BC Conservatives Stand with the McCourt Family in Call for Urgent Action on Intimate Partner Violence

VICTORIA, BC: The Conservative Caucus of BC is standing in solidarity with the family of Bailey McCourt, whose life was tragically taken in an act of intimate partner violence, and is joining their call for urgent reforms to protect other women from the same fate.

Bailey’s family has put forward Bailey’s Law, a proposal that includes a provincial domestic violence offender registry, mandatory GPS monitoring with victim notification for high-risk offenders, and stronger penalties for intimate partner homicides with a documented history of abuse. In their press release and letter to the Premier and Prime Minister, the McCourt family has laid out these proposals clearly, a call for change that cannot be ignored.

Local MLA, Kristina Loewen, MLA for Kelowna Centre, stressed the importance of immediate action:

“I commend Bailey’s family for turning their grief into action and using Bailey’s legacy as a force for good. Intimate partner violence is a growing crisis in our province. When someone is convicted of violent offences against an intimate partner, the system should never gamble with a victim’s life. Bailey’s Law lays out clear, preventative steps that could save lives, and I urge the province to act without delay.”

Steve Kooner, MLA for Richmond–Queensborough and Critic for Attorney General

“Bailey’s case shows the justice system failed. The Attorney General must order risk reassessments after every charge and conviction of intimate partner violence, enforce K-file flags, and push Ottawa to toughen bail laws. The safety of British Columbians must come first.”

Elenore Sturko, MLA for Surrey–Cloverdale and Critic for Solicitor General and Public Safety

“Meaningful reform is long overdue. Our system failed Bailey, but it is not too late to save the lives of other women at risk of being killed by intimate partner violence. What happened to Bailey is an inexcusable failure of our justice system. The government must act immediately and push for Criminal Code reforms that put the safety of women and victims first.”

Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna–Mission

“Bailey’s family has shown extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable loss. Their proposals are practical, measured, and urgently needed. We owe it to them, and to every woman at risk of violence, to ensure Bailey’s Law is adopted without delay.”

We will continue to support the McCourt family in their advocacy and push for the provincial aspects of Bailey’s Law to be adopted in the BC Legislature without delay

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Media Contact:
Francesca Guetchev, Communications Officer
Francesca.Guetchev@leg.bc.ca
+1 (672) 922-0948

Attachments:

Statement from the McCourt Family
Bailey McCourt’s Family Letter to Premier and PM