16.63°C Vancouver

Sep 29, 2020 10:26 PM -

Federal government strikes agreement with Abbott to buy 7.9 million rapid-test devices

Share On
federal-government-stikes-agreement-with-abbott-to-buy-7-9-million-rapid-test-devices
People wait in line for hours at a COVID assessment centre at Mount Sinai Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

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 rising, now more than every, each and every one of us must redouble our efforts to stop the spread.

She says testing and tracing are key to keep community spread at a minimum.

Latest news

canadian-economy-rebounds-with-0-5-gdp-growth-in-april-statistics-canada-says
CanadaJun 30, 2026

Canadian economy rebounds with 0.5% GDP growth in April, Statistics Canada says

Canada's economy posted stronger-than-expected growth in April, with real gross domestic product increasing by 0.5 per cent, according to new data released by Statistics Canada. The gain marks the fastest monthly expansion since July 2025 and follows a modest slowdown during the first quarter of 2026. Statistics Canada said the increase was led by the oil and gas sector, while manufacturing, construction, transportation and warehousing industries also recorded broad-based gains. The construction sector grew by 0.7 per cent after five consecutive months of declines. The agency also reported imp
AlbertaJun 30, 2026

Teen girl dies following single-vehicle crash in Calgary

A 17-year-old girl has died following a vehicle crash in Calgary last week, according to police. Calgary police said the crash occurred early Wednesday morning. Investigators believe the teen's vehicle struck a parked GMC Savana. Police have not released the identity of the victim. Investigators said speed is being examined as a possible factor in the collision. The death remains under investigation, and police have not announced whether any charges are being considered.
AlbertaJun 30, 2026

Wildfire smoke expected to keep air quality poor across parts of northern Alberta and Saskatchewan

Environment Canada says air quality across much of northern Alberta and Saskatchewan is expected to remain poor through mid-week because of wildfire smoke. The agency said smoke from ongoing wildfires is affecting air quality and visibility in several communities. Officials are advising residents to limit time outdoors and keep windows and doors closed as much as possible to reduce exposure to smoke. People who must spend extended periods outside are encouraged to consider wearing a well-fitting respirator mask, such as an N95, which can help reduce exposure to fine particles in wildfire smoke
CanadaJun 30, 2026

Canada to face Morocco in FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on July 4

Canada will face Morocco in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup after the North African side defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout on Monday to advance to the knockout stage. The match, played in Mexico, ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time before Morocco secured a 3-2 victory in the penalty shootout. The meeting marks the second consecutive World Cup in which Canada and Morocco have faced each other. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Morocco defeated Canada 2-1 in the final group-stage match before advancing to the semifinals in a historic run. Morocco, currently ranked sev
canada-makes-history-becomes-first-team-to-reach-fifa-world-cup-2026-round-of-16
CanadaJun 29, 2026

Canada Makes History, Becomes First Team to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16

Canada's national football team has made history by becoming the first team to reach the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026. In their final group-stage match on Sunday, Canada defeated a strong South African side 1-0 to book their place in the knockout stage.It is the first time that Canada has won a knockout match at the FIFA World Cup. The Canadian team will now face the winner of the Netherlands vs. Morocco match in the pre-quarterfinal on July 4.The thrilling contest at Los Angeles Stadium remained goalless after the regulation 90 minutes, with both teams unable to find the back of the

Related News