VICTORIA, B.C.: Kristina Loewen, MLA for Kelowna Centre, has issued a statement in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia recognizing the need for urgent action on intimate partner violence. Loewen is calling on the Senate of Canada to quickly pass Bailey’s Law, and on the Attorney General of B.C. to table an action plan as soon as possible which outlines the steps being taken by the provincial government to prevent intimate partner violence and strengthen supports for victims.

Bill C-225, or Bailey’s Law, is a federal bill named after Bailey McCourt, a 32-year-old mother of two from Kelowna who was murdered by her ex-husband. The bill would toughen bail restrictions for people with a previous domestic violence conviction, empower courts to hold individuals charged with domestic assault for risk assessment, and make the killing of an intimate partner an automatic first-degreemurder charge.

“Bailey McCourt was a young and vibrant woman who did all the right things to protect herself,” said Loewen. “She had documented and reported all the abuse she had received from her ex-husband. But despite her ex being convicted of choking and uttering threats, he was released, and Bailey wasn’t notified. Bailey McCourt should still be alive today. If we have the ability to prevent even one more woman from being killed, then we have the responsibility to act.”

Bailey’s family, along with the friends of Laura Gover, a professor from Saanich who was also killed because of intimate partner violence, joined Loewen in the Legislature to advocate for action.

Bailey and Laura’s stories are tragically not unique. Statistics Canada reports a 53% increase in women killed by intimate partners, and these deaths often follow a pattern of abuse. A preventative response is needed that focuses on protecting victims before violence escalates further.

“Every woman deserves to live free from fear in her own home,” said Loewen. “This issue rises above politics or ideology. It is about human dignity and the fundamental responsibility of government to protect life.”

– 30 –

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