UNITED NATIONS, United Nations -- Justin Trudeau's first speech to the United Nations General Assembly includes some less-than-subtle references to the politics practiced by people like Donald Trump.

The prime minister mentions no names, but warns three times in his speech about politicians who exploit anxiety for personal gain.

Trudeau says 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 is casting his Liberal government's spending-heavy program as the latter -- with its infrastructure plan which he says will create middle-class jobs.

The alternative, he suggests, means exploiting anxiety, fostering fear and blame and rejecting those who look, speak or pray differently.

His message is similar to that of U.S. President Barack Obama, who defended globalization, denounced walls between nations and argued for policies that allow working people to experience the benefits of the global economy.