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

A Decade of Celebrating Excellence

The 10th Anniversary celebration of DARPAN’s Extraordinary Achievement Awards was an unforgettable night.

A Decade of Celebrating Excellence

Students Supported With Better Access To More Mental Health Programs

A $2-million provincewide investment in school-based student mental health will help ensure kids can access support when they need it and that they feel safe and connected at school.    

Students Supported With Better Access To More Mental Health Programs

Transgender Day of Remembrance: Read Premier John Horgan, Parliamentary Secretary Mitzi Dean's Statement

Transgender Day of Remembrance: Read Premier John Horgan, Parliamentary Secretary  Mitzi Dean's Statement
Premier John Horgan and Mitzi Dean, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, have issued the following statement to mark the Transgender Day of Remembrance:  

Transgender Day of Remembrance: Read Premier John Horgan, Parliamentary Secretary Mitzi Dean's Statement

B.C. Government Appoints MLA To Work With Ottawa On Reducing Cellphone Bills

B.C. Government Appoints MLA To Work With Ottawa On Reducing Cellphone Bills
British Columbians who feel they are being gouged on their cellphone bills will have help with the appointment of a federal lead on telecommunications.

B.C. Government Appoints MLA To Work With Ottawa On Reducing Cellphone Bills

Man, Woman Flee From South Okanagan RCMP, But Police Dog Sniffs Them Out

A 27 year old woman and 29 year old man have been arrested and charged after fleeing in a vehicle from police in Penticton, through Oliver and then on foot east of Osoyoos.    

Man, Woman Flee From South Okanagan RCMP, But Police Dog Sniffs Them Out

West Kelowna RCMP Detachment Commander Joins Order Of Merit - WATCH

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada and chancellor of the Order, presided over the ceremony, joined by the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Brenda Lucki.

West Kelowna RCMP Detachment Commander Joins Order Of Merit - WATCH