TV commercial that features N.L. folk song faces backlash; Tourism Minister calls for removal

The commercial came into the spotlight during the Super Bowl on Sunday.

A recent TV commercial featuring a popular Newfoundland folk song has stirred discontent among some people, though the company responsible insists that it had no intention of causing offense.

The commercial, promoting the home-sharing platform Vrbo, was aired during the Super Bowl and showcases unconventional accommodations, including farm animals, against the backdrop of the traditional Newfoundland and Labrador folk song, "I’se The B’y." The ad playfully takes a jab at competitors like Airbnb.

Despite the fact the commercial does not depict Newfoundland and Labrador and was not filmed in the province, critics have taken to expressing their displeasure online, arguing that the advertisement is disrespectful to the province's culture and rural areas.

Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, Steve Crocker said he was “extremely disappointed with Vrbo’s ‘Relax – Rooster’ video spot” and that he has been in contact with Vrbo leadership to request the ad be pulled immediately.

In response, a Vrbo spokesperson has clarified that the ad is part of a broader campaign aimed at humorously highlighting their competition, without targeting or intending any disrespect towards the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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