Trump wants 'Lake America'. Canada puts up a 24-foot sign saying otherwise
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has installed a banner asserting the name 'Lake Ontario' in response to a US executive order attempting to rename the body of water 'Lake America'. Canadian officials and US state leaders have rejected the move, noting that the order lacks authority over international territory.
Why it matters
The incident highlights escalating diplomatic tensions and the limits of unilateral executive actions regarding international geographic and environmental naming conventions.
In a unique move, Doug Ford, premier of Canada's Ontario province, has put up a large banner along the shores of Lake Ontario, reading “Lake Ontario: Now and Always” in English and French.The move comes in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to "rename" Lake Ontario as “Lake America”.In a video message, Ford described Lake Ontario as a “crown jewel” of both Ontario and Canada."You may have heard President Trump is trying to rename this lake, all because he doesn't like Ontario and Canada standing up for ourselves."Ford, however, asserted that Lake Ontario has always been known by that name and will continue to be called Lake Ontario."But, let's be serious. Long before President Trump, this lake was called Lake Ontario and long after President Trump is gone, it will still be called Lake Ontario.
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