Canada installs large Lake Ontario sign in latest jab at US
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has installed a sign asserting the name of Lake Ontario in response to US President Donald Trump's executive order attempting to rename the body of water 'Lake America'. This move follows escalating trade tensions and the imposition of reciprocal tariffs between the two nations.
Why it matters
The dispute underscores a significant breakdown in US-Canada diplomatic and trade relations, manifesting in symbolic and economic retaliation.
Figure caption, Watch: Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveils 'Lake Ontario' sign
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has hit back at Donald Trump by installing a large sign on Canada's shoreline with the message: "Lake Ontario. Now and Always."
The US president signed an executive order on Thursday seeking to change its name to Lake America and has shared a series of AI-generated videos about the lake that straddles both countries.
"Long before President Trump, this lake was called Lake Ontario. Long after President Trump is gone, it will still be called Lake Ontario," Ford said.
The war of words was triggered after trade talks collapsed, with the US imposing new 50% tariffs on $20bn (C$28bn) of Canadian goods. Canada will implement "dollar for dollar" counter-tariffs next month.
Figure caption, Watch: "He's losing it" - Americans react to Lake Ontario name change
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