Jean Talon, the first Intendant of New France (1665–1672), implemented natalist policies to rapidly increase the colony’s population by encouraging marriage and large families. To promote early unions, he imposed fines on unmarried men over 20 and women over 16, while also providing dowries and support for the Filles du Roi, around 800 women sent from France to marry settlers. Families with 10 or more children received annual pensions of 300 livres, incentivizing high birth rates.

Additionally, Talon supported agricultural expansion by granting land and providing farming tools and livestock, ensuring that growing families had the resources to sustain themselves. These policies significantly boosted the colony’s population and laid the foundation for long-term demographic growth in New France.