Canadian political leaders have criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America, calling it offensive and inappropriate. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and NDP Leader Marit Stiles affirmed that the lake’s name remains Lake Ontario and will not change. Trump signed the executive order on Thursday, asserting that Canada has been problematic in negotiations and accusing the country of unfair practices.

The Wendat Nation strongly denounced the executive order, stating that it seeks to erase their historical ties. Grand Chief Pierre Picard expressed outrage and disbelief over the decision, emphasizing the significance of the name Ontario to their culture and identity. He also highlighted the upcoming meeting between the U.S. Consul General in Quebec City and U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, regarding the issue.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, representing the city on Lake Ontario’s shores, rejected the renaming as illegitimate, emphasizing that Trump’s actions will not diminish Canadian resolve. Prime Minister Mark Carney also asserted that the lake’s name will remain unchanged, citing its longstanding historical significance. The renaming, declared as “effective immediately” by Trump, draws parallels to his previous attempt to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”