Canada Trade Mission: A Multi-Part Series by Deseret News
During the May 2025 trade mission to Canada, led by Governor Cox, Deseret News’ Brigham Tomco accompanied our delegation to capture key moments and insights from this important visit. This series highlights the perspectives of Utah business leaders, the opportunities explored, and the evolving trade dynamics between Utah and Canada. Below are excerpts from the coverage — click through to read the full stories and learn how this visit is shaping Utah’s global business connections.
Utah delegation heads to Canada amid escalating trade war
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox is leading a trade mission to Canada with former ambassador Jeff Flake and a delegation of state officials and business leaders to promote Utah as a key trade partner, especially in critical minerals and AI sectors.
The delegation seeks to attract Canadian investment, forge new partnerships, and maintain access to U.S. markets. Utah leaders stress the importance of sub-national relationships to support local businesses and global competitiveness.
How Utah hopes to bridge the U.S.-Canada border in the middle of a trade war
Utah’s trade mission to Canada aims to strengthen U.S.-Canada relations despite border policy challenges. Led by Governor Spencer Cox and former ambassador Jeff Flake, the delegation seeks to build vital “sub-national relationships.” The group includes state officials, business leaders, university administrators, and lawmakers who will visit Montreal and Toronto, engaging in meetings, tours, and events focused on critical minerals and AI.
Will Utah build the world’s next AI hub? The governor’s trade mission to Canada could open the door
Governor Cox met with Quebec’s minister of economy to discuss joint efforts in energy and AI, signing a letter of intent to collaborate, as both regions plan to support energy production and AI infrastructure. Utah’s delegation visited the Mila Institute, renowned for AI innovation, to learn best practices and already see a positive return on investment. Jonathan Freedman of World Trade Center Utah emphasized the value of this visit and expects strong, lasting partnerships to form.
Gov. Cox tells Canadian leaders Utah is ‘open for business’
Gov. Cox’s Utah delegation spent the week in Canada building economic ties focused on critical minerals and artificial intelligence to promote Utah as an ideal destination for Canadian investment.
Officials emphasized the state’s openness to business, cultural ties with Canada, and multilingual population.
Jonathan Freedman, CEO of World Trade Center Utah, noted that Canadian-owned companies already operate in Utah, and the state’s total trade volume reached over $40 billion in 2024.
