Canada's Bill C-225 (Bailey's Law) Receives Royal Assent, Expands IPV Penalties

Bill C-225, popularly known as “Bailey’s Law,” was given Royal Assent on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, shortly after its third‑reading passage in the Senate on 16 June. The legislation, introduced by MP Frank Caputo and named after Bailey McCourt – who was killed in July 2025 – amends the Criminal Code to treat murders committed by partners with a documented history of coercive control as first‑degree murder and to impose life sentences for certain manslaughter offences, with no parole eligibility for at least ten years. It also extends the period for retaining seized evidence from three months to 180 days. McCourt’s estranged ex‑husband, James Plover, faces first‑degree murder charges. At a press conference, family spokesperson Debbie Henderson said, “We’ve been here fighting in honour of Bailey and to protect all people dealing with intimate partner violence.” Caputo described the amendments as “the most consequential change in modern legal history when it comes to the law of intimate partner violence.” The law is scheduled to come into force 30 days after assent.