According to the link to RCMP site, pretty much any stick resembling the firearm considered a replica and is prohibited.... unless you pain the barrel in bright orange and the muscle in bright red.... then it should be ok.
Yeah makes no sense in their description whatsoever! The total dud like your friends creation is prohibited but a pellet gun that looks like a real one from 20yards is not...
PS. Will pay $300 if your buddy can mount it on my SUV so it can be lifted up when I’m on Antony Henday drive in rush hour! Hehehe....
PPS. It can also be very popular among the rural folks who are now under attack by the criminals stealing their property in a broad day light. This thing will be awesome mounted on a front porch....