Political leaders in Canada are criticizing a recent decision made by U.S. President Donald Trump to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America. They argue that this action is offensive and not recognized in Canada.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford took to social media to reaffirm that the name of the lake remains unchanged and will continue to be referred to as Lake Ontario by Canadians and globally.
Similarly, Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles emphasized in a video message on social media that the lake’s name remains as Lake Ontario.
Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes situated between Ontario and New York. The province of Ontario, established in 1867, derived its name from the lake.
During a statement made with a map labeling the water body as “Lake America,” Trump criticized Canada, referring to the country as “entitled” and accused it of unfair practices towards the United States.
On the other hand, the Wendat Nation strongly denounced the executive order, condemning it as an attempt to erase their historical identity. Grand Chief Pierre Picard expressed deep dismay over the decision and highlighted the significance of the name Ontario to their culture and heritage.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, representing the largest city on Lake Ontario’s shores, dismissed the renaming, asserting that Canadian resolve will not be weakened by Trump’s actions.
In response to the controversy, Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the historical significance of the name Lake Ontario, dating back over 400 years, and stressed the importance of preserving the lake’s original name.
Trump’s sudden renaming of Lake Ontario to Lake America drew comparisons to his previous decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”