The Eurovision Song Contest. Primarily a European event. Is open to countries with broadcasting organizations that are members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Canada’s national broadcaster. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), is not a full EBU member but holds associate status, which could allow it to participate on a case-by-case basis. Australia, which joined in 2015, is the only associate member to have been approved for entry.

Canada’s Push for Inclusion

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney first raised the idea of joining Eurovision in his 2025 federal budget. The government is working with the CBC to “explore participation in the Eurovision,” according to a single line in the nearly 500-page document. Two government sources confirmed that Carney, who has lived and studied in the UK and previously served as the governor of the Bank of England, is personally invested in the initiative.

Canada’s finance minister, François-Philippe Champagne, said the move is about protecting Canadian identity and helping the arts and film industries gain global recognition. “I think it’s a platform for Canada to shine,” he said in November.

Eurovision Scholar Weighs In

Jess Carniel, an Eurovision scholar and associate professor at the University of Southern Queensland, told the Guardian that Canada must demonstrate to the EBU that its participation would be beneficial. The EBU evaluates each application individually, considering factors such as audience reach, cultural significance, and broadcasting history.

Australia was granted permission in part because the contest was already widely popular there. The EBU has not specified if the same criteria would apply to Canada but noted that participation decisions are made on an individual basis.

Canadian Presence in Eurovision History

Although Canada has never officially entered the contest, Canadian artists have competed and won. In 1988, Céline Dion from Quebec won the Eurovision for Switzerland with her song “Ne partez pas sans moi.” Her win is credited with launching her international career and remains the last time a French-language song won the contest.

Leon Mar, the CBC’s senior director of public affairs, confirmed that the broadcaster is sending three staff members to this year’s Eurovision as observers. “We are talking with the EBU about how we can collaborate more closely and exchange more content,” Mar said in a statement.