The provincial government is providing almost $35,000 to the South Shore Multicultural Association to help attract and retain healthcare workers in Queens and Lunenburg counties.

The association will use the funding for settlement materials and to support events to integrate and connect new healthcare professionals in the community.

A list of proposed events includes activities such as family and beach days, canoeing, biking, tai chi, nature walks, cooking, painting and more.

The South Shore Multicultural Association is one of 28 groups across Nova Scotia that will benefit from the new $2 million Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment Community Fund.

In a statement on behalf of Michelle Thompson, Minister responsible for the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment, Queens MLA Kim Masland said, “Creating a connection between healthcare workers and their community is key.”

She goes on to say, “The warm and welcome environment that the South Shore Multicultural Association is providing in its communities will be invaluable in the recruitment and retention of healthcare workers.”

Executive Director, of the South Shore Multicultural Association Anne Fownes said, “Participation in recreational and leisure activities is a wonderful way for newcomers and their families to have fun, make meaningful connections, and settle into their new communities.”

The new fund is part of the recruitment and retention initiatives outlined in the government’s Action for Health, the Province's plan to improve healthcare.

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