Monday, June 15, 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

Rookie Ontario MP Derek Sloan Says He's Running For Conservative Leadership

OTTAWA - A rookie MP from Ontario says he's going to enter the Conservative leadership race.

Rookie Ontario MP Derek Sloan Says He's Running For Conservative Leadership

B.C. Health Officials Prepare Coronavirus Diagnostic Test, Screen At Airports

Minister Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry say in a joint statement there have been no cases of illness caused by the coronavirus in Canada and the risk to British Columbians is considered low.

B.C. Health Officials Prepare Coronavirus Diagnostic Test, Screen At Airports

Harry And Meghan Should Cover Their Own Security Costs: NDP MP

OTTAWA - The NDP's Canadian-heritage critic says he believes Prince Harry and his family should pay for their own security while they're in Canada.    

Harry And Meghan Should Cover Their Own Security Costs: NDP MP

Jagmeet Singh Says NDP Caucus Will Discuss Whether To Support New NAFTA

OTTAWA - New Democrat MPs will gather in Ottawa today for a two-day planning session to prepare the re-opening of the House of Commons next week.    

Jagmeet Singh Says NDP Caucus Will Discuss Whether To Support New NAFTA

Former Soldier, Alleged Neo-Nazi Patrik Mathews Denied Bail In U.S.

Former Canadian army reservist and accused white supremacist Patrik Mathews was denied bail during an appearance in a U.S. court on Wednesday, where he is facing several firearms charges amid allegations of wanting to start a race war.

Former Soldier, Alleged Neo-Nazi Patrik Mathews Denied Bail In U.S.

Canadian Public Health Agencies Ramping Up Preparations In Response To New Virus

Canadian Public Health Agencies Ramping Up Preparations In Response To New Virus
Canadian public health agencies are ramping up preparations in response to a new viral illness that has killed 17 people in China and infected more than 400 people.

Canadian Public Health Agencies Ramping Up Preparations In Response To New Virus