Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his longtime chief of staff, Katie Telford, have ventured into the entertainment industry by launching a new media and entertainment production company named Hope & Hard Work. The company’s name is inspired by a slogan used during Trudeau’s nine-year tenure as prime minister, which concluded in 2025.
Hope & Hard Work will focus on creating a variety of content, including scripted and unscripted projects such as documentaries, docuseries, television series, and feature films. The duo has already initiated several projects, with one of them being the development of a TV adaptation of Perry Chafe’s popular novel “Closer by the Sea,” set in Newfoundland. Additionally, they are working on adapting Toronto author Uzma Jalaluddin’s mystery novel, “Detective Aunty,” for television, where Trudeau and Telford will serve as executive producers.
Trudeau and Telford emphasized that their lineup is diverse and meticulously curated to provide audience-driven storytelling that resonates not only in Canada but also on a global scale. They aim to use storytelling to bridge divides and foster empathy, believing in its transformative power to connect people and broaden perspectives.
Following his resignation in January 2025, Trudeau, 54, has been actively engaging in public appearances, including delivering speeches at various events worldwide. He has been accompanied by his girlfriend, pop star Katy Perry, with whom he started a relationship after leaving office.
Trudeau’s foray into the entertainment sector mirrors the actions of former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who established Higher Ground production company in 2018. Similarly, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, launched Archewell Productions following their decision to step back from their royal duties.
