PETERS: In Kamloops and in Canada, Trudeau’s celebrity sheen has worn off

It’s no surprise that his election in 2015 struck many as a breath — or an entire gust — of fresh air through the stodgy halls of power.

Trudeau’s first term has now drawn to a close, and it’s clear the celebrity sheen has long since worn off.

In each of his first and second visits of the year, there was far more fanfare than for Trudeau’s visit this week.

The local news outlet this week that breathlessly described him as “hunky” is the exception rather than the rule these days.

Even the Yellow Vests, if they still exist, couldn’t be bothered to show up outside of Terry Lake’s office yesterday.

Further than the irrational and extreme, Trudeau has managed to upset a lot of people in his first term.

Conservatives hate the carbon tax, perceived permissive immigration policies and endless deficits.

Progressives don’t like the flip flop on electoral reform and the purchase of an oil pipeline project.

And it’s all hung on Trudeau.

For better or worse, the Liberal Party has securely fastened its prospects to the popularity of its leader.

Trudeau’s trajectory is the Liberal Party’s trajectory.

That’s what Lake must overcome.

The local candidate’s reputation, gained through his career in municipal and provincial politics, is generally favourable in the community.

But the same can no longer be said about his party’s leader, whose breath of fresh air has developed a bad case of halitosis.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

by James Peters

PETERS: In Kamloops and in Canada, Trudeau’s celebrity sheen has worn off

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