Blue Rodeo’s song “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” sparked a powerful moment for Canadians at RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto. The crowd, moved by the lyrics, passionately sang along, emphasizing the significance of Lake Ontario. This came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order attempting to rename the lake “Lake America.”
Frontman Jim Cuddy described the moment as “glorious,” reflecting the unity and pride felt by the audience. The attention on Lake Ontario has heightened due to the recent trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, culminating in Trump’s decision to rename the historic lake.
Cuddy, a vocal advocate for Canadian solidarity, emphasized the importance of expressing frustrations in the face of the ongoing trade disputes. The band’s performance served as a platform for people to voice their support for the country.
In a symbolic gesture, Blue Rodeo encouraged the audience to assert their connection to Lake Ontario during the performance. The crowd’s resounding rendition of the song’s lyrics showcased their unwavering attachment to the lake’s original name.
Amidst the controversy, Google Maps has already reflected the name change to “Lake America” for users in the U.S., following Trump’s request to Apple to do the same. However, Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have vehemently opposed the renaming, affirming the lake’s historical significance and its enduring identity as Lake Ontario. Ford even unveiled a new sign in Hamilton with the inscription “Lake Ontario Now and Always,” asserting the lake’s timeless name despite Trump’s efforts to alter it.