Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his longtime chief of staff, Katie Telford, have transitioned from politics to the entertainment industry by founding a 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. Hope & Hard Work will focus on producing a variety of content, including documentaries, docuseries, television series, and feature films. Several projects are already in progress.
One of the projects in development is “Closer by the Sea,” a television 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 being adapted for television, with Trudeau and Telford serving as executive producers. Trudeau and Telford emphasize that their lineup is diverse and carefully selected to create engaging storytelling for both Canadian and international audiences.
Trudeau, who resigned from politics in January 2025, has been actively involved in public engagements and speaking opportunities worldwide. He has been accompanied by his girlfriend, pop star Katy Perry, whom he started dating post-resignation. Trudeau’s foray into the entertainment industry mirrors that of former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who established the production company Higher Ground in 2018. Similarly, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, launched their production company, Archewell Productions, after stepping back from their royal duties.