11.42°C Vancouver

Nov 30, 2021 10:37 PM - The Canadian Press

B.C. identifies first COVID-19 Omicron variant while 204 others are being tested

Share On
b-c-identifies-first-covid-19-omicron-variant-while-204-others-are-being-tested
B.C.'s provincial health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry during a press conference in Victoria. (B.C. Govt.)

British Columbia has become the fourth province to identify its first case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says the affected person recently returned from Nigeria and lives in an area covered by the Fraser Health authority.

Dr. Henry says 204 people who recently returned from parts of southern African with outbreaks of the variant are undergoing testing while in quarantine.

The federal government has announced that all air travellers, except those coming from the United States, will now be tested for COVID-19 when they arrive at Canadian airports, regardless of their vaccination status.

The Omicron variant has also been found in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta.

Dr. Henry announced new restrictions for faith services heading into the Christmas holiday season with people attending and participating in those services, such as choir members, required to wear masks unless physical distancing is in place, while capacity will also be limited to 50 per cent unless every attendee is vaccinated.

Latest news

ndp-to-table-motion-seeking-federal-ban-on-surveillance-pricing
CanadaApr 13, 2026

NDP to table motion seeking federal ban on “surveillance pricing”

The federal NDP is expected to introduce a motion Wednesday calling on the government to ban a practice it describes as “surveillance pricing,” arguing it unfairly targets consumers using personal data. According to the text of the motion, the practice involves companies using information such as a customer’s search history or the amount of time spent on a webpage to adjust prices, both online and in physical stores. The party says this can result in different consumers being charged different prices for the same product. NDP Leader Avi Lewis said the approach could disproportionately af
school-closed-after-early-morning-fire-at-abbotsford-learning-centre-police-investigating-arson
BCApr 13, 2026

School closed after early morning fire at Abbotsford learning centre, police investigating arson

Abbotsford police say an early morning fire at a local school is being investigated as an arson, according to a police news release. Patrol officers responded at about 3:49 a.m. to a report of a fire at the Bakerview Centre for Learning on the 32600 block of Marshall Road. When officers arrived, Abbotsford Fire and Rescue Service crews were already on scene and extinguishing what police described as a small fire. Police said the blaze caused damage to both the exterior and interior of the building. No injuries were reported. According to the Abbotsford Police Department, the investigation rema
surrey-police-investigate-early-morning-shooting-at-surrey-central-residence
CanadaApr 13, 2026

Surrey police investigate early morning shooting at Surrey Central residence

Police in Surrey are investigating a shooting that damaged a home in the Surrey Central area early Monday morning. According to a Surrey Police Service news release, officers responded at حوالي 2:50 a.m. to reports of gunfire near 95 Avenue and 127 Street. When officers arrived, they located a residence with visible damage consistent with gunshots. Police said no injuries were reported among the occupants of the home. The Surrey Police Service Major Crime Section is leading the investigation, with support from Integrated Forensic Identification Services, according to the release. Investig
carney-signals-shift-on-u-s-ties-defence-spending-in-montreal-speech
CanadaApr 13, 2026

Carney signals shift on U.S. ties, defence spending in Montreal speech

Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a closing address at the Liberal Party’s national convention in Montreal on Saturday, outlining a tougher position on Canada–U.S. relations and a planned shift in defence spending. According to remarks made during the convention, Carney said Canada would move away from past defence procurement patterns in which a significant portion of spending flowed to the United States. He told party members that future investments would be directed more toward domestic capacity. The statement drew a standing ovation from attendees. Carney’s comments come as Canada
AlbertaApr 13, 2026

Proposed Blue Line LRT extension to Calgary airport enters field study phase

The City of Calgary says preliminary field work is set to begin this month as part of planning for a potential northward extension of the Blue Line LRT toward the airport. According to a city notice, crews will conduct on-site investigations along the proposed corridor to 88th Avenue N.E., including assessments of ground conditions, groundwater levels and site-specific details needed for early-stage design. The work is part of the city’s long-term transit planning and would inform future decisions by council on whether to advance the project, including funding, design and timelines. The airp

Related News