I understand the NDP-1 is taken from subsection 351(2). In that section, and as worded in the motion, there would be a requirement for the crown to prove that the accused had the specific intent of committing an offence, in this case the offence under either the riot or the unlawful assembly offence for that purpose, with the specific intent of doing that, and had a mask on toward that end.
In general, specific intent offences are more difficult to prove. They are not the norm; they are more exceptional in the Criminal Code. The crown would have to lead evidence specifically to show that the accused, in that instance, was intending to commit the offence, by participating in a riot or participating in an unlawful assembly. If you look at the case law under subsection 351(2), the courts have been very clear in saying that there has to be that specific intention, and absent that, the case is not made out.
So there is a distinction between the approach proposed in the amendment and the approach proposed in Bill C-309. It is an added element. It is one that can be made out in some cases, but it's an additional thing that the crown has to prove and it does make it more difficult to make out the offence in this case.