Housing plays a significant role in all areas of social policy, from economic development to poverty reduction to pressures on acute and long-term care. Current approaches to housing policy and programs are too restrictive and limit the ability of Northern municipalities and Service Managers to meet the needs of their citizens and improve the outcomes of investments being made across the range of service areas. Investments in housing and supports can be a more cost-effective way of addressing these issues, but need to be geared to local conditions. The Province needs to develop a more holistic and less restrictive approach to housing that encourages investments in social and health services to be made in the most cost-effective way. Respecting and supporting local decision-making in support of clearly defined goals and outcomes is perhaps the most effective tool for ensuring better outcomes for public investment in communities.