Drunk driver who killed 2 in Sask. crash pre-approved for day parole
Brittany Barry, who was sentenced to six years for a fatal drunk driving crash in 2024, has been approved for day parole. The Parole Board of Canada cited her personal growth and commitment to sobriety as factors in the decision, despite opposition from the victims' families.
Why it matters
The case highlights the tension between rehabilitation-focused justice systems and the perspectives of victims' families regarding sentencing and parole.
Brittany Barry, 35, pleaded guilty to drunk driving causing the deaths of Laura Hannah, 53, and Jamie Hannah, 20, and injuring her own two children, who were in the vehicle with her.
The crash happened on Oct. 19, 2024, on Highway 11 near Dundurn, about 35 kilometres southeast of Saskatoon.
Barry is about a year and a half into serving her six-year prison sentence, which was imposed on March 14, 2025.
Federal prisoners are eligible for full parole after serving one-third of their sentence, and can apply for day parole six months before that.
In a decision dated Aug. 11, the Parole Board of Canada approved Barry's application to be released to a community-based residential facility, commonly known as a halfway house, when she is eligible for day parole.
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