UNITED NATIONS, United Nations — Justin Trudeau's first speech to the United Nations General Assembly included some less-than-subtle references to the politics practiced by people like Donald Trump, in a year where populist nationalism has made gains in different countries. The prime minister never mentioned any names. Yet he warned three times in his speech about politicians who exploit anxiety for personal gain. Trudeau told the convention hall that politicians have a choice to make: stoke public anxiety because it works for them politically, or try alleviating it with policies that improve people's lives. He cast his government's spending-heavy program as the latter — with an infrastructure plan that he's convinced will create middle-class jobs.

Justin Trudeau speaks during the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 20, 2016. (Photo: Frank Franklin II/The Associated Press) "What is the alternative?" Trudeau asked. "To exploit anxiety? To turn it into fear and blame? To reject others because they look, or speak, or pray differently than we do?" His message was similar to that of Barack Obama. Before Trudeau delivered his first UN address, the U.S. president gave his last. He defended globalization, derided walls between nations and encouraged policies that allow working people to experience the benefits of the global economy.