New Year’s Babies: First children in 2026 in Quebec, all girls

Lessy-Ann in Quebec City was born two minutes after midnight on Jan. 1, 2026. Sophia was born 45 minutes later in Montreal. Neither were the first born in the province, however. (CHUL/MUHC)

While birthing centres across the province continue to welcome bundles of joy on Jan. 1, three baby girls, born within 45 minutes of each other, in Quebec’s two largest cities, appear to be among the first in the province.

Two seconds in

The Jewish General Hospital said that Liana Kalfopoulos entered the world at exactly 12:00 and two seconds.

The six-pound, nine-ounce baby girl was born to Arpi Zourikian and Constantinos Kalfopoulos.

“The family is happy, healthy and delighted to share the great news,” said the hospital.

Two minutes later

The Quebec University Laval Hospital (CHUL) in Quebec City said that at two minutes past midnight, eight-pound, six-ounce Lessy-Ann was born to Alyson Brown-Tremblay and Stéphanie Lévesque.

“The CHU would like to warmly congratulate the new parents and wish them every happiness,” the hospital centre wrote in a news release.

45 minutes later

At 12:46 a.m. on Thursday, a seven-pound, 15-ounce baby girl became the first baby born at the MUHC.

Mother Miriam Azer and her baby are doing well, while father Maged Youssef remains in Egypt awaiting a visa approval.

Even while in labour, Azer said she was able to ring in the new year with the staff.

“I did because everyone at the hospital were amazing,” she told CTV News. “Honestly, the vibes were very positive. The team was amazing.”

with files from The Canadian Press.