"This is my heart, it's my health, it's my choice", said Newfoundland's Premier Danny Williams, over the speculations that have crept up in the nation after he had decided to undergo a heart surgery in Florida.

He explained that the mitral valve surgery is not available in Newfoundland.

"It's his body, it's his money, hopefully, but don't tell us the operation cannot be done here. It can be done", said Arvind Koshal, Director of Cardiac Surgery at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute in Edmonton.

He further said that the best mitral valve surgeons are available there in Toronto and Montreal.

Mr. William's decision has initiated a debate on private versus public health care.

Another heart surgery pioneer in Ottawa, Wilbert Keon, has claimed that the emergency surgery can easily be conducted in Ottawa within hours.

Mr. Williams went in for the surgery on February 4th.