Stronach went to U.S. for cancer treatment: report

Liberal MP Belinda Stronach, who is battling breast cancer, travelled to California last June for an operation that was recommended as part of her treatment, says a report.

Stronach's spokesman, Greg MacEachern, told the Toronto Star that the MP for Newmarket-Aurora had a "later-stage" operation in the U.S. after a Toronto doctor referred her.

"Belinda had one of her later-stage operations in California, after referral from her personal physicians in Toronto. Prior to this, Belinda had surgery and treatment in Toronto, and continues to receive follow-up treatment there," said MacEachern.

He said speed was not the reason why she went to California.

Instead, MacEachern said the decision was made because the U.S. hospital was the best place to have it done due to the type of surgery required.

Stronach was diagnosed last spring with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The cancer is one of the more treatable forms but Stronach still required a mastectomy -- which was done in Toronto -- and breast reconstruction.

Stronach, who announced last April she would be leaving politics before the next election, paid for the surgery in the U.S., reports the Star.

"As we said back in June when we confirmed the surgery, this is a personal and private matter between Belinda, her family and her physicians. I think you'll understand that because of respect for Belinda's privacy, we refrained from offering specific details around her medical treatment," said MacEachern.

While it is rare for MPs to seek treatment outside Canada, MacEachern said Stronach was not lacking confidence in the system.

"In fact, Belinda thinks very highly of the Canadian health-care system, and uses it when needed for herself and her children, as do all Canadians. As well, her family has clearly demonstrated that support," MacEachern told the Star.

MacEachern did not offer any other details regarding what type of surgery Stronach had or what she paid for it.

Comments are now closed for this story

Craig
said

I think that if Belinda can get better treatment elsewhere she should go and get it done. If it is going to save her life so that she can be there for her children then so be it. We (the tax payers) are not paying for the treatment then I don't see the problem. She is not the only person that has gone to the U.S. to have treatment and I don't see anyone else being raked over the coals about it. I wish her well and a speedy recovery.

Mike van Lammeren
said

Belinda Stronach is extremely wealthy. She can travel wherever she wants and can buy whatever she wants. She can fly to Rome for lunch and Paris for supper every day of the week, if she wants. And she can fly to California and pay for medical services, if she wants.

What she can no longer do is prevent the rest of us, the little people, from paying for medical services at home, if that's what we want.

Lart from Above
said

It's not financially efficient for every health-care function to be performed in every jurisdiction. Americans come to Canada all the time for procedures where Canada has excess or special capacity. If it's cheaper for Canada to fly one citizen to California than to build a whole operating theatre in Toronto for a new or rare treatment, then we should do what's best for taxpayers and patients. The government is responsible for ensuring health care is provided, not for deciding where each procedure should be performed.

Richard Etienne
said

Paul writes: "...in the state, you don't even get a basic treatment." If he means "in the States," he's wrong. One reason insurance costs so much is that nobody can be turned away for health care whether they can pay or not, so Americans with insurance pick up the tab for those who don't have any - illegals, people using the emergency room as primary care, etc.

Then he writes: "Canadian system is pretty good for the amount of taxes we pay." I couldn't disagree more. I had to take my father to Cleveland for a hip replacement because he couldn't get it done here after 14 months of waiting. I had to go to the States to get a bone rebroken and reset after our system screwed it up and told me it'd be months to get it fixed. I have paid into the system for years, and it's never there when I need it.

Lastly, he writes: "I personally think taxes for people who makes over $200,000 should be increased. Some may say discourage them to work harder - look at other way, it'll give opportunity to people who makes less to 'part' of the high income earner's job." I make over $200,000 but I also work 70 hours a week. I don't think people who make less are entitled to my money, and if my taxes were to increase I'd go back to a 35-hour work week and make a lot less. It just isn't worth it.

F Dhanani
said

Belinda Stronach has a medical condition and she has done what she requires to have it treated. As it is a personal matter let us leave her alone to recover. May God bless you and be beside you during your illness!

