When Manitoba attempted to purchase the newly approved ID NOW rapid test for COVID-19 from the manufacturer Abbott, it was told the Government of Canada is blocking the sale of this test directly to provincial governments.
“This is a completely unacceptable action by the federal government,” said Central Services Minister Reg Helwer. “Although the federal government has secured its own supply, it has indicated that it will decide how that supply will be allocated. Provincial governments are the front-line providers of health care in this country and are best able to determine their own needs.”
As a result of the directive, the provincial government is calling on the federal government to reverse its ban on the direct sale of the testing equipment to provinces.
Premier Brian Pallister has written to the prime minister asking that Abbott be allowed to sell the ID NOW rapid test to Manitoba, which will enable the provincial government to make immediate arrangements for the purchase of sufficient testing machines and kits to meet the needs of Manitobans.
© News4.ca 2020
