Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canadians are aware that Lake Ontario will always be referred to by its original name, following U. S. President Donald Trump signing an executive order to rename it Lake America earlier on Thursday.
In a social media post, Carney mentioned that the lake’s name is over 400 years old, predating both Canada’s Confederation and the Declaration of Independence in the United States.
He explained that it comes from a Wendat word meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.”
“Canadians also know that naming reality means calling it Lake Ontario – then, now and always.”
During his remarks in the Oval Office, Trump stated that the order instructs Secretary Doug Burgum and the Department of the Interior to update the Geographic Names Information Service, which handles naming natural features for the federal government.
“We filed all the necessary papers, documents, everything else. We notified all of the various people that we have to notify. So we’ve done everything that you have to do, and this is official,” said the U. S. president.
Trump had initially suggested renaming the lake during a heated exchange with Ontario Premier Doug Ford earlier in the week.
When reporters asked him why he was targeting American allies instead of adversaries, Trump claimed Canadians haven’t treated Americans well.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, whose city borders Lake Ontario, reacted on X by saying, “Donald Trump’s antics won’t weaken our resolve as Canadians.”
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew also weighed in on Thursday.
“You know when a rock band is really over the hill and you see them in a casino playing some song from like 50 years ago? I think that’s where we are with Donald Trump’s presidency right now,” Kinew commented at an unrelated event. “He thought he had a real hit with Gulf of Mexico but he’s trying to revive it for his base; I think everyone here finds it a bit sad and not his best work.”
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul responded on social media to the White House’s post about Lake America stating that “New York won’t be calling it that.”
This proposed name change recalls last year’s attempt by Trump to rename Gulf of Mexico as Gulf of America.
“We have a gulf and we have a lake. Now all we need is an ocean so maybe we’ll have to change the name of the Atlantic and/or Pacific,” Trump remarked about those bodies of water adjacent to U. S. coastlines.
Despite this executive order, it’s important to note that Trump can’t unilaterally rename this bi-national lake since it’s jointly managed by Canada and the U. S.
The title “Lake Ontario” holds international recognition; it’s included in federal laws across both nations and has been part of treaties dating back more than one hundred years.
The Chronicle of Ontario was named after this lake when it was established in 1867 during Confederation. The name predates Canada itself as well as European settlement entirely.
This latest move from Trump comes during an intense week filled with back-and-forth between both countries after trade discussions broke down late Friday leading to 50 percent tariffs on billions worth of Canadian exports kicking in.
Prime Minister Mark Carney accused Washington of imposing last-minute conditions meant to restrict Canada’s ability to forge trade agreements with other nations while protecting its culture and sovereignty.
A verbal clash also erupted Monday after Ontario Premier Doug Ford told Trump to “kiss [his] ass.” In response via one of his Truth Social posts, Trump labeled Ford as a “flunky” while comparing him unfavorably with his deceased brother Rob Ford who was once Toronto’s mayor.
In retaliation, Canada announced dollar-for-dollar tariffs expected to take effect on September 8th.
With files from
President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Keep it Factual Add City News Ottawa as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.
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President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Keep it Factual Add City News Ottawa as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.
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