The federal government is spending $6.9 million to expand a program that trains family doctors for remote northern communities in Manitoba.

The money will allow the medical residency program at the University of Manitoba to grow to 25 positions from 10.

Medical students in training have to spend eight months in remote communities and commit to at least two years of remote practice after graduation.

The expanded program will help address a shortage of northern doctors, said federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq, who made the announcement in Winnipeg on Monday as part of National Nursing Week.