the review of the act, dated to april 2011, states that:

Through my consultations with the parties listed in Appendix 2, I heard that while we are not in a time of war, as in 1939 when the PWPA was enacted, we live in an age of international  and  local terrorism  threats.  Our  democratic society  must  be  vigilant in maintaining a proper level  of security while  recognizing  that  democratic  values and security issues can conflict where public order is at issue.  It is important to highlight that provincial legislation exists dealing with both terrorism threats and emergency situations.  I  have  been  informed that  federal and  provincial couunter-terrorism  plans  exist  that address preventing and responding to acts of terrorism.

(http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/sites/default/files/content/mcscs/docs/ec088595.pdf)

it then cites the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, which i suppose i need to flip through next.

so, we learn here that the act had certainly been contemplated in the context of anti-terrorist legislation, and that it was enacted in 1939, when canada went to war against the nazis as a part of the british empire (and in response to the german invasion of poland, rather than the bombing of pearl harbour). it's intent does appear to be directed at combating terrorism, in the context of the second world war.

i mentioned earlier that i thought the bill was written during the bill davis era, and i do have a very specific recollection of that. the bill that i read in early 2013 was dated to the late 70s - it was davis era, and, notably, pre-charter. i am certain of that.

so, is there a variant of the bill from the 70s that specifically mentions charges of terrorism?

or am i reflecting on some commentary that i read?

i am deciding that this does not matter - the act was repealed, i admit as much, and i do consequently acknowledge that my analysis was out of date, whether i can find this or not....