Eby Vows Continued Support for Family of Slain Kelowna Woman

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 shortly after he was released on bail in July. Eby made the announcement during a joint news conference with federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser, highlighting the ongoing efforts to reform bail laws in response to this high-profile case.

Bail Reform Efforts Underway

While the recent federal legislation introduced by Fraser reflects some of the lobbying efforts from the provincial government regarding the McCourt case, Eby has acknowledged that the new bail law does not encompass all the changes that the family or he desires. Eby stated, “We are not done yet,” emphasizing the need for further advocacy on behalf of McCourt’s family.

Fraser’s proposed legislation, which was tabled last week, aims to address various issues raised by the circumstances surrounding McCourt’s death. It includes tougher penalties for certain crimes and introduces a principle known as “reverse onus,” which shifts the burden of proof for bail from the prosecution to the accused.

Feedback from Victims’ Families

Fraser also expressed a commitment to continuing dialogue with families affected by crime. He noted that his government intends to introduce additional legislation focused on intimate-partner violence by the end of the year. This indicates a growing recognition of the need to enhance legal protections for victims in British Columbia and across Canada.

As Eby prepares to meet with McCourt’s family later today, he remains hopeful that the changes in legislation will lead to meaningful progress in addressing the concerns raised by this tragic case. The ongoing discussions highlight a broader push for reform within the justice system, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

This report was first published by The Canadian Press on October 27, 2025.