Meagher, Margaret, 1911-1999 : Blanche Margaret Meagher was born in Halifax on 27 January, 1911 to John Nicholas and Blanche (née Seals) Meagher. She died on 25 February, 1999. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Dalhousie University in 1932 and became a Junior High School Teacher in Halifax from 1932-1942. While teaching, she continued her education, receiving a Master's Degree in French and German Literature from Dalhousie University in 1935 and pursuing Post-Graduate studies in political science from 1937-1938 also at Dalhousie.
Upon completing her education, Meagher joined the Department of Extenal Affairs in 1942 where she served as a clerk at Ottawa Headquarters from 1942-1945. Subsequently, she was assigned to the Canadian embassy in Mexico, as Third Secretary from 1945-1947, and then as Second Secretary from 1947-1949. Meagher was then assigned to the Canadian High Commission in London as First Secretary (1953-1955), and later as Counselor (1955-1956).
In 1957, Meagher was appointed Chargé d'affaires to Israel. In 1958, she was named Ambassador to Israel, thus becoming Canada's and the Commonwealth's first woman ambassador. She held this position from 1957-1961, while concurrently serving as High Commissioner to Cyprus. Meagher was then re-assigned to Austria where she served as Ambassador from 1962 to 1966. During this time, Meagher was appointed Governor for Canada on the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and was then elected as Chairperson of the IAEA, which she served from 1964-1965. From 1966 to 1969, Meagher was the High Commissioner to Kenya and Uganda. In 1969, Meagher accepted the post of Ambassador to Sweden which she held until 1973. While in Sweden, Meagher headed the Canadian team in negotiations with the People's Republic of China. Meagher played an important role in negotiating Canada's recognition of communist China and establishing Sino-Canadian diplomatic relations.
Meagher retired from the Department of External Affairs in 1973 and accepted a position as diplomat-in-residence at Dalhousie University. In 1974, Meagher was awarded the Order of Canada. She received Honorary Doctorates of Common Law from Dalhousie University (1970), St. Francis Xavier University (1974) and St. Mary's University (1975). From 1975-1978, Meagher was a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Museums of Canada Board. From 1984 to 1989, Meagher served as trustee for the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.
