Making a Difference Through Community Economic Development: Meet Dr. Gertrude MacIntyre

While Dr. Gertrude Anne MacIntyre was born in Prince Edward Island, her lasting influence is felt throughout Unama’ki-Cape Breton, where she grew up. As the founding director of the Community Economic Development (CED) Institute and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in CED program at Cape Breton University, Dr. MacIntyre’s work has reached locally and globally. Many MBA (CED) graduates have moved away, or returned home, with fresh perspectives and new ideas to change their communities and the business landscapes around them.

Dr. MacIntyre has created many memorable moments throughout her storied career, but two in particular stand out. “As a professor, I was aware that students needed a break, a way to socialize outside of the classroom. So, in the early years of the MBA (CED) program, at mid-term, I would invite the students to my home in Big Pond Centre for dinner and an evening of music and fun,” she recalls. “The other, more recently, is when I was in contact with a former student, Amna Khaliq. I had been in correspondence with her since she graduated from CBU, and after she received her Doctor of Business degree, she sent me a thank you card and letter.” Dr. MacIntyre says she felt humbled by Amna’s kind words and was reminded of the important role teachers and professors play in a student’s life. 

Dating back to the 1970s, Dr. MacIntyre has worked as a teacher, consultant, language specialist, administrator, writer, editor and professor, having written numerous CED books and spoken at many conferences. She has taught CED theory and practice nationally and internationally through courses, consultation, workshops and academic papers. 

In the 1980s, Dr. MacIntyre was hired as the Director of Research at CBU’s Tompkins Institute, where she began developing the CED Institute, which would act as the building blocks for the development of the MBA (CED) program. “Cape Breton is historically noted for its CED work, so it seemed fitting that CBU should offer this niche degree,” Dr. MacIntyre says. “Educating students on CED can help them, and everyone in their community, learn how to anticipate the future, learn from the past and handle tensions of the present with courage and confidence.”

Since the program’s inception, CED has been active in Cape Breton and is embedded in its culture. Ventures such as cooperatives, BCA Holding and community development organizations like New Dawn Enterprises have been successful over the years. The MBA (CED) program adds another important dimension by helping students understand the theory and practice of CED business in their communities. By collaborating with community groups to set up CED ventures such as restaurants and other small local businesses, students actively invest in the communities and contribute to local economic health. 

The MBA (CED) program is unique to CBU, being the University’s first fully-owned master’s program, offering students a comprehensive view of third-sector business activities, and is the first program of its kind to be offered in every time zone in Canada. “CBU is a leader in the CED education field; it will continue to grow and prosper thanks to the commitment of dedicated employees and students,” says Dr. MacIntyre. “We are constantly learning that without community there is nothing of value in this age of uncertainty. CED can be transformative in understanding how we can build stronger communities.”

Dr. MacIntyre spent time reminiscing on her career at the University. “Reflecting on my years at CBU has brought forth many positive memories, both in developing and teaching in the MBA (CED),” says Dr. MacIntyre. “I love teaching; it’s part of who I am, and developing the MBA (CED) program alongside my work has been the highlight of my career.”

Dr. MacIntyre is confident that the program and the students who graduate from it will continue to make a positive difference in local and international business growth. “Communities have begun to realize that if they can organize boundaries, and develop partnerships with those genuinely concerned about them, they can start on the hard, tough path to a better life for all,” says Dr. MacIntrye. “In turn, as the community prospers, so do the institutions within the community, like CBU. This is why local and international students have found their calling within the program and wish to learn more about CED and their possible role in it.”