TORONTO, ONT – In a striking display of provincial pride, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has publicly countered President Donald Trump’s recent executive order to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” This bold response took the form of a massive billboard on the Canadian shoreline, proudly proclaiming, “Lake Ontario. Now and Always.”
Dressed in a Team Canada soccer jersey, Ford unveiled the 24-by-12-foot (7.3-by-3.6 meter) sign near Grimsby, Ontario. Elevated on 6-foot (1.8-meter) legs, the sign towers approximately 18 feet (5.5 meters) above the ground—roughly the height of two stories. Notably, the message is presented in both English and French, reflecting Canada’s bilingual heritage.
This event marks the latest instance of defiance from Canadian leaders in response to Trump’s directive, which has been met with widespread ridicule across Canada. Ford contended that Trump’s attempts to rename the lake stem from a need for the U.S. to assert dominance over Canada, declaring, “Long after President Trump is gone, it will still be called Lake Ontario.” This sentiment resonates with many Canadians who view the name as integral to their national identity.
The mockery extended beyond political figures. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew likened Trump to an aging rock band clinging to past hits, stating, “It’s a little sad and it’s not his best work.” Such comparisons emphasize the perception that Trump’s executive order is more about political theater than substantive governance.
Canadian historian Robert Bothwell expressed a more serious concern, suggesting that Trump’s actions aim to “subordinate Canada” and potentially absorb it into the United States. Nelson Wiseman, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, added that Trump’s frustration arises from Canada’s refusal to act as a “vassal state.”
The tension has been exacerbated by deteriorating trade relations, with both countries accusing each other of late demands. Canada recently announced retaliatory tariffs, signaling a growing rift between the longtime allies.
In a pointed critique, Ford remarked that former President Ronald Reagan would be “throwing up” over Trump’s tariff policies. Trump’s retort included dismissing Ford’s comments as “bluster” and mocking him as the “less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother” of the late Toronto Mayor Rob Ford.
While Trump continues to promote the new name, sharing memes that depict Canadian geese with his distinctive hair “protecting” Lake America, the dispute remains a point of contention. Maps displayed during his presidency have often portrayed Canada as part of the United States, further fueling Canadian apprehension.
The name Lake Ontario itself has Indigenous roots, derived from the Huron Indigenous peoples’ term “oniatarí:io,” meaning “lake of shining waters.” This historical context adds another layer of significance to the name, which dates back long before both Canadian Confederation and the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Wendat Nation Grand Chief Pierre Picard condemned Trump’s move as an attempt to erase Indigenous history, stating, “It is unacceptable for us, as a nation, to have a president who can eradicate our history, our culture, and our identity.” Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed this sentiment, firmly rejecting the renaming proposal and noting that it cannot be mandated by the U.S.
