Mark Carney says Lake Ontario’s historic name will remain as is, ‘then, now, and always’

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has firmly rejected President Donald Trump's plan to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America", emphasizing the lake's historic Indigenous name and centuries of history. The name Lake Ontario originates from the Wendat word Ontari io, meaning "the lake is beautiful, the lake is big." Carney highlighted that the name has been in use for over 400 years, predating both Canadian Confederation and the US Declaration of Independence.

The rejection of Trump's executive order to rename the lake comes as the two nations face a deepening trade dispute, with US tariffs on Canadian imports taking effect and threats of additional tariffs on automotive imports and steel. Canadian politicians, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, have also firmly stated that the lake will continue to be called Lake Ontario in Canada.