Canada’s socialized health care system has been held up as a model for the United States and President Obama’s own plan.  Pushers of Obamacare insist that the Canadian system and those of European nations are ones which the U.S. should emulate.

This is of course baffling considering we have better cancer survival rates, better access to treatment and preventitive cancer screening, spend less time waiting for treatment, and in general Americans are happier with their health care than Canadians. 

But, let’s just assume that Canada’s health care system is so much better than ours.  Why then would Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams be coming to the U.S. later this week for heart surgery?  Something to think about. 

From the National Post:

N.L. Premier Williams set to have heart surgery in U.S.

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

Mr. Williams, 59, has said nothing of his health in the media. The premier’s press secretary confirmed the report Monday evening.

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.

Ms. Dunderdale will become acting premier while Williams is away. He is expected to be away from four to six weeks.

For many, the Premier’s need for heart surgery comes as a surprise, especially in light of the fact he is an avid hockey player and has shown no outward signs of illness as of late.

On Friday, Mr. Williams met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and while speaking to reporters seemed healthy and in good spirits.

A decision to leave Canada for the surgery, especially if it is available here, raises questions about the Premier’s confidence in Newfoundland’s health care system.