23.99°C Vancouver

Dec 29, 2020 6:30 PM -

Quebec becomes fourth province to confirm more contagious COVID-19 variant

Share On
quebec-becomes-fourth-province-to-confirm-more-contagious-covid-19-variant
A healthcare worker talks with people as they wait to be tested for COVID-19 at a clinic in Montreal, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Quebec has become the fourth province to confirm its first case of a more contagious COVID-19 variant.

Health Minister Christian Dube says the person who tested positive is a family member of someone who returned from the United Kingdom on Dec. 11.

Three other provinces have confirmed cases of the new variant in recent days, with three cases in Ontario, one in Alberta and one in British Columbia.

The variant was first identified in the U.K. and has since spread to several other countries.

The latest case in Canada comes as Yukon Health and Social Services Minister Pauline Frost says the territory has received its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 vaccinations in Ontario are expected to return to full operations today after being scaled down over the holidays.

Latest news

multiple-arrests-made-as-rcmp-execute-coordinated-raids-in-maple-ridge
BCJul 20, 2026

Multiple arrests made as RCMP execute coordinated raids in Maple Ridge

Multiple people were arrested after the Maple Ridge RCMP carried out coordinated search warrants at several properties across the city on Saturday as part of an ongoing covert investigation. According to the Maple Ridge RCMP, the operation involved armed police officers, a helicopter and police service dogs. Simultaneous searches were conducted at multiple properties in the Port Haney Wharf and Silver Valley areas. Police have not disclosed the number of arrests or identified those taken into custody. Reports indicate the operation began at approximately 4:30 p.m. and continued for about four
lightning-sparks-surge-in-b-c-wildfires-as-more-than-100-fires-burn-across-province
BCJul 20, 2026

Lightning sparks surge in B.C. wildfires as more than 100 fires burn across province

British Columbia is experiencing a sharp increase in wildfire activity following widespread lightning strikes across the province. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, the number of active wildfires climbed from about 20 on Wednesday morning to more than 100 by the weekend. As of Monday, 102 wildfires were burning across the province, including 12 that were discovered within the previous 24 hours. The agency said approximately 40 per cent of the active wildfires are classified as out of control. Most of the fires are located in B.C.'s Southern Interior region, where firefighting efforts con
AlbertaJul 20, 2026

More than 100 volunteers, Calgary police continue search for missing autistic 11-year-old boy

More than 100 trained volunteers joined Calgary police on Sunday as the search continued for Parker, an 11-year-old autistic boy who is non-verbal and has been missing since Thursday afternoon. According to the Calgary Police Service, approximately 120 trained volunteers are assisting officers, including police dog teams and bike patrols, in search efforts across areas connected to Parker's last known movements and reported sightings. Police are also playing his favourite Disney songs from patrol vehicles in the hope the familiar music may encourage him to respond. Parker was last seen Thursda
AlbertaJul 20, 2026

Clearwater County crews clean up after tornado damages homes and blocks roads

A tornado that touched down in central Alberta on Saturday damaged homes, knocked down trees and blocked roads in parts of Clearwater County, including the Town of Rocky Mountain House. No injuries have been reported. According to Clearwater County, the tornado touched down at about 6:30 p.m. Saturday and caused significant damage in several areas. County officials said cleanup crews are working to remove debris and reopen affected roads following the storm. Environment and Climate Change Canada has said Alberta's unusually wet and stormy summer has created favourable conditions for tornado de
CanadaJul 20, 2026

Wildfire destroys seasonal camp at Whitewater Lake First Nation in northwestern Ontario

A wildfire has destroyed much of the seasonal camp at Whitewater Lake First Nation, located about 250 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, marking the second First Nation community in Ontario to suffer significant wildfire damage in less than a week. According to Chief Pauline Drake, the fire destroyed multiple buildings, personal belongings and critical infrastructure at the site. Whitewater Lake First Nation is used primarily as a seasonal camp and has no permanent residents. The community is accessible only by floatplane for about six months of the year. The latest damage follows wildfire destr

Related News