Launch of Hope and Hard Work

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched a new media and entertainment production company named Hope and Hard Work on Friday, 11 September 2026. The 54-year-old former head of government established the venture in partnership with Katie Telford, who served as his chief of staff during his political career in Ottawa. The public rollout of the company coincided with the Toronto International Film Festival, which began on 10 September 2026 and runs until 20 September 2026 in Ontario. Trudeau and Telford timed the announcement to introduce the studio during the festival's opening weekend. With the new enterprise, Trudeau marks a definitive pivot away from Canadian electoral politics and enters the global creative and entertainment industry.

Company mission and origins of the name

The newly launched company intends to develop and produce original projects across four distinct formats, spanning feature films, television productions, audio programming, and live audience experiences. The name Hope and Hard Work originates from a specific phrase that Trudeau used regularly in public addresses after winning the leadership of the Liberal Party in 2013 and throughout his nine-year term as prime minister between 2015 and 2025. Company representatives noted that the title embodies the core philosophy behind their planned productions. According to an official company announcement released during the launch, the organization aims to connect audiences through shared cultural narratives.

“Stories that help us see, understand and connect with each other, through film, television, audio and live experiences.”

Resignation from office and Liberal succession

Trudeau's transition into media production follows his formal departure from political office after more than a decade at the head of the Liberal Party. In January 2025, Trudeau announced his decision to step down from the prime minister's office after confronting sustained pressure from Liberal members of parliament. Lawmakers had expressed deep concerns over the party's low ratings in national opinion polls ahead of the impending federal elections. Following Trudeau's resignation, Mark Carney succeeded him in the prime minister's office. The leadership change concluded Trudeau's nine-year tenure as prime minister, which began with the Liberal Party's electoral victory in 2015 and ended after almost a decade in government.

Post-political life and the Obama precedent

After leaving office, Trudeau maintained a comparatively reduced public schedule while accepting selective international speaking engagements. He delivered addresses at global forums, including the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and attracted public and media attention regarding his personal relationship with American pop singer Katy Perry. Trudeau's decision to establish a media company mirrors the post-political trajectory of former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. In 2018, the Obamas launched their independent company, Higher Ground Productions, before finalizing a multi-year content partnership with streaming service Netflix Inc. to produce feature films and television series. Hope and Hard Work follows that precedent by establishing an executive production banner for creative projects.