Pierre Raimbault

Born in Montreal, Raimbault did his studies in France. On his return to the colony, he began his career as a notary. An informed and cultivated businessman, he had the best-supplied library in New France. Named the king's prosecutor in 1700 and then a judge in 1720, Raimbault oversaw the application of laws in the district of Montreal.

Raimbault relentlessly pursued those involved in illegal trafficking. He encouraged whistleblowing. He relied on the information thus obtained to launch search operations. If the soldiers found smuggled goods, Raimbault questioned the witnesses, authorized the seizure of goods, and then charged fines.