Blue Rodeo’s performance of “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” resonated with Canadians on the shores of Lake Ontario in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order attempting to rename the lake to “Lake America.” During the band’s show at RBC Amphitheatre in downtown Toronto, fans passionately sang along, particularly emphasizing the line referring to Lake Ontario. The moment was hailed as a triumph by frontman Jim Cuddy, who has been vocal about promoting Canadian unity amidst the current trade tensions with the U.S.
President Trump’s controversial executive order came shortly after failed trade negotiations with Canada, leading to heightened attention on the issue. Blue Rodeo’s lead singer, Jim Cuddy, known for his advocacy for Canadian solidarity, emphasized the importance of expressing frustrations through music. At the concert, the audience enthusiastically belted out the lyrics with a strong sense of ownership, symbolically reclaiming the name “Lake Ontario.”
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Cuddy expressed his bewilderment at the name dispute and the underlying tensions between the two nations. He highlighted the need for people to have a platform to voice their concerns, with music serving as a powerful medium for collective expression. Despite the band’s stance on supporting Canada, Cuddy clarified that it’s about staying true to one’s beliefs rather than engaging in flag-waving patriotism.
In response to the name change controversy, Google Maps in the U.S. now displays “Lake America” instead of Lake Ontario. The move has sparked a wave of opposition from Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who have publicly rejected the renaming. Carney emphasized the historical significance of the lake’s name, rooted in the Wendat word “Ontari’io,” translating to “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.” Ford reinforced the sentiment by unveiling a new sign in Hamilton affirming the lake’s timeless identity as “Lake Ontario Now and Always,” dismissing Trump’s attempt to alter its name.