In a show at the RBC Amphitheatre in downtown Toronto, Blue Rodeo’s performance of “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” sparked a powerful moment for Canadians amid the controversy surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempt to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”
As the iconic lyrics resonated across the venue, thousands of fans joined in a passionate rendition of the 1993 hit song, particularly emphasizing the line “Out in the middle of Lake Ontario.” The crowd’s enthusiastic response, captured in widely circulated videos, elicited thunderous applause, leaving a lasting impact.
Frontman Jim Cuddy, reflecting on the event during an interview with CBC Radio’s “Metro Morning,” described the experience as “glorious.” The heightened attention on Lake Ontario stemmed from President Trump’s recent executive order aimed at renaming the lake in response to trade disputes with Canada.
Jim Cuddy, also known for promoting Canadian unity during times of conflict with the U.S., previously participated in the “Elbows Up, Canada!” event in Toronto in 2025. At the concert, singer Greg Keelor urged the massive audience to assertively sing the name “Lake Ontario” as a statement of ownership and pride, with the actual lake serving as a backdrop.
The emotional moment, as recounted by Cuddy, underlined the collective frustration felt by many Canadians amid the ongoing tensions between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of providing a platform for people to express their sentiments, noting that music can serve as a powerful outlet for voicing concerns.
When questioned about potential future performances in the U.S., Cuddy conveyed the band’s decision to remain aligned with their Canadian roots, emphasizing solidarity during challenging times. While acknowledging the diverse ways artists can respond to political issues, he emphasized the significance of staying true to personal convictions.
In response to the renaming controversy, Google announced adjustments to Google Maps displaying “Lake America” instead of Lake Ontario for U.S. users. President Trump’s call for Apple to adopt the new name on its maps further fueled the debate. However, both Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have openly opposed the proposed name change.
Mark Carney highlighted the historical significance of Lake Ontario’s name, derived from the Wendat term “Ontari’io,” meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.” He affirmed that the lake’s identity as Lake Ontario remains steadfast, both in the past and for the future. Meanwhile, Doug Ford unveiled a new sign in Hamilton reaffirming the lake’s traditional name, asserting that despite President Trump’s directives, the world will always recognize it as Lake Ontario.
