In a significant step toward colonial expansion, King Francis I of France conferred a commission upon Jean-François Roberval to settle the province of New France, encompassing parts of modern-day Canada. The objective was to establish a lasting French presence in North America while also promoting the spread of the Holy Catholic faith among Indigenous peoples. This action reflected the broader ambitions of European powers during this era to explore and colonize new territories.

Roberval, an experienced navigator and explorer, was tasked with overseeing the establishment of a settlement in the New World. He was to find a suitable location, likely in the St. Lawrence River area, which had been previously explored by Jacques Cartier. In addition to governance, Roberval’s mandate emphasized the importance of religious conversion, aligning with the Catholic Church's wishes to expand its influence. This dual focus on colonization and religion was emblematic of the period’s intertwining of politics and faith.

The venture was marked by challenges, including harsh environmental conditions and resistance from Indigenous populations. Despite these obstacles, Roberval's efforts paved the way for future French settlements and the establishment of a Catholic missionary presence, particularly among the Huron and Algonquin tribes. The foundations laid during these early attempts at colonization were essential for the later growth of New France and its socio-economic development.