Blue Rodeo’s performance of “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” by the shores of Lake Ontario became a symbol of unity for Canadians in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to rename the lake “Lake America.” During the band’s show at RBC Amphitheatre in downtown Toronto, thousands of fans joined in singing along to the 1993 hit, with cheers erupting particularly at the mention of “Out in the middle of Lake Ontario.” Frontman Jim Cuddy described the moment as “glorious” in an interview with CBC Radio’s Metro Morning.
The spotlight on Lake Ontario intensified following President Trump’s executive order renaming it to “Lake America” amid trade tensions with Canada. Cuddy, a vocal advocate for Canadian solidarity, has used his platform to rally support. The band’s lead singer, Greg Keelor, urged the massive crowd to sing the lyrics with conviction and pride, emphasizing the lake’s significance as a backdrop to the event.
Cuddy expressed bewilderment at the controversy surrounding the lake’s name change, noting the widespread frustration among Canadians over the ongoing trade disputes with the U.S. He highlighted the importance of providing an outlet for people to voice their sentiments and acknowledged the role of music in facilitating this expression.
When questioned about potential performances in the U.S., Cuddy emphasized the band’s commitment to supporting Canada during these challenging times, stating that it’s crucial to stand united. He emphasized the importance of artists reflecting their beliefs and sentiments through their work.
In response to Google’s alteration of Google Maps to display “Lake America,” Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both rejected the renaming, affirming the historical and cultural significance of Lake Ontario. Carney emphasized the lake’s centuries-old heritage and its enduring name derived from the Wendat term “Ontari’io,” translating to “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.” Ford unveiled a new sign in Hamilton reaffirming the lake’s traditional name and underlining its enduring identity as Lake Ontario. Ford emphasized that despite President Trump’s decision, the world will continue to recognize and refer to it as Lake Ontario.