A woman involved in a fatal collision on a divided highway that took two lives has been granted pre-approval for day parole, set to commence next month. Brittany Barry, aged 35, admitted guilt to causing the deaths of Laura Hannah, 53, and Jamie Hannah, 20, while also injuring her own children during the incident. The tragic crash occurred on October 19, 2024, along Highway 11 near Dundurn, approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Saskatoon.
Having served about a year and a half of her six-year prison sentence imposed on March 14, 2025, Barry is now eligible for day parole. According to regulations, federal inmates can apply for day parole six months before reaching one-third of their sentence. The Parole Board of Canada recently approved Barry’s request to transition to a community-based residential facility, commonly known as a halfway house, upon becoming eligible for day parole.
Despite objections from the victims’ family members who deemed her release premature given the gravity of her offense, the board took into account Barry’s acknowledgment of responsibility and efforts towards personal development. Barry expressed her commitment to leading a sober life and vowed to never engage in criminal activities again. She emphasized her dedication to ensuring her children’s safety by making more responsible choices.
While Barry has maintained a positive record in minimum-security confinement, exhibiting no behavioral issues during her sentence, the parole board granted her “leave privileges” at the halfway house. These privileges include unsupervised temporary absences for family visits, church attendance, and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Several conditions were imposed on Barry’s day parole, including abstaining from alcohol consumption, avoiding bars, refraining from driving, and complying with prescribed treatment and counseling. Additionally, she is prohibited from direct or indirect contact with the victims’ family, except for her own children, and must adhere to a no-driving mandate to reinforce the existing seven-year driving ban.