Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard took advantage of a public appearance with Prime Minister Stephen Harper Saturday to reiterate his wish for the province to sign the Constitution.

Couillard says he wants to bolster Quebec's place within Canada between now and 2017, when Canada celebrates the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

The premier made the comments during a Quebec City speech at an event commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Sir George-Etienne Cartier, the French-Canadian statesman viewed as one of the Fathers of Confederation.

Couillard made a similar commitment the beginning of last April's provincial election campaign, but then shied away from the issue under heavy criticism from the separatist Parti Québécois.

In his own speech, Harper said Cartier helped shape Canada by promoting inclusiveness and respect across the country.