A woman who caused a fatal collision by driving in the wrong direction on a divided highway has been granted preliminary approval for day parole, effective next month. Brittany Barry, aged 35, admitted to driving under the influence and causing the deaths of Laura Hannah, 53, and Jamie Hannah, 20, as well as injuring her two children 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 term, having begun her sentence on March 14, 2025. In accordance with federal regulations, prisoners become eligible for full parole after completing one-third of their sentence and may apply for day parole six months prior to that milestone. 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, upon her eligibility for day parole.
Despite objections from the victims’ family members who believe it is premature for Barry to be reintegrated into society, the parole board considered her acknowledgment of guilt and efforts towards personal development. Barry expressed her commitment to sobriety and vowed to lead a law-abiding life to honor the victims and ensure the safety of her children. The board highlighted her positive conduct in minimum security and granted specific conditions for her day parole, such as abstaining from alcohol, avoiding bars, refraining from driving, and undergoing prescribed treatment and counseling.
Moreover, Barry will have limited contact with the victims’ family, except for her own children. She is also subject to a seven-year driving ban as part of her sentence, with additional restrictions to reinforce this prohibition. The board’s decision allows Barry supervised absences for family visits, church attendance, and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.