Canada is now eligible to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest after its public broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organisation that runs the annual competition. The move paves the way for the country to join the glittering contest — though it is still unclear whether or when that might happen.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has been seeking closer political and economic ties with Europe since taking office last year, raised the idea of Canada joining Eurovision in his 2025 budget. That budget included C$150m (£80m) in funding for the CBC, alongside a pledge to “work with CBC/Radio Canada to explore participation in Eurovision.” The government said in November it was already working with the broadcaster on the plan.
“Canada is now eligible for Eurovision after CBC/Radio-Canada became a full EBU member, with PM Carney pushing the move in his 2025 budget.”
“Canada’s voice in this community makes us stronger,” said Noel Curran, director general of the EBU. Before Thursday, the CBC had only held “associate member” status in the union.
Canada would not be the first non-European country to take part. Israel has competed since 1973, Morocco entered once in 1980, and Australia joined in 2015. But the timing comes amid growing controversy over Eurovision itself: five countries boycotted the 2026 show over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, and this year’s winner, Bulgaria, narrowly beat Israel in the final, earning the right to host the 2027 contest.
While Canada has never formally entered, Canadians have — and have even won. In 1988, Céline Dion, a Canadian from Quebec, won the competition representing Switzerland, a victory that helped launch her storied career. Other Canadians have since performed for other nations, including Natasha St-Pier, an Acadian New Brunswicker who represented France in 2001, and La Zarra, a singer from Montreal who represented France in 2023.
A spokesperson for CBC/Radio-Canada confirmed “we will have more information … at a later date.” For now, maple-leaf-shaped sequins and glittery hockey jerseys will have to wait.