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Gov. Herbert Highlights Utah’s Sustainability Efforts at Canadian Forum

Sep 15, 2016 09:37AM ● By Bryan Scott

Press Release submitted to City Journals


SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 14, 2016) — Gov. Gary R. Herbert delivered an address at the 10th annual Toronto Global Forum yesterday. In it, he discussed the central role of energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development in fueling Utah’s vibrant economy and longstanding ties with Canada. 

“Utah’s investment in energy innovation and infrastructure is getting results,” Gov. Herbert said. “Canada and Utah support new technologies that develop our abundant energy resources more sustainably. A continued partnership with Canada will enhance our natural energy resources and makes us an attractive hub for further business development.” 

The governor’s participation in the forum comes as part of Utah’s trade mission to Toronto, led by World Trade Center Utah in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).  

“The invitation for Gov. Herbert to speak at this renowned event puts Utah on grand display as a top international trading partner,” said Derek B. Miller, president and CEO of World Trade Center Utah. “In the last five years, Utah exports to Canada have grown by 9 percent, and with this trade mission we hope to see that number grow even higher.”

Last year, the state exported approximately $1.5 billion worth of goods to Canada, making Canada Utah’s third-largest export destination. More than 78,000 Utah jobs are tied to trade and investment with Canada. Numerous Canadian companies operate in Utah, including technology-based oil firms Crescent Point Energy and U.S. Oil Sands. 

Gov. Herbert also participated in a Utah-Canada energy roundtable discussion hosted by the Governor’s Office of Energy Development (OED).  Led by Dr. Laura Nelson, the governor’s energy advisor and OED executive director, the event brought together roughly two dozen industry leaders and government officials to discuss key opportunities for advancing energy development and innovation.     

“As a regional leader for research and innovation, Utah is well positioned to expand our energy ties with Canada,” Dr. Nelson said. “Through strategic foresight and collaboration with our global partners, Utah will continue to meet the power demands of the future through diversity, resiliency and affordability.” 

Gov. Herbert has led two other trade missions to Canada in recent years, marking this as his second trade mission to Toronto. As part of the trade mission, Gov. Herbert will also participate in multiple events aimed at driving foreign direct investment and tourism.