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Canada eyes Eurovision participation amid closer EU ties
Canada could compete in the Eurovision Song Contest if it submits a formal request, the contest's director Martin Green confirmed this week, though no official bid has been made.
Door open for Canadian entry, says Eurovision director
Speaking to the BBC on Wednesday, Green stated that no formal proposal from Canada had crossed his desk but emphasized the contest's inclusive stance. "We will welcome anyone through those doors who wants to share the values of this wonderful occasion and stand on our stage with friends," he said.
Carney government signals interest in 2025 budget
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has prioritized strengthening political and economic ties with Europe since taking office last year, first floated the idea of Canada joining Eurovision in the government's 2025 fiscal plan. Released in November, the budget outlined plans to collaborate with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) to "explore participation" in the contest.
Green acknowledged awareness of Canada's interest, noting Carney's efforts to "embrace Europe."
Rules allow non-European entries, but eligibility is case-by-case
While Eurovision primarily features European talent and is organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), non-European countries have competed in the past. Australia, for example, joined in 2015 after years of broadcasting the contest, which enjoys significant popularity there.
Participation is typically open to countries with EBU member broadcasters, though associate members like the CBC may also qualify. The contest's governing body evaluates such requests individually. Australia was granted entry despite its broadcaster holding only associate membership, a precedent Canada could follow.
CBC sends observers to 2026 contest amid talks with EBU
Leon Mar, the CBC's senior director of public affairs, confirmed the broadcaster is sending three staff members to this year's Eurovision as observers. In a statement, Mar said the CBC is "talking with the EBU about how we can collaborate more closely and exchange more content."
Canadians have won Eurovision before-representing other nations
Though Canada has never competed officially, Canadians have triumphed in the contest under other flags. Céline Dion, a Quebec native, won for Switzerland in 1988 with Ne partez pas sans moi, a victory credited with launching her global career. Her win was also the last time a French-language song claimed the top prize.
Other Canadians have followed, including Natasha St-Pier, who represented France in 2001, and La Zarra, a Montreal singer who competed for France in 2023. Eurovision rules permit contestants to perform for countries other than their own, though some nations impose additional citizenship requirements.
