A 35-year-old woman, Brittany Barry, who caused a fatal collision by driving in the wrong direction on a divided highway resulting in the deaths of Laura Hannah, 53, and Jamie Hannah, 20, has been granted pre-approval for day parole. The incident occurred on October 19, 2024, on Highway 11 near Dundurn, approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Saskatoon. Barry, who had pleaded guilty to drunk driving leading to the fatalities of the two individuals and injuring her own children who were passengers in the vehicle, has been serving a six-year prison term since March 14, 2025.
According to the Parole Board of Canada, federal prisoners become eligible for full parole after serving one-third of their sentence and can apply for day parole six months prior to that. In a decision on August 11, Barry’s application for release to a community-based residential facility, commonly referred to as a halfway house, has been approved for when she becomes eligible for day parole.
Despite objections from the victims’ family members who believe it is premature for Barry to be reintegrated into the community due to the severity of her offense, the parole board took into account her acknowledgment of responsibility and efforts towards personal development. Barry has expressed her commitment to living a sober life and ensuring the safety of her children by making better choices. The board highlighted Barry’s positive conduct in minimum security while in prison and granted her certain “leave privileges” during her stay at the halfway house, including unescorted absences for family visits, church attendance, and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Barry’s day parole is subject to several conditions, including abstaining from alcohol, avoiding bars, refraining from driving, and complying with prescribed treatment and counseling. She is also prohibited from any contact, direct or indirect, with the victims’ family except for her own children. Additionally, the parole board reinforced Barry’s existing seven-year driving ban by imposing a strict no-driving condition to support this restriction.