Jake Smith
said

I live in Saskatchewan where you can wait six months for a catscan to figure out what's ailing you - or you can go to Alberta or North Dakota and pay a couple of hundred bucks and get one tomorrow... I suspect even the most ardent single tier health system purist would pay the cash and get the job done quick. This moves the poor fool who has no money up in the waiting line.

Ralph
said

SO? What if she does go to the States? I had cancer and I too am "cured" but still have to go for minor surgery every 3 to 6 months! Luckily I had a good surgeon in TO. But now living in Northern Ontario it really is a problem. NO family Doctor, (had one but he left town)and now have to Greyhound for over two hours for a 5 minute session! Not that I could pay for medical service, but if you have the money, why not!

Jeff D
said

Paul - you missed the whole point!

If my money is good in the US, why isn't it good in Canada? Hopefully one day the Liberals and NDP will get off the soap box and Canadians will have the opportunity to spend their after tax dollars on whatever they choose to - including additional health care, if that's what we want to do!

Manual
said

I see a lot of people on here arguing that we should leave Ms. Stronach alone, and that what she chooses to do with her own money is her own business. I agree 100% - however ordainary Canadians cannot afford to travel to the United states for faster, better hospital care and our current government-run health care monopoly denies Canadians the right to access private medical services which could possibly save their lives. We should not condemn her for looking after her health - we should condemn her for towing her party's line that no Canadian should have the right to look after their own health care, with their own money, while doing just that. Let all Canadians have the right to look after their health as they see fit.

ann
said

It just shows you that the rich can afford to go elsewhere for treatment. My aunt who also has cancer had to wait months to get an MRI in Canada and has a very bad case of cancer.

Brian
said

I more than likely have skin cancer, but my appointment with a specialist is 6 months from now.

That's the status of our health system, universally avaivable to none, except for dishonest, wealthy Liberal politicians.

Brian
said

Although I personally wish her well, as a Liberal, I think she should be hammered.

How many elections have we had to endure with Liberal fearmongering about two tier health care? I just wish the Canadian electorate would wake up and see the hypocracy in the Liberal party position and get real. Two tier health care is here and always will be.

KP
said

Typical move by Belinda. What an example she is setting for the rest of the country. I have the money I can pay for better, faster health care so too bad for you poor Canadians. It is all about "ME" with her.

chk
said

Belinda Stronach: The new face of the two- tiered health care system. I'm all for the two-tiered health care system - I've seen it work in Minnesota. However, as a "politician" you'd think she'd be more mindful and supportive of the health care system her party promotes. Did she also check out the homecare and palliative programs while in California? Heaven forbid she should have to endure the same delays and waiting lists that other Canadians with cancer have to put up with. Lead by example Belinda!

Phil
said

Professionals who receive their education in Canada and then go off to greener pastures are a drag on our system. Doctors (especially) and other professionals should be required to pay FULL (not government-subsidized) tuition for all of their post-secondary studies unless they sign a contract to stay in Canada for at least 10 years.

Dan
said

I am all for private health care inside Canada. I'm just outraged at the naked hypocrisy of this ex-politician who preached against "two-tier" embracing it when the chips are down.

Private health care in Canada now!

Mary-Anne Brabander
said

As a 30 year breast cancer survivor, I am appalled at the public airing of this woman's trauma! Leave her alone! The public purse did not pay for her treatment, and we have no right to intrude in her personal battle.

Paul
said

People are commenting 'if I had money'. Well, if you do not have money in the state, you don't even get a basic treatment.
Those people who aren't covered with insurance, there is no triple bypass surgery without money. Never hear of "Yes, $100,000 US$ please." How many of the readers know people who only has provincial health care coverage? I know many. Imagine if it were private health care only system...these people would be doomed.
What if your kids just graduated living away from you, who is not under your employer coverage, require hospital stay. You'll be selling off your RRSP, borrowing money, etc. Canadian system is pretty good for the amount of taxes we pay. I personally think taxes for people who makes over $200,000 should be increased. Some may say discourage them to work harder - look at other way, it'll give opportunity to people who makes less to 'part' of the high income earner's job.

