WARNING: This story contains details of violence against Indigenous women, as well as references to racist beliefs and behaviours. Resources can be found at the bottom of this story.
The man found guilty of manslaughter in the 2017 death of Barbara Kentner in Thunder Bay, Ont., has received full parole under certain conditions.
The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) made its decision regarding Brayden Bushby, who was sentenced five years ago to eight years in prison, on Thursday. The documents were provided to on Tuesday.
“The board considered all relevant available information including file information, victim information, Correctional Service of Canada’s recommendation and the oral presentation at the panel hearing,” the documents say.
It stated that releasing Bushby on full parole won’t pose “undue risk” and “will contribute to the protection of society” by helping him reintegrate “back into society as a law-abiding citizen.”
Kentner, 34, died from medical complications months after being hit by a trailer hitch thrown at her from a moving vehicle. She was a member of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and is remembered by her family as a caring mother, sister, cousin, and aunt.
Bushby was sentenced in June 2021. Because of time already served, his prison term was shortened to seven years and 11 months. The now 27-year-old has two children.
Brayden Bushby, centre, heads into court in Thunder Bay with his defence team, George Joseph, left, and Ryan Green in 2020. (Marc Doucette/CBC)
has reached out to Kentner’s family and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation for comment.
Bushby was initially granted day parole in August 2023 but it was revoked in July 2024 after PBC stated he violated various conditions. At that time, Kentner’s sister Melissa Kentner told , “I thought I was going to have a heart attack” upon hearing the news.
He received day parole again in December 2025 for six months but was denied full parole and got three more months of day parole in June 2026 while staying at a community-based residential facility that PBC says is also a substance abuse treatment centre.
Full parole allows an offender “to serve part of their sentence under supervision in the community under specific conditions,” according to the government of Canada’s website. “Offenders on full parole typically reside in a private residence.”
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People gather outside the former Camelot Street courthouse in Thunder Bay in 2020 as Superior Court Justice Helen Pierce delivers her decision in the manslaughter trial against Bushby. (Marc Doucette/CBC)
After being first granted day parole Bushby got a Confederate flag tattooed on his chest.
“You said you once purchased a truck from the United States with a Confederate flag and liked it. You have southern heritage and your choice for your tattoo wasn’t about racism,” PBC documents state.
“You agreed that getting that tattoo was one choice you made but said you fell asleep during it without knowing what would be done until it finished.”
Bushby also had involvement in a minor vehicle collision back in March 2024 where he left without reporting what happened to his case management team.
“It was also noted that you were suspected to be involved in stealing a motor vehicle,” earlier PBC documents mention.
The following month he got pulled over while driving under alcohol influence.
PPC acknowledged many impact statements from Kentner’s family along with friends plus Indigenous organizations sharing how another Indigenous woman lost her life affected everyone involved as well as noting intergenerational impacts stemming from historical trauma overall throughout communities affected too.”,”PPC added.”. Bushby must follow seven conditions while maintaining his full parole including: – Following prescribed treatment plans related specifically towards substance abuse issues alongside attitude adjustments or emotional management.
– Not associating themselves with anyone involved or suspected involvement within criminal activities or substance use.
– Not consuming any type drugs besides those prescribed.
– Not using alcohol.
– Avoiding places primarily selling alcoholic beverages.
– Having no contact directly nor indirectly with members from Kentner’s family.
– Reporting all sexual/non-sexual relationships alongside friendships promptly back unto designated supervisors overseeing their assigned probationary periods.. Cora Mc Guire-Cyrette serves currently representing ONWA organization stated during their interview concerning recent developments surrounding this situation commenting further explaining:. “This showcases true systemic failures we’re witnessing.”“Since inquiry began homicides involving Indigenous women doubled sadly! We must question our societal changes since [Kentners] tragic passing.”
“What investments have been made preventing future deaths? Are we simply raising awareness or generating action instead? Awareness alone won’t create change-it’s evident here!”.
Support resources remain available specifically designed aiding individuals impacted due missing/murdered cases involving Indigenous peoples nationally offering emotional assistance/crisis support access around-the-clock via helpline number listed at +1−844−413−6649 providing immediate guidance needed urgently anytime reachable.” Mental health counseling options/ crisis intervention services exist round-the-clock daily through Hope Wellness hotline reachable by calling toll-free number +1−855−242−3310 alternatively accessing online chat platform found hosted directly www. hopeforwellness. ca.
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NAN calls parole decision ‘devastating news’
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), which represents 49 First Nations across Treaties 9 and 5, released a statement Tuesday afternoon about Bushby’s release calling it “devastating news for Barbara Kentner’s family, the community of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nation and the entire Thunder Bay community.” “We are extremely disappointed to learn that her attacker has been granted full parole and that parole officials have deemed him suitable for reintegration into society. This feels like a profound injustice,” NAN said. During Bushy’s pre-release hearing on Thursday he attributed his actions “to lots of drinking and bad decisions.” “You denied targeting the victim [Kentner] and maintained what happened was a result of having been drinking for three days and making stupid decisions,” the PBC documents say.‘This is what systemic failure looks like’
‘This is what systemic failure looks like’
<PPC acknowledged many impact statements from Kentner’s family along with friends plus Indigenous organizations sharing how another Indigenous woman lost her life affected everyone involved as well as noting intergenerational impacts stemming from historical trauma overall throughout communities affected too.”,”PPC added.”. Bushby must follow seven conditions while maintaining his full parole including: – Following prescribed treatment plans related specifically towards substance abuse issues alongside attitude adjustments or emotional management.
– Not associating themselves with anyone involved or suspected involvement within criminal activities or substance use.
– Not consuming any type drugs besides those prescribed.
– Not using alcohol.
– Avoiding places primarily selling alcoholic beverages.
– Having no contact directly nor indirectly with members from Kentner’s family.
– Reporting all sexual/non-sexual relationships alongside friendships promptly back unto designated supervisors overseeing their assigned probationary periods.. Cora Mc Guire-Cyrette serves currently representing ONWA organization stated during their interview concerning recent developments surrounding this situation commenting further explaining:. “This showcases true systemic failures we’re witnessing.”“Since inquiry began homicides involving Indigenous women doubled sadly! We must question our societal changes since [Kentners] tragic passing.”
“What investments have been made preventing future deaths? Are we simply raising awareness or generating action instead? Awareness alone won’t create change-it’s evident here!”.
Support resources remain available specifically designed aiding individuals impacted due missing/murdered cases involving Indigenous peoples nationally offering emotional assistance/crisis support access around-the-clock via helpline number listed at +1−844−413−6649 providing immediate guidance needed urgently anytime reachable.” Mental health counseling options/ crisis intervention services exist round-the-clock daily through Hope Wellness hotline reachable by calling toll-free number +1−855−242−3310 alternatively accessing online chat platform found hosted directly www. hopeforwellness. ca.
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