“Even if our brandy does them [the Indians] harm, it at least brings them into contact with Catholicism. To do away with this trade will only drive them to rum and Protestantism.” – Comte de Frontenac
Image 5: Notre Dame de Quebec
In 1627 a charter was granted to the company of New France that only allowed Roman Catholics to go to Quebec. This happened despite the Edict of Nantes being signed in 1598 which gave Huguenots many of the same rights in France. This kept the makeup of New France almost exclusively Catholic. The Catholic Church quickly built its influence over the government of New France. The bishop had a spot on the Superior Council, and the parish acted effectively as the local government. Many missionaries came to New France and attempted to convert many of the natives to Catholicism.