Vince M.
said

This, in the end, is not a story about Belinda. it is a story about hypocrisy of the Liberals. The hypocrisy of (when some political gain can be made of it) defending a health system that doesn't work then going elsewhere when the chips are down.

I wish you well Belinda, but it would be nice to be able to wish the same to all the other cancer sufferers that can't afford to go to the US for treatment.

No matter how it is worded we are saddled with a system YOU think is good enough for the rest of us, just not good enough for you.

Steven Booth
said

Most comments are spot-on - but one fact has been overlooked. Like Belinda, I too get my vital health care across the border. In doing so, we Canadians are contributing over a billion dollars (if not much more!) to the US economy that should have been spent here if we had choices denied us by the do-gooders. Not just for the medical treatments themselves, but the hotels, food tabs and other expenses needed to obtain our rightful and timely health care - denied us on this side of the border.

Sara Landriault
said

This has nothing to do with her, it has to do with our sucky medical system. If Canada was good enough she would have stayed here. This is just more proof that the health system needs work.

I am with Belinda on this I would have gone too. Mind you I don't agree with a lot of what Belinda says in politics but in this case more power to her.

Roch
said

Naturally everyone wishes Belinda good health, however this does point out the wealthy in Canada get better health care, a result of substandard obsolete obese medicare system which needs to be scrapped.

Canadians should not be forced to travel to U.S. to receive treatment.

KK
said

Jim, you are right. The irony and hypocrisy are the real issues in this story. Everyone wishes Belinda a fast and speedy recovery, just as everyone wishes all Canadians could have the same access to the quality of medical care and treatment she received. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Doug T
said

If you were in her position, you would have done the exact same thing.
I support common sense.

Mike
said

She is just one of many politicians who whine about private medical care then when they are in need - guess what - there they go. Another Liberal MP caught living a double standard. There is nothing wrong with private medical care as long as they stop bashing it and being hypocritical about it.

Rob
said

It's sort of been alluded to.. but I hope everyone reading this story realizes that in fact, *gasp*, we DO have a two-tiered health care system.. we have public care in Canada, and for those with LOTS of cash, we have private care in the U.S., which is quicker, and in many cases, better.

D.D.
said

SO WHAT!! I would too if I had to.

Marty
said

Am I missing something here??? No where in the article does it say that people are questioning her for going to the States. Relax people.

Craig
said

Leave her alone! Belinda did what she needed to do to survive. I am sure no one who reads this article can say they would not have done the same thing if the resources were available. I am happy to hear she is getting better. Good luck!

Sean
said

I'm no big fan of Belinda, but I would hope that the political "leaders" in this country will spare us all the grief of having this blown up into some stupid "scandal." She was referred by her doctor, she agreed and is now doing what she needs to do here in Canada. Let her rest and get better. In the meantime, the rest of the political gaggle in Ottawa should get to work and deal with IMPORTANT issues of the nation.

Rick
said

I think she should have gotten all her treatment in the U.S. In fact I think anyone who can afford to go elsewhere for health treatment should do it and free up the much needed healthcare dollars, doctors, surgical rooms, recovery rooms, etc. for every one else who is not so fortunate.

Kim
said

While living in the USA several years ago I found a lump in my breast. I went to the doctor the next day, she had me in for a ultrasound and mam the very next day. We are now living in Canada again, this time my doctor here found a lump, she sent me to a specialist ( 10 1/2 weeks it took), still haven't had a mam. This Canadian system is scary, and needs to be fixed! I too if I had the money would seek treatment in the USA.

David F.
said

9,000 Canadian-trained doctors in the US. Why should we be surprised if some of the patients head there too? It's time for the Liberal Party to acknowledge the gorilla at the dinner table and work with the Conservatives in a non-partisan way to start thinking about fundamental changes to our health care system. This means either raising taxes to Scandinavian levels, or openly allowing privatization instead of operating in the shadows and slowly cutting services one a a time. Let the NDP scream about zero compromise on socialized medicine, time for the mainstream parties to get a grip on this.

jim
said

Sure she should get her treatment where she can if she is able to pay for it.

