Amidst the backdrop of Lake Ontario, Blue Rodeo’s song “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” took on a special significance for Canadians in response to President Donald Trump’s attempt to rename the lake to “Lake America.” At a concert in downtown Toronto’s RBC Amphitheatre, thousands of fans joined in singing along, with a particularly thunderous applause following the line mentioning Lake Ontario. Frontman Jim Cuddy described the moment as “glorious.”

The spotlight on Lake Ontario intensified after President Trump’s executive order to change its name to “Lake America” following trade disagreements with Canada. Jim Cuddy, the lead singer of Blue Rodeo, has been vocal about promoting Canadian unity during this turbulent period, previously participating in events like the “Elbows Up, Canada!” rally in Toronto.

During the concert, Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo encouraged the audience to proudly sing “Lake Ontario” with full ownership, symbolically embracing the lake visible in the background. The crowd enthusiastically responded, leaving Cuddy moved by the collective display of solidarity.

Cuddy expressed his bewilderment at the dispute over Lake Ontario’s name, acknowledging the frustration many Canadians feel amidst the ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. He emphasized the importance of providing people with an outlet for their emotions, with music serving as a powerful medium for expression.

Regarding potential performances in the U.S., Cuddy stated that Blue Rodeo is currently focused on supporting their Canadian audience and standing by their values. He emphasized the significance of artists reflecting their true feelings rather than conforming to external pressures.

In response to Google’s decision to display “Lake America” on its maps, both Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have rejected the name change. Carney highlighted the historical significance of Lake Ontario’s name, rooted in the Wendat word “Ontari’io,” meaning “the lake is beautiful, the lake is big.” Ford unveiled a new sign in Hamilton reaffirming the lake’s identity as “Lake Ontario Now and Always,” emphasizing that regardless of President Trump’s actions, the world will continue to recognize it as Lake Ontario.