Sunday, June 21, 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

Nova Scotia Pond Billed As The 'Cradle Of Hockey' Put Up For Sale

WINDSOR, N.S. - For hockey fans across Canada, the water in Nova Scotia's Long Pond is sacred — especially when it's frozen.    

Nova Scotia Pond Billed As The 'Cradle Of Hockey' Put Up For Sale

Building Code Changes To Help Build More Safe, Affordable Homes

New updates to the B.C. Building and Plumbing Code (B.C. Building Code) support innovative construction methods to help build more affordable homes faster, while enhancing building standards for energy efficiency and safety for British Columbians.    

Building Code Changes To Help Build More Safe, Affordable Homes

British Columbians Urged To Prepare For Winter Storms

British Columbians Urged To Prepare For Winter Storms
As winter weather rolls in provincewide, British Columbians need to prepare for slick streets, freezing temperatures and power outages so they can stay safe and warm.    

British Columbians Urged To Prepare For Winter Storms

UPDATE: Surrey Police Response To Youth Criminal Activity In Newton

Police have been actively engaged in this issue since March, investigating 50 individuals connected to these groups, and working with business and property managers to improve area safety.

UPDATE: Surrey Police Response To Youth Criminal Activity In Newton

Anti-Racism Network Launches To Build Safer Communities For People

Communities throughout British Columbia will be safer and more inclusive for people with the launch of the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network.

Anti-Racism Network Launches To Build Safer Communities For People

Vancouver Empty Homes Tax Nets Another $39M As Number Of Vacant Properties Drop, City Says

Since the City’s Empty Homes Tax (EHT) was launched in 2016, the program has created $39.7 million in net revenue to fund affordable housing initiatives across the city. There has also been an increase in occupied properties and a decrease in vacant properties.

Vancouver Empty Homes Tax Nets Another $39M As Number Of Vacant Properties Drop, City Says