Sunday, June 7, 2026
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

COVID-19 Silver Lining: Experts Predict Innovation In Medicine, Education, Remote work

MONTREAL - Despite years of discussions between politicians and doctors, the Quebec government couldn't find a way to pay its general practitioners for phone and video consultations with patients.

COVID-19 Silver Lining: Experts Predict Innovation In Medicine, Education, Remote work

Goodale Appointed Special Adviser To Canada On Ukraine Airliner Crash In Iran

OTTAWA - Former Liberal cabinet minister Ralph Goodale has been named a special adviser to the Trudeau government into Iran's downing of a commercial airliner in January.    

Goodale Appointed Special Adviser To Canada On Ukraine Airliner Crash In Iran

New Ventilators Promised In Days As Industrial Response To Covid-19 Kicks In

OTTAWA - Millions of masks and thousands of ventilators have been ordered by the federal government to shore up the national stockpile of supplies needed to treat and fight COVID-19.    

New Ventilators Promised In Days As Industrial Response To Covid-19 Kicks In

Transparency On Covid-19 Response Crucial: Former Public Safety Minister Goodale

OTTAWA - Governments must be as transparent as possible with Canadians about response measures for COVID-19, says former Liberal public safety minister Ralph Goodale.    

Transparency On Covid-19 Response Crucial: Former Public Safety Minister Goodale

Most Abiding By Covid-19 Rules, Back Fines, Arrests Of Those Who Aren't: Poll

OTTAWA - Most Canadians are doing what they're told to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and would support harsher measures to punish those who aren't, a new poll suggests.    

Most Abiding By Covid-19 Rules, Back Fines, Arrests Of Those Who Aren't: Poll

What Provinces, Territories Are Doing Against COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every province and territory. Medical officers of health and Canada's chief public health officer are encouraging people to wash their hands, give each other space and wear a mask if they're sick.

What Provinces, Territories Are Doing Against COVID-19