A woman who caused a fatal collision by driving the wrong way on a divided highway has been granted pre-approval for day parole, set to be effective next month. Brittany Barry, aged 35, admitted to driving under the influence, resulting in the deaths of Laura Hannah, 53, and Jamie Hannah, 20, as well as injuring her own two children who were passengers in the vehicle. The tragic incident occurred on October 19, 2024, on Highway 11 near Dundurn, approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Saskatoon.
Barry is currently serving a six-year prison sentence, which commenced on March 14, 2025, and has completed about a year and a half of her term. According to regulations, federal prisoners can be considered for full parole after serving one-third of their sentence, with eligibility to apply for day parole six months in advance. The Parole Board of Canada recently approved 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 reintegrate into the community due to the severity of her offense, the parole board took into account her acknowledgment of guilt and efforts towards personal development. Barry expressed her commitment to maintaining sobriety and avoiding any recurrence of criminal behavior, emphasizing her desire to be a responsible mother to her children and make sound decisions that safeguard their well-being.
During her incarceration, Barry has exhibited good conduct in minimum-security settings, with no reported behavioral issues. The parole board’s decision grants Barry certain leave privileges while at the halfway house, such as unaccompanied temporary absences for family visits, church attendance, and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Specific conditions attached to her day parole mandate abstinence from alcohol, prohibition from entering bars, refraining from driving, and complying with prescribed treatment and counseling. Additionally, Barry is strictly prohibited from any form of contact, direct or indirect, with the victims’ family, except for interactions involving her children. The decision also reinforces Barry’s existing seven-year driving ban by imposing a no-driving condition to underscore the severity of the restriction.
