October 26, 2020 – Brampton

The Government of Canada is protecting the health and safety of all Canadians while moving quickly to have access to a safe and sustainable economic recovery. This includes taking steps so Canadians can quickly and easily access COVID-19 testing.

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, have announced that Canada has now received hundreds of thousands of the Abbott Panbio rapid tests, which are currently being distributed across the country. Two trucks of the other Abbott rapid test – ID NOW – have also arrived in Ontario, with more coming soon.

The Government of Canada has signed agreements with Abbott Rapid Diagnostics to purchase up to 20.5 million Panbio COVID-19 Antigen rapid tests, and up to 7.9 million ID NOW rapid point-of-care tests.

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“I’m thrilled that we have already received hundreds of thousands of rapid tests that will help keep Canadians safe. Our Government is continuing to increase Canada's testing capacity by securing the supplies that we need. We will always make sure that our provinces and territories have access to the most effective and efficient testing solutions.” — Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South