Blue Rodeo’s performance of “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” resonated with Canadians at RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto as a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America.” The crowd passionately sang along to the 1993 hit, with cheers echoing the iconic line “Out in the middle of Lake Ontario” captured in widely shared online videos.
Frontman Jim Cuddy described the moment as “glorious” during an interview on CBC Radio’s “Metro Morning.” The recent focus on Lake Ontario stemmed from President Trump’s executive order renaming the lake amid unresolved trade negotiations with Canada.
Jim Cuddy, advocating for Canadian unity amidst the trade disputes, emphasized the importance of finding ways to channel frustrations constructively. Blue Rodeo’s lead singer, Greg Keelor, urged the audience of around 16,000 to assert ownership of “Lake Ontario” while the lake itself provided a breathtaking backdrop to the concert.
Regarding the ongoing debate about Lake Ontario’s name, Cuddy expressed bewilderment, acknowledging the widespread Canadian frustration over the escalating tensions. He emphasized the band’s role in providing a platform for people to voice their sentiments through music.
When questioned about potential performances in the U.S., Cuddy affirmed the band’s commitment to supporting their Canadian roots, stating that it’s a time to stand united. Google’s recent alteration on Google Maps to display “Lake America” instead of Lake Ontario and President Trump’s request to Apple for a similar change further fueled the controversy.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have both publicly opposed the name change, emphasizing the historical significance and cultural heritage associated with Lake Ontario. Carney highlighted the lake’s centuries-old legacy and its origin from the Wendat word “Ontari’io,” meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big,” reaffirming its timeless identity as Lake Ontario.
Doug Ford unveiled a new sign in Hamilton asserting the lake’s enduring name as “Lake Ontario Now and Always,” underscoring that despite President Trump’s decree, the global community will continue to recognize it as Lake Ontario.