Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his longtime chief of staff, Katie Telford, have ventured into 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 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 creating scripted and unscripted content, including documentaries, docuseries, television series, and feature films. The company has already commenced several projects. One of the upcoming projects is the television adaptation of Perry Chafe’s bestselling novel, “Closer by the Sea,” set in Newfoundland. Additionally, they are adapting Toronto author Uzma Jalaluddin’s mystery novel, “Detective Aunty,” for television, with Trudeau and Telford serving as executive producers.
Trudeau and Telford emphasize that their lineup is diverse and meticulously selected to provide engaging storytelling that resonates with audiences nationally and internationally. They aim to foster empathy and understanding through their stories, bridging divides and offering audiences a fresh perspective.
Following his resignation in January 2025, Trudeau, 54, has been active on the global stage, delivering speeches at various events, such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He has been accompanied by his girlfriend, pop star Katy Perry, with whom he started a relationship post-resignation.
Trudeau’s foray into the entertainment realm mirrors the endeavors of former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who launched the production company Higher Ground in 2018. Similarly, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, established Archewell Productions after stepping back from their royal duties.