13.92°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

carney-signals-visa-talks-for-canadians-during-europe-trip
CanadaSep 15, 2026

Carney Signals Visa Talks for Canadians During Europe Trip

Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that visa requirements for Canadians could be raised during his visit to Europe as Canada seeks to deepen its strategic and economic relationship with the European Union. Carney left Canada Tuesday for a three-day trip to Strasbourg, France, and Liverpool, UK. In Strasbourg, he is attending European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s annual State of the Union address and will address the European Parliament on Thursday. During the trip, Carney is also expected to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Liverpool for discussions on defence, s
BCSep 15, 2026

Surrey’s $310M Newton Community Centre Construction Officially Begins

Construction has officially begun on the new Newton Community Centre in Surrey, marking one of the largest investment projects in the city’s history. According to the City of Surrey, construction crews are currently removing the old structures and preparing and levelling the site. Mayor Brenda Locke said the 175,000-square-foot modern community hub will bring a major transformation to Newton by bringing recreation, cultural and library services together under one roof. The $310-million project near King George Boulevard will feature a 50-metre swimming pool, a leisure pool, two gymnasiums, a
AlbertaSep 15, 2026

Jason Kenney Links UCP Calgary-Shaw Defeat to Alberta Separation Debate

Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has linked the UCP’s defeat in the Calgary-Shaw byelection to the upcoming separation referendum, saying the debate over Alberta leaving Canada is turning away Conservative voters who also feel strongly about the country. Kenney said the separation issue is pushing some nationalist supporters toward opposition parties such as the NDP. He believes the October 19 referendum is having a negative impact on Conservative support. In the Calgary-Shaw byelection, Alberta NDP candidate Kyle Campbell defeated UCP candidate Mike Derry by 582 votes. Campbell received
rising-oil-prices-raise-odds-of-bank-of-canada-rate-hike
CanadaSep 15, 2026

Rising Oil Prices Raise Odds of Bank of Canada Rate Hike

Canada’s central bank could raise interest rates in the coming months as rising global crude oil prices increase inflationary pressures. Economists believe the Bank of Canada’s chances of raising rates by December are growing, despite Canada’s annual inflation rate remaining steady at 3% last month. Economists at Desjardins Group and RSM Canada say it may be difficult for Bank of Canada officials to ignore oil prices above US$100 a barrel, particularly if the increase persists. While core inflation remains under control for now, economists warn that continued oil price shocks could push
carney-announces-major-tax-break-to-boost-business-investment
CanadaSep 15, 2026

Carney Announces Major Tax Break to Boost Business Investment

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a major tax break for companies making new investments in Canada. Under the new measure, businesses will be able to immediately claim 100 per cent of the cost of eligible new investments, including machinery, equipment and technology, as a tax deduction. Announced Tuesday, the measure is being called the “Productivity Mega Deduction” and is aimed at encouraging businesses to invest more in their operations. The government says making investments cheaper will give companies greater incentive to spend on expanding and improving their businesses, helpi

Related News