Justin Trudeau and Katie Telford Launch Hope & Hard Work Production Company

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former chief of staff Katie Telford announced on September 11, 2026 that they are launching a new media and entertainment company called Hope & Hard Work. The company will develop scripted and unscripted content, including documentaries, docuseries, television series and feature films. The announcement was made during the Toronto International Film Festival, where the pair presented a brief statement about their goals.

Hope & Hard Work takes its name from a slogan that Trudeau used during his time in office, which emphasized optimism and perseverance. The company’s stated mission is to use storytelling to build empathy and connection in a world that feels increasingly divided. The founders said they want to create content that helps audiences understand different perspectives.

The company already has several projects in development. A television adaptation of Perry Chafe’s coming‑of‑age novel Closer by the Sea will be set in Newfoundland and will be produced for Canadian television. A second project is a series based on Uzma Jalaluddin’s mystery novel Detective Aunty. Trudeau and Telford will serve as executive producers on both projects.

In addition to scripted series, Hope & Hard Work plans to produce documentaries and docuseries that explore Canadian stories with potential for global distribution. The company will also develop audio and live‑experience projects, according to a press release issued by the founders. The focus on Canadian content aligns with Trudeau’s long‑standing support for the country’s creative industries.

Trudeau stepped down as prime minister in early 2025 after a decade in office. Since leaving politics, he has remained active in public life, speaking at international events such as the World Economic Forum in Davos. He is also in a relationship with singer Katy Perry, a fact that has been reported in the media but is not directly related to the company’s operations.

The launch of Hope & Hard Work follows a trend of former political figures entering the entertainment sector. Barack and Michelle Obama founded Higher Ground in 2018, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle launched Archewell Productions in 2020. These ventures have used the founders’ public profiles to support creative projects with social impact.

According to Deadline, the company’s launch was timed to coincide with the Toronto International Film Festival, giving it a platform to connect with industry professionals and potential collaborators. The founders have expressed interest in partnering with Canadian broadcasters and streaming services to distribute their content.

Hope & Hard Work will be headquartered in Toronto, per the press release. The founders said the company will partner with Canadian broadcasters such as CBC, CTV, and streaming platforms like Netflix Canada to secure distribution. They also plan to collaborate with independent filmmakers and writers to develop new projects.

The company’s name, Hope & Hard Work, reflects Trudeau’s political messaging during his tenure. The slogan was used in campaign materials and speeches, and the founders said it represents the values they want to bring to storytelling. The statement emphasizes empathy, connection, and the power of narrative to bridge divides.

Industry observers note that the launch follows a pattern of former politicians leveraging their public profiles to enter media. The Obama Foundation’s Higher Ground and the Archewell brand have both produced documentaries and series with social themes. Hope & Hard Work’s focus on Canadian stories may position it as a key player in the country’s growing media ecosystem.

At this time, no release dates or distribution deals have been announced for the company’s projects. Steps for Hope & Hard Work include finalizing scripts, securing production partners, and beginning filming on the Closer by the Sea adaptation. The company’s progress will be monitored by industry trade publications.