Thursday, June 11, 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

A Primer On The Governance System Of The Wet'suwet'en Nation

VANCOUVER - A B.C. Supreme Court case in 2011 explained the traditional Wet'suwet'en governance system. Here is a look at the decision and how the system works:

A Primer On The Governance System Of The Wet'suwet'en Nation

B.C. Eyes On Coronavirus In Wash., State After Deaths; Premier, Governor Speak

VICTORIA - Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says British Columbia is monitoring the deaths of six people from novel coronavirus in Washington state and there is no evidence of widespread transmission of the virus.    

B.C. Eyes On Coronavirus In Wash., State After Deaths; Premier, Governor Speak

Vancouver-Area Home Sales Below Average, But It's Still A Seller's Market: Board

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver says 2,150 homes sold in February, a nearly 37 per cent jump in one month and almost 45 per cent higher than sales in February 2019.

Vancouver-Area Home Sales Below Average, But It's Still A Seller's Market: Board

Vancouver Police Cruisers, Fleeing Car, Damaged At End Of Early Morning Chase

Vancouver Police Cruisers, Fleeing Car, Damaged At End Of Early Morning Chase
VANCOUVER - Police say one man suffered minor injuries when his car and several police cruisers collided numerous times at the end of a brief pursuit in Vancouver.    

Vancouver Police Cruisers, Fleeing Car, Damaged At End Of Early Morning Chase

Five Police Agencies Partner To Open New High-tech Training Simulator

Metro Vancouver police from five departments will start training this month in a state-of-the-art simulator, part of a new Regional Municipal Training Centre, located in Delta.

Five Police Agencies Partner To Open New High-tech Training Simulator

PICS: Surrey RCMP Auxiliaries Honoured For Their Service And Dedication

Surrey RCMP Auxiliaries were honoured for their contributions and service to the community last weekend at the annual Auxiliary Awards Dinner.    

PICS: Surrey RCMP Auxiliaries Honoured For Their Service And Dedication