Blue Rodeo’s performance of “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” at the RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto sparked a powerful response from fans amidst the controversy surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” The crowd passionately sang along to the iconic 1993 song, with a particularly thunderous applause resonating during the mention of “Out in the middle of Lake Ontario.” Videos capturing this moment have rapidly circulated online, showcasing the unity and determination of Canadians in the face of the proposed name change.
Jim Cuddy, the lead singer of Blue Rodeo, described the moment as “glorious” during an interview on CBC Radio’s “Metro Morning.” The recent attention on Lake Ontario stems from President Trump’s decision to change its name following trade negotiations with Canada. Cuddy, known for advocating Canadian solidarity, emphasized the importance of expressing frustrations constructively, especially amid the ongoing trade tensions.
Encouraging a sense of ownership and pride, singer Greg Keelor urged the massive audience to belt out the lyrics “Lake Ontario” with conviction as the lake itself loomed in the background. Cuddy reflected on the emotional impact of the collective singing, emphasizing the need for positive outlets during challenging times.
In response to inquiries about potential U.S. performances, Cuddy affirmed Blue Rodeo’s commitment to standing with their Canadian roots, emphasizing the importance of unity over individual stances. Meanwhile, Google has updated its maps to display “Lake America” instead of Lake Ontario for users in the U.S., a change that has not been universally accepted. Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have publicly rejected the renaming, citing the lake’s historical significance and the enduring importance of its original name, “Lake Ontario.” Ford unveiled a new sign in Hamilton reaffirming the lake’s traditional title, emphasizing that despite any official changes, it will always be known as Lake Ontario worldwide.