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Back in early July, residents of Kelowna—and I would submit, across Canada—were horrified to learn of the brutal murder of local mother, Bailey McCourt. Bailey was allegedly murdered by her ex-husband just hours after he was released on bail for assault and threats against her.

This tragedy was preventable, and it highlights a systemic failure in our justice system.

Sadly, Bailey’s case is not an isolated incident. Other recent tragedies include the case of Tyrone Simard, who police say killed his sister and attacked others with a knife at Hollow Water First Nation in Manitoba while out on bail. He had been ordered to stay away from his sister.

In Welland, Ontario, Daniel Senecal, previously convicted of sexual assault and released, is now facing six charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a three-year-old child. These cases underscore a troubling pattern: dangerous offenders are being released on bail, only to reoffend with devastating consequences.

Law enforcement agencies across Canada are clear: a relatively small group of habitual reoffenders is responsible for a large number of crimes. In Kelowna, crime statistics from 2024 show that just 15 individuals accounted for 1,335 police files. In Penticton, one habitual career criminal has reportedly been linked to nearly 600 crime files. This is not just about individual cases—it is about a system that allows repeat offenders to exploit weak bail laws.

In response, the Conservative Official Opposition has introduced the “Jail Not Bail Act.” This legislation proposes a number of measures designed to put public safety first:
* Repeal and replace the Liberal “Principle of Restraint” with a directive that the primary consideration in bail decisions must be the protection and safety of the public.
* Introduce a new “Major Offences” category with reverse-onus bail conditions for charges such as firearm offences, sexual assault, kidnapping, human trafficking, home invasion, robbery, extortion, arson, and assault.
* Strengthen bail laws by mandating judges consider an accused’s full criminal history, preventing anyone convicted of a major offence in the last 10 years—while also on bail and charged with another major offence—from getting bail, and toughening the risk assessment standard from “substantial likelihood” to “reasonably foreseeable.”
* Prohibit anyone with an indictable conviction from acting as a guarantor, require judges to enforce bail conditions on guarantors, and require non-residents to surrender their passports upon request.

Despite these urgent concerns, the Liberal government voted against this bill, promising future legislation that has yet to appear. Canadians deserve better. These tragedies were preventable, and the time for action is now.

This brings me to our question of the week: Are you satisfied with the Liberal government’s approach to bail and its actions to address chronic career criminals?

You can join the discussion online on my Facebook Page or alternatively, you may reach me at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or toll-free at 1-800-665-8
711. I welcome your thoughts.

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Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for the riding of Okanagan Lake West - South Kelowna, Shadow Minister for Transport and the Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Dan's riding includes the communities of Kelowna (Mission, South Kelowna & East Kelowna within specific boundaries), West Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland.
You can reach Dan by calling 1-800-665-8711, emailing [email protected] or please visit: DanAlbasMP.ca
Our mailing address is:
Dan Albas MP
101-3731 Old Okanagan Hwy
West Kelowna, British Columbia V4T 0G7
Canada

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