Former Canadian leader Justin Trudeau and his longtime aide, Katie Telford, are venturing into the entertainment industry with the establishment of a new media and entertainment production firm named Hope & Hard Work. The company’s name is derived from a slogan utilized 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 a variety of content, including documentaries, docuseries, television shows, and feature films. Several projects are already in progress, with one of them being the development of “Closer by the Sea,” a TV adaptation of Perry Chafe’s popular coming-of-age novel set in Newfoundland.
Additionally, Toronto author Uzma Jalaluddin’s mystery novel, “Detective Aunty,” is also slated for a television adaptation, with Trudeau and Telford taking on executive producer roles. The duo emphasizes that their lineup is diverse and meticulously curated to offer audience-driven storytelling that resonates both domestically and internationally.
Trudeau and Telford expressed their vision for the company, stating, “In building Hope & Hard Work, we are discovering narratives that inspire empathy and foster understanding, capable of reaching audiences in impactful ways. These stories transcend personal beliefs, allowing us to see the world from different perspectives and reminding us of our shared humanity.”
After leaving the political arena and announcing his resignation in January 2025, Trudeau, now 54, has been actively engaging in public engagements worldwide, such as speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. His relationship with pop star Katy Perry, which began after his resignation, has also garnered public attention.
Trudeau’s foray into entertainment mirrors the pursuits of former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who launched Higher Ground production company in 2018. Additionally, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, initiated Archewell Productions following their withdrawal from royal duties.