What is mercantilism and how did it affect New France?

Mercantilism - a theory prevalent in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries asserting that the wealth of a nation depends on its possession of precious metals and therefore that the government of a nation must maximize the foreign trade surplus, and foster national commercial interests, a merchant marine, the establishment of colonies, etc. Sort an early form of state sponsored capitalism.

Affect New France:Generally, mercantilism and capitalism have defined the development of the New World, economically, governmentally, and to no small part to the individual.