Huntsman, Canadian envoy talk

Canadian Ambassador Michael Wilson met for more than a half-hour with Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. Thursday as part of a visit to the Western United States that also included stops in California and Colorado.

"This meeting was about bilateral issues, a wonderful opportunity to welcome such an experienced diplomat to our state. The discussion focused primarily on making a key pillar of our economic development program a reality," Huntsman said in a statement.

The governor has long talked about economic ties between Utah and Canada, Mexico, China and India. He has already visited Mexico and is planning to lead a trade mission to China later this month.

The Canadian ambassador began his trip Monday in California, where he met with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Before leaving Utah, Wilson is to deliver the Asael E. and Maydell C. Palmer Distinguished Lecture in Canadian Studies at Brigham Young University at noon today. The title of his speech is, "On Common Ground: The Dynamics of the Canadian-American Relationship."