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The Parti Qubcois is attacking Liberal Leader Philippe Couillards loyalty to the province as the election campaign enters its final week, warning voters that electing their rival would mean a return to institutional bilingualism and the rise of religious fundamentalism.

He is truly a risk to our language and culture, PQ Leader Pauline Marois said Sunday. When he speaks about language it is [to] bilingualize Quebec . I believe Mr. Couillard, who changes his mind on just about everything and on what is fundamental to the Quebec nation: its identity, language, culture, history, isnt ready to govern Quebec.

After seeing renewed referendum talk push the Liberals into the lead, the PQ began to attack Mr. Couillard on his business dealings, but has now shifted the offensive to his willingness to defend Quebecs language and culture.

This time, Ms. Maroiss ammunition came from comments Mr. Couillard made during last Thursdays leaders debate, when he was asked why someone would need to speak English to work in a factory.

There are more and more jobs where it is important. You know very well. Even on factory floors, its becoming more and more important, Mr. Couillard said. Later in the debate he said: Bilingualism is not a threat. Knowledge of English is indispensable.

Then on Friday, while campaigning in Blainville, north of Montreal, Mr. Couillard explained the advantages of being bilingual: Its a great advantage for anyone to be bilingual. I know. This is something the pquistes dont want me to say, but Ill say it again: Theres not a single parent in Quebec that doesnt hope for their kids to be bilingual. Its such a fantastic asset in life. And it goes the other way, for English-speaking kids to be bilingual in French is a fantastic asset.

Mr. Couillard did not disavow these comments, but fought back on Sunday by vowing to safeguard the French language and saying he had no lessons to learn from the PQ about patriotism.

Ms. Marois was not alone in her attacks on the Liberal leader. Janette Bertrand, the 89-year old popular former TV host and defender of womens rights in the province, spoke Sunday at a PQ rally, saying that if the party is defeated in the April 7 election it will spell the end of the secular charter and the rise of religious fundamentalism. Ms. Bertrand called it a danger to Quebec society and that could lead to the erosion womens rights and jeopardize gender equality in the province.

If I am here today it is because we must vote for Ms. Marois, the Parti Qubcois because if we dont there will be no charter, Ms. Bertrand said.

Last fall, Ms. Bertrand founded a pro-charter group nicknamed Janettes along with Julie Snyder, the wife of media magnate and star PQ candidate Pierre Karl Pladeau. They recruited several other prominent figures in defending the secular charter to fight religious fundamentalism.

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Liberals Couillard a risk to our language and culture, Marois warns