The American tech giant stated its adherence to the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) naming conventions. Consequently, Google Maps users in the United States will now see "Lake America." In contrast, users in Canada will continue to view "Lake Ontario," while those outside both countries will see both names displayed. This move mirrors a similar action last year when President Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America."
President Donald Trump signed the executive order to rename Lake Ontario on 27/8/2019. He justified the change by stating that the lake's deepest section lies within American territory, implying the United States "owns most of the lake's volume." This decision emerged amidst an escalating trade dispute with Canada.
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Google Maps displays "Lake Ontario" as "Lake America" for users in the United States. Screenshot of Google Maps |
The trade tensions intensified on 21/8/2019, when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney withdrew from negotiations with the United States. He characterized the proposed terms as a "bad deal" that would undermine Canada's economy and sovereignty. Subsequently, the United States imposed new tariffs on Canadian goods, prompting Canada to retaliate with tariffs on American goods, which were scheduled to take effect on 8/9/2019.
In response to President Trump's renaming initiative, Prime Minister Carney highlighted that "Ontario" is the lake's historical indigenous name, predating the establishment of both the United States and Canada. On 29/8/2019, Ontario Premier Doug Ford further demonstrated opposition by unveiling a prominent lakeside sign in Winona, Ontario. The sign boldly proclaimed "Lake Ontario now and forever" in both English and French.
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The sign with "Lake Ontario - now and forever" was unveiled by Premier Doug Ford on 29/8/2019. Photo: Reuters |
Throughout his second presidential term, President Trump frequently alienated allies with various territorial claims. These included an expressed intent to incorporate Canada as the 51st state of the United States.
Hoang Lan (According to NY Times, Reuters)
