Everybody in this House has clearly indicated the need to recognize the official languages and to ensure that those students that want to receive educational programs and services in other than French and English certainly have the right to do so under this present legislation. In fact, it's more specific in some cases. In my view, I have to say to the honourable Member that I do not agree with his interpretation that it is restrictive. In fact, what is occurring is we are recognizing those rights that exist under the official languages legislation.
Not only that, we are now permitting the delivery of programs in aboriginal languages that we did not do previously. We, as a government and as an Assembly, permitting the district education authorities to make that determination. I have tried to encourage people to stay out of the daily business of the district educational authority and the divisional boards. It's no different here, I guess, that as we debate this issue, it seems that we want more restrictions rather than less. We're not intending to be restrictive, we're trying to be more permissive in the ability to use languages.
However, there has to be some basis for delivery of language programs. That is on the quality of the educator, the quality of the curriculum, the quality of the service and the quality of the facilities that are being used to offer the program. If none of those are factors then the arguments that the honourable Member raised in his opening statement about how we deal with quality programming, is not relevant. I agree with the honourable Member about quality and those are the quality standards and criteria that guide us in the ability of the aboriginal community to deliver those programs.
I think what we're trying to do is be permissive, but also set some specific standards and criteria which -- as the honourable Member has articulated quite clearly in this House -- need to be a part of the delivery of the services and programs. I agree with the honourable Member, it's not intended to be restrictive. In fact, we're trying to be as permissive as possible but there has to be some limitations on quality in terms of standards and criteria.