The chorus of critics is growing louder following a revelation that the so-called secret law that gave police enhanced powers around the G20 security fence never existed.

On Friday, an amendment to current legislation (Public Works Protection Act) came to light and it was believed the rule allowed police officers around the security fence to demand identification and search people within five metres of the barrier. Anyone who refused could be detained.

But this week Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair admitted the five-metre rule never existed after the Ministry of Community Safety revealed the provincial cabinet updated a current law that governs buildings such as court houses. The amendment included areas inside the security fence – not outside of the barrier.

A spokesperson for the ministry also said the amendment centred around property and not police and didn’t include a five-metre rule.

When asked if the rule existed Tuesday, Blair said, “No, but I was trying to keep the criminals out.”

Critics, including the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and members of the opposition, are demanding an explanation as to why neither Blair nor Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty clarified the regulation during the G20 summit. The temporary amendment to the law expired Monday.

Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak said McGuinty should’ve been “more honest” about the issue and the New Democrats claim the premier misled the public.

McGuinty hasn’t yet offered an explanation.

With files from the Canadian Press