Frustration and anger brewed on social media and comment boards, after a former health executive confirmed that Albertans paid $7,000 in public funds to her to a private U.S. centre for cancer followup care.
Michele Lahey confirmed in an email to The Canadian Press she was reimbursed for her trip in January 2007 to Minnesota's prestigious Mayo Clinic for a second opinion that recent treatments to eradicate cancer had been successful.
"This is a symptom of a failed system," said Deano Leask on Twitter, adding that anyone who has money goes to the United States for treatment.
Alberta Health Services "hands repeatedly caught in the public cookie jar," said Brad Cardinal on Twitter.
Here's a look at more of the reaction to Lahey's health expenses:
Reaction To Mayo Clinic Expenses
With files from the Canadian Press