17.7°C Vancouver

Dec 16, 2020 2:19 AM -

First British Columbian vaccinated, COVID-19 immunizations begin

Share On
first-british-columbian-vaccinated-covid-19-immunizations-begin
Today marks the first day of British Columbia’s provincewide COVID-19 immunizations, the most comprehensive vaccine program to ever be delivered in B.C. (B.C. Government)

Today marks the first day of British Columbia’s provincewide COVID-19 immunizations, the most comprehensive vaccine program to ever be delivered in B.C.

Over the coming days, approximately 4,000 health-care workers in British Columbia will be rolling up their sleeves to receive the first approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Nisha Yunus, a 64-year old residential care aid was one of the first people in British Columbia to receive the COVID-19 immunization. Yunus has worked in the same long-term care home in the Vancouver Coastal Health region for 41 years, all in the same unit and on the same floor.

The first person in the Fraser Health region to be vaccinated was Linda Latour, a health-care assistant. Yunus and Latour provide personal care and support to seniors and this vaccine will ensure the people they care for will be a little safer today.

"I am so grateful. It feels like a dream came true. It is both a privilege and an honour to receive the first COVID-19 vaccine in British Columbia," Yunus said. "I have seen first-hand what COVID-19 does to families, and I am hopeful we are getting closer to finally reaching the end of this pandemic, so people can reunite safely with their loved ones and put this behind us."

Latest news

CanadaJun 29, 2026

Chinese EV maker Lotus to begin deliveries in Canada next month, ambassador says

Chinese automaker Geely Holding Group's Lotus brand is expected to begin delivering electric vehicles in Canada next month, according to China's ambassador to Canada, Wang Di. In an interview, Wang said the first deliveries will begin in Montreal and will be marked by a launch event. He said the move follows an understanding reached between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Wang also said other Chinese automakers, including BYD and Chery, are working through regulatory and legal processes with Canadian authorities as they prepare to enter the market. He said he expec
one-arrested-after-targeted-shooting-in-surreys-newton-neighbourhood
CanadaJun 29, 2026

One arrested after targeted shooting in Surrey's Newton neighbourhood

A man was seriously injured after a targeted shooting in Surrey's Newton neighbourhood early Sunday, and one suspect has been arrested, according to Surrey Police Service. Police said the shooting happened at about 12:30 a.m. in the 14500-block of 75 Avenue. The victim was sitting in a vehicle outside a home when shots were fired. Officers from the Surrey Police Service's Project Assurance team, who were patrolling the area at the time, quickly stopped a suspect vehicle and arrested one person. The suspect remains in custody. The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries and is report
rustad-backs-alberta-pipeline-project-criticizes-b-c-governments-opposition
BCJun 26, 2026

Rustad Backs Alberta Pipeline Project, Criticizes B.C. Government's Opposition

Former B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad has thrown his support behind Alberta's proposed pipeline project, which is expected to submit its application by July 1. He said the British Columbia government should support the project instead of standing in its way. Criticizing Premier David Eby, Rustad argued that the pipeline is not just an Alberta project but one that would benefit all of Canada and could help address British Columbia's economic challenges. According to Rustad, the project would create real jobs, particularly in northern B.C., where the forestry sector has been struggling in
rcmp-investigating-stabbing-near-port-place-mall-in-nanaimo
BCJun 26, 2026

RCMP Investigating Stabbing Near Port Place Mall in Nanaimo

The Nanaimo RCMP are investigating a stabbing that occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at a bus stop near Port Place Mall. Police, firefighters and BC Emergency Health Services responded to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found an adult male suffering from a stab wound to his arm. Bystanders and frontline officers provided emergency first aid before the victim was transported to hospital for treatment. Investigators have determined that the incident took place near a row of benches on the south side of Port Place Mall, across from the downtown bus exchange on Fro
CanadaJun 26, 2026

Ontario Announces Major Changes to Immigrant Nominee Program

The Ontario government has announced major reforms to its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Under the new changes, the existing eight immigration streams will be consolidated into four, making the process clearer and easier for both applicants and employers. The first new pathway, the Ontario Workforce Priority Stream, is being launched to provide eligible foreign workers with a new route to permanent residency (PR). A key feature of the new stream is greater flexibility for applicants to work in related occupations. For example, a nurse will be able to work as a Personal Support Worke

Related News