Canada passes Bailey’s Law to boost partner violence penalties

Bill C‑225, known as Bailey’s Law, received Royal Assent on June 17, 2026 after a rapid passage through the House of Commons and the Senate. The amendment to the Criminal Code classifies murders linked to a documented history of coercive control in intimate‑partner relationships as first‑degree murder, imposes life sentences for certain manslaughter offences with a minimum of 10 years without parole, and extends the period for holding seized evidence from three months to 180 days. "We’ve been here fighting in honour of Bailey," said family spokesperson Debbie Henderson at the parliamentary announcement.

Attorney General Niki Sharma and parliamentary secretary Jennifer Blatherwick announced that Bill C‑225 and Bill C‑16 (the Protecting Victims Act) are now law, creating a specific offence for coercive and controlling behaviour and strengthening sentencing tools for gender‑based violence. They highlighted complementary reforms in British Columbia, including updated risk‑assessment policies and bail reforms, and stressed that further work remains to close gaps in support for survivors.