28.49°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

b-c-wildfire-crews-use-drone-for-canadas-first-controlled-burn-operation
BCJul 21, 2026

B.C. wildfire crews use drone for Canada's first controlled burn operation

Firefighters battling an active wildfire in British Columbia have successfully used a drone to carry out a controlled burn for the first time in Canada, according to the BC Wildfire Service. The agency said crews working near Boston Bar used the drone to ignite a planned section of dry forest that was in the path of the advancing wildfire. The controlled burn was intended to remove available fuel and help slow the fire's spread. According to the BC Wildfire Service, controlled burns are typically conducted using helicopters or ground crews, both of which can expose firefighters to greater risk
heat-warnings-issued-across-southern-b-c-after-multiple-temperature-records-fall
BCJul 21, 2026

Heat warnings issued across southern B.C. after multiple temperature records fall

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued heat warnings for much of southern British Columbia after several communities recorded new daily temperature highs. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the warnings cover the east coast of Vancouver Island, Whistler and the Fraser Valley, and are expected to remain in effect until Wednesday. Heat warnings for parts of the Southern Interior could continue through Thursday. Forecasters say daytime temperatures in coastal areas are expected to exceed 30 C, while the Fraser Valley and Southern Interior could see highs near 35 C. Offi
hamilton-police-arrest-32-in-organized-home-depot-theft-investigation
BCJul 21, 2026

Hamilton police arrest 32 in organized Home Depot theft investigation

Hamilton Police Service says it has arrested 32 people and laid a total of 235 criminal charges following an investigation into an alleged organized retail theft ring targeting Home Depot stores in the city. According to a police news release issued Tuesday, the four-month investigation, dubbed Project Checkout, was launched after theft incidents at local Home Depot locations increased by 25 per cent. Police allege the group stole high-value merchandise from stores and later sold the items through online marketplaces at prices below retail value. Police said store employees were allegedly thre
carney-says-trump-agreed-to-accelerate-tariff-talks-as-canada-weighs-response
CanadaJul 21, 2026

Carney says Trump agreed to accelerate tariff talks as Canada weighs response

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone on Tuesday morning about the latest tariff dispute, confirming the two leaders discussed measures announced by the United States. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Carney said the proposed U.S. tariffs violate the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). He said Trump agreed to accelerate discussions in the coming weeks as both countries seek to address the trade dispute. Asked whether Canada is considering retaliatory tariffs, Carney said all options remain on the table if the proposed U.S. tariffs tak
calgary-police-say-ai-generated-misinformation-hindering-search-for-missing-11-year-old-boy
AlbertaJul 21, 2026

Calgary police say AI-generated misinformation hindering search for missing 11-year-old boy

Calgary police say online misinformation, including altered images and videos created using artificial intelligence, is interfering with the search for an 11-year-old boy with autism who has been missing since last week. According to the Calgary Police Service, Parker, who is non-verbal, was last seen Thursday at his care home in the city's north end. Investigators continue to search for the child and are asking the public to rely on information shared through official police channels. Acting Staff Sergeant Scott Guterson said AI-generated and manipulated content circulating online is divertin

Related News