European laws made it difficult or impossible for foreign government agents to advertise in many countries. Canada had two resident agents in Europe, based in Belgium and France, but even there they had to proceed discreetly. So Canadian officials resorted to contracting European steamship ticket agents to promote Canada, and paying a bonus on each agricultural immigrant sent from certain countries. The Laurier government turned a blind eye to the circumvention of European laws by their officials - as long as there were no problems.