Winona: Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled a new Lake Ontario sign in Winona, Ontario, following US President Donald Trump's announcement of plans to rename the Great Lake as 'Lake America.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Ford emphasized the historical significance of the lake's name in a video posted on the social media platform X. He stated, "I'm here on the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario, a crown jewel of our province and our country. You may have heard that President Trump is trying to rename this lake, all because he doesn't like Ontario and Canada standing up for ourselves, but let's be serious." Ford expressed confidence that the lake's name would endure, saying, "Long before President Trump, this lake was called Lake Ontario, and long after President Trump is gone, it will still be called Lake Ontario. But just in case President Trump or anyone else forgets, we've set up this sign to remind them it's Lake Ontario now and forever."

The controversy began when Trump signed an executive order directing US agencies to adopt the name 'Lake America' in official maps and databases, with the change to take effect immediately. Trump declared the renaming initiative in the Oval Office, stating, "We're going to be changing the name of Lake Ontario, effective immediately to 'Lake America'."

In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the renaming proposal, highlighting the lake's longstanding history and the Wendat origins of its name. The dispute is part of broader tensions between the two countries, following failed trade negotiations and the imposition of new US tariffs on Canadian goods, which prompted Ottawa to retaliate.