Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his longtime chief of staff, Katie Telford, have delved into the entertainment industry by founding 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 specialize in producing scripted and unscripted content, encompassing documentaries, docuseries, television series, and feature films. Several projects are already in progress. One such project is the development of “Closer by the Sea,” a television adaptation of Perry Chafe’s popular coming-of-age novel set in Newfoundland, known for creating CBC’s “Republic of Doyle” and “Son of a Critch.”
Additionally, Toronto author Uzma Jalaluddin’s mystery novel, “Detective Aunty,” is being adapted for television, with Trudeau and Telford serving as executive producers. The duo emphasizes that their programming lineup is diverse and meticulously selected to resonate with audiences both in Canada and internationally, aiming to foster audience-driven storytelling.
Trudeau and Telford expressed in a statement that amidst a seemingly divided world, they believe in the unifying power of compelling storytelling. They aim to share stories that evoke empathy and understanding, transcending personal beliefs to offer fresh perspectives and remind audiences of shared values.
Following his resignation in January 2025, Trudeau, aged 54, has been actively engaged in public speaking engagements globally, including appearances at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, alongside his girlfriend, pop star Katy Perry. This move into the entertainment realm echoes the path taken by former U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, who established the production company Higher Ground in 2018. Similarly, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, launched Archewell Productions after stepping back from their royal duties.