A Classic Canadian Song Has Been Removed From An Ad After Sparking Controversy (VIDEO)
"Your ad is not an accurate representation of our province, our culture, or our people."
St. John's harbour
A popular Newfoundland folk song that you likely learned in school if you grew up in Canada has been pulled from an ad after complaints were made that it did not accurately reflect the province.
During the Superbowl on Sunday, February 11, a commercial from the property rental company Vrbo caught the attention of some Canadians.
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In the ad, people show up to what appears to be a rental property to find chickens and other animals running amok inside a house and camper van while the song "I's the B'y" plays.
According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, the lively folksong reflects Newfoundlanders' dependence on the sea and the words and music are believed to be from the province, although of unknown authorship.
After complaints on social media regarding the ad, it will be removed from Canadian television and the provincial government says that Vrbo has apologized, according to The Canadian Press.
"Newfoundland and Labrador has so much to offer your customers, and tourists from all over the world - including our rich musical history," said Andrew Furey after the Superbowl commercial aired.
"Your ad is not an accurate representation of our province, our culture, or our people. Be better!"
Senator David Wells also weighed in on the situation after the game.
"I was surprised a Newfoundland and Labrador folk song that has cultural significance about hardworking people in the fishing industry was used in a condescending context," Wells said to the National Post.
"Am I outraged? No, but Vrbo should know better."
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.