Tuesday, December 30, 2025
ADVT 
National

Leave regulators to approve COVID tests: Freeland

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 24 Sep, 2020 08:27 PM
  • Leave regulators to approve COVID tests: Freeland

Health Canada says it can't provide any information about the status of any of the rapid-testing devices for COVID-19 it is reviewing.

Pressure is mounting on the federal government to approve tests that can provide faster results as hospitals and public health agencies across Canada struggle to keep up with the demand for COVID-19 testing.

Deputy Conservative leader Candice Bergen says the government promised in March that getting rapid tests was a priority and yet half a year later, there are still none in use in Canada.

At least 14 such devices are under review by Health Canada but the department's spokesman says he cannot comment on the status of the applications during the scientific assessment process.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says it would be wrong for politicians to put pressure on Health Canada to approve any of the devices.

Several other countries have had some of the faster tests in use for months now, including Japan and the United States, but Health Minister Patty Hajdu said last week Canada is not yet convinced the technology is good enough.

MORE National ARTICLES

Frontline patrol leads to seizure of drugs and cash

Frontline patrol leads to seizure of drugs and cash
Hard work and a keen eye for suspicious activity led a Surrey RCMP Frontline officer to make a significant seizure of drugs and cash during a vehicle check stop in Guildford.

Frontline patrol leads to seizure of drugs and cash

Most regions outside Toronto-Hamilton area moving to Stage 2 of reopening

Most regions outside Toronto-Hamilton area moving to Stage 2 of reopening
Most Ontario regions outside the Toronto area will be allowed to open more businesses and activities Friday, including restaurant patios, hair salons and swimming pools as the province takes a regional approach to reopening.

Most regions outside Toronto-Hamilton area moving to Stage 2 of reopening

BC Ferries says those boarding some vessels will be asked to bring a mask

BC Ferries says those boarding some vessels will be asked to bring a mask
Anyone using a British Columbia ferry on routes longer than 30 minutes will have to bring a face mask with them to protect against transmission of COVID-19.

BC Ferries says those boarding some vessels will be asked to bring a mask

A look at actions the Liberal government has taken to counter racism

A look at actions the Liberal government has taken to counter racism
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is promising to do more to address issues of systemic racism in Canada in the wake of protests demanding immediate change.

A look at actions the Liberal government has taken to counter racism

Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders announces resignation effective July 31

Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders announces resignation effective July 31
Toronto's police chief says he's stepping down as head of the force. Mark Saunders says his resignation from the top job will take effect July 31.

Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders announces resignation effective July 31

Military helicopter did not respond as expected before crash: investigators

Military helicopter did not respond as expected before crash: investigators
Flight investigators have determined the military helicopter that crashed off the coast of Greece in April did not respond as the crew on board expected before going down into the Mediterranean Sea.

Military helicopter did not respond as expected before crash: investigators