Is Canada set to make a Eurovision debut?

Budget papers from the Canadian government have revealed they are exploring participation in Eurovision.

The papers, tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne read:

“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.”

Eurovision Canada?

In 2022, the EBU announced that the Eurovision Canada contest would be coming in 2023.

The competition was to be similar to the now-defunct American Song Contest.

Executive Supervisior of the Eurovision Song Contest, Martin Österdahl gave reasons for the decision at the time.

"It is time for Canada to join the party and become a player in this worldwide spectacle," he said.

"The love of music is universal and the celebration of music’s different genres and styles transcends boundaries, uniting people in a way that no other art form can.

"We are excited to have found the best partners to offer another version of this joyful phenomenon to new fans and to share this remarkable competition with the Canadian people."

The competition has yet to take place.

More countries returning

The news comes after Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania annoucned their return to Eurovision while many other nations like Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain threaten to withdraw over Israel.

Next year's Contest is also the 70th edition in Vienna. The 2015 Contest was the 60th year of Eurovision, which was used as a reason to invite Australia as a special guest.

Australia had been broadcasting the Eurovision Song Contest every year since 1983 sending commentary teams since 2009.

Canada and Eurovision

Canada has consistently been one of the top nations participating n the Rest of the World since it began in 2023.

CBC is also an Associate Member of the EBU, much like SBS. However, they have not been broadcasting the Contest with fans watching it on YouTube in recent years.

Many Canadians have competed in Eurovision include Celine Dion who won for Switzerland in 1988.

Additionally, Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney also mentioned it during a meeting with Australia's own PM a Anthony Albanese.

The pair met in Rome for Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass and Australia's non-qualification was a topic of discussion.

"[Albanese is] the only world leader who can discuss spirituality, the global economy, vegemite hygiene & how Go-Jo was robbed at Eurovision in one go," he posted to X.

Will Canada go to Eurovision?

There is no definitive answer, but in these unusual times, who knows!