Collaborative Governance in Intersectoral Strategic Planning for the Development of Healthy Public Policies: A Case Study of the Ontario Food and Nutrition Strategic Alliance

Society’s wicked problems are complex and intractable problems whose resolution depends on a whole-system approach that involves many actors from various policy sectors. The ability to undertake intersectoral policy action rests on the collaborative processes and structures of governance. The Ontario Food and Nutrition Strategic Alliance offers an excellent example of a system-wide initiative to tackle one of society’s most pressing wicked problems: failure of the food system to support healthy living and a vibrant regional economy. OBJECTIVE: To understand how, and to what extent, a multi-stakeholder strategic alliance is able to create and sustain the necessary conditions and requirements to undertake intersectoral strategic planning at a system level, as viewed through the lens of collaborative governance. METHOD: Yin’s qualitative case-study method is used, entailing three data-collection techniques: a review of documents; direct observation; and semi-structured interviews. Dimensions of interest include (1) stakeholder engagement in terms of level of diversity of perspectives, extent of agreement on goals, and degree of articulation of operating terms; (2) shared motivation in terms of trust, mutual understanding, and commitment; (3) capacity for joint action in terms of leadership, resources and governance structures and procedures; and (4) other factors supporting collaborative-governance sustainability. EXPECTED RESULTS: This case study will yield insights as to the enablers, barriers and lessons learned regarding the further development of collaborative governance arrangements. This knowledge will highlight opportunities to move beyond silo-based administration towards viable means of intersectoral collaboration for effectively addressing society’s wicked problems, and in particular, for building a strong and diverse food system through which to promote healthy eating, help prevent chronic diseases, and ensure both economic and environmental sustainability.