Canada is now confirmed to participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, following its public broadcaster's elevation to full membership in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The announcement was made on Canada Day, July 1, 2026, by Marie-Philippe Bouchard, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, who expressed excitement about showcasing Canadian talent on one of the world's most storied music stages.
EBU General Assembly Vote
The decision came after a vote at the EBU's 96th General Assembly in Prague. CBC/Radio-Canada had been an associate member since 1950, and this move grants full access to EBU collaboration. Noel Curran, director general of the EBU, stated: 'CBC/Radio-Canada has been part of the EBU family since our foundation in 1950. As one of the world's leading public broadcasters, it has already contributed hugely to our Union — helping us set and uphold the standards of public service journalism that matter most right now. Full Membership means we can now do even more together: on platform accountability, on trusted news, on the resilience that public broadcasters need to build for the years ahead. Canada's voice in this community makes us stronger.'
Impact on Eurovision Participation
Canada's entry comes amid a period of reduced participation. The 2026 competition saw only 35 countries compete, the lowest since the semi-final format was introduced in 2003. Five countries — Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Slovenia — boycotted the 2026 event due to Israel's ongoing inclusion. Belgium, a founding member, also indicated it would likely not participate in 2027 if Israel remains. Canada's inclusion, along with the return of North Macedonia, could help offset these absences.
Non-European Participation History
Canada is not the first non-European country to join Eurovision. Israel, Australia, and Morocco have participated, as have transcontinental countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. Israel's participation has been contentious due to the conflict in Gaza and allegations of aggressive vote campaigning. Martin Green, Eurovision director, told the BBC that organizers monitored votes 'very very carefully' and acknowledged that some broadcasters' promotion was 'a little disproportionate.' He added: 'If there is a problem, we start a conversation and we try and resolve it amicably, without reaching for sanctions.'
Marie-Philippe Bouchard's Statement
Marie-Philippe Bouchard also commented: 'Thank you to the European Broadcasting Union for welcoming CBC/Radio-Canada as a full Member. This new chapter in our relationship with the EBU and its members will deepen our cooperation at a time when the collective impact of public service media is essential. It's an important milestone that will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic by helping to combat disinformation and support cultural expression. As a full Member, we are hitting the ground running by announcing our full participation in the Eurovision News Exchange. This will allow more Canadian news and perspectives to reach audiences in Europe, and bring more international coverage to Canadians.'
EBU Membership Statistics
The EBU's membership now spans 115 organizations across 57 countries, with 52 countries having competed in at least one Song Contest since 1956. CBC/Radio-Canada, founded in 1936 as a radio broadcaster, now operates as a multiplatform public service media company serving Canadians across six time zones in English, French, and eight Indigenous languages.
