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Premier Williams Newfoundland & Labrador: Heart Surgery In U.S.

by Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke | February 2, 2010 at 03:34 am

1324 views | 30 Recommendations | 8 comments

Heart Surgery in the United States for a Canadian Premier

A report is emerging this morning, that confirms that Premier Danny Williams has gone to the United States for Heart Surgery.

Danny Williams, 60, until recently, had no outward signs of any health problems. Williams played pick up hockey at least once a week.

The State of Canadian Health Care and Canada's Elite

Danny Williams, a Conservative, is probably the most popular politician in Canada. He is flamboyant and has been fiesty with both Liberal and Conservative federal governments. On one occasion he even ordered the lowering of Canada's national flag on provincial buildings in Newfoundland over an offshore oil revenue dispute.

While his condition is not known, it is hard to make a judgment why the self-made millionaire would be heading south of the border to get this medical procedure. A newsconference was held at 9:30 am Newfoundland time by the Deputy Premier of Newfoundland. Very little detail of Premier Williams' condition was given. according to the Deputy Premier, Williams had been consulting with his doctors and was not offered any other options other than to do the procedure outside of Newfoundland. His recovery is expected to take three to twelve weeks.

Needless to say, the blogs are alive this morning. Some wishing him well and calling him the rock of Newfoundland and others telling the Canadian public to put their fingers in their ears and repeat "The Canadian Health Care System is the Best in the World".

Canada's elite, while part of our healthcare system, has been seeking treatment in the U.S. for decades. Danny Williams is only doing what has been common practice in the past.

Speedy Recovery

Whatever the procedure and condition, we wish Danny Williams a speedy recovery. He is a fresh breath of air in our normal boring political scene.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams is undergoing heart surgery later this week in the United States, in an apparent snub of Canadian health care.

Sources told the Globe and Mail late Monday that the premier is heading to an undisclosed location in the U.S., but gave no other details.

Earlier in the day, a spokesperson for Williams would only tell NTV News that the premier had left the province.

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Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 05:46 on February 2nd, 2010

Thank you for commenting and recommeding jazzy:). Yes we never know.

Mary Richard

at 06:49 on February 2nd, 2010

At first glance, it seems like he doesn't trust the Canadian Health Care System, doesn't it? Actually the procedure isn't available in that province. At least he's doing it on his own dime, this colorful premier doesn't even draw a salary.

The option of surgery in the United States was chosen after weeks of consultation with his doctors, and because the particular procedure isn’t available in the province.

A lot of intense treatments aren't available there, patients are often flown outside for treatment, usually Toronto, on the taxpayers buck. I've been there myself visiting when my sister had to return to Toronto for immediate surgery. So it's also not necessarily about wait times in Canada either.

But it a fact that a lot of doctors don't want to work there, they make less money than outside the province or in the US. Canada loses a lot of good doctors and nurses to the US because of money. Most eventually return because they can't handle the way their system works - the picking and choosing based on insurance and not the necessity of the treatment.

Steven Ronson (not verified)

at 19:35 on February 3rd, 2010

Funny, on the news an official from Newfoundland states that even they don't know what procedure is taking place, yet all procedures are available in his area / nearby

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 07:03 on February 2nd, 2010

Thanks for your comments Blue Crush. Newfoundland can be proud of its ambassadors. The likes of Danny Williams, Rick Mercer, General Rick Hillier and many many more. I knew that Williams is Premier without taking a salary.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 09:06 on February 2nd, 2010

Roy not withstanding whether or not those statistics exist, many in this country are saying even though the Premier has the right to get his medical treatment wherever he wishes, it sends the wrong message about our health care system both in Nfld and the rest of Canada, when a public official goes south of the border.

I will reserve judgment though, until I know what procedure he is getting and when he makes a statement as to why he chose to go to the US.

Joanie Bruce (not verified)

at 09:22 on February 2nd, 2010

I wish the premier well. How would we feel if it was our husband, brother, son or good friend about to undergo heart surgery. He may be our premier, but isn't he a human being first?

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 09:36 on February 2nd, 2010

Joanie you're absolutely right.

Barbara McPherson

at 10:42 on February 2nd, 2010

If you can pay for the best medical care in the world, go for it. The US has superb medical facilities for those that can. If you have a heart condition and can't pay in Canada you will get the best care that can be provided here.