Political figures in Canada have expressed disapproval of an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America, deeming the action offensive and irrelevant beyond Canada’s borders.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford affirmed on a social media platform that the name of Lake Ontario remains unchanged and will persist as such. Similarly, Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles emphasized in a video message that the lake will always be recognized as Lake Ontario.
President Trump issued the executive order to alter the name of Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes situated between Ontario and New York. The province of Ontario, established in 1867, derived its name from this significant body of water.
During the announcement, Trump labeled Canada as “entitled” and accused the country of unfair practices towards the United States. He notably stated that Canada desires state-like treatment despite not being a state.
The Wendat Nation strongly denounced the executive order, condemning it as an attempt to erase their historical significance. Grand Chief Pierre Picard expressed outrage and shock over the decision, emphasizing the importance of the name Ontario to their culture and identity.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, representing the major city on Lake Ontario’s shores, rejected the legitimacy of the renaming by Trump. Prime Minister Mark Carney also asserted that the lake’s name will remain unchanged, highlighting its longstanding history predating significant events in both Canada and the U.S.
This renaming action, declared to be “effective immediately” by Trump, draws parallel to his past move renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”
