Thursday, June 25, 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

Surrey Family Pleads For Information 1 Year After Mother Struck And Killed In Wheelchair

Surrey RCMP’s Criminal Collision Investigation is continuing to investigate a hit and run collision that claimed the life of Sharon Mitchell, and are joined by her bereaved family in a renewed public appeal for information.  

Surrey Family Pleads For Information 1 Year After Mother Struck And Killed In Wheelchair

Coquitlam RCMP Looking For Missing 25-Year-Old Man Michael Segers

The Coquitlam RCMP is asking for your help in the search for Michael Segers.    

Coquitlam RCMP Looking For Missing 25-Year-Old Man Michael Segers

Crown Says Boyle, Accused Of Assault, Made Up Self-serving Nude Protest Story

Boyle, 36, has pleaded not guilty to several offences against Coleman including assault, sexual assault and unlawful confinement in the period of October to December 2017 in Ottawa.

Crown Says Boyle, Accused Of Assault, Made Up Self-serving Nude Protest Story

Humboldt Broncos Families Upset By Alberta Trucking Regulation Review

EDMONTON - Several families affected by the deadly Humboldt Broncos hockey bus crash say they are upset by an Alberta review of trucking regulations.    

Humboldt Broncos Families Upset By Alberta Trucking Regulation Review

Quebec Premier Apologizes To First Nations, Inuit For Discrimination

Quebec Premier Francois Legault has apologized to First Nations and Inuit peoples for long-standing discrimination in their dealings with the province.    

Quebec Premier Apologizes To First Nations, Inuit For Discrimination

Stop Using Kids For Political Gain, Ontario Minister Tells Trudeau

Stop Using Kids For Political Gain, Ontario Minister Tells Trudeau
TORONTO - Ontario's education minister says Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau should put the interests of children in the province ahead of his own political self-interest.

Stop Using Kids For Political Gain, Ontario Minister Tells Trudeau