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CANADIAN OFFICIAL GOES TO USA FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT: DOESN'T HE TRUST THE CANADIAN NATIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM?
02-05-2010 4:05 pm - Kenyon Wallace - National Post
ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -- 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.

Ms. Dunderdale wouldn't say where in the U.S. Mr. Williams is seeking
treatment.

A popular Progressive Conservative premier, Mr. Williams has also seen
his share of controversy. During the 2008 federal election, Mr. Williams
vehemently opposed the Conservative government, launching his "Anything
But Conservative" -- which has been credited with keeping the Tories
from winning any seats in the province.

He's also drawn criticism for his support of the seal hunt.


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