[Joe Friday]

A whole lot of Canadians think their system of healthcare is just fine, which isn't surprising because, in sum, their "state of health" indicators are higher than ours. In the Old Testament, "god" instituted a little thing every fifty years called "the Jubilee." The Israelites never honored it. Wonder why "god" dreamed it up in the first place? Those who "won't work" pretty much have health insurance. I'm talking about the working poor, the squeezed middle, the ones who my friend who is a pharmacist says, "really are the screwed over ones."

Canadian official seeks heart surgery in US
© 2010 The Associated Press
Feb. 2, 2010, 2:03PM

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland — The premier of Canada's east coast province is undergoing heart surgery in the United States this week because the treatment he is seeking was not available in his home province.

The announcement about of Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams' plans has triggered a debate since Canada prides itself on its universal health care system.

Kathy Dunderdale, the province's deputy premier who is taking over in his absence, said Tuesday that Williams decided to go to the U.S. for surgery after weeks of consultation with his doctors. She did not say where in the U.S. he would seek care.

Dunderdale says having the surgery done in the province was never an option. But she wouldn't comment on whether the type of surgery Williams was having was available elsewhere in Canada.

In Newfoundland, opposition Liberal Leader Yvonne Jones offered Williams her wishes for his full recovery. But she said he owes the public more of an explanation about exactly what procedure he needs and why he felt it necessary to go to the U.S.

Williams, 60, is an independently wealthy former lawyer and businessman who donates his premier's salary to charity.

He will take from three to 12 weeks to recover and will speak publicly about his condition once he is well enough to do so, Dunderdale said.

"Ultimately we have to be the gatekeepers of our own health," Dunderdale said.



Apparently this Canadian prefers our healthcare system. :wenumber1
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