MONTRÉAL, Feb. 27, 2018 /CNW
Telbec/ - Quebecor responded to the federal budget tabled
today by Finance Minister Bill
Morneau with disappointment at the lack of action on tax
fairness. "Despite the urging of all social, economic and cultural
actors in Québec, the government has again chosen to turn its back
on our businesses and court foreign online giants instead,"
commented Pierre Karl Péladeau, President and CEO of
Quebecor.
Quebecor finds the government's failure to act duplicitous: "The
Trudeau government constantly repeats that it wants to help the
middle class, foster innovation and promote our know-how on the
world stage, but it systematically refuses to defend the interests
of the local businesses that are most likely to create jobs,
innovate and export," Mr. Péladeau added. "Everywhere in the world,
governments are taking concrete action to reclaim their fiscal
sovereignty over digital platforms. Be it in Europe, Australia or Singapore, elected officials have realized the
importance of doing so, but the Canadian government prefers to sign
secret deals."
In the budget, the federal government also announced
$50 million over five years to
support local journalism in Canada. "On the one hand, the federal
government is providing $50 million
to all local print media in Canada, and on the other hand the Québec
government is extending a $10 million
loan to a single press group," Mr. Péladeau noted. "The contrast
highlights the extent to which the Québec government's aid to
Groupe Capitales Médias is abusive and out of proportions."
About Quebecor
Quebecor, a Canadian leader in
telecommunications, entertainment, news media and culture, is one
of the best-performing integrated communications companies in the
industry. Driven by their determination to deliver the best
possible customer experience, all of Quebecor's subsidiaries and
brands are differentiated by their high-quality, multiplatform,
convergent products and services.
Quebecor (TSX: QBR.A, QBR.B) is headquartered in Québec. It
holds an 81.53% interest in Quebecor Media, which employs more than
10,000 people in Canada.
A family business founded in 1950, Quebecor is strongly
committed to the community. Every year, it actively supports people
working with more than 400 organizations in the vital fields of
culture, health, education, the environment and
entrepreneurship.
Visit our website: www.quebecor.com
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Quebecor
SOURCE Quebecor