Reform to the Canadian justice system moved a step closer as Bailey’s Law is set for consideration by the Senate.
The bill, originally proposed by Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola MP Frank Caputo, passed third reading in the House of Commons on Monday, April 27.
Next, the bill will be reviewed by the Senate, where it will need to go through another three readings before it can receive Royal Assent.
In his speech to the House during the third reading of the bill, Caputo said multiple MPs gave up their private member’s slots so Bailey’s Law could move forward in “record time.”
“I’m profoundly grateful to stand before you as the sponsor of a bill that recognizes the scourge of intimate partner violence, but more concretely, addresses the issue here, where it should be addressed, in parliament,” Caputo said as he concluded his speech.
Applause could be heard in the House as the bill passed its third reading.
The Conservative private member’s bill seeks to amend the Criminal Code to address intimate partner violence, most importantly by treating the killing of an intimate partner as first-degree murder.
It also proposes that the court consider life in prison sentences in cases of manslaughter involving intimate partner violence, and increases the detention period of evidence seized from three months to 180 days.
Named “Bailey’s Law,” Bill C-225 was brought to the house on Sept. 18, after the killing of Kelowna woman Bailey McCourt.
The 32-year-old died following a violent, daytime attack in a Kelowna parking lot on July 4, 2025. Her estranged ex-husband, James Plover, is facing first-degree murder charges in relation to the killing.
Several hours before McCourt was killed, Plover had been found guilty of choking and uttering threats stemming from an intimate partner violence incident that happened a year prior.
After the incident was reported, police pursued a vehicle and later arrested Plover on Glenmore Road, near Lake Country.
McCourt, who was taken to hospital for her injuries along with another victim, died of her wounds.
Originally, Plover was charged with second-degree murder in relation to McCourt’s death. On Nov. 17, 2025, his charge was upgraded to first-degree murder and dangerous operation of a vehicle.
Plover is in custody and remains, even as his pre-trial continues since April 18.
Following McCourt’s death, her family and friends have been vocal, advocating for justice reform – such as Bill C-225 – and attending Plover’s court hearings while wearing “Justice for Bailey” sweaters.
– With files from Brittany Webster