Agreement Targets Critical Minerals, Nuclear Energy, Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Sectors
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Ontario and Utah have signed a new economic cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening trade ties, expanding investment opportunities and supporting job creation in several strategic industries, as the Ontario government advances its broader Fortress North America economic strategy.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 29 that will increase collaboration between the two jurisdictions in sectors including critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, energy and nuclear technology, life sciences, forestry, and information and communications technology.
The agreement is designed to deepen economic ties between Ontario and Utah while supporting workforce development, trade missions and cross-border cooperation in emerging industries. Officials say the partnership will help create jobs, strengthen supply chains and generate new opportunities for businesses on both sides of the border.
“Canada and the United States are always stronger when we work together to increase cooperation, collaboration and trade so we can grow the economy on both sides of the border,” said Premier Ford. “With nearly $7 billion in annual trade between Ontario and Utah already, today’s agreement will help deliver new opportunities for our province’s world-class workers and companies and create lasting prosperity in both regions.”
Focus on Energy Security and Strategic Industries
A key component of the agreement is cooperation in the energy sector, particularly nuclear power. Ontario has positioned itself as a leader in clean energy development through investments in large-scale nuclear reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs) and energy storage technologies.
Provincial officials say Ontario’s experience in nuclear energy development makes it an attractive partner for jurisdictions seeking reliable, long-term electricity solutions amid growing energy demand.
Beyond energy, the agreement outlines opportunities for collaboration in critical minerals, defence manufacturing and artificial intelligence. The two governments also plan to pursue academic partnerships, regulatory cooperation and workforce training initiatives intended to strengthen competitiveness and support innovation.
Utah Governor Cox said the agreement builds on an already significant economic relationship between the two regions.
“Utah and Ontario share a strong commitment to building and powering the future,” said Governor Cox. “This agreement strengthens an already important trade relationship and supports good jobs on both sides of the border. We’re grateful for Premier Ford’s partnership and excited to keep this momentum going.”
Part of Ontario’s Fortress North America Strategy
The agreement forms part of Ontario’s broader effort to expand economic relationships throughout the United States under its Fortress North America plan. The strategy seeks to strengthen continental trade, attract investment and enhance economic security by building closer ties with American states and business leaders.
Ontario has increasingly focused on state-level partnerships as a way to reinforce supply chains and improve market access for businesses operating across North America.
Since 2023, Ontario has signed economic cooperation agreements with nine other U.S. states, including Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and South Carolina. The Utah agreement marks the latest addition to that growing network of partnerships.
Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli said the agreement will help both jurisdictions capitalize on their respective economic strengths.
“Today’s agreement between Ontario and Utah will not only renew the strong trade relationship between our jurisdictions but unlock new opportunities for collaboration in areas of shared economic importance,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By committing to leverage our complementary advantages we will strengthen cross-border supply chains and ensure workers on both sides of the border stand to benefit for generations to come.”
Strong Existing Trade Relationship
Ontario and Utah already maintain substantial commercial ties. According to the Ontario government, total trade between the two jurisdictions reached nearly C$7 billion in 2025, representing almost 70 per cent of Canada’s total trade with Utah.
Trade remains a critical driver of Ontario’s economy. Provincial data indicates that nearly one in five jobs in Ontario depends on trade, with more than 1.5 million jobs supported by exports. Ontario also has the highest level of export-dependent employment among Canadian provinces.
The agreement follows Premier Ford’s recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he promoted Ontario’s renewed Fortress North America strategy. The plan calls for closer economic integration among Canada, the United States and Mexico, with the goal of attracting investment, creating jobs, reducing costs for households and strengthening North American economic and security interests.
Provincial officials view the Ontario-Utah partnership as another step toward building a more resilient and competitive continental economy while creating long-term opportunities for businesses and workers across both jurisdictions.