The House of Commons has approved an amendment to the Criminal Code known as Bill C-225, also called Bailey’s Law, in memory of a Kelowna woman who was allegedly murdered by her estranged husband in a violent daytime assault. Bailey McCourt, a 32-year-old mother of two, lost her life in a Kelowna parking lot in July 2025. The perpetrator, James Plover, McCourt’s estranged husband, had been convicted of assault and was out on bail awaiting sentencing for another case before the tragic incident occurred. He now faces charges of first-degree murder in connection with McCourt’s death.
Bailey McCourt’s tragic story has become a focal point for advocates pushing for better protection of domestic violence victims within the criminal justice system. The bill, introduced by Frank Caputo, a Conservative Member of Parliament representing Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola, proposes significant modifications to the Criminal Code. These changes include automatically charging the killing of an intimate partner as first-degree murder, allowing courts to detain individuals accused of domestic violence for up to seven days for risk assessments if warning signs are present, and altering bail regulations for individuals with prior domestic violence convictions.
Although the bill sailed through its second reading with unanimous support, the third reading was passed “on division,” indicating a lack of consensus among Members of Parliament. This procedural move allows the bill to progress to the Senate without a formal tally of individual support or opposition. Frank Caputo expressed deep gratitude for the passing of the bill in a social media update, acknowledging the contributions of all involved, notably Bailey McCourt’s family.
The next step for the bill is the Senate, where it will be subject to further debate before potential enactment into law. Meanwhile, James Plover’s trial is ongoing, with a scheduling appearance slated for May 1.