Saturday, June 13, 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

Man Arrested On 2 Outstanding Warrants Faces 2 New Charges In Richmond

Man Arrested On 2 Outstanding Warrants Faces 2 New Charges In Richmond
The male was identified as Coleton SZALAY. SZALAY had a Canada-wide warrant stemming from a robbery out of Vancouver as well as a warrant for theft under $5,000 out of Richmond.  

Man Arrested On 2 Outstanding Warrants Faces 2 New Charges In Richmond

Pipeline Protests Hit B.C. Legislature And Canada's Rail Network

Hundreds of protesters blocked the entrances to the British Columbia legislature on Tuesday as demonstrations in support of Indigenous hereditary chiefs who oppose a pipeline project continued to flare across the country.

Pipeline Protests Hit B.C. Legislature And Canada's Rail Network

Provincial Health Officer Says Four People With Coronavirus In B.C. Doing Well

Dr. Bonnie Henry says the individuals in the Vancouver region are being monitored by health professionals and three of them are living in a home with others.

Provincial Health Officer Says Four People With Coronavirus In B.C. Doing Well

Changes To Popular Child Care Fund To Maximize Spaces

Changes To Popular Child Care Fund To Maximize Spaces
In the past 15 months, the Province has supported the fastest creation of licensed child care spaces in B.C.’s history.

Changes To Popular Child Care Fund To Maximize Spaces

Pattullo Bridge Replacement Will Mean Safer, Easier, Toll-free Commutes

The contract for the Pattullo Bridge replacement has been awarded, creating good jobs and training opportunities for workers who will help build the toll-free crossing to better connect communities in the Lower Mainland.    

Pattullo Bridge Replacement Will Mean Safer, Easier, Toll-free Commutes

Chilliwack Seeking The Public’s Assistance To Identify An Arson Suspect

Chilliwack Seeking The Public’s Assistance To Identify An Arson Suspect
The RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the image of a person taken from a security camera.

Chilliwack Seeking The Public’s Assistance To Identify An Arson Suspect