Skip to Main content

11.05°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Sep 24, 2020 10:22 PM -

Politicians must not pressure Health Canada to approve rapid COVID-19 tests: Freeland

Share On

politicians-must-not-pressure-health-canada-to-approve-rapid-covid-19-tests-freeland

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

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.

Latest news

surrey-police-seek-witnesses-after-hit-and-run-leaves-pedestrian-critically-injured

Surrey police seek witnesses after hit-and-run leaves pedestrian critically injured

Surrey Police Service is asking for the public’s help to identify witnesses to a late-night hit-and-run that left one pedestrian with life-threatening injuries. According to a Surrey Police Service news release, a vehicle struck two pedestrians at about 11:24 p.m. on March 5 near the intersection of 88 Avenue and Nordel Way. An adult man was taken to hospital in critical condition. The second pedestrian’s condition has not been detailed. Police say that after further investigation, it appears several bystanders witnessed the collision and assisted the victims before first responders arrive

alberta-introduces-bill-26-to-tighten-oversight-of-foreign-worker-recruitment

AlbertaApr 02, 2026

Alberta introduces Bill 26 to tighten oversight of foreign worker recruitment

The Alberta government has introduced Bill 26, the Immigration Oversight Act, aimed at increasing transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers across the province. According to a provincial government announcement, the proposed legislation would require all businesses to register with the province before hiring employees through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The measure is intended to strengthen oversight and ensure employers follow provincial rules when bringing in workers from abroad. The bill also proposes a new licensing system for immigration consultants and recruitment agen

AlbertaApr 02, 2026

RCMP say highway shooting that killed international student not racially motivated, second suspect charged

Alberta RCMP say the fatal highway shooting of a 22-year-old international student from India was not motivated by race, as investigators confirm a second person has been charged in the case. Sgt. John Brown told a news conference Wednesday that the March 14 shooting near Leduc, south of Edmonton, does not appear to be linked to hate, road rage or a gang initiation. Birinder Singh was travelling with two friends toward the Rocky Mountains when a pickup truck driving alongside them made a hand gesture before shots were fired, according to RCMP. Police say a bullet struck Singh in the neck. One

AlbertaApr 02, 2026

Calgary signals end to water restrictions as feeder main repairs completed

Officials in Calgary say the city is on track to lift temporary water restrictions Thursday following the completion of repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, which ruptured in December. According to a City of Calgary update, pumps connected to the feeder main have been turned on and the system is now operational. Restrictions remain in place for now while crews monitor the pipe and overall water system to confirm stability. The city said if monitoring proceeds as expected, residents will no longer be asked to limit household water use, including shortening showers and reducing laundry, di

poilievre-proposes-temporary-federal-gas-tax-holiday-cites-cost-relief-for-drivers

CanadaApr 02, 2026

Poilievre proposes temporary federal gas tax holiday, cites cost relief for drivers

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on the federal government to suspend gas taxes for the remainder of the year, saying the measure would provide immediate cost relief as fuel prices rise. In a press release issued Thursday, Poilievre said eliminating federal fuel taxes could save a family of four about $1,200 over the rest of 2026. He argued the policy would ease financial pressure on households facing higher transportation and food costs. “Canadians deserve affordable fuel and food,” Poilievre said in the release, adding that the proposal would allow seniors, families and wo

Related News

Poilievre proposes temporary federal gas tax holiday, cites cost relief for drivers

Poilievre proposes temporary federal gas tax holiday, cites cost relief for drivers

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on the federal government to suspend gas taxes for the remainder of the year, saying the measure would provide immediate cost relief as fuel prices rise. In a press release issued Thursday, Poilievre said eliminating federal fuel taxes could save a family of four about $1,200 over the rest of 2026. He argued the policy would ease financial pressure on households facing higher transportation and food costs. “Canadians deserve affordable fuel and food,” Poilievre said in the release, adding that the proposal would allow seniors, families and wo

Global attention turns to Artemis II launch, Canadian astronaut among crew

Global attention turns to Artemis II launch, Canadian astronaut among crew

People in Canada and around the world are preparing to watch the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission, which is set to send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, according to NASA mission briefings. The crew includes Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, 50, of London, Ont., who will serve as mission specialist. The Canadian Space Agency says Hansen is expected to become the first non-American astronaut to travel beyond low Earth orbit. Hansen will fly alongside NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch. The mission is part of NASA’s Artemis p

Anand to join U.K.-led talks on Strait of Hormuz as conflict disrupts global oil shipments

Anand to join U.K.-led talks on Strait of Hormuz as conflict disrupts global oil shipments

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is set to join multi-nation talks hosted by the United Kingdom on Thursday aimed at identifying diplomatic options to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade corridor disrupted by the ongoing Iran conflict. Anand said Canada is prepared to support efforts to secure the strait once a ceasefire is in place, though she indicated the federal government has not yet determined what specific measures it would take. According to her office, the discussions will focus on restoring safe passage for commercial shipping amid rising tensions in the region. The c

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital