A 35-year-old woman, Brittany Barry, who caused a fatal collision by driving in the wrong direction on a divided highway, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, has received pre-approval for day parole once she becomes eligible next month. Barry admitted to driving under the influence, leading to the demise of Laura Hannah, 53, and Jamie Hannah, 20, as well as injuring her own children who were passengers in her 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, having commenced her term on March 14, 2025. According to regulations, federal inmates can apply for full parole after serving one-third of their sentence, with the opportunity to seek day parole six months prior to that benchmark.
On August 11, the Parole Board of Canada granted Barry’s request to transition to a halfway house upon meeting the eligibility criteria for day parole. Despite objections from the victims’ relatives, who believe it is premature for Barry to be released, the board considered her acknowledgment of guilt and efforts towards personal development. Barry expressed her commitment to sobriety and vowed to prioritize her children’s well-being and make sound decisions to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Throughout her incarceration, Barry has maintained a good behavioral record in minimum security. The parole conditions stipulate that she must abstain from alcohol, refrain from entering bars, undergo prescribed treatment and counseling, and comply with a no-driving mandate. Additionally, Barry is prohibited from any contact with the victims’ family, except for interactions with her own children, and is subject to a seven-year driving ban to reinforce her responsibility.