Bailey’s Law passes third reading and moves on to Senate

A law named for the victim of a high-profile fatal attack in Kelowna last summer has moved on to the Senate.

Bailey’s Law, a Private Member’s Bill introduced by Kamloops-area MP Frank Caputo, passed third reading in the House of Commons today.

Officially known as Bill C-225, but known as Bailey's Law in honour of Bailey McCourt, aims to strengthen Canada’s legal response to intimate partner violence (IPV).

“Today we took a giant step forward as a country and as a parliament in passing Bailey’s Law through third reading in the House,” said Caputo.

“As a former parole officer and Crown prosecutor, I am convinced that our laws on intimate partner violence have been inadequate in addressing the seriousness of this insidious crime.”

A statement from the Conservative Party of Canada calls Bailey’s Law one of the largest changes to IPV laws in Canadian history.

The next step for the bill is to pass through the Senate and receive Royal Assent. If that happens, the following changes would be implemented:

• Make murder of an intimate partner a first-degree charge when there is a history of coercive control.
• Create the offence of “violence against intimate partner.”
• Increase sentences for violence against an intimate partner.
• Create a reverse onus for those on peace bonds.
• Increase the time for holding of evidence after seizure.

“This bill will better protect victims, hold repeat offenders accountable, and strengthen our justice system’s response to IPV,” Caputo added.

“I urge senators to move quickly to pass this critical legislation. Bailey McCourt’s family and countless other Canadians are depending on it.”

McCourt was killed in an alleged act of domestic violence in a Kelowna parking lot on July 4, 2025.

Her ex-husband, James Plover, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to McCourt’s death. He had been convicted of domestic violence in Kelowna court earlier that day.

Bailey’s Law received its first and second readings in September and October 2025, and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre said days later he’d “work with any party” to pass the bill.

Today, Caputo thanked McCourt’s family for their courage and determination to help get this legislation passed, promising continued support for them going forward.

He also encouraged anyone experiencing violence from an intimate partner to contact police or confide in someone they trust, saying that they “do not have to face this alone.”

Carrie Wiebe, McCourt's friend and coworker who was seriously injured in the same attack, posted on Caputo's Facebook page today that she was "bawling" after hearing today's news.

"Thank you Frank for being such a fierce supporter of this and not backing down," Wiebe wrote. "I know Bailey is jumping with joy up there too!"