Justin Trudeau enters entertainment world with new production company ‘Hope & Hard Work’

Former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau is preparing to make a major move into entertainment with the launch of his own production company alongside longtime chief of staff Katie Telford.

The pair are expected to officially introduce Hope & Hard Work during an evening event at TIFF Lightbox in Toronto on Friday, September 11, as the Toronto International Film Festival gets underway. The company name reprises a slogan closely associated with Trudeau and the Liberal Party during his years in federal politics.

According to the launch invitation reported by National Post, the event will bring Trudeau and Telford together for the public introduction of their new venture. However, the invitation does not reveal which film or television projects the company may be developing, meaning the full scope of Hope & Hard Work remains unclear.

The launch marks an unexpected new chapter for Trudeau after he left politics in March 2025. Rumours that he was considering a production company had circulated following his departure from Parliament, but the TIFF event is expected to provide the first formal introduction of the venture.

Telford is a particularly significant choice as Trudeau’s business partner. She served as his chief of staff throughout his decade as prime minister and remained closely associated with him after his political career ended. Their new partnership moves that long working relationship into the entertainment industry.

The name Hope & Hard Work also carries a clear connection to Trudeau’s political identity. The phrase was associated with his 2015 federal election campaign, when the Liberal Party moved from third party status in opposition to forming the Canadian government. Trudeau went on to remain prime minister for nearly a decade.

What happens next could become clearer during the TIFF launch. Production companies often use industry events to introduce projects, announce development plans or reveal rights acquisitions, but there has been no confirmed announcement of a specific film or series from Hope & Hard Work so far. It would therefore be premature to attach particular productions to the company before Trudeau and Telford provide further details.

The move also places Trudeau among a growing group of high profile public figures who have moved into film and television production after leaving major public roles. Barack Obama and Michelle Obama launched Higher Ground in 2018, while Prince Harry and Meghan launched Archewell Productions in 2020.

TIFF itself provides a particularly high profile setting for Trudeau’s entertainment debut. The 51st Toronto International Film Festival began on September 10 and runs through September 20, bringing filmmakers, actors, producers and industry figures to the city for premieres and industry events. The 2026 festival is showcasing close to 300 films and is placing a strong emphasis on independent and international cinema.