The Health of Canada, Part IX

UPDATE: below

From the February 2nd National Post (Canada):

Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams will undergo heart surgery later this week in the United States.

Deputy premier Kathy Dunderdale confirmed the treatment at a news conference Tuesday, but would not reveal the location of the operation or how it would be paid for.

"He has gone to a renowned expert in the procedure that he needs to have done," said Ms. Dunderdale, who will become acting premier while Mr. Williams is away for three to 12 weeks.

"In consultation with his own doctors, he's decided to go that route."

Mr. Williams' decision to leave Canada for the surgery has raised eyebrows over his apparent shunning of Canada's health-care system.

"It was never an option offered to him to have this procedure done in this province," said Ms. Dunderdale, refusing to answer whether the procedure could be done elsewhere in Canada.

It's not just access to specialists. Canada's single payer healthcare increases wait times and contributes to a shortage of doctors -- making America Canada's health safety valve. By contrast, asks Critical Condition's Jeffrey Anderson, "When was the last time you heard of an Obamacare-supporting senator, representative, or administration official heading to Canada for a major medical procedure?"

MORE:

Williams explains his decision: "I did not sign away my right to get the best possible health care for myself when I entered politics." In other words, Canadian Provincial Premier confirms U.S. has "best possible health care."