Monday, July 6, 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

Prince Andrew Arrives In Halifax For Brief, Private Working Visit

HALIFAX — Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, arrived in Halifax on Thursday for a brief, low-key visit.    

Prince Andrew Arrives In Halifax For Brief, Private Working Visit

Some New Air Passenger Rights Land Mid-July, Others Delayed Until Christmas

Transport Minister Marc Garneau unveiled the details Friday morning, saying the rules and timelines aim to strike a balance between being fair to passengers and to air carriers.

Some New Air Passenger Rights Land Mid-July, Others Delayed Until Christmas

Cross-Canada Corridor Concept Getting Dusted Off Ahead Of Election

Cross-Canada Corridor Concept Getting Dusted Off Ahead Of Election
OTTAWA — The notion of a pan-Canadian corridor dedicated to rail, power lines and pipelines has been around for at least half a century but it looks like it's about to get a big publicity boost.

Cross-Canada Corridor Concept Getting Dusted Off Ahead Of Election

Supreme Court Orders New Trial For Manslaughter In Cindy Gladue's Death

Supreme Court Orders New Trial For Manslaughter In Cindy Gladue's Death
OTTAWA — Ontario trucker Bradley Barton should be retried for manslaughter, but not murder, in the case of Cindy Gladue, who bled to death in the bathroom of his Edmonton motel room, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled.    

Supreme Court Orders New Trial For Manslaughter In Cindy Gladue's Death

Fire Near High Level Grows, But Spreading Away From Northwestern Alberta Town

Fire Near High Level Grows, But Spreading Away From Northwestern Alberta Town
HIGH LEVEL, Alta. — Provincial fire officials say a blaze burning near High Level continues to spread, but has not advanced toward the northwestern Alberta town.

Fire Near High Level Grows, But Spreading Away From Northwestern Alberta Town

Saskatchewan's Highest Court Denies University's Appeal In Swimming Accident

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal has rejected a bid by the University of Regina to overturn a jury's verdict that found the school liable after a teen was paralyzed diving into the university's pool.    

Saskatchewan's Highest Court Denies University's Appeal In Swimming Accident