MP Viersen Questions Liberal Delay on COVID-19 Rapid Testing

September 30, 2020

For immediate release

OTTAWA, ON – Today, Arnold Viersen, MP for Peace River – Westlock, raised concerns over the continued delay of rapid Covid-19 testing options. Yesterday, the federal government announced it had finally signed a deal to buy up to 7.9 million rapid coronavirus tests – which have yet to be approved.

“The global medical community has been clear that easily accessible testing is the key to combating the spread of COVID-19 while helping people live normal lives,” said MP Arnold Viersen. “The Conservative Party has been calling for rapid and easily accessible tests since March. However, Justin Trudeau and his Health Minister have repeatedly failed to fight for access to these vital tools for Canadians.”

“We know rapid and widespread testing is a key tool to get our country back to work and end this pandemic. The utter failure by this government to approve rapid testing and secure supplies has been devastating to our economic recovery. Canadians shouldn’t have to choose between a paycheque and getting tested.

“On behalf of Alberta, I am asking:

• On what date will these rapid tests finally be available?
• How does the government plan to distribute the tests across Canada?
• Why has it taken our country so long to get this done?
• How many schools have had to close because we didn’t have this capability?
• How many hours were lost as working parents had to stand in line for a test?

“As Canadians face more lockdowns, Canada’s Conservatives will continue to stand up for Canadians and fight for a real plan. We are getting results and there is much more to be done.”

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