DELOREY: Justin Trudeau convinced he's still the life of the party

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By FRED DELOREY

The party’s over, Justin – time to go home

Justin Trudeau is that guy at the Christmas party who just won’t let it end. The music has stopped, the lights are coming on, the booze is gone, and the host couple is yawning, dropping hints that it’s time to leave.

But there he is, dancing by himself in the living room, obliviously shouting, “We’re just getting started!” as everyone else sneaks out the back door.

At this point, the Liberals are out of everything: public goodwill, fresh ideas, and now even key ministers. Chrystia Freeland has already called her Uber and made her escape, leaving Justin awkwardly sipping from a half-empty solo cup, trying to convince himself (and us) that the party isn’t dead.

The polls? Abysmal. The scandals? Endless. And the hosts – Canadians – are begging him to just grab his coat and go.

But Trudeau’s convinced he’s still the life of the party, twirling in his 2015 optimism as if it’s still a thing.

“I’m the belle of the ball!” (shout out to SNL’s Jane Wickline) he proclaims as Liberal MPs huddle in the kitchen, whispering about how to politely (or not-so-politely) tell him it’s time to leave.

This party isn’t just over – it’s going to take a hell of a long time to clean up. And let’s not forget the 25% Trump tariff threat looming like the neighbour banging on the wall, demanding everyone keep it down.

Scandals are piling up like red cups on the counter, and the once-friendly crowd has become restless. Liberal MPs are no longer pretending to laugh at Trudeau’s jokes; some are openly suggesting he should step aside. But he keeps going, pouring another drink and raising his voice over the silence.

“Let’s have another round!” he shouts, as if sheer determination can bring the party back to life.

The music has stopped, and the greatest hits no longer play. From “Sunny Ways” to “Diversity is Strength,” the crowd danced to those tunes years ago. Now, every track skips with reminders of ethics violations, broken promises, and a cabinet that looks more like a game of musical chairs than a functioning team.

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The vibe? It’s not just off – it’s nonexistent.

Justin, the hosts are tired. The guests have gone home. Even the diehards – the ones who stayed way too long out of loyalty – are checking their watches.

Your time at the top was, at one point, historic. But now it’s embarrassing. The polls show it. Canadians aren’t just apathetic – they’re irritated. They want a new DJ, a new sound, and most importantly, a fresh start.

And yet, you’re still here, dancing like you’ve got an audience when you’re just spinning in the mirror.

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Justin, if you don’t leave voluntarily, it’s clear the Liberal Party will have to turn off the lights and take your drink from you. Nobody likes being the one to tell a guest they’ve overstayed their welcome, but at this point, there’s no choice.

I’m sorry (not really), but the party’s over. Call your ride – or better yet, call an election.

Canadians are tired, and the cleanup crew is already on the way.

– Fred DeLorey is the Chair and Chief Strategy Officer of NorthStar Public Affairs, and a veteran of federal, provincial, and municipal campaigns, most recently serving as Strategic Advisor to Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore