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

Ever wondered what’s really being said in Washington’s power circles? My recent trip to D.C. offered more than a chance to celebrate my friend Nikhil Palli, now a proud Kentucky Colonel alongside icons like Lincoln and Churchill. It was also a fascinating window into the undercurrents shaping diplomacy, politics, and perceptions of Canada on the global stage.

Here are some of the intriguing takeaways I uncovered:

🔹 Diplomacy in “Interesting” Times
Caution was the vibe of the moment. Conversations in diplomatic circles felt unusually hesitant—people were careful about voicing opinions, especially on the Trump administration. Yet, even in whispers, sharp critiques emerged: comparisons to Putin, debates over China’s growing influence, and reflections on empathy (or lack thereof) in leadership.

🔹 Canada: A 51st State?
Here’s one that caught me off guard. Many Americans see Canada’s current struggles—immigration, healthcare, crime—as signals that the U.S. could “help out.” The idea of Canada as the 51st state wasn’t shocking to them. Some even called it an opportunity. How’s that for a perspective shift?

🔹 Immigration Woes
Canada’s “open door” image isn’t winning points. Stories of fake documents, infrastructure strains, and underemployed immigrants are turning once-eager families elsewhere. Middle-class Indians, for example, are reportedly less interested in Canada due to career stagnation and high living costs.

🔹 Budget Cuts and Civil Servant Angst
The mood among civil servants was grim. Federal budget cuts, including to USAID, sparked frustration and quiet unease. Many are in wait-and-see mode, hoping for interventions that may not come.

🔹 Trudeau, Freeland, and…Who?
Justin Trudeau’s firm stance on tariffs was well-received, while Chrystia Freeland earned praise for her diplomatic finesse. Mark Carney? Mostly positive vibes. Pierre Poilievre? A complete unknown. It’s clear that leadership perception plays a critical role in shaping Canada’s international reputation.

🔹 Canada’s Declining Glow
I wasn’t expecting this level of pessimism. Rising crime rates, an overwhelmed healthcare system, and strained infrastructure dominate perceptions of Canada. Even Toronto’s lower crime rates (compared to Chicago’s) didn’t budge the narrative much.

Washington may feel subdued (hello, 4 PM dinners), but it remains a hub of insight for those willing to tune into its undercurrents. My biggest takeaway? Staying connected and curious is more important than ever. When we truly listen, we learn—and when we learn, we lead.

🎧 Tune in to my podcast for the full story, and let me know: What do you

Peggy Van de Plassche is a value creation strategist and senior advisor with over 20 years of experience in private equity, financial services, healthcare, and technology. She works with investment firms, boards, and C-suite leaders to accelerate portfolio company performance, drive operational transformation, and unlock long-term value. Peggy specializes in the execution of complex value creation plans—spanning capital allocation, digital enablement, transaction advisory, and leadership alignment. Her work consistently bridges strategy and implementation, helping investors and operators maximize EBITDA and enterprise value. A founding board member of Invest in Canada, she also brings deep expertise in public-private partnerships and institutional capital deployment—critical levers for competitive advantage in today’s global landscape. Her clients have included BMO, CI Financial, HOOPP, OMERS, GreenShield Canada, Nicola Wealth, and Power Financial. Learn more at peggyvandeplassche.com.

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