In order to buy ANY firearm or ammunition legally in Canada you need a licence from the RCMP.
It will be no easier to buy an AR if it changes from restricted to non restricted..
Many identical firearms (Functionally) are Non Restricted, Restricted,or Prohibited based on looks and nothing more.
If the Semi Automatic Rifle has Black Plastic grips and Stock it is still the same as the Semi Automatic Rifle with wood grips and stack.