Blue Rodeo’s performance of “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet” at the RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto sparked a powerful moment for Canadians amidst the controversy over President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America.” Thousands of fans joined in song along the lakefront, with a particularly resonant reaction to the line “Out in the middle of Lake Ontario” from the band’s 1993 hit. The emotional response, captured in widely shared videos, drew thunderous applause lasting for minutes.
Frontman Jim Cuddy described the experience as “glorious,” emphasizing the significance of Lake Ontario in recent events. The renaming of the lake came in the wake of failed trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada, prompting Cuddy to advocate for Canadian unity. In a previous event in 2025, he had participated in the “Elbows Up, Canada!” rally in Toronto.
During the performance, Greg Keelor urged the massive crowd to sing “Lake Ontario” with a sense of ownership and authority, as the actual lake loomed in the background. The audience responded with a resounding chorus, leaving a profound impact on Cuddy who described it as a moving moment.
Cuddy acknowledged the frustration felt by many Canadians amid the ongoing trade disputes, calling the debate over the lake’s name “bewildering.” He highlighted the importance of providing an outlet for people to express their feelings, noting that music can serve as a powerful platform for such expression. When questioned about potential performances in the U.S., Cuddy emphasized the band’s commitment to standing with their Canadian counterparts during these challenging times.
In response to the renaming, Google Maps users in the U.S. will now see “Lake America” instead of Lake Ontario, as directed by President Trump. Additionally, Trump requested Apple to update the lake’s name on their maps. Despite these actions, both Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have rejected the proposed name change. Carney emphasized 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 original name, stating that while President Trump can choose a different name, the world will always know it as Lake Ontario.