Monday, June 22, 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

More Canadians Plan To Attend Remembrance Day Ceremonies This Year: Poll

A new survey suggests more Canadians are planning to mark Remembrance Day this year, perhaps in a salute to the few remaining veterans of the Second World War.

More Canadians Plan To Attend Remembrance Day Ceremonies This Year: Poll

Vancouver Transit Dispute Ramps Up As Premier John Horgan Warns Against Lengthy Disruption

British Columbia Premier John Horgan has put union and management in the Metro Vancouver transit dispute on notice that he will not allow disruptions in service to go on much longer.

Vancouver Transit Dispute Ramps Up As Premier John Horgan Warns Against Lengthy Disruption

Ontario's Memorial To Veterans Of Afghanistan War Ready For Next Remembrance Day

A memorial to honour veterans of the war in Afghanistan that is being built on the grounds of the Ontario legislature will include a stone from an Inukshuk that stood at Kandahar Airfield as a tribute to fallen soldiers.

Ontario's Memorial To Veterans Of Afghanistan War Ready For Next Remembrance Day

Alberta Alters Rules On Oil Production Limits To Spur More Conventional Drilling

Alberta Alters Rules On Oil Production Limits To Spur More Conventional Drilling
Alberta's energy minister says the government is adjusting its rules on oil production limits to give producers incentive to drill more conventional wells.

Alberta Alters Rules On Oil Production Limits To Spur More Conventional Drilling

Kevin O'Leary Legal Challenge Of Leadership Finance Rules Set For April

Celebrity businessman and former Conservative leadership contender Kevin O'Leary has an April court date to challenge the constitutionality of campaign finance law.

Kevin O'Leary Legal Challenge Of Leadership Finance Rules Set For April

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister Says Canada Can Unite On Climate Action If Partisan Politics Set Aside

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister says the fight against climate change can unite this country even as it currently is fuelling talk of Alberta separation.

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister Says Canada Can Unite On Climate Action If Partisan Politics Set Aside