Ontario Premier Doug Ford introduced a new sign for Lake Ontario in Hamilton on the weekend following U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion to rename it “Lake America” amid rising tensions and trade disputes. Ford emphasized that the name of the lake will always be Lake Ontario, regardless of Trump’s remarks. The unveiling of the sign, reading “Lake Ontario Now and Always,” coincides with the heightened tensions between the two countries following failed trade negotiations on August 21.
Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the trade agreement had become unmanageable, leading to retaliatory measures by the Canadian government starting on September 8. The escalation began when Trump threatened to change the name of Lake Ontario during a heated exchange with Ford. The two leaders engaged in a war of words, with Ford labeling Trump a bully, and Trump retaliating by criticizing Ford’s late brother, Rob Ford.
Trump formalized his intent to rename the lake to “Lake America” by signing an executive order on Thursday. He accused Canada of being difficult to deal with and claimed that the country was taking advantage of the U.S. The move was met with disbelief in Canada, with officials expressing their commitment to continue calling the body of water Lake Ontario.
Ford mentioned that several governors have assured him they will also continue referring to the lake as Lake Ontario. He emphasized the importance of protecting Ontario’s sovereignty and unity within the country. Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes, borders Ontario and New York and holds significance as the namesake for the province of Ontario. The lake’s name originates from the Huron Indigenous people’s term “oniatarí:io,” meaning “lake of shining waters.”
