Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his longtime chief of staff, Katie Telford, are venturing 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 tenure as prime minister.
Hope & Hard Work will focus on creating scripted and unscripted content, including documentaries, docuseries, television series, and feature films. The company has already initiated several projects, including the development of “Closer by the Sea,” a TV adaptation of Perry Chafe’s popular novel set in Newfoundland. Additionally, a television adaptation of Uzma Jalaluddin’s mystery novel, “Detective Aunty,” is also in the works, with Trudeau and Telford serving as executive producers.
Trudeau and Telford emphasize that their production lineup is diverse and thoughtfully curated to provide audience-driven storytelling that resonates in Canada and internationally. They aim to bring people together through compelling narratives that promote empathy and understanding.
Following his resignation from politics in January 2025, Trudeau, aged 54, has been actively engaged in public speaking engagements worldwide, including appearances at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He has also garnered attention for his relationship with pop star Katy Perry, which began after his political career.
Trudeau’s foray into the entertainment sector mirrors similar moves by former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who founded Higher Ground production company in 2018. Likewise, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, launched Archewell Productions after stepping back from their royal duties.
