Bailey McCourt’s family urges stronger laws after her ex-husband killed her hours after bail; B.C. Premier promises more action.

The family of Bailey McCourt, a Kelowna woman murdered by her ex-husband hours after his release on bail, expressed disappointment that B.C.’s NDP government did not support Bill C-225, or Bailey’s Law, which would automatically classify intimate partner killings as first-degree murder. While federal bail reform legislation, influenced by B.C.’s advocacy, now includes a reverse onus for bail and tougher penalties, the McCourt family and critics say it falls short of their demands. Premier David Eby acknowledged the gaps and pledged continued advocacy, with further federal legislation on intimate partner violence expected by year’s end.