The minister alluded to the fact that other offences of general application would remain available to address the conduct captured by section 49. We're aware that it's been charged once. It was part of Canada's first Criminal Code in 1892. There has been one charge under it, and there have been no convictions under section 49.
For additional information, other jurisdictions like New Zealand and Australia have repealed their equivalent offence of alarming Her Majesty, but undoubtedly the United Kingdom has retained its offence.