Jean Talon was a member of the French colonial administration. He is best known for his work in New France, where he served as intendant from 1665 to 1668. He was reappointed to this post in 1669 and returned to the colony from 1670 to 1672. He was the first intendant to visit New France.
After conducting a census to gain a better understanding of the colony's population, he implemented a number of policies aimed at population growth and economic diversification.
He implemented various settlement policies, including measures to encourage inhabitants to have children, and oversaw the arrival of the Filles du roi. He was also behind the introduction of a license to be a coureur des bois.
On the economic front, Jean Talon attempted to diversify New France's economy, believing that the colony could become more self-sufficient by developing more than just the fur trade. He thus encouraged the opening of various workshops, including those for transforming animal hides into leather (tanneries), making shoes (shoemakers) and making barrels (cooperages).
He returned to France in 1672, where he was appointed secretary to the king. He also became a member of the King's household, earning the title of Count d'Orsainville.
Source: Talon [Ink on paper], Hamel, T., 1850-1900, McCord Museum, (URL). All rights reserved*
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1626: Jean Talon is born in Châlons-sur-Marne, Champagne region, France, on January 8.
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1653: He is appointed Intendant of Turenne's army and War Commissioner in Flanders.
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1665: Louis XIV appoints him intendant of New France. He arrives in the colony the same year.
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1665: To improve the seigneurial system in the colony, he introduced policies to encourage farmers, among others, to settle close together.
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1666: Conducts the first census in Canadian history.
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1667: He supports the establishment of triangular trade between New France, the West Indies and France.
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1668: Returns to France in September for personal reasons.
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1671: To encourage colonists to start families, he issues an ordinance preventing single men from fishing, hunting or trading in furs.
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1672: He leaves New France for the last time.
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1694: He dies in Paris, France, on November 24.
Hamel, T. (1850-1900). Talon [Ink on paper]. McCord Museum. http://collections.musee-mccord.qc.ca/scripts/large.php?Lang=1&accessnu… *Extract used by Alloprof in accordance with the Fair Dealing in Education Copyright Act [https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/fra/lois/c-42/page-9.html].