Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a firm response to President Donald Trump after the U.S. administration moved to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” Carney said Canada will continue using the historic name, describing it as part of the country’s reality and history.
The dispute comes during a period of heightened tension between Canada and the United States, following the collapse of recent trade negotiations and the escalation of tariffs between both countries. Trump’s decision applies to U.S. federal references, but it does not force Canada, international organizations or other countries to adopt the new designation.
Carney emphasized that the name Lake Ontario is more than 400 years old and predates both Canadian Confederation and the independence of the United States. His position was clear: Canadians will continue referring to the lake by its traditional name.
Will Canada officially recognize “Lake America”?
No. Carney has confirmed that Canada will continue calling it Lake Ontario, regardless of the U.S. government’s decision.
The disagreement has added another symbolic conflict to an already difficult relationship between the two neighboring countries.
