Canada has gained eligibility to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest after CBC/Radio-Canada became a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The decision, made during the EBU’s general assembly in Prague, marks a significant milestone as the Canadian public broadcaster had been an associate member of the EBU since 1950. While this new membership allows Canada to submit an entry to Eurovision, CBC has not confirmed its participation yet.
In the 2025 budget, the Carney government expressed its collaboration with CBC to explore Canada’s potential involvement in Eurovision. Despite this, the CBC spokesperson, Leon Mar, mentioned that more details regarding the Eurovision Song Contest will be disclosed later. Additionally, the federal government has not responded to requests for comments on this matter.
Eurovision director Martin Green previously stated that the competition would welcome Canadian participation. If Canada decides to enter, it won’t be the first non-European country to compete, following the footsteps of Israel, Morocco, and Australia, which have all taken part in the past. Australia, for instance, started competing in 2015 with special permission from the EBU, despite not being a full member.
The EBU, which organizes Eurovision, consists of 115 member organizations from 57 countries and 28 associates. According to a news release from CBC and the EBU, CBC’s promotion to a full EBU member will provide access to various networks and services, including investigative journalism, digital news, and data exchange. This collaboration aims to enhance cooperation in combating disinformation and promoting cultural expression on both sides of the Atlantic.
Noel Curran, the director general of the EBU, highlighted Canada’s potential contributions to the alliance, emphasizing the country’s role in upholding public service journalism standards. The acknowledgment of Canada’s voice within the EBU community signifies a strengthened partnership that can lead to further collaborative efforts in the future.