The premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada is defending his decision to come to the U.S. for heart surgery.

The Canadian press reports Danny Williams' decision raised eyebrows for shunning the Canadian health care system.

Still, Williams has defended his decision saying, "This is my heart, it's my health, it's my choice."

"I did not sign away my right to get the best possible health care for myself when I entered politics," he added.

Williams says he had the procedure at a hospital in Miami so he didn't have to "jump the line" waiting for the procedure in Canada.

"I have the utmost confidence in our health-care system, I certainly do," the 60-year-old told Canada's The Globe and Mail. "It's a bum rap for someone to turn around and say, 'Oh, Williams does not have confidence in his own health-care system because he has to leave the province.' "