The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole with conditions to Brayden Bushby, the man convicted of manslaughter in the death of Barbara Kentner in Thunder Bay, Ontario in 2017. Bushby, who was sentenced to eight years in prison five years ago, had his parole decision made public by the Parole Board of Canada on Thursday, as per documents disclosed to CBC News on Tuesday.
The Parole Board stated that releasing Bushby on full parole would not pose an undue risk and would aid in his reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen. Kentner, a member of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, passed away due to medical complications following an incident where she was struck by a trailer hitch thrown at her from a moving vehicle.
Bushby, now 27 years old and a father of two, was initially granted day parole in August 2023, which was later revoked in July 2024 for violating conditions. Subsequently, he was granted day parole again in December 2025 for six months and then received an additional three months of day parole in June 2026 at a community-based residential facility that also serves as a substance abuse treatment center.
The decision to grant Bushby full parole has sparked outrage among Kentner’s family and the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, who criticized the Parole Board’s decision as a painful reminder of the ongoing discrimination within Canada’s justice system. Nishnawbe Aski Nation also expressed disappointment, calling the parole decision a profound injustice.
Throughout the process, Bushby has faced various challenges, including incidents involving alcohol, a minor vehicle collision, and issues with compliance. However, the Parole Board emphasized that he must adhere to strict conditions during his full parole, including participation in treatment programs and abstaining from alcohol and drugs.
The parole decision has raised concerns among Indigenous communities and organizations, with many calling for more substantial actions to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Ontario Native Women’s Association highlighted the systemic failures that contribute to the ongoing violence against Indigenous women and stressed the need for concrete measures to address these issues.
