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 derived from a slogan utilized by Trudeau and the Liberal Party during his nine-year term as prime minister.
Hope & Hard Work will focus on producing a variety of content, including scripted and unscripted projects such as documentaries, television series, and feature films. The company has already commenced work on several projects. Notably, an adaptation of Perry Chafe’s popular novel “Closer by the Sea,” set in Newfoundland, is among the productions in development. Additionally, Toronto author Uzma Jalaluddin’s mystery novel “Detective Aunty” is being transformed into a television series, with Trudeau and Telford serving as executive producers.
Trudeau and Telford aim to curate a diverse lineup of content that prioritizes audience-driven storytelling, resonating with viewers both in Canada and internationally. They expressed their belief in the unifying power of storytelling to foster empathy and understanding, bridging divides and offering fresh perspectives.
Following his resignation in January 2025, Trudeau, 54, has been actively engaging in public speaking engagements globally, including at prestigious events such as the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. He has been accompanied by his partner, pop star Katy Perry, with whom he began a relationship post-resignation.
Trudeau’s foray into the entertainment realm aligns with similar ventures by former U.S. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, who launched Higher Ground production company in 2018. Additionally, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, established their production company, Archewell Productions, after stepping back from their royal duties.