Thursday, July 9, 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

Woman Dies After Falling From Sixth-Floor Balcony In Old Montreal

Woman Dies After Falling From Sixth-Floor Balcony In Old Montreal
MONTREAL — A 36-year-old woman has died after falling from a sixth-floor balcony in Old Montreal.

Woman Dies After Falling From Sixth-Floor Balcony In Old Montreal

Moose On The Loose Leads Royal Newfoundland Constabulary To Stolen Vehicle

Moose On The Loose Leads Royal Newfoundland Constabulary To Stolen Vehicle
ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Police in St. John's, N.L. were tracking a moose that was wandering around the city when the animal led them to a surprising find — a stolen vehicle.    

Moose On The Loose Leads Royal Newfoundland Constabulary To Stolen Vehicle

Snowy Conditions Expected In Southern BC Mountain Passes: Environment Canada

Snowy Conditions Expected In Southern BC Mountain Passes: Environment Canada
VANCOUVER — Environment Canada is warning of potentially hazardous driving conditions in parts of B.C. as a spring snow falls over southern mountain passes.

Snowy Conditions Expected In Southern BC Mountain Passes: Environment Canada

Fresh Flour Mills Cater To Consumers Seeking Whole, Traceable Baking Ingredients

In a small warehouse near the southern edge of Vancouver, a man scoops freshly milled flour into brown paper bags stamped "Flourist" that will soon ship out to customers hungry for fresh, additive-free baked goods.

Fresh Flour Mills Cater To Consumers Seeking Whole, Traceable Baking Ingredients

B.C. Overdose Prevention Sites Should Be Template For Others: Report

B.C. Overdose Prevention Sites Should Be Template For Others: Report
 It was a day Heather Hobbs recalls vividly: the staff at AIDS Vancouver Island had pulled another overdose victim from the washroom, his body was blue from a lack of oxygen.

B.C. Overdose Prevention Sites Should Be Template For Others: Report

Trudeau Walks In Vaisakhi Parade After Government Removes Reference To Sikh Extremism

VANCOUVER — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau touted the strength and contributions of Canada's Sikh community as he celebrated the religion's holy day of Vaisakhi in Vancouver.

Trudeau Walks In Vaisakhi Parade After Government Removes Reference To Sikh Extremism