The minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing says over the next year or so the province should have about 750 new housing placements established to meets the needs amid the current housing crunch.

John Abbott says since he has been in the portfolio, they have been putting funding and plans in place to make that number a reality.

In terms of the dent that will make in the housing situation, Abbott says it’s a good start.

But, he notes the waitlist is growing because people from across the country and internationally have been moving here. He is encouraging developers to get into the business of building new housing.