Sunday, December 21, 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

WATCH: 2nd COVID-19 outbreak at Holy Family Hospital Where 21 Residents Died of #covid19 in Past Months

WATCH: 2nd COVID-19 outbreak at Holy Family Hospital Where 21 Residents Died of #covid19 in Past Months
Fraser Health Back-to-school anxiety as parents and teachers feeling its too early to welcome students back on Sept 10th.

WATCH: 2nd COVID-19 outbreak at Holy Family Hospital Where 21 Residents Died of #covid19 in Past Months

Man dies after being punched in Vancouver

Man dies after being punched in Vancouver
He is Vancouver's 11th homicide victim this year.

Man dies after being punched in Vancouver

O'Toole names shadow cabinet

O'Toole names shadow cabinet
Ontario MP Michael Chong is taking a big step up to become the Conservatives' critic for foreign affairs, considered one of the most high-profile portfolios.

O'Toole names shadow cabinet

Judge who asked woman to remove hijab apologizes

Judge who asked woman to remove hijab apologizes
A letter of apology from Quebec court Judge Eliana Marengo was read out today at a hearing of the province's judicial council.

Judge who asked woman to remove hijab apologizes

Commercial rent aid gets one more month

Commercial rent aid gets one more month
The Liberals say the program that aims to help small businesses with their rent or lease costs will be extended for this month, unveiling the details one week after rent was due.

Commercial rent aid gets one more month

Green party membership nearly doubles

Green party membership nearly doubles
Party officials say the Greens added 15,000 new people to their membership list during the campaign.

Green party membership nearly doubles