It's not a trick - and for would-be masked rioters, it's no treat, either.
While tens of thousands of children were putting the final touches on Halloween costumes and masks Wednesday, the House of Commons approved a bill banning people from hiding their faces during riots.
The private member's legislation, Bill C-309, is the brainchild of Alberta Conservative backbencher Blake Richards.
Richards says it's a response to last year's Stanley Cup riots in Vancouver, when often-masked vandals rampaged through the streets after their team's Game 7 loss to the Boston Bruins.
The bill provides a penalty of up to 10 years in prison for anyone convicted of covering their face during a riot or other unlawful assembly.
The bill - which won't apply to those attending peaceful protests or demonstrations - passed by a margin of 153-126, with the government in support and the NDP and Liberals opposed.
New Democrat MP Charmaine Borg cited civil liberties concerns in opposing the measure.
Richards scorned that view, replying, "Anyone who is wearing a mask or a disguise to conceal his or her face in the midst of a riot is exhibiting aggravating behaviour."
