6.48°C Vancouver

Jan 29, 2020 9:40 PM -

Expat family expecting baby soon hopes Britain can get them out of China

Share On
plane-arranged-to-fly-160-canadians-out-of-wuhan
Tom Williams along with his wife Lauren and son James are seen in this undated handout photo. Tom Williams is a British expat who has been living and working for about five years in Wuhan, which is the capital of Hubei province in China. His wife Lauren, who is from Langley, B.C., is about 35 weeks pregnant, he said in a telephone interview from Wuhan. He also has a two-and-a-half-year-old son, James, who was born in White Rock, B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Tom Williams *MANDATORY CREDIT*

A pregnant Canadian woman, her young Canadian son and Tom Williams, the child's British father, are the latest to share their concerns about getting out of Wuhan, the Chinese epicentre of an outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus.

Williams says his wife is 35-weeks pregnant and his son is under three years of age, and the whole family is waiting for word about whether they will be allowed to depart Wuhan later today on a flight organized by the British government.

As they were waiting, the Canadian government announced it has arranged a plane to fly 160 Canadians out of Wuhan -- but details are still being worked out and there's no word if Williams and his family will be on it.

An outbreak of the novel flu-like respiratory illness began in Wuhan late last year, infecting more than six-thousand people and spreading to other countries, including Canada, although health officials here say the risk of transmission remains low.

Latest news

third-man-charged-with-first-degree-murder-in-lethbridge-homicide
BCMar 31, 2026

Third man charged with first-degree murder in Lethbridge homicide

A 42-year-old Lethbridge man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a 27-year-old man, marking the third arrest in the case, according to a police news release. The Lethbridge Police Service said the accused was arrested late Monday following the execution of search warrants at two residences on Mt. Crandell Crescent. Two other men were previously arrested on March 28 in relation to the same investigation. Police said officers and EMS responded to a report of an assault at approximately 6:30 a.m. on March 27 at an apartment complex in the 200 block of 7 Avenu
WorldMar 31, 2026

Oil prices surge after reported tanker attack near UAE amid Middle East tensions

Global oil prices climbed sharply Tuesday following reports of an attack on a Kuwaiti-flagged oil tanker near the United Arab Emirates, raising concerns about supply disruptions in a key energy shipping route. According to the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, the tanker was struck off the coast of Dubai. The company said there were no reported casualties or oil spills resulting from the incident. The circumstances of the attack and responsibility have not been independently verified. Benchmark Brent crude rose about five per cent to approximately $118.50 per barrel, while U.S. crude prices reache
stephen-lewis-former-ontario-ndp-leader-and-un-ambassador-dies-at-88
CanadaMar 31, 2026

Stephen Lewis, former Ontario NDP leader and UN ambassador, dies at 88

Stephen Lewis, a former Ontario New Democratic Party leader, Canadian diplomat and longtime social activist, has died at the age of 88. The Stephen Lewis Foundation announced his death on its website Tuesday. No cause of death was provided. Lewis served as Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations and led the Ontario NDP from 1970 to 1978, according to the foundation’s statement. He later became widely known for his advocacy on global health, poverty and environmental issues. He was the father of Avi Lewis, who was elected leader of the federal NDP on Sunday.
IndiaMar 31, 2026

Khanna police arrest father of Sidhu Moosewala’s former manager in alleged extortion case

The accused, identified as Saudagar Singh Sarao, is the father of Shaganpreet Singh, a former manager of late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Police allege that Singh was involved in a demand for Rs 1 crore from a local commission agent. According to police, the complainant reported receiving threats from an individual who identified himself as gangster Donny Bal and demanded money. A case was registered following the complaint, and an investigation was launched. During the investigation, police said technical evidence and other findings indicated that the extortion demand was linked to Shagan
independent-b-c-mla-says-he-will-not-resign-while-facing-assault-charges
BCMar 31, 2026

Independent B.C. MLA says he will not resign while facing assault charges

Independent MLA Hon Chan says he will not step down from his legislative seat after assault charges related to an alleged incident of intimate partner violence became public, leading to his removal from the Conservative caucus. Speaking briefly to reporters outside the legislative chamber Monday, Chan said he intends to remain in office, adding that “everybody is actually innocent until proven guilty.” The charges relate to an alleged incident dated Jan. 12, 2024. Chan has said he was not contacted by police before the October 2025 provincial election, when he was elected as a Conservative

Related News