What is the Central American free trade agreement?

Was it required before Canada could be part of the North American Free Trade Agreement?

• Before Canada could be part of the North American Free Trade Agreement, did the agreement require that the Queen, as Canada's head of state, approve it with her Royal Assent? What ...show more

• Answer:

  No. Since 1867 all duties of the crown in Canada have been performed by a the Governor General. This person is appointed by the Prime Minister of Canada and has authority to sign for the monarchy in any matter which pertains to Canada. All bills passed by the Canadian parliament are signed by the Governor General and the Queen has no say over it. The Queen can't refuse to sign any bill since she is never asked to. The only time the Queen signs anything is if she is visiting Canada and there is some bill or act passed which they want her to sign for publicity. The Queen was never asked to sign the NAFTA agreement. The royal assent for the NAFTA agreement was signed by Ray Hnatyshyn -- who was the governor general at the time.