??Dishing in D.C.: Kentucky Colonel Honors, Diplomacy Gossip, and Canada as the 51st State?

Spending a few days in Washington was a privilege, especially to celebrate my friend Nikhil Palli, who was awarded the title of Kentucky Colonel—a recognition of goodwill and service that places him among luminaries like Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. It’s no small feat, and I couldn’t be prouder.

The trip was an incredible mix of reconnecting with the city after years away, meeting remarkable individuals, and taking the pulse of Washington during these “interesting” times.

As a founding board member of Invest in Canada—a Government of Canada organization dedicated to promoting and attracting foreign direct investment—and as a French immigrant, I am no stranger to interacting with diplomats. However, this time felt different. There was a noticeable hesitance to share perspectives, more than in similar past encounters. So, what was I still able to uncover? Read on to find out

??Washington: A City of Contrasts

Washington has always reminded me of Ottawa: somewhat sleepy, with a subdued energy. This trip only reinforced that perception. The abundance of early dinner spots (hello, 4 PM reservations!) speaks to that quiet vibe, and even locals confirmed it.

But on the bright side, the museums remain stunning—and free (!). A highlight was our private tour to the Organization of American States (OAS), a forum I’d never encountered before. It’s an underappreciated gem that deserves more visibility, although perhaps that’s wishful thinking considering looming budget cuts across the federal board.

The celebration of Nikhil’s commission at The Army and Navy Club was a highlight, filled with engaging conversations with bright minds in diplomacy, academia, and entrepreneurship.

??The One We Don’t Name

During my visit, I was struck by how little direct discussion there was about the Trump administration in general, and President Trump in particular. People seemed to tread carefully, unsure of each other’s views.

In Georgetown, I overheard older diners referring to Donald Trump (without ever saying his name) as a “dictator” lacking empathy—a sharp contrast to Reagan, who they felt had at least a shred of it. Comparisons to Putin cropped up more than once. At another table, the conversation turned to China, with predictions that it will overtake the U.S.

??Politics and Federal Cuts

The aggressive federal budget cuts were a sensitive subject, particularly among civil servants. While many publicly downplayed their concerns, their tone and body language revealed unease.

The decision to gut the USAID seemed incomprehensible to most, with cuts and tariffs being dismissed as “stupid” by some. Most civil servants appeared to be in wait and see mode—hoping the courts and unions would intervene.

?Canada: The 51st State?

An interesting takeaway was how Americans viewed Canada’s political and economic landscape. The idea of Canada as the U.S.’s 51st state didn’t seem shocking (or insulting) to most, and some even considered it an opportunity for Canadians.

This sentiment mirrored what a friend experienced at an alternative assets conference in Florida a couple of weeks ago, where attendees thought Canadians should feel lucky about such a “generous offer.”

??Canada’s Political Landscape

There was little antagonism towards Canada, even regarding tariffs retaliation. I am not gonna lie I had taken my French passport with me just in case, but even the border agents were lovely. Justin Trudeau’s stance on the matter seemed well-received. Chrystia Freeland was praised for her competence during Trump’s first presidency and seen as a solid successor to the Prime Minister.

Mark Carney, while less known, was perceived positively. Pierre Poilievre, on the other hand, was entirely off the radar—his name was literally unknown.

??Perceptions of Canada’s State of Affairs

The overall perception of Canada wasn’t rosy. There were concerns about rising crime rates (surprising many when I noted Toronto’s crime rates were far lower than Chicago’s), a struggling healthcare system, and a “catastrophic” immigration situation.

This pessimistic outlook may explain why the idea of Canada as a 51st state was not met with outrage.

??Immigration: Mismanagement and Disenchantment

Immigration was a recurring topic, with two dominant narratives, that are not mutually exclusive but rather 2 sides of the same coin:

Mismanagement of Immigration

• Canada’s vetting process is seen as too lenient, with reports of fake documentation slipping through.
• Infrastructure hasn’t kept up with the influx of immigrants, creating strain on healthcare, education, and housing.
• Immigrants often struggle due to the lack of recognition of their diplomas and experience, leading to underemployment.

Disenchantment Among Immigrants

• Middle-class Indians, for example, are reportedly less interested in moving to Canada, as the promised opportunities don’t align with reality.
• Many feel “baited” by programs that advertise a utopian vision of Canada, only to face challenges like high living costs, career stagnation, and a stretched healthcare system.

??Final Thoughts

This trip was a fascinating window into Washington’s current climate and how the world perceives Canada. While these observations are anecdotal, they reflect a diverse array of perspectives—from diplomats and entrepreneurs to lawyers and drivers, hailing from countries like India, the U.K., Colombia, Pakistan, and the U.S.

Washington may not have changed my perception of its sleepy energy, but it reminded me of the importance of staying connected, curious, and open to dialogue. Whether through celebrating a friend’s achievements or hearing candid views on pressing issues, it was a trip full of learning and reflection.

Until next time, Washington!

Peggy Van de Plassche is a seasoned advisor with over 20 years of experience in financial services, healthcare, and technology. She specializes in guiding boards and C-suite executives through transformational change, leveraging technology and capital allocation to drive growth and innovation. A founding board member of Invest in Canada, Peggy also brings unique expertise in navigating complex issues and fostering public-private partnerships—key elements in shaping the Future of Business. Her skill set includes strategic leadership, capital allocation, transaction advisory, technology integration, and governance. Notable clients include BMO, CI Financial, HOOPP, OMERS, GreenShield Canada, Nicola Wealth, and Power Financial. For more information, visit peggyvandeplassche.com.