Canada Officially exploring Eurovision Participation amidst Sovereignty Concerns
OTTAWA - Canada is in early-stage discussions with the European broadcasting Union (EBU) about joining the eurovision Song Contest, a move Prime Minister Mark Carney frames as a defense of Canadian identity and cultural sovereignty.The potential participation comes as Canada navigates escalating economic tensions and pointed rhetoric from the United States, including tariffs and challenges to it’s sovereignty.
“This is about protecting our identity – yes, we want to protect our sovereignty, but you also want to help people in the arts sector and in the film industry to make sure they can shine around the world.And we have a lot to offer as Canadians,” Carney told Global News last week.
The Canadian government has been actively strengthening ties with international allies, highlighted by Carney’s first overseas trip as prime minister in March, which included visits to france and the UK. During the trip, Carney declared Canada the “most European of the non-European countries.”
Sources within the government confirmed to the Canadian broadcasting Corporation (CBC) that Carney was personally involved in initiating Canada’s bid to participate in Eurovision.
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, confirmed the discussions in a statement to The Guardian, saying, ”The Canadian conversation with CBC/Radio-Canada is in its very early stages and we look forward to continuing our discussions with them.”
canada has previously considered joining Eurovision, but the CBC deemed it “prohibitively expensive” in 2022. Challenges remain, including the financial commitment required to field an entry and the relatively limited Canadian viewership of the contest.
Despite never formally competing, Canada has a history with Eurovision through artists representing other nations. Céline Dion won the contest for Switzerland in 1988 with “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi,” while Natasha St-Pier represented France in 2001 and La Zarra represented France in 2023.
