Overcoming challenges in promoting equity in intersectoral partnerships: The experience of Montréal physiquement active

Background: Although intersectoral partnerships are an essential strategy for promoting physical activity at the population level, the integration of equity considerations within their structures and activities remains inadequately understood.
Purpose: This study examines how equity and health considerations were addressed in the development and functioning of a regional intersectoral partnership for active living promotion in Montreal, Canada.
Methods: As a part of the MUSE (Multisectoral Urban Systems for health and Equity in Canadian cities) research program, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders involved in a regional intersectoral partnership named Montréal Physiquement Active. We recruited participants from various sectors and with different degrees of experience and knowledge of the partnership. Thematic analysis was applied to interview transcripts to extract insights into the conceptualization, challenges, and strategies related to equity and health within the partnership.
Results: Findings from nine in-depth interviews indicate that stakeholders perceived equity as a complex component of partnership development and functioning. Partnership stakeholders identified both internal and external equity considerations. Internally, the partnership grappled with how to establish equity between stakeholders with varying degrees of influence. Participatory governance was key in overcoming this challenge. Externally, stakeholders conscientiously sought to address inequalities in access to physical activity and sport opportunities, namely among girls, minoritized groups and families with low incomes. Health, on the other hand, was considered more implicitly as a natural outcome of physical activity and sport.
Conclusions: Leadership is critical in fostering an equity-oriented culture within the partnership. Challenges in translating equity and health considerations into practice due to resource limitations and conflicting priorities were addressed with innovative strategies.
Practical implications: There are meaningful ways through which intersectoral partnerships can navigate the tension between aspirational goals for equity and the practical realities of implementing collaborative approaches.
Funding: CIHR Team Grant Program, Environments and Health (#IP2—150710).