Could Canada compete at Eurovision? CBC’s new membership makes it possible

Courtesy Barrie360.com

By Logan Miller, June 26, 2026

Canada moved closer to a potential Eurovision debut Thursday after CBC/Radio-Canada was voted in as a full member of the European Broadcasting Union.

The membership, approved at the EBU’s general assembly, is a significant shift for Canada’s public broadcaster. Full members are eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, and CBC/Radio-Canada confirmed it would have more to say about that possibility later.

The federal government had already signalled its interest in getting Canada into the competition, mentioning it in last fall’s budget.

What the EBU membership means

Eurovision has been running for decades and features performers from countries across Europe and beyond. The contest is organised and broadcast through the EBU, which is why full membership matters for any country hoping to compete.

“The move formalizes and deepens the long-standing relationship between Canada’s national public broadcaster and the EBU,” the union said in a statement Thursday.

Beyond Eurovision, the full membership gives CBC/Radio-Canada access to the EBU’s shared member networks, including resources for investigative journalism and content verification.

What CBC’s CEO said

CBC CEO Marie-Philippe Bouchard framed the membership as something that would benefit Canadians on both sides of the Atlantic.

“This new chapter in our relationship with the EBU and its members will deepen our co-operation at a time when the collective impact of public service media is essential,” she said.

“It’s an important milestone that will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic by helping to combat disinformation and support cultural expression.”

The exchange allows member broadcasters to share both live and edited news footage.

Feature image: Dara from Bulgaria holds up the trophy after winning the Grand Final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, Sunday, May 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

*With files from CP