Dozens of people rallied in NDG on Monday to protesting Bill 14, and to call for Montreal to be given official bilingual status.
Language rights activist Norman Simon said that the Parti Quebecois government managed to inflame long-dormant hostilities when it tabled its proposed revisions to the Charter of the French language.
Those at the rally said they are passionate Canadians who think language battles are doing nothing except hurting Montreal.
"We're destroying our wonderful city. I'm 4th generation and my kids are gone. I don't want them gone, but they know they have no future here," said one woman.
Many blamed Montreal's slide from the largest, most prosperous city in the country to second-place on Bill 101, and say Bill 14 will accelerate the decline.
"I think we should look after our economy instead of talking about language and separation which has been the topic of conversation for 35 years," said another protester.
Organizers said they were disappointed with the low turnout, but promised they will hold more rallies over the months to come.
"This is my community. This province belongs to everybody, not just the PQ and its agenda," said Simon.
