Canada Gains Full Membership in the European Broadcasting Union
On June 25 in Prague, Canada was granted full membership in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), a landmark decision that paves the way for the country to debut at Eurovision—the world’s largest live music event. Marie-Philippe Bouchard, President of CBC/Radio-Canada, expressed enthusiasm about Canada’s involvement, stating:
“We are thrilled to confirm Canada’s participation in the world’s biggest live music event. This will allow us to showcase Canadian talent on one of the most prestigious music stages globally.” - Marie-Philippe Bouchard
Canada will compete in one of the Eurovision semi-finals. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has allocated 150 million dollars in the budget to modernize and expand the public broadcaster. This funding is designed to ensure a high level of preparation for the competition and to boost the country’s music industry.
Canadian Artists at Eurovision
It’s worth noting that Canadian performers have previously represented other nations at Eurovision:
- Celine Dion won the competition in 1988, representing Switzerland with the song 'Ne partez pas sans moi'.
- In 2001, Natasha St-Pier finished fourth representing France with 'Je n'ai que mon âme'.
- More recently, La Zarra placed 16th in 2023 while representing France with the song 'Évidemment'.
In 2026, Canada was also one of the top three non-European countries in terms of votes cast in the 'Rest of the World' category. Eurovision Director Martin Green welcomed the new member, commenting:
“We are delighted to welcome CBC/Radio-Canada into the Eurovision family. This is further proof that the competition, born in Europe, continues to expand globally.” - Martin Green
Canada’s acquisition of EBU membership marks a significant milestone, highlighting the growing interest in international music platforms and opportunities for artists outside Europe. Competing in Eurovision will give Canadian musicians a new stage to display their talents on a global scale. It may also spur growth in the nation’s music industry, which has already received substantial investment to support public broadcasting. Ultimately, Canada’s entry into the contest could have far-reaching effects, not only for performers but for the country’s entire cultural landscape.