Premier Eby Advocates for Bail Law Changes After Murder Case

British Columbia Premier David Eby has reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the family of Bailey McCourt, a Kelowna woman tragically murdered by her ex-husband mere hours after his release on bail in July 2025. Eby stated that his government will continue to lobby for necessary changes to the bail law in light of this case.

At a joint news conference with federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser, Eby expressed his appreciation for the recent bail reform legislation introduced by the federal government. Despite this, he acknowledged that the new law does not fully meet the expectations of McCourt’s family or his own. Eby is scheduled to meet with McCourt’s family later today to discuss their concerns further.

Response to Bail Reform Legislation

The bail reform legislation, tabled last week, aims to address several issues raised by the McCourt case. It introduces tougher sentences for various crimes and shifts the burden of proof for bail from the prosecution to the accused, a principle known as reverse onus. This change is designed to ensure that individuals charged with serious offenses face stricter requirements when seeking bail.

Fraser stated that the government will continue to gather feedback from families affected by crime to inform future legislation. He highlighted that additional measures specifically targeting intimate-partner violence are expected to be proposed by the end of the year.

This ongoing dialogue reflects a growing recognition of the complexities surrounding bail laws and their implications for public safety. Eby’s advocacy underscores a commitment to not only honoring McCourt’s memory but also striving for systemic changes that may prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The case has sparked significant public interest and debate over the balance between individual rights and community safety. As discussions continue, both Eby and Fraser are hopeful that the new legislation will lead to meaningful changes in how the justice system handles cases involving domestic violence and serious offenses.

The Canadian Press first reported on this story on October 27, 2025. The developments in this case illustrate the challenges and responsibilities faced by lawmakers in creating effective legislation that protects victims while ensuring fair treatment within the legal system.