Augustin de Saffray de Mézy | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Augustin de Saffray de Mézy

Augustin de Saffray de Mézy, governor of New France (d at Québec C 6 May 1665). De Mézy was chosen first governor of New France under direct royal rule 1663-65. The colonial administration was reorganized on his arrival and the Sovereign Council established.

Mézy, Augustin de Saffray de

Augustin de Saffray de Mézy, governor of New France (d at Québec C 6 May 1665). De Mézy was chosen first governor of New France under direct royal rule 1663-65. The colonial administration was reorganized on his arrival and the Sovereign Council established. The question of new appointments to the council led to public quarrels between the governor and Bishop Laval, whose civil powers overlapped with those of de Mézy. Bishop and governor also fell out over procedures for the election of a syndic to represent the people of Québec. The colonial minister ordered an investigation into de Mézy's rather violent and arbitrary rule, but the governor died before it could be carried out.