Born in Champagne, Talon served twice as Intendant of New France (1665-68 and 1670-72). Charged with the whole civil government of the colony, he reorganized the courts, conducted the first census (1666), stimulated immigration, fostered agriculture, the fisheries, mining and industry (including brewing), encouraged ship building, established a triangular trade with France and the West Indies and promoted exploration of the continent. Thus the "incomparable intendant", both planner and man of action, in less than six years revitalized the colony and laid the foundations for the important country he hoped it would become. *Note: This designation has been identified for review. A review can be triggered for one of the following reasons - outdated language or terminology, absence of a significant layer of history, factual errors, controversial beliefs and behaviour, or significant new knowledge.