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, Ont. Bushby, who received an eight-year prison sentence five years ago, was deemed suitable for reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen by the parole board.
Barbara Kentner, a member of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, passed away due to medical complications months after being struck by a trailer hitch thrown at her from a moving vehicle. The parole decision came after Bushby had already served part of his sentence and had his prison term reduced to seven years and 11 months. Bushby, now 27 years old and a father of two, has a history of parole grants and revocations.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) expressed disappointment at the parole decision, calling it devastating news for Kentner’s family and the community. The parole board emphasized Bushby’s risky behavior patterns, including incidents involving alcohol, tattoos, and criminal activities, leading to his referral for substance abuse treatment and supervision under strict conditions.
The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) CEO, Cora McGuire-Cyrette, highlighted the systemic failures in addressing violence against Indigenous women and called for concrete actions to prevent future tragedies. The parole board outlined seven conditions for Bushby’s full parole, focusing on substance abuse treatment, avoiding criminal associations, and maintaining sobriety.
The release of Bushby on full parole has sparked concerns among Indigenous communities and advocates, questioning the adequacy of measures taken to address the ongoing issue of violence against Indigenous women. Immediate support and crisis intervention resources are available for those affected by missing and murdered Indigenous people through national hotlines and mental health counseling services.
