Community Rallies for Change at Memorial for Slain Mother

Hundreds gathered at the Kelowna Events Centre on March 15, 2024, to honor the memory of Bailey McCourt, a 32-year-old mother who was tragically killed earlier this year. McCourt’s death has sparked a movement for change within the community, aimed at addressing domestic violence.

McCourt was brutally murdered on July 4, 2023, in a parking lot in Kelowna, British Columbia. Her estranged husband, James Plover, faces charges of second-degree murder in connection with her death. Just hours before the incident, Plover had been convicted of multiple counts of domestic violence, including assault by choking, but was released from custody under conditions established when the charges were initially filed.

Calls for Legislative Reform

During the memorial, Debbie Henderson, McCourt’s aunt, expressed gratitude for the community’s support in advocating for what they are calling Bailey’s Law. The proposed reforms include measures such as bail reform, electronic monitoring for those convicted of domestic violence awaiting sentencing, and mandatory criminal record checks for marriage licenses.

“The statistic of ‘every five to six days, a woman is murdered by a domestic partner’ is atrocious, and we should be ashamed of ourselves that this is happening in our country,” Henderson stated.

The family has initiated a petition to the House of Commons for the creation of the “Intimate Partner Violence Prevention and Enforcement Act.” Sponsored by Liberal MP Will Greaves, the petition has garnered bipartisan support and quickly reached over 1,700 signatures within days of its launch, exceeding the necessary 500 signatures required for parliamentary consideration.

Henderson emphasized the need for immediate change, stating, “We are going to continue to push for change and we will demand change, because it’s needed.” The family is navigating profound grief but remains committed to transforming McCourt’s tragedy into a catalyst for legislative action.

Community Support and Advocacy

At the celebration of life event, community members expressed solidarity with McCourt’s family, highlighting the widespread impact of her death. Many attendees, including those who did not know McCourt personally, approached Henderson to thank her for advocating for the proposed legal changes.

“We’re leaning on one another and we’re leaning on our community supports, and we’re so grateful for them,” Henderson remarked, reflecting the resilience and determination of the family to ensure that McCourt’s legacy leads to meaningful reform.

The ongoing campaign for Bailey’s Law aims not only to honor McCourt’s memory but also to create a safer environment for all individuals affected by domestic violence. The family’s efforts underscore a collective call for society to take responsibility and implement necessary changes to prevent further tragedies.

As the community continues to rally for reform, the hope remains that the legislative changes proposed will provide better protection for individuals facing domestic violence and ultimately save lives.