"Political interference directing the PHAC to change its manner of health briefings, to take into account the fact of the 44th general election, requires an immediate investigation," Barrett wrote to Janice Charette, interim clerk of the Privy Council.

"Such conduct clearly violates the Caretaker Convention, and importantly, is interfering in a crucial public health function in the midst of a pandemic. Further, it was wrong for Justin Trudeau to presume that he can supplant the PHAC as the source for 'health briefings' as he campaigns as a partisan during the election."

The agency has not yet responded to a request for comment on the letter but in a statement Wednesday, it said Dr. Theresa Tam will keep updating Canadians, but will do so through weekly statements rather than briefings.

"As Dr. Tam notes in her statement issued this morning "with reduced reporting over the weekends and national indicator data being collated over the week, I will release my statements each Friday over the coming weeks," the agency wrote. "Should there be a need for press briefings, they will be arranged as required."

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said he has concerns about the decision to stop the briefings and would like to see them resume.

"With kids going back to school, summer ending and COVID cases on the rise, people across Canada are understandably concerned and are looking for the best information they can get," Singh said in a statement.

"The Public Health Agency of Canada is in a unique position to provide that information in a non-partisan and non-political way. These briefings are as important now as they've ever been."

https://ca.yahoo.com/news/conservatives-call-investigation-halt-covid-222208458.html