The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole with conditions to Brayden Bushby, the man convicted of manslaughter in the 2017 death of Barbara Kentner in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Bushby, who was sentenced to eight years in prison five years ago, was deemed suitable for reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen by the parole board. Kentner, a member of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, passed away from medical complications after being hit by a trailer hitch thrown at her from a moving vehicle.
Bushby, now 27 years old and a father of two, received a reduced prison term of seven years and 11 months due to time already served. The decision to grant him full parole has sparked outrage from Kentner’s family and the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, who condemned the parole board’s ruling as a painful reminder of the discrimination prevalent in the Canadian justice system.
Despite various incidents of high-risk behavior, including a revoked day parole and involvement in a minor vehicle collision, Bushby has been granted full parole under specific conditions. Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) expressed disappointment at the parole decision, emphasizing Bushby’s repeated pattern of concerning behavior. The parole board’s acknowledgment of victim impact statements highlighted the profound impacts of Kentner’s death on the community and the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous women.
Bushby must adhere to seven conditions while on full parole, including following a treatment plan for substance abuse, refraining from associating with criminal elements, and abstaining from alcohol and drugs. The release of Bushby has raised questions about systemic failures in addressing violence against Indigenous women and the need for tangible actions to prevent such tragedies in the future.