More money is going to build temporary housing for new healthcare workers coming to our province.

Another $12 million has been set aside for these accommodations in six regions and is on top of $8 million announced earlier this year.

The money is for units in Inverness, Guysborough, Antigonish, Cumberland, Colchester and the South Shore.

“We’re working hard to recruit and retain healthcare workers and other skilled tradespeople. We simply can’t afford to have that work impacted by a lack of available housing,” said Colton LeBlanc, acting Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This added investment will help to quickly get more housing into communities where supply is limited.”

In January, the province announced 65 continuing care assistants from Kenya received conditional job offers to come here and work.

Land is being picked right now and the first units will be ready this summer.

The Housing Trust of Nova Scotia will administer the funding and manage logistics of the modular projects and continue to engage with municipalities and government representatives to advance the work.

The first units are expected to be delivered this summer.