, yes or no?