Canada becomes eligible for Eurovision after broadcaster joins EBU

Canada has become 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), meeting one of the contest's key participation requirements.

The move opens the possibility of Canada making its Eurovision debut as Prime Minister Mark Carney's government seeks closer political and economic ties with Europe, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Carney first raised the idea of Canada joining the competition in his 2025 budget. The government later said it was working with CBC/Radio-Canada to explore participation and allocated C$150 million (about £80 million) in funding for the public broadcaster.

Under Eurovision rules, participation is open to countries whose broadcasters are full members of the EBU. CBC had previously held only associate member status.

"Canada's voice in this community makes us stronger," EBU Director General Noel Curran said following the broadcaster's admission.

If Canada joins the contest, it would become another non-European participant alongside countries such as Israel and Australia. Morocco also competed once, in 1980.

While Canada has never competed as a country, several Canadian artists have represented other nations. Most notably, Canadian singer Céline Dion won the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest representing Switzerland, a victory that helped launch her international career.

Other Canadian performers to compete include Natasha St-Pier, who represented France in 2001, and Montreal-born singer La Zarra, who competed for France in 2023.

By Sabina Mammadli