8.7 the Government of Quebec points out that in the linguistic sphere, the notion of de facto equality precludes purely formal equality and makes it necessary to accord different treatment in order to arrive at a result that restores the balance between different situations. It contends that the Charter of the French Language, as amended by Bill 178, "is a measured legislative response to the particular circumstances of Quebec's society, for which, in the North American context and in the face of the domination of the English language and the ensuing cultural, socio-economic and political pressures, 'francification' ('Frenchification')is still in an exposed position.