Authentication under the Convention relies on two elements: the appointment of trustworthy «competent authorities» by the states of origin, and the creation of a register of apostilles issued. (slaw.ca)
It matters because if Canada becomes a party to the Hague Apostille Convention (known formally as the Convention on the abolition of all forms of legalization), then it will be contrary to the Convention for anyone in Canada to ask for legalization. (slaw.ca)
As mentioned above, no one really verifies the signature on apostilles on paper, or checks the register. (slaw.ca)