Skelton, Oscar Douglas National Historic Person

Ottawa, Ontario
Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King and Dr. O.D. Skelton with two unidentified women on King Mountain. © Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / C-002130
O.D. Skelton (right), Mackenzie King and others
© Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / C-002130
Dr. Oscar D. Skelton © Lafayette / Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / C-002089Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King and Dr. O.D. Skelton with two unidentified women on King Mountain. © Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / C-002130
Address : 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 1947-05-21
Life Date: 1878 to 1941

Other Name(s):
  • Oscar Douglas Skelton  (Designation Name)
  • Oscar D. Skelton  (Other Name)

Importance: Historian, economist, developed the Department of External Affairs

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque: In the Skelton Lobby 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario

Born in Orangeville, Ontario, Skelton attended Queen's University and was a professor there from 1907 until 1924, publishing in that time many books and articles on Canadian history, economics and politics. He left Queen's to join the young Department of External Affairs which he organized on an enduring basis, thereby making his most significant contribution to Canada. Skelton advised three prime ministers, Meighen, King and Bennett, on foreign policy, advocating an independent Canadian position distinct from that of Britain.