Subheading: Former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau and longtime chief of staff Katie Telford have launched Hope & Hard Work, a production company focused on scripted and unscripted content.
Trudeau Moves From Politics Into Film and Television
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is taking a new direction after leaving political life, entering the entertainment industry with the launch of a production company alongside his longtime chief of staff, Katie Telford.
The company, named Hope & Hard Work, was unveiled during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Toronto. The venture is expected to develop both scripted and unscripted projects, with several productions already reportedly in development.
The move marks a significant change in Trudeau’s professional career after nearly a decade at the centre of Canadian politics. He resigned as Liberal Party leader and stepped down as prime minister in 2025 before leaving Parliament.
Katie Telford Joins Trudeau in New Venture
Telford brings extensive political and strategic experience to the new company. She served as Trudeau’s chief of staff throughout his entire tenure as prime minister, from 2015 until 2025.
The partnership between Trudeau and Telford now extends beyond politics, with the pair taking on executive producer roles in projects being developed by Hope & Hard Work. Their long working relationship could give the company a distinctive perspective on stories involving politics, public life and Canadian society.
The company has not positioned itself solely around political programming. Its planned slate is expected to include a wider range of Canadian stories designed for both domestic and international audiences.
Several Projects Already in Development
Hope & Hard Work is reportedly developing a number of projects, including an adaptation of Perry Chafe’s Newfoundland-set coming-of-age novel Closer by Sea.
Another project in the company’s early slate is Detective Aunty, based on author Uzma Jalaluddin’s work. Trudeau and Telford are expected to serve as executive producers on the projects.
The projects suggest that the company intends to move beyond Trudeau’s political background and focus on entertainment and storytelling with broader Canadian and international appeal.
The Meaning Behind the Company’s Name
The name Hope & Hard Work carries a direct connection to Trudeau’s political career. The phrase was closely associated with his political messaging, particularly during the Liberal Party’s successful 2015 federal election campaign.
That campaign brought Trudeau and the Liberals back to power after nearly a decade under Conservative government. Reusing the phrase for his production company gives the new venture a clear connection to the former prime minister’s public identity while establishing a new chapter after politics.
Trudeau’s Post-Political Career Takes New Direction
Since leaving office, Trudeau has remained active internationally through speaking engagements and public appearances. He has spoken about issues including global affairs, leadership and the importance of cultural influence and “soft power.”
The move into entertainment also places Trudeau among a growing group of prominent political figures who have entered media and production following their time in public office.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama established Higher Ground Productions, while Prince Harry and Meghan have also developed their own production operations. These ventures have demonstrated how former political and public figures can use established global profiles to participate in film, television and documentary production.
Canadian Stories With Global Ambitions
The launch of Hope & Hard Work comes as Canadian filmmakers and producers continue to seek ways to bring domestic stories to international audiences.
For Trudeau and Telford, the production company offers an opportunity to build on their experience communicating with large audiences while moving into a completely different industry. Their first projects will likely provide an early indication of the company’s creative direction and ambitions.
The involvement of established Canadian literary properties also suggests an emphasis on adapting existing stories for screen audiences rather than relying exclusively on original political or documentary material.
Conclusion
Justin Trudeau’s launch of Hope & Hard Work represents a new chapter for the former prime minister following his departure from Canadian politics. Working alongside longtime chief of staff Katie Telford, Trudeau is now entering the film and television business as an executive producer.
With projects such as Closer by Sea and Detective Aunty already in development, the company is positioning itself around Canadian storytelling with the potential for international reach. The coming months will show whether Trudeau’s post-political career can establish the same level of public attention in the entertainment industry.