The government of Mark Carney recently released its first budget proposal for Canada, which includes extended funding for its public broadcaster CBC. But the document also hinted at Canada’s willingness to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest, and when pressed by an interviewer on the topic, Canada’s finance minister said that the idea came from Europe.
Exploring participation in Eurovision
The budget was released as a 493-page strong document (including annex), with one particular paragraph of interest for Eurovision fans. In chapter 3 (“Empowering Canadians”), section 3 (“Protecting Canadian Culture, Values and Identity”), a paragraph on protecting national broadcaster CBC promised 150m$ of extra funding for the broadcaster (in Canadian dollars, so about 92m€ or £81m).
Budget 2025 proposes to provide $150 million in 2025-26 for CBC/Radio-Canada to strengthen its mandate to serve the public and to better reflect the needs of Canadians. The government will explore modernising CBC/Radio-Canada’s mandate to strengthen independence, and is working with CBC/Radio Canada to explore participation in Eurovision.
Canada’s Budget 2025 paper
CBC-Radio Canada is already an affiliate member of the EBU, just like Australia’s broadcaster SBS, which has been representing the country since 2015. As such, participation for Canada is possible, with an invitation from the EBU.
The publication of such an intent in a budget draft would go to show that there is political will to go in this direction, which would be coherent with the current geopolitical situation in North America, and the trade war between Canada and the USA. Opinion polls have shown a willingness by the Canadian population to grow closer ties with Europe (and the EU especially), and other partners across the world. It is also seen as a way to defend Canadian identity, by showcasing Canadian music and art across the world.
“Something that was asked by the people who participate”
Interviewed by Global News, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne was asked about why Eurovision participation was put in the budget. His answer suggests that the idea came from Europe:
This was something that was asked by the people who participate, and I think it’s a platform for Canada to shine.
François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Finance Minister, about Eurovision participation
It is unclear whether this means the EBU directly approached CBC, or if other broadcasters suggested it (the EBU is the organiser more than “the people who participate”, but the sentence is quite generic). In any case, talks about participation would need to take place with the EBU.
The question is asked at 4:40 in the video.
It is important to note that during the 60th edition of the Contest, in 2015, Australia (another affiliate member of the EBU though SBS) took part for the first time, with a special invitation. The idea of Canada participating would also align with a recent possible slip-up by Alexandra Redde-Amiel, the French head of delegation, who mentioned in an interview that Eurovision was “a contest between 41 countries”, hinting at a potential high number of participants for next year, which would also be confirmed by the return of Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania.
All of this remains, of course, speculative, and theories about Canada’s participation have been flying around for years, especially with the idea of a “Canadian Song Contest” which could have also been used as a national selection for Eurovision. But with the 70th anniversary coming up, who knows what could happen?
What do you think about all this? Could Canada compete in Eurovision 2026, or later? Do you think they will? Do you want them in Vienna? Who could they send? Tell us more in the comments below, or on social media!
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