A woman who drove against traffic on a divided highway and crashed into another vehicle, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, has received pre-approval for day parole as she becomes eligible next month.
Brittany Barry, 35, admitted guilt to charges of impaired driving that caused the fatalities of Laura Hannah, 53, and Jamie Hannah, 20, while also injuring her two children who were passengers in her vehicle.
The incident took place on October 19, 2024, on Highway 11 near Dundurn, located approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Saskatoon.
Currently, Barry is serving a six-year prison sentence, which she began on March 14, 2025, and she is about a year and a half into her term.
According to regulations, federal inmates can apply for full parole after completing one-third of their sentence and are eligible to seek day parole six months prior to that milestone.
On August 11, the Parole Board of Canada approved Barry’s request to transition to a community-based residential facility, commonly referred to as a halfway house, when she qualifies for day parole.
Family members outside of Saskatoon provincial court in March 2025 hold a picture of Laura and Jamie Hannah, who were killed when Brittany Barry’s truck collided with their vehicle. (Liam O’Connor/CBC)
The parole board acknowledged that the victim’s family members expressed concerns, feeling it is premature for Barry to be released into the community and that she should not qualify for any form of absence or conditional release due to the gravity of her crime.
However, the board noted Barry’s acceptance of responsibility and her efforts towards personal development.
In their statement, the parole board mentioned, “To honor the victims, you have expressed your intention to maintain a sober lifestyle and avoid returning to behaviors that led to criminal actions.”
Barry expressed her belief that she can honor her children by being a responsible mother and making choices that do not jeopardize their safety.
The board indicated that Barry has been held in minimum security throughout her sentence, with no behavioral issues reported.
The decision also granted “leave privileges” for Barry during her time at the halfway house, which includes unescorted temporary absences for family visits, church attendance, and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Several conditions were set for Barry’s day parole, including an absolute prohibition on alcohol consumption, restrictions on entering bars, a ban on driving, and a requirement to adhere to treatment and counseling as prescribed.
Additionally, she is prohibited from having “direct or indirect contact” with the victims’ family, apart from her own children.
The ruling acknowledged that Barry is already under a seven-year driving ban as part of her sentence, but added that the no-driving condition would further “reinforce this.”