Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his longtime chief of staff, Katie Telford, have entered the entertainment industry with the establishment of a new media and entertainment production company named Hope & Hard Work. The company’s name is derived from a slogan utilized by Trudeau and the Liberal Party during his nine-year stint as prime minister, which concluded in 2025.
Hope & Hard Work will focus on producing a variety of content, including documentaries, docuseries, television series, and feature films. The company has already commenced work on several projects. One of the upcoming productions is “Closer by the Sea,” a television adaptation of Perry Chafe’s popular coming-of-age novel set in Newfoundland. Additionally, Toronto author Uzma Jalaluddin’s mystery novel, “Detective Aunty,” is being adapted for television, with Trudeau and Telford serving as executive producers.
Trudeau and Telford emphasize that their production lineup is diverse and meticulously curated to provide compelling storytelling that resonates with audiences both in Canada and internationally. They aim to foster empathy and understanding through their stories, transcending personal beliefs and offering viewers a new perspective on the world.
Following his resignation from politics in January 2025, Trudeau, 54, has been visible on the global stage, delivering speeches at various events, such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Notably, he has been accompanied by his girlfriend, pop star Katy Perry, whom he began dating post-resignation.
Trudeau’s foray into the entertainment industry aligns with other prominent figures like former U.S. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, who launched Higher Ground production company in 2018. Similarly, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, established Archewell Productions after stepping back from their royal duties.