There is a difference, of course. The idea here is that we want to have an escape clause. If you look at the Criminal Code section with respect to discharges and other forms of alternative treatment, there is a distinction between a conviction and a finding of guilt.
A person who is found guilty or pleads guilty to an offence is entitled to consideration that—or at least an argument can be made that—he might receive a discharge. A conviction guarantees a criminal record and brings into play the other aspects of all of that which we are seeking to mitigate.
It's a technical wording change that would be required to conform to the sentencing principles involved.