A 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, as well as injuries to her own children, has been granted pre-approval for day parole. Barry, aged 35, admitted to driving under the influence and causing the tragic incident back in October 2024 on Highway 11 near Dundurn, approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Saskatoon.
Having commenced her six-year prison term on March 14, 2025, Barry is currently a year and a half into her sentence. According to guidelines, federal inmates can be considered for full parole after serving one-third of their sentence and may apply for day parole six months prior to that milestone.
In a recent decision dated August 11, the Parole Board of Canada sanctioned Barry’s request to transition to a community-based residential facility, commonly referred to as a halfway house, once she becomes eligible for day parole. Despite objections from the victims’ family members, who believe it is premature for Barry to be reintegrated into society due to the severity of her actions, the parole board took into account her acknowledgment of guilt and efforts towards personal development.
Barry pledged to lead a sober life in honor of the victims and ensure the safety of her children by making sound decisions. The parole conditions stipulate that she must abstain from alcohol, avoid bars, refrain from driving, and comply with prescribed treatment and counseling. Additionally, Barry is forbidden from contacting the victims’ family, except for her own children, and is subject to a seven-year driving ban.
Throughout her incarceration in minimum security, Barry has demonstrated good behavior, prompting the board to grant her limited leave privileges for family visits, church attendance, and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings during her stay at the halfway house. This decision aims to support her rehabilitation and reinforce the driving prohibition imposed as part of her sentence.