The sign reads: “Lake Ontario. Now and Forever.” It was installed as a message opposing any attempt to change the name of the lake, which is shared by Canada and the United States.
Ford said the lake will continue to be known as Lake Ontario, even after President Trump leaves office.
“Long before President Trump, this lake was called Lake Ontario. And long after President Trump is gone, it will still be called Lake Ontario,” he said.
The dispute follows Trump’s decision to sign an order changing the name of the lake to “Lake America.”
Ford said Trump had chosen to change the lake’s name because he was unhappy that Ontario and Canada were “standing up for themselves.” He added that the sign was installed to remind Trump, or anyone else, that the lake’s name is Lake Ontario, now and forever.
The disagreement comes at a time when trade relations between Canada and the United States have become increasingly strained after trade negotiations stalled and the U.S. imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on Canadian goods.
Lake Ontario is one of North America’s Great Lakes and forms part of the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York State in the United States.
While President Trump may change how the United States officially refers to geographical locations, other countries are not required to adopt such changes.
