Kathmandu— Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to President Donald Trump’s declaration of “Lake America” on Saturday by unveiling a billboard-sized sign along the Canadian shoreline proclaiming “Lake Ontario. Now and Always.” The move comes as tensions between Canada and the United States escalate over trade disputes, with Canadian leaders largely responding to Trump's actions with ridicule rather than outrage; Ford presented the 24-by-12-foot sign near Grimsby, Ontario, repeating the message in French.

Escalating Trade Tensions

The dispute over Lake Ontario’s name follows months of trade disagreements between Canada and the U.S., including tariffs and threats regarding Canadian sovereignty. Negotiations recently collapsed after both governments accused each other of making last-minute demands, leading Canada to announce retaliatory tariffs set to take effect next month. Ford previously criticized Trump's tariff policies in an interview, stating that Ronald Reagan would be “throwing up” and “disgusted.”

Trump responded by dismissing Ford’s comments as “bluster,” referring to him as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s “flunky” and making disparaging remarks about his intelligence and charisma compared to the late Toronto Mayor Rob Ford.

Canadian Response: Mockery and Defiance

Beyond the sign, Canadian leaders have largely met Trump's move with mockery. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew likened Trump to an aging rock band attempting a comeback, stating he was “trying to bring back that…golden oldie” after renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. Historian Robert Bothwell offered a more scathing critique, questioning why anyone would take Trump seriously.

However, some saw deeper implications in Trump’s actions. Bothwell argued the move signaled an attempt to subordinate Canada, potentially absorbing it into the United States, while University of Toronto professor Nelson Wiseman suggested Trump desires Canada to act as a vassal state.

Indigenous Roots and Historical Significance

The name “Lake Ontario” originates from the Huron Indigenous people’s word “oniatarí:io,” meaning “lake of shining waters.” The Canadian province of Ontario, established in 1867, derives its name from the lake. Wendat Nation Grand Chief Pierre Picard condemned Trump's attempt to rename the lake as an erasure of Indigenous history and culture.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also rejected the move, highlighting the lake’s Indigenous origins and noting that the name predates both Canadian Confederation and the U.S. Declaration of Independence; he emphasized that Trump has no authority to compel Canada to adopt the new designation.

The sign remains in place as a symbolic gesture of defiance, while trade negotiations between Canada and the United States remain stalled with retaliatory tariffs scheduled to begin next month.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.