Why do most people in Quebec have French ancestors?

Most people in Quebec have French ancestors because of the French colony of New France, which was established in the early 17th century. The bulk of immigration from France to the colony occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries. The colony's population was largely French Catholic and grew, reaching an estimated 65,000 by the time it was ceded to Britain in 1763. Although the territory was eventually incorporated into Canada, French remained and remains a significant language in the province.