Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his longtime chief of staff, Katie Telford, are transitioning from the political realm to the entertainment industry by establishing a new media and entertainment production company named Hope & Hard Work. The company’s moniker draws from a slogan used by Trudeau and the Liberal Party during his nine-year tenure 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. Several projects are already in progress, with Trudeau and Telford set to unveil their new venture at the TIFF Lightbox in downtown Toronto.
One of the projects in development 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 taking on executive producer roles.
Trudeau and Telford emphasized that their lineup is diverse and thoughtfully curated to provide engaging storytelling that resonates with audiences in Canada and beyond.
“In a world that often feels divided, we believe in the unifying power of compelling narratives,” stated Trudeau and Telford in a press release. “Through Hope & Hard Work, we aim to share stories that foster empathy and understanding, transcending personal perspectives to offer fresh insights and remind us of our shared humanity.”
Following his departure from politics and resignation in January 2025, Trudeau, 54, has been visible on the global stage, delivering speeches at events like the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Notably, he has been accompanied by his partner, pop star Katy Perry, whom he began dating post-resignation.
Trudeau’s foray into the entertainment industry mirrors the actions of former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who launched their production company Higher Ground in 2018. Similarly, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, established Archewell Productions after stepping away from their royal duties.