Blue Rodeo’s performance of “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” by the shores of Lake Ontario sparked a unifying moment for Canadians in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to rename the lake “Lake America.” The band’s show at RBC Amphitheatre in downtown Toronto witnessed an outburst of singing from thousands of fans, with resounding applause when they reached the iconic lyric “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 recent focus on Lake Ontario stems from President Trump’s executive order renaming it to “Lake America” following trade disagreements with Canada. Jim Cuddy, advocating for Canadian solidarity amid the trade dispute, emphasized the importance of unity during challenging times. Blue Rodeo’s lead singer, Greg Keelor, urged the massive crowd at the concert to sing “Lake Ontario” with strong ownership, with the actual lake serving as a backdrop to the venue.
Cuddy expressed his bewilderment at the debate surrounding the lake’s name, acknowledging the frustrations felt by many Canadians due to the ongoing tensions with the U.S. He emphasized the need for people to have an outlet for their emotions, underscoring the band’s role in providing a voice through their music. When asked about potential U.S. performances, Cuddy affirmed the band’s allegiance to their Canadian roots, stating, “I don’t think all artists have to stand up and wave a flag; I just think they have to reflect how they feel, and this is how we feel.”
Google recently announced changes to Google Maps in the U.S., displaying “Lake America” instead of Lake Ontario. Additionally, President Trump has urged Apple to update its maps with the new name. Despite these developments, both Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have rejected the renaming of Lake Ontario. Carney highlighted the historical significance of the lake’s name originating from the Wendat word “Ontari’io,” meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big,” affirming that it will remain Lake Ontario now and always. Premier Ford reinforced this sentiment by unveiling a new sign in Hamilton reading “Lake Ontario Now and Always,” asserting, “President Trump can call it whatever he wants, but the rest of the world will always refer to it as Lake Ontario.”