Tuesday, December 23, 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: India's COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Canada seals deal with Novavax for vaccine, Canucks play GoldenKnights tomorrow

WATCH: India's COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Canada seals deal with Novavax for vaccine, Canucks play GoldenKnights tomorrow
India sees its biggest surge in COVID-19 cases. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces deal with Novavax, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, Care Inspires Care to secure millions of potential COVID-19 vaccines. The Vancouver Canucks are back on the ice tomorrow after a dismal performance against the Vegasgoldenknights over the weekend as NHL playoffs continue.

WATCH: India's COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Canada seals deal with Novavax for vaccine, Canucks play GoldenKnights tomorrow

Eight Greens expected on final leadership ballot

Eight Greens expected on final leadership ballot
Green Party officials said Monday they anticipate eight people will be able to hit Tuesday's deadline to submit another $20,000 and make it onto the ballot for the party's leadership vote in October.

Eight Greens expected on final leadership ballot

Starbucks requires all customers to wear masks as of Sept 14th at all café locations in Canada.

Starbucks requires all customers to wear masks as of Sept 14th at all café locations in Canada.
At select locations where a local government mandate is not in place, customers that may not be wearing a facial covering will have various options to order their Starbucks.

Starbucks requires all customers to wear masks as of Sept 14th at all café locations in Canada.

Man from Surrey arrested after allegedly committing indecent acts in Langley

Man from Surrey arrested after allegedly committing indecent acts in Langley
The male is alleged to have made sexualized remarks and subsequently exposed himself.

Man from Surrey arrested after allegedly committing indecent acts in Langley

B.C. announces shoreline cleanup fund

B.C. announces shoreline cleanup fund
The British Columbia government has announced a fund to clean up the shoreline of the central coast in a bid to create jobs as communities try to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

B.C. announces shoreline cleanup fund

Burnaby RCMP respond to a report of a fight involving a firearm

Burnaby RCMP respond to a report of a fight involving a firearm
Police called for any remaining people in the residence to exit. One man and one woman exited the residence and were also taken into custody.

Burnaby RCMP respond to a report of a fight involving a firearm