As I indicated in my previous answer, there were indeed laws on the books. The question became whether they were effective in dealing with the situation as it evolved, to the point that it got to when the declaration was issued.
February 25th, 2022 / 2:20 p.m.
Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Safety, Defence and Immigration Portfolio, Department of Justice
As I indicated in my previous answer, there were indeed laws on the books. The question became whether they were effective in dealing with the situation as it evolved, to the point that it got to when the declaration was issued.
See context to find out what was said next.