Policy question regarding 'antique' status on firearms.

[u/Spread-Hour]

Why do antique models of firearms (m1861 springfield rifle and colt m1861 navy for example) made before 1898 qualify as 'antique', while the exact same models produced in 1899 or later qualify as non restricted and restricted firearms? Sorry if this sounds dumb, but I dont understand the logic here. I would understand if they weren't muzzleloaders, which load, shoot, and preform nearly the same as every other type (flint/wheel/match/serpentine-lock), but unlike the rest, cant be antique while being repros. why?

(P.S this is a repost of my post from r/canadianlaw)

[u/3e_Design]

rumor has it that a liberal senator did not want to register HIS gun collection so the law was crafted so everything in his collection was exempt from registration. to me, it seems to be the only rational reason that people with no firearms knowledge would craft the rules as they did.