A woman who caused a fatal collision by driving in the wrong direction on a divided highway has been granted pre-approval for day parole once she becomes eligible next month. Brittany Barry, 35, admitted to driving under the influence and causing the deaths of Laura Hannah, 53, and Jamie Hannah, 20, as well as injuring her own children in the accident that occurred on October 19, 2024, near Dundurn on Highway 11, approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Saskatoon.
Barry is currently serving a six-year prison term, which began on March 14, 2025. According to the regulations, federal inmates can apply for day parole six months before reaching one-third of their sentence. The Parole Board of Canada, in a decision dated August 11, approved Barry’s request to be released to a community-based residential facility, commonly referred to as a halfway house, once she is eligible for day parole.
Despite objections from the victims’ families, who feel it is premature for Barry to be reintegrated into the community due to the seriousness of her offense, the parole board considered her acknowledgment of responsibility and efforts towards personal development. Barry expressed her commitment to leading a sober life and vowed to avoid criminal behavior in the future. She emphasized her dedication to her children’s well-being and making better choices to ensure their safety.
Barry has exhibited good behavior in minimum security during her incarceration, with no behavioral issues reported. The parole board authorized certain privileges for Barry while at the halfway house, including unescorted temporary absences for family visits, church attendance, and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. However, specific conditions were imposed on her day parole, such as abstaining from alcohol consumption, avoiding bars, refraining from driving, and complying with prescribed treatment and counseling. Additionally, Barry is prohibited from any contact, direct or indirect, with the victims’ family, except for her own children, and is reminded of her existing seven-year driving prohibition, with the no-driving condition serving as a reinforcement measure.