Jean Talon (1626–1694) government official

As intendant of the colonial territory of New France, Jean Talon vigorously implemented France’s new policy of colonial mercantilism.

John Graves Simcoe (1752–1806) government official

John Graves Simcoe was the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada (1792–96) and was responsible for crafting a policy that encouraged extensive immigration into the newly formed province.

Clifford Sifton (1861–1929) politician

As minister of the interior and superintendent general of Indian affairs (1896–1905), Clifford Sifton planned and presided over the most successful public campaign to attract settlers in Canadian history.

Sir John Alexander Macdonald (1815–1891) politician

William Lyon Mackenzie King (1874–1950) politician

As prime minister during World War II (1939–45; see World War II and immigration), King largely reflected Canadian ethnic attitudes toward immigrants.

Frederick Haldimand (1718–1791) political leader

As governor of Quebec (1778–84), Sir Frederick Haldimand was most responsible for the resettlement of British Loyalists following the American Revolution (1775–83) (see Canada—immigration survey and policy overview).

Ellen Louks Fairclough (1905–2004) politician

Ellen Louks Fairclough, Canada’s first woman federal cabinet minister, presided over a major overhaul of the country’s longstanding “white Canada” immigration policy.

Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619–1683) statesman

Jean-Baptiste Colbert was a member of the Great Council of State and the French king Louis XIV’s intendant de finance (superintendant of finance).

Samuel de Champlain (ca. 1567–1635) explorer, businessman

Samuel de Champlain was the principal founder of New France and the first European explorer of much of modern Quebec and Ontario.