Former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and his longtime chief of staff, Katie Telford, have entered the entertainment industry by establishing a new media and entertainment production company named Hope & Hard Work. The company’s name is inspired by a slogan used by Trudeau and the Liberal Party during his nine-year prime ministerial tenure, which concluded in 2025.
Hope & Hard Work will focus on producing a variety of content, including scripted and unscripted projects such as documentaries, docuseries, television series, and feature films. The company has already kickstarted several projects, including the development of “Closer by the Sea,” a TV adaptation of Perry Chafe’s popular coming-of-age novel set in Newfoundland. Additionally, Trudeau and Telford will serve as executive producers for the television adaptation of Toronto author Uzma Jalaluddin’s mystery novel, “Detective Aunty.”
Trudeau and Telford emphasized that their lineup is diverse and meticulously selected to offer audience-driven storytelling that resonates both domestically and internationally. They aim to create a platform for narratives that foster empathy, understanding, and unity, transcending personal beliefs to showcase different perspectives.
Following his resignation in January 2025, Trudeau, now 54, has been engaging in public speaking engagements globally, including at events like the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He has also garnered attention for his relationship with pop star Katy Perry, which began post his political career.
Trudeau’s move into the entertainment sector mirrors actions taken by other prominent figures like former U.S. president Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, who founded Higher Ground production company in 2018. Similarly, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, launched their production company, Archewell Productions, after stepping back from their royal duties.