Federal support for testing during COVID-19 included resources and coordination to help provinces and municipalities establish and operate testing sites. Federal contributions included: procurement and distribution of testing supplies and equipment, funding for testing expansion, laboratory coordination through the National Microbiology Laboratory, and guidance on testing protocols. While health care delivery is provincial jurisdiction, the federal government supported provincial and local testing efforts through purchasing power, logistics, and scientific expertise. Many testing sites operated in municipal facilities or with municipal staff support. The experience demonstrated how federal resources can support local health response while highlighting coordination challenges when multiple government levels share responsibility during emergencies. Lessons learned inform planning for future pandemics and other health emergencies requiring rapid deployment of testing or other public health interventions.