Liberal MP Belinda Stonach traveled to California last June for a cancer treatment. When you look at the survivability rate of cancer in Canada versus the U.S., you can't blame her. In Canada, they have about 2/3 the rate of cancer but they have about an equal rate of deaths - meaning that you're 50% more likely to die of cancer in Canada once diagnosed than you are in the U.S. Tell me that isn't scary! Our system isn't perfect by any means, but in helping the 15% without insurance, we have to make sure we're not destroying the system for the 85% who don't have any.

Stronach went to U.S. for cancer treatment: research
CTA.ca News Staff

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

Stonach'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 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.