Interview with Carolyn McMaster: Commonwealth Oral History Project

Interview with Carolyn McMaster, conducted Monday 25 March, 2013, at the Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottowa, Canada. Biography: University of Toronto (Honours BA in Political Science and Economics) and the London School of Economics (M.Phil in International Relations). Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Policy analyst, 1972-1977; CIDA, Planning Officer for Malawi, Anglophone (then known as Commonwealth) Africa Branch 1977-1979; CIDA, Planning Officer for Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland, 1979-1980; CIDA Field Representative responsible for the BLS countries, Pretoria, 1980-1982; CIDA Field Representative in Harare, along with the accreditation for Botswana 1982-1983; CIDA, Deputy Director for Planning in the Anglophone Africa Branch, 1983-1986; CIDA Field Representative, Nairobi, 1986-1988; CIDA Nairobi, Head of Aid for Kenya, Uganda, Somalia and Comoros 1988-1990; Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), Deputy Head of the Southern African Task Force, 1990-2000; DFAIT, Head of Commonwealth Section, 2000-2003; Deputy High Commissioner, New Zealand, and accredited six Pacific Islands, 2003-2007; Preparations for Canada’s participation in the Kampala CHOGM, 2007; Retired, 2007; Board of the Royal Commonwealth Society, 2008-2012. The project aims to produce a unique digital research resource on the oral history of the Commonwealth since 1965 through sixty oral history interviews with leading figures in the recent history of the organisation. It will provide an essential research tool for anyone investigating the history of the Commonwealth and will serve to promote interest in and understanding of the organisation.