Why is Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams Having Heart Surgery in the U.S.?

Isn't the answer obvious? And of course, this should be a huge story in the press, but so far it's mostly Canadian outlets covering it. But see Pirate's Cove, "Hey, Mr. Canadian Premier, Where Do You Go For Heart Surgery? USA, USA!" And also, the National Post, "N.L. Premier Williams Set to Have Heart Surgery in U.S" (via Memeorandum):

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.

Reports indicate that Williams could have surgery elsewhere in Canada, and without a wait time. But clearly, the fact that he's choosing to fly to the U.S. indicates just that: choice. I'll have to check with some Canadian blogging buddies, but it's a huge extra expense of time, money, and worry for someone in Newfoundland to be required to travel to another province to have such surgery done. The premier's decision to travel to the U.S. is a massive repudiation of the Canadian system. We do have some Canadians blogging this already: See Ezra Levant, "Danny Williams Flies to U.S. Health Clinics, Just Like Jean Chretien Did," and Kate at Small Dead Animals gets right to the point: "It should be a Criminal Code offence for any sitting member of parliament or provincial MLA to leave Canada for medical treatment." (Hat Tip: Ed Morrissey.)

Photo Credit: CTV Calgary. The Newfoundland provincial government page is here.