Jean Talon
Jean Talon, Comte d'Orsainville (January 8, 1626 – November 23, 1694) was the second Intendant of New France after Louis Robert (who was Intendant from 1663 to 1665 but never came to New France). Talon was appointed by King Louis XIV and his minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert to serve as the Intendant of Justice, Public Order and Finances in Canada, Acadia and Newfoundland for two terms: 1665 to 1668 and 1669 to 1672.
Talon attempted to change the economic base of the colony from fur-trading to agriculture, but found this could not be accomplished without a larger population. Talon arranged for settlers to come to New France, including over 1,000 women known as the filles du roi – the king's daughters. He encouraged population growth through marriage grants and baby bonuses, which was financial compensation given to a couple when they married, and again when they had children.
Talon also tried to diversify the economy by introducing new crops such as flax and hops for making beer, by starting a shipyard and lumber industry, and by encouraging mining.
Read more about Jean Talon: Weak and Destitute New France, Talon's Life Before New France, Rescue of New France, Promoting Colonization, Agriculture, Shipbuilding and Commerce, Providing Administration and Internal Order, Return To New France, Legacy, Honours
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