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The summary goes on to explain the widespread ramifications of such a tax: “Imposing a price on carbon emissions, either through a tax or a cap-and-trade system, would raise the cost of fossil fuels and energy. These higher costs would then cascade through the economy in the form of higher prices, thus leading all firms and consumers to pay more for goods and services with higher carbon content.”

The memo then states “Key findings are:” and the rest of the page is blank, with the projections redacted.

The document is dated October 20, 2015 — the day after Trudeau was elected PM but before he was sworn in.

Section 18 of the Access to Information Act allows the head of a government institution to refuse to disclose any record should it divulge trade secrets or financially harm the government. Section 21 allows the withholding of information if it’s an account of advice, recommendations or deliberations within the department.

It’ll be up to the commissioner to determine if not releasing carbon tax projections falls within these parameters or if the finance department misapplied the act in keeping the info secret.

While the commissioner’s reports determine whether or not the complaint is well-founded and then recommends action on the part of the government document, she has no power to compel the government to release the information. However, both the complainant and the commissioner can apply for the Federal Court to review the matter.

“Very simply, [the Liberals] want Canadians to pay up without knowing how much it’s going to cost,” Poilievre said at a press conference Monday. He’s now pushing for a motion in the House of Commons that will see MPs vote on whether or not to demand the Liberals release the data.