QUEBEC — Media magnate and politician Pierre Karl Peladeau says there is no conflict of interest in his adopting the same position as his company on reductions to a Quebec government tax credit.
The Parti Quebecois member of the legislature says he didn't gain any personal benefit by criticizing a Liberal decision to reduce tax credits for film and television production.
His position is similar to that of Quebecor Inc. (TSX:QBR.B), the conglomerate he controls.
Peladeau told reporters in Quebec City today he'll leave it to the province's ethics commissioner to decide if he's in a conflict of interest.
He says his opinion on a 20 per cent reduction in a tax credit merely reflects the consensus in the province's media industry.
Quebecor is one of several companies that benefit from the credit.
It would be the second time Peladeau has been accused of favouring his company in recent months.
Quebec's ethics commissioner has already agreed to look into allegations that Peladeau intervened politically on the question of the future of a Montreal movie studio Quebecor was bidding for.
Peladeau has previously said his only intent was trying to keep Vision globale, owner of Mel's Cite du cinema, in Quebec hands.
