Tuesday, June 16, 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

Victoria-Bound WestJet Plane Lands In Vancouver After Hitting Bird

Victoria-Bound WestJet Plane Lands In Vancouver After Hitting Bird
A statement from the company says WestJet flight 209 reported hitting the bird while inbound to Victoria.

Victoria-Bound WestJet Plane Lands In Vancouver After Hitting Bird

B.C. Lifeguard Edward Casavant Sentenced To Six Years For Child Pornography, Sexual Exploitation

Edward Casavant, 55, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, making child pornography, voyeurism and sexual exploitation of a person with a disability, and was sentenced to six years in prison.

B.C. Lifeguard Edward Casavant Sentenced To Six Years For Child Pornography, Sexual Exploitation

Surrey RCMP Provides Parent Helpline To Give Information About Potential Warning Signs Involving Youth

The Surrey RCMP Parent Helpline provides assistance to parents who are concerned about their children becoming involved in illegal activities.  

Surrey RCMP Provides Parent Helpline To Give Information About Potential Warning Signs Involving Youth

Sea to Sky Gondola Ride To Reopen Early After Cable Cut By Vandals Last August

Sea to Sky Gondola Ride To Reopen Early After Cable Cut By Vandals Last August
The company says operations in Squamish, B.C., will resume Feb. 14, several weeks ahead of the previously estimated date.

Sea to Sky Gondola Ride To Reopen Early After Cable Cut By Vandals Last August

B.C. Police Watchdog Investigating Fatal Shooting Of Man By RCMP In Lytton, B.C.

B.C. Police Watchdog Investigating Fatal Shooting Of Man By RCMP In Lytton, B.C.
Lytton RCMP say they got a call about a man in distress at about 8 a.m. on Monday.    

B.C. Police Watchdog Investigating Fatal Shooting Of Man By RCMP In Lytton, B.C.

Promised 25 Per Cent Wireless Rate Cut Is On Top Of Recent Reductions: Navdeep Bains

The federal government is making clear that cuts to wireless rates it expects from mobile service providers must go above and beyond any price reductions already seen since 2016.

Promised 25 Per Cent Wireless Rate Cut Is On Top Of Recent Reductions: Navdeep Bains