Political leaders in Canada are strongly opposing an executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America, describing the decision as offensive and irrelevant across the Canadian border.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized on Thursday via a social media platform that the name of the lake remains unchanged and will always be recognized as Lake Ontario by Canadians and globally.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles echoed Ford’s sentiments, affirming in a video shared on the same social media platform that the name “Lake Ontario” remains unchanged.
Trump’s executive order to rename Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes situated between Ontario and New York, has sparked controversy. The province of Ontario, established in 1867, drew its name from this significant body of water.
During a public appearance with a map displaying the label “Lake America” over Lake Ontario, Trump criticized Canada, alleging the country’s unfair practices towards the United States and insisting that Canada desires state-like treatment despite not being a state.
The Wendat Nation expressed profound disapproval of the executive order, condemning the attempt to erase their historical connection by renaming Lake Ontario to ‘Lake America.’
Grand Chief Pierre Picard representing the Wendat Nation conveyed strong sentiments, denouncing Trump’s decision and asserting that the name Ontario embodies their history, culture, and identity. The First Nation vowed not to stay silent on this matter, emphasizing the significance of the name Ontario to their heritage.
Mayor Olivia Chow of Toronto, the largest city along the shores of Lake Ontario, dismissed the legitimacy of the renaming, affirming that Trump’s actions will not weaken the resolve of Canadians.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also weighed in, emphasizing that the name Lake Ontario has a longstanding history dating back over 400 years, preceding both Confederation and the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Carney stressed the importance of preserving the original name of the lake, emphasizing its enduring significance.
Trump’s directive to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America, declared “effective immediately,” draws parallels to his previous decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”