16.93°C Vancouver

Feb 4, 2020 5:37 PM -

Canadians in Wuhan to be evacuated Thursday, government letter says

Share On
canadians-in-wuhan-to-be-evacuated-thursday-government-letter
Flight crew members wearing face masks walk through the international arrivals area at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020. China counted 170 deaths from a new virus Thursday and more countries reported infections, including some spread locally, as foreign evacuees from China's worst-hit region returned home to medical observation and even isolation. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

The federal government has notified Canadians waiting to be evacuated from Wuhan, China that they will be flown back to Canada later this week.

The Canadian Press has obtained a copy of a letter sent to Canadians and permanent residents currently in the city that is the epicentre of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The letter says a flight will depart from Wuhan's international airport early Thursday morning although no time has been given. It also says that due to high demand, the government can't guarantee that everyone who is eligible will be able to board the plane.

Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu has said 304 Canadians have asked for assistance to return home but only 280 have Canadian passports. Ottawa has said that upon arrival in Canada, the evacuees will be quarantined at the Canadian Forces Base in Trenton for 14 days.

Latest news

peter-milobar-announces-departure-from-b-c-conservative-caucus
BCAug 14, 2026

Peter Milobar Announces Departure from B.C. Conservative Caucus

Senior B.C. Conservative MLA Peter Milobar has formally announced that he is leaving the party caucus, effective immediately. He will now sit as an independent MLA for Kamloops Centre in the B.C. legislature. Milobar said that over the past several months, it had become increasingly clear to him that his personal values no longer aligned with the party’s new direction under Leader Kami-Leon Findlay. He said he fully respects Findlay’s right to shape the party according to her vision, but stressed that his top priority remains serving the people of Kamloops Centre, a commitment that has not
gunfire-outside-former-jathedar-giani-raghbir-singhs-residence
IndiaAug 14, 2026

Gunfire Outside Former Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh’s Residence

A firing incident involving the vehicle of former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and former Head Granthi of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Giani Raghbir Singh, has come to light. The incident was discovered when his driver noticed a bullet lodged in the vehicle while cleaning it and immediately informed the police. Giani Raghbir Singh said police have launched an investigation into the incident. He added that he also checked the CCTV footage outside his residence. According to the footage, a sound believed to be a gunshot was heard at around 11:04 p.m. on August 12, after which the security guard pres
b-c-premier-announces-three-cabinet-changes-as-brenda-bailey-takes-leave-for-cancer-treatment
BCAug 14, 2026

B.C. Premier Announces Three Cabinet Changes as Brenda Bailey Takes Leave for Cancer Treatment

British Columbia Premier David Eby has announced three cabinet changes following Finance Minister Brenda Bailey’s decision to take a leave of absence for cancer treatment and recovery. Bailey has been diagnosed with early-stage cancer that is treatable. She is expected to begin treatment in late August 2026 and return to work in early October. She will remain a member of cabinet during her leave. Effective August 14, the changes are: Josie Osborne — Minister of Finance Ravi Kahlon — Minister of Health Brenda Bailey — Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth Bailey is returning to the
downtown-vancouver-stranger-assault-vpd-seeks-witnesses
BCAug 14, 2026

Downtown Vancouver stranger assault: VPD seeks witnesses

Vancouver Police are investigating a random assault that left a man seriously injured near Nelson and Richards streets. Police say a couple was walking back to their hotel after attending a concert at around 11:45 p.m. when a stranger approached from behind and punched one of them in the face. The victim fell and struck his head on the pavement. The suspect then fled toward Granville Street. The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The suspect is described as a white man, approximately 5'5" to 5'8" tall, aged 20 to 35, with a medium build. He was reportedly wearing fingerless gl
CanadaAug 14, 2026

Greer Takes Tough Stance Amid Canada-U.S. Tariff Talks

As Canada continues efforts to secure a tariff deal with the United States, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has issued a strong response. Speaking to reporters in Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday, Greer said the proposed 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods are not a sudden decision. He said they are a response to retaliatory measures previously imposed by Canada against U.S. products. Greer criticized Canada for imposing retaliatory tariffs rather than engaging directly with Washington, comparing the approach to the strategy used by countries such as China. He pointed to Canadian measure

Related News