Jean Talon
Jean Talon, Count d'Orsainville (French pronunciation: [ʒɑ̃ talɔ̃]; January 8, 1626 – November 23, 1694) was a French colonial administrator who served as the first Intendant of 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 1670 to 1672.
Jean Talon | |
|---|---|
Portrait by Claude François, 1671 | |
| Born | January 8, 1626 |
| Died | November 23, 1694 (aged 68) France |
| Resting place | Châlons-en-Champagne |
| Nationality | French |
| Other names | Count d'Orsainville |
| Citizenship | France |
| Occupation | Intendant of New France |
| Years active | 1665 – 1672 |
| Employer | King Louis XIV |
| Parent(s) | Philippe Talon Anne de Bury |
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 800 women known as the King's Daughters. These were young orphans that came to New France to marry men present there. He encouraged population growth through marriage grants and baby bonuses, which were financial compensation given to a couple when they married, and again when they had children.
Talon tried to diversify the economy of New France by introducing new crops such as flax and hops for making beer, by starting a shipyard and lumber industry, and by encouraging mining. He started the first commercial brewery in Canada, La Brasserie du Roy, in Québec City in 1668. Talon also worked to increase the population, the agricultural production, and the private sector of the burgeoning colony.