Canadian premier's U.S. surgery a success

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- The Canadian premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Danny Williams, was recovering Friday from heart surgery at an undisclosed U.S. facility, staff said.

Acting Premier Kathy Dunderdale, at a St. John's news conference Thursday evening, said the doctors expect the 60-year-old Williams to make a full recovery adding he could be back to work in early March, The (St. John's) Telegram reported.

Williams' office has been tight-lipped about his condition and where he went in the United States Monday for treatment, saying the premier would disclose such personal information if and when he saw fit.

Dunderdale described the Conservative premier known for his love of playing hockey as a workaholic and denounced criticism he should have sought treatment in his own province or elsewhere in Canada, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

U.S. critics of Canada's universal healthcare system have made Williams a "poster-boy" for their cause, Dunderdale said.