Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his longtime chief of staff, Katie Telford, have unveiled their foray into 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 used by Trudeau and the Liberal Party during his nine-year term as prime minister, which concluded in 2025.
Hope & Hard Work will specialize in producing a variety of content, including scripted and unscripted materials like documentaries, docuseries, television series, and feature films. Several projects are already in progress, with one notable adaptation being “Closer by the Sea,” a TV series based on Perry Chafe’s acclaimed novel set in Newfoundland. Additionally, they are adapting Toronto author Uzma Jalaluddin’s mystery novel “Detective Aunty” for television, with Trudeau and Telford taking on executive producer roles.
Trudeau and Telford emphasize that their production lineup is diverse and meticulously curated to offer compelling audience-driven narratives that resonate both domestically and internationally. They aim to create a platform for storytelling that fosters empathy, understanding, and unity in a world that often feels divided.
In a statement, Trudeau and Telford expressed their belief in the transformative power of storytelling to bring people together, transcend individual beliefs, and offer fresh perspectives. They highlighted the importance of narratives that encourage empathy and help audiences see the world through different viewpoints.
Notably, Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January 2025, has been active post-politics, delivering speeches globally, including at prestigious events like the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He has been accompanied by his girlfriend, pop star Katy Perry, with whom he began a relationship after leaving office.
Trudeau’s move into the entertainment realm mirrors similar initiatives by former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who launched Higher Ground production company in 2018. Additionally, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, ventured into the production industry with the establishment of Archewell Productions after stepping back from their royal duties.