The federal government has reached an agreement with American company Abbott to buy 7.9 million rapid-test devices once they are approved by Health Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, is pushing back against calls for Ottawa to quickly approve rapid tests for COVID-19, saying the decision is ultimately up to federal scientists. Canada's chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam says rolling out inaccurate COVID-19 tests can lead to further infections if there is a large number of false negatives. Public Procurement Minister Anita Anand says with the numbers of COVID-19 cases r

India's Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu has tested positive for the coronavirus and will home quarantine. His office says in a tweet on Tuesday the 71 year old Naidu is asymptomatic and in good health. His wife, Usha Naidu, has tested negative and is in self-isolation. Naidu recently attended a session of India's Parliament that was cut short after more than 20 lawmakers tested positive. India's Home Minister Amit Shah tested positive last month and recovered in a hospital. India registered 70,589 new cases and 776 more confirmed deaths in the last 24 hours. That pushed the totals to more th

The U.S. State Department has condemned a rocket attack that killed Iraqi civilians and called on the government to take action amid an impending diplomatic crisis between Baghdad and Washington. The attack and subsequent condemnation by State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus on Tuesday come after the U.S. threatened to close its embassy in Baghdad, unless Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi can reign in the armed groups responsible for a barrage of rocket attacks targeting the American presence. A Katyusha rocket struck a residential home in the vicinity of Baghdad airport Monday and kill

A 74 year old woman has been hit and killed by a vehicle on Vancouver's west side, the sixth pedestrian death in the city this year. Police say the unnamed victim was crossing at an intersection in the Point Grey neighbourhood when she was hit by a turning vehicle. The woman was rushed to hospital but could not be saved. The driver of the vehicle stayed at the scene and investigators want to speak to anyone who may have seen the crash or have dashcam video of it.

Former Conservative MP Rob Anders has been charged with tax evasion.The federal prosecution service says Anders is also charged with making misleading statements and for getting a refund or credit than he should not have received.The charges under the Income Tax Act were first reported by the National Post.Anders represented a Calgary riding between 1997 and 2015, and the Post reported the charges are linked to his time in office. He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 30. Anders could not immediately be reached for comment.

BC Liberals leader Andrew Wilkinson was in Campbell River while BC NDP leader John Horgan was in Coquitlam this morning, for their continuing election campaigns.Wilkinson said that promised PST cut would reduce the cost of heavy machinery and in this way, help forestry.Responding to a question on Strathcona Park tent city, Wilkinson said the people shouldn’t feel under siege from street crime and disorder in their community. The situation has gotten worse under NDP and dealing with it is the top priority of any incoming government, Wilkinson said. Responding to a question about protest in St

The federal government is publishing new advice for companies rushing to develop rapid tests for COVID-19 as Ottawa faces growing calls to approve such devices. The calls to approve devices that can provide faster results come as hospitals and public health agencies across Canada are struggling to keep up with the demand for COVID-19 tests. Many, including the Opposition Conservatives, have pointed out such tests already being rolled out in the U.S. and other countries. Dr. Supriya Sharma, chief medical adviser at Health Canada, says the department is making it a top priority to review the ra

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada will commit an additional $400 million in development and humanitarian spending to combat COVID-19. Trudeau says the new money will go to trusted partners that are fighting COVID-19 around the world.Trudeau made the pledge during a videoconference at the United Nations that he co-hosted with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness.It was the second time since the spring the three held a meeting of the UN’s High-Level Event on Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond.Trudeau says Canada will i

Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. says its workers represented by Unifor have voted in favour of a new contract that runs through 2023. The deal, which was announced by Unifor last week, includes a $1.8-billion investment to build electric vehicles at the company's plan in Oakville, Ont. The agreement between Unifor and Ford is expected to set the tone for upcoming contract talks with Fiat Chrysler and General Motors. Ford says the deal will see more flexible work arrangements and a quicker path for new hires advancing up the ranks. It also includes two 2.5 per cent raises and a $7,250 ratif