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In July, the community of Kelowna was shaken by the brutal murder of local mother Bailey McCourt. Bailey was allegedly killed by her ex-husband just hours after he was released on bail for assault and threats against her.

This horrific act was not an isolated incident. On the same day Bailey was murdered, her former partner was convicted of three counts of uttering threats and one count of assault by strangling. Court documents confirmed the case involved intimate partner violence.

This tragedy highlights a devastating truth: our justice system failed Bailey, just as it has failed far too many victims of intimate partner violence. Often, those failures are fatal. I believe, as do Bailey’s family and friends, that we must stand together and say enough is enough. No other family should endure such loss because of systemic gaps.

That is why my Conservative colleague, MP Frank Caputo from Kamloops—Thompson—Nicola, drawing on his experience as a Crown prosecutor and working closely with Bailey’s family, has introduced Bailey’s Law—Bill C-225. Bailey’s Law is a private member’s bill that aims to take meaningful action against intimate partner violence. It proposes several key measures.

First, it would recognize intimate partner violence as a distinct offence under the Criminal Code. Currently, the law treats all assaults the same—whether it is a bar fight or violence against a spouse. Bailey’s Law would change that, acknowledging the unique and deeply personal nature of intimate partner violence.

To quote MP Frank Caputo, “It is time that we recognize that an assault at the bar and punching out an intimate partner are two very different things. One is a relationship predicated on trust, intimacy and sometimes dependence, as in financial dependence or the commingling of assets.”

Second, Bailey’s Law would create a specific charge of first-degree murder for killing an intimate partner. Today, first-degree murder requires planning and deliberation, or a predicate offence such as kidnapping or the murder of a peace officer. Bailey’s Law would add the killing of an intimate partner to that list.

Third, it would introduce a risk assessment process. Judges would be empowered to order up to a seven-day risk assessment for individuals who may pose a danger to their intimate partners, even if they have not breached bail conditions. This proactive measure could save lives.

Bailey’s Law also includes other reforms to modernize the Criminal Code and strengthen protections for victims of intimate partner violence.
Kelowna’s tragedy is part of a larger crisis. In 2023 alone, more than 120,000 Canadians aged 12 and older were victimized by an intimate partner.

We owe it to Bailey—and to every victim of intimate partner violence—to send a clear message that this will not be tolerated. Bill C-225, Bailey’s Law, is a step toward justice, accountability, and prevention.

As Bailey’s aunt and family spokesperson Debbie Henderson said, “We don’t want to see any other family member go through the horror that our family has gone through. We are demanding change. There is no need to wait. This is an epidemic.”

My question this week is: Do you support Bailey’s Law, Bill C-225?

Join the lively discussion on my Facebook Page or you can reach me directly at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or call toll-free at 1-800-665-8711.

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Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for the riding of Okanagan Lake West - South Kelowna, Shadow Minister for Transport and the Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Dan's riding includes the communities of Kelowna (Mission, South Kelowna & East Kelowna within specific boundaries), West Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland.
You can reach Dan by calling 1-800-665-8711, emailing [email protected] or please visit: DanAlbasMP.ca
Our mailing address is:
Dan Albas MP
101-3731 Old Okanagan Hwy
West Kelowna, British Columbia V4T 0G7
Canada

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