Former Prime Minister Joe Clark was appointed Minister responsible for Constitutional Affairs, and was responsible for pulling together a new constitutional agreement. Clark conducted a negotiation with the non-Quebec premiers on a new constitutional accord. Representation for Quebec was not physically present, communications were held through a back channel. Broad agreement was made for the Meech Lake provisions to be included, a recognition of aboriginal self-government, and wholesale Senate reform that allowed for equality of the provinces. A misunderstanding on the back channel regarding Quebec's position on the latter created an impression that the agreement would be acceptable to the National Assembly, and Clark announced that a consensus had been reached.