The former prime minister is launching a production company with his longtime chief of staff, Katie Telford, called Hope & Hard Work.

They announced the new venture at the Toronto International Film Festival Friday, saying it will create both scripted and unscripted content, and several projects are already in development.

They include Perry Chafe's Newfoundland-set coming-of-age novel "Closer by Sea," and Uzma Jalaluddin's cozy mystery "Detective Aunty," with Trudeau and Telford set to serve as executive producers.

The company's name comes from a campaign slogan Trudeau used in 2018 when he announced he would run for re-election the following year. 

At the rooftop event at the TIFF Lightbox, Trudeau and Telford mingled with industry insiders, including the festival’s CEO, Cameron Bailey.  

Also in attendance were the likes of director Clement Virgo, comedian Mark Critch and producer Trevor Boris.

Trudeau stepped back from politics after announcing his resignation in January 2025 and has been on the speaking circuit, including at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

There, he spoke about the importance of "soft power," an umbrella that includes popular culture. 

"Never underestimate the resolve, the motivation and strength of people standing up to defend their sovereignty, their identity, their very existence," he said, referring to Ukraine's stand against Russia. 

He was joined at Davos by his partner, American pop star Katy Perry.

With the production company, Trudeau follows in the footsteps of former U.S. president Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, who in 2018 founded Higher Ground Productions.

Their projects include the 2023 biopic "Rustin" and documentary "American Symphony."

Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, also launched a production company after stepping back from their official roles with the Royal Family.

Archewell Productions created the podcasts "Archetypes" and "Confessions of a Female Founder," and the unscripted series "Harry & Meghan" and "With Love, Meghan."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2026.

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