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 called 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 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 acclaimed novel set in Newfoundland. Additionally, a television adaptation of Toronto author Uzma Jalaluddin’s mystery novel, “Detective Aunty,” is 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 compelling, audience-driven storytelling that resonates both locally and internationally. They stated in a press release, “In a world that often feels divided, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling to foster empathy and understanding, bridging gaps between individuals and reminding us of shared experiences.”

Notably, Trudeau, aged 54, has been engaging in public speaking engagements worldwide following his resignation from politics in January 2025. During these appearances, he has been accompanied by his partner, pop star Katy Perry, whom he began dating post-resignation.

Trudeau’s foray into the entertainment realm mirrors the actions of former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who launched Higher Ground, a production company, in 2018. Similarly, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, established Archewell Productions after stepping back from their royal duties.