Canada is set to compete in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest after its public broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada, became a full member of 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 what she called 'one of the most storied music stages in the world.'
EBU General Assembly Vote
The decision followed a vote at the EBU's 96th General Assembly in Prague. Canada's entry comes after the 2026 competition featured only 35 countries, the lowest number since the semi-final format was introduced in 2003. This decline was partly due to five countries—Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Slovenia—boycotting the event over Israel's ongoing participation. Belgium, a founding Eurovision member, also indicated it would likely not participate in 2027 if Israel remained in the contest.
Canada's Longstanding EBU Ties
Canada's move to full membership is not entirely surprising, as CBC/Radio-Canada had been an associate member of the EBU since 1950. Full membership grants the broadcaster access to the full range of EBU collaborations, including the Eurovision News Exchange. Noel Curran, EBU Director General, 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. Full Membership means we can now do even more together.'
Canada joins other non-European participants such as Israel, Australia, and Morocco, as well as transcontinental countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. Israel's inclusion has been contentious due to the conflict in Gaza and allegations of aggressive vote campaigning, which violates Eurovision rules. Organisers previously stated they were monitoring votes closely, with director Martin Green acknowledging that 'some of the promotion by some of the broadcasters was a little disproportionate.'
Balancing Boycotts
Canada's inclusion, along with the return of North Macedonia in 2027, may help offset the absence of countries boycotting the competition. Marie-Philippe Bouchard added: 'Thank you to the European Broadcasting Union for welcoming CBC/Radio-Canada as a full Member. This new chapter in our relationship 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.'
Founded in 1936 as a radio broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada now serves Canadians across six time zones in English, French, and eight Indigenous languages. The EBU's membership spans 115 organisations across 57 countries, with 52 countries having competed in at least one Eurovision Song Contest since 1956.
