DETROIT & WINDSOR, ON (WXYZ) -President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday changing the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America in the U. S., a decision that sparked quick responses from people on both sides of the US-Canada border.
The name change comes as tensions rise in a trade dispute between the two nations, with Trump and his administration arguing that Canada has been unfairly benefiting from trade with the U. S.
“As you know, Canada has been ripping us off for a long time on trade, very sadly. Even the military, we defend Canada for nothing. They don’t pay us to defend Canada, but we defend Canada,” Trump said.
“They don’t pay for anything and they want to be treated like a State and they’re not a State, and we just can’t do that anymore,” Trump said.
The executive order only affects the name within the United States, but news of it quickly reached Canada where many expressed their frustration and disbelief – including officials.
“We’ll always call it Lake Ontario, period,” said Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Industry. “While all these shenanigans are happening, we’ll just be smart and we’ll be strategic and we’ll fight back.”
“We’re laughing about it, it’s a joke. Come on Mr. Trump,” said Vlad Biscan of Windsor.
“Why hurt your fellow allies or neighbors,” said Canadian Theresa Desjardins. “I’m a big sports fan; I used to go there (Detroit) religiously; now I don’t even want to go over there.”
“We need to respect each other and he just doesn’t have the respect,” said Brenda Konecny, a Canadian who spends her winters in Florida. “We’ve stood behind you in every single war and we would still stand behind you; you’re our big brother.”
I spent time on both sides of the border Thursday where it seemed like the divide between the two countries was widening.
Aaron Fisk, a professor and fish ecologist at the University of Windsor who collaborates extensively with Americans in Great Lakes research stated that Ontario is actually an older name than both countries by over a century.
“It’s kind of sad in reality, and I think it disrespects the history of the lake itself,” Fisk said regarding the name change. “I think it’s an Iroquois name; Ontario is what first Europeans called it because that’s what first nations called it-Ontario. In fact, Ontario province got its name from this lake.”
On Detroit’s side of things, Americans also voiced their disappointment.
“In Michigan we’re surrounded by great lakes. We believe in these lakes; they are our pride and joy-and Lake Ontario is definitely one of those,” said Chris Turner from America.
“We have that acronym for kids to remember the great lakes: HOMES includes Ontario-it has to stay as Ontario,” added Sandy Turner from America.
“Yeah I just shook my head.. it’s petty” remarked American Marcus Reliford who was visiting Canada on Thursday. “I hate having to explain myself (to Canadians)-like it’s not our decision.”
Even though U. S. government officially recognizes this new name change many believe that Lake Ontario isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
“I have no plans to call it Lake America; we will continue calling it Lake Ontario,” Fisk stated.
However as someone who works alongside U. S scientists at Lake Ontario he wonders how this might affect their collaborative work moving forward.
“That will be interesting depending on which journals you’re dealing with-and how they handle this,” Fisk noted.
“I think it’s ridiculous-so frankly it’ll stay as Lake Ontario-that’s what it’ll always be,” Turner added.
“We need protection against this situation-it’s unfortunate-and unfortunately things might get worse before getting better,” Konecny commented.“We love our American friends and family-we’ll get through this-but unfortunately we’ve got some waiting ahead.”...
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