A coalition of French language groups is calling on the province's opposition parties to save Bill 14, saying it's a vital part of fighting what they are calling alarming rates of bilingualism in Montreal.

With public hearings on Bill 14 set to beging tomorrow, a coalition of French language activists is hoping politicians in Quebec City get behind the bill and pass it. Something they admit may be unlikely.

The president of Imperatif francais Jean Pierre Perreault says the parties refusal to back the bill would call into question their commitment to protecting Quebec's unique identity.

The language "needs responsible measures to protect our heritage, our identity," he says. "And we hope that the CAQ and the Liberal Party of Quebec understand that they have to adhere to a common, strong position

A rally supporting the French language charter is being held tonight.