Construction workers could start to receive their COVID-19 vaccines in June after a classification of essential workers who cannot work from home was expanded to include construction.

The federal and provincial governments have announced a combined $2 million in funding for affordable housing projects in Sarnia and Thunder Bay.

Under the agreement, CPP Investments will contribute up to $350 million, while Tricon will provide up to $150 million.

Construction employment took a brief step back in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but demands associated with growth combined with significant numbers of retirements could combine to leave the industry with a shortfall of more than 30,000 workers by 2030.

Premier Doug Ford says the budget will focus on economic recovery and fighting the pandemic.