The prime minister's fine words won't feed our children or lock up violent criminals

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It is always a little worrying when politicians wrap themselves in the flag. Patriotism is such an easy emotion to arouse that the public, with banners flying, almost always rally to the “cause” — whatever the cause is.

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So it was Thursday, when Prime Minister Mark Carney, fresh from his triumph at Davos, made a speech in Quebec that declared Canada the greatest country on earth.

Just as at Davos, Carney on Thursday never named Donald Trump, but the U.S. president was forever present, a dark and foreboding shadow lurking over the prime minister’s shoulder.

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“Canada can’t solve all the world’s problems, but we can show that another way is possible, that the arc of history isn’t destined to be warped towards authoritarianism and exclusion. It can still bend towards progress and justice,” Carney said.

“But we have no illusions. The world is increasingly dangerous and divided. The former alliances are now being redefined and, in some cases, broken.

“In this new era, Canada’s leadership will be defined not only by the........

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