During a Blue Rodeo concert at the RBC Amphitheatre in downtown Toronto, the audience passionately sang along to the song “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet,” turning it into a symbolic anthem in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempt to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America.”
The crowd, moved by the 1993 hit’s reference to Lake Ontario, erupted in cheers and applause, with videos of the moment quickly going viral on social media platforms.
Jim Cuddy, the frontman of Blue Rodeo, described the experience as “glorious” during an interview on CBC Radio’s Metro Morning.
Recent attention on Lake Ontario stemmed from President Trump’s executive order renaming the lake to “Lake America” following trade disputes with Canada.
Jim Cuddy, known for advocating Canadian unity amidst U.S. tensions, had previously participated in the “Elbows Up, Canada!” event in Toronto in 2025.
When Blue Rodeo performed “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet,” singer Greg Keelor urged the audience of approximately 16,000 to sing “Lake Ontario” with a sense of ownership, overlooking the iconic lake.
The emotional moment resonated with Cuddy, who described it as deeply moving.
Cuddy on Canadians’ Need for Expression
Cuddy expressed bewilderment at the debate surrounding Lake Ontario’s name, noting the frustration felt by many Canadians amid the ongoing trade tensions.
He emphasized the importance of providing an outlet for people’s emotions and was glad that their music could serve as a means of expression.
When questioned about potential performances in the U.S., Cuddy affirmed the band’s allegiance to Canada, stating that it is a time to stand together rather than seek opportunities abroad.
Regarding the renaming of Lake Ontario to “Lake America,” Google Maps in the U.S. have already adopted the new designation, a move also encouraged by President Trump to tech giant Apple.
Despite these developments, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have rejected the name change, with Carney highlighting the historical significance of the lake’s name rooted in the Wendat language.
Ford unveiled a new sign in Hamilton reaffirming the lake’s traditional name, emphasizing that regardless of official decrees, Lake Ontario will always be known by its original name.
Tag: rewrite-pending
