Canada will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 2027, following an announcement by the Canadian government. The move marks the first new country to join the popular European music competition since Australia was invited in 2015.
The Canadian government confirmed in November that it was collaborating with the CBC, the country's public broadcaster, to "explore participation in Eurovision." A budget allocation of C$150 million (£80 million) was included to support the broadcaster.
Eurovision's participation rules require member countries to have broadcasting organizations that are members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Until this development, the CBC held an "associate member" status with the EBU. Noel Curran, director general of the EBU, stated that "Canada's voice in this community makes us stronger."
The decision comes amidst ongoing discussions about the participation of countries that boycotted the 2026 contest. Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain withdrew that year following the EBU's decision to allow Israel to compete. Eurovision director Martin Green expressed optimism for their return, noting that "the door was open for broadcasters to return" and that dialogue would continue after the 2026 event concluded.
The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest was won by Bulgarian pop star Dara with her song "Bangarang," meaning the 2027 contest will be hosted in Sofia, Bulgaria. Historically, Canada is not the first non-European nation to compete; Israel and Australia are regular participants, and Morocco made an appearance in 1980.