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.
Mr. Williams, 59, has said nothing of his health in the media.
“The premier has made a commitment that once he’s through this procedure and he’s well enough, he’s going to talk about the whole process and share as much detail with you as he’s comfortable to do at that time,” she said.
This is a politician. What chance do you think the common Canadian has? This should be a lesson. Fix it, don't socialize it. Quality will suffer!
Just a follow up on this. The Premier had his operation in Florida. Here is his explanation. He had been told that his heart would probably give out within 4 months. The first opening for surgery would be in 9 months. (WOW, must suck to be Canadian and under that health care system if your really sick). As a politician however, he could jump to the front of the line (whoops! must suck to be Canadian and under that system if your really sick and not a politician) but he didn't feel that was fair. Honesty! Fair play! Not sure he is really a politician. After our politicians destroy our heathcare system, I wonder if they will push their way to the front of the line or fly to India? At our expense of course.