The story here isn't about those who get treatment in the states. It's about a liberal politician that is part of a political party that espoused the Canadian public system and vowed to ensure that no private health care was ever going to uspurp the current system. She is an MP for the party that relentlessly attacked the conservatives for their "hidden agenda" to privatize health care.

The irony and hypocracy is the story here. The rich get health care, the rest of use wait in line. All because of liberal fearmongering that does not allow for a real debate on the state of the health care system in Canada.

kevin plemel
said

I do hope Belinda has a full recovery. I am not a fan of hers, but do not wish cancer on anyone. Once again, a fine example of why a blended public/private system should be created in Canada. It would go a long way in keeping our doctors and nurses here.

Lori
said

Where and how she receives cancer treatment is irrelevant. The important thing is her recovery and good health in the future. We all do the best we can for our own health and the health of our families. Why should she be any different? I wish her the best.

Earl Robert
said

I believe that Belinda is still a member of Parliament but she spent her own money and for that reason we don't deserve an explanation. I hope Belinda wins her battle with cancer, and I wish EVERYONE had the same opportunity that she paid for. We should indeed leave her alone but we have the right to discuss the double standards.

Norma
said

If I had cancer I'd travel to Jupiter if I felt I could get better treatment there. Leave Brenda alone, this is a personal matter.

Brenda has long been known for doing her own thing so why the heck is everyone surprised at her going to the U.S. for treatment?

John Royle
said

"Leave her alone...she has cancer! If I had her money and had cancer, I'd do whatever I needed to do too."

Of course you would .... and so would I ......... Just don't ask for my vote thats all.

Huss R
said

Why not leave her alone, she has cancer. She's doing what's best for her and she's choosing on her own. As long as us, the tax payers, are not paying and shes taking it out of her own wallet..then why complain...
I hope she gets better.

franck
said

I wish her all the best God protect her.

Shawn Blankinship
said

Why are we giving Stronach such a tough time here? The real problem is that private healthcare cannot be sought in Canada. Two-tier health care makes sense, and would best serve the needs of Canadians.

Grace Rankin
said

Best wishes, get well soon.

Mary
said

Yes I agree. Leave her alone. Put the shoes on your feet and treat her as you would want to be treated.

Joe
said

She joins a lengthy list of Canadians, including politicians who go to the United States to get treated.Unfortunately, the mythology that state run medicine is superior to that of the private sector, takes precedent over the health of the individual Canadian.
Best wishes Belinda.

M.B.
said

I had cancer and am now 'cured'... and thankful for the treatment I received in Toronto.

But going through the system here in Canada is quite the ordeal; no treatment for the 'whole person.'

Perhaps having had a taste of this, Ms. Stronach decided to go elsewhere, and hopefully will present some ideas for improvements when she returns to public life.

Flanagan
said

If I had her money, I'd receive my primary care in the States too. We have been saddled with a Stalinist, second-rate system.

The best physicians and the best equipment are in the U.S.

Ken
said

Well the optics are horrible on this politically, I agree with Frank, If it was a member of my family and I could get the care faster and more efficiently somewhere else I would not hesitate for a moment. Well not a big political fan of Ms Stronach, I wish her the best and a full and speedy recovery.

Kathleen
said

I think we are forgetting that Belinda is a human being and deserves tha right to take care of herself in the best way possible. I agree with Frank... leave this woman alone. She isn't doing anything which interfers with her political office.

Gerald Skowronski
said

Unless the Canadian taxpayer paid for Stronach's surgery, we have no business trying to find out the details of this intensely personal situation. I may not agree with her political tactics but her personal life is her own.

Frank
said

Leave her alone...she has cancer! If I had her money and had cancer, I'd do whatever I needed to do too.

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