Former prime minister Justin Trudeau has entered the cultural production business, co‑founding a new Ottawa‑based film and television banner with his former chief of staff, Katie Telford.
New company aims to centre Canadian stories and values
The venture, called Hope and Hard Work, will develop projects across film, television, audio and live experiences, the partners said in a joint statement announcing the company. Among the titles already in development are Closer by Sea, an adaptation of the Perry Chafe novel, and an adaptation of Uzma Jalaluddin’s Detective Aunty.
"At a time when the world can feel increasingly divided, we believe in the power of great storytelling to bring people closer. As a Canadian company, we have an opportunity to bring values including kindness, optimism, openness and a belief in one another to everything we make, wherever the story comes from and wherever it ultimately finds its audience."
The statement articulates an explicit aim to attach civic values — “kindness, optimism, openness and a belief in one another” — to the company’s creative slate. It positions Hope and Hard Work as a Canadian production entity that intends to originate and shepherd projects from concept to multiple platforms.
The announcement comes as Trudeau, who is 54, continues to be a prominent public figure. The source material notes he began a relationship with pop star Katy Perry in 2025; Perry has spoken publicly about aspects of that relationship in media appearances connected to her tour documentary.
What the slate shows so far
Two adaptations cited at launch suggest the company will pursue both literary and genre material:
- Closer by Sea — an adaptation of the Perry Chafe book;
- Detective Aunty — an adaptation of Uzma Jalaluddin’s novel.
Those titles indicate a willingness to adapt contemporary Canadian and international literary sources, though the announcement did not specify creative teams, financing partners, or production timelines.
| Company | Founders | Initial projects cited | Planned formats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hope and Hard Work | Justin Trudeau; Katie Telford | Closer by Sea; Detective Aunty | Film, TV, audio, live experiences |
The partners said the company will not be bounded by geography: their statement framed Hope and Hard Work as a Canadian company that will pursue stories “wherever the story comes from and wherever it ultimately finds its audience.”
Implications for Canada’s cultural landscape
A former prime minister moving into production is notable for several reasons. First, it brings a high‑profile name to the project‑development table, which can open doors to financing, distribution and talent attachment. Second, by explicitly linking the company to civic and national values, the founders are signalling an editorial identity for the banner that could shape the kinds of projects they prioritise.
That said, the announcement leaves many practical questions unanswered: who will lead day‑to‑day creative operations, how projects will be financed, whether the company will partner with established Canadian producers or broadcasters, and what role — if any — the founders will play in hands‑on production. The early slate of adaptations suggests a development pipeline, but no release dates or production schedules were provided.
For Canada’s screen sector — which has long encouraged domestic production through tax incentives, public funding and co‑production treaties — the arrival of a new banner spearheaded by nationally recognised figures is likely to attract attention. Whether that attention translates into projects on set and screens remains to be seen.
Hope and Hard Work’s founders framed the launch as a direct response to a fractured global moment, offering storytelling as a vehicle for connection and shared values. How that philosophy translates into choice of projects and creative partnerships will determine the company’s footprint in a competitive industry.
As the company develops its slate, further details about personnel, production partners and release strategies will be the key indicators of its potential to shape Canadian cultural output.
