The new federal budget includes major plans for public sector cuts, investments in national defence and a proposal to explore Canada’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Eurovision participation has had mixed reactions in Ottawa’s music scene. Some welcome it, while others question the potential investment.
The budget sets aside $150 million to modernize CBC/Radio‑Canada’s mandate and explore joining the international music competition.
“The government will explore modernizing CBC/Radio‑Canada’s mandate to strengthen its independence and is working with CBC/Radio‑Canada to explore participation in Eurovision,” the federal document states.
The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual international competition organized by the European Broadcasting Union. Contestants represent their countries’ public broadcasters and perform original songs to a massive audience.
Michel Delage, a member of the Ottawa band Riishi Von Rex, watches Eurovision annually.
“Me and my wife are both musicians and we both watch Eurovision every year — as a joke because it is kinda funny” Delage said. “We never listen to that kind of music, but the production and stuff they put into it, is quite something.”
Eurovision performances are known for their visually striking and theatrical presentations. They often feature intricate choreography, pyrotechnics, creative lighting and bold costumes.
“I think Canada should be in it. Why not?” he said. “I’m all for it.”
Canadian‑Lebanese singer‑songwriter Raphaela Nehme also welcomes the idea of Canada entering Eurovision.
“On a personal level as an artist, I’m really excited about the possibility of Canada participating,” said Nehme, “It would mean more opportunities for Canadians to showcase their talent on an international stage.”
Eurovision requires each participating country to select an artist to perform an original song. The high‑profile contest has kick-started the careers of internationally acclaimed artists such as the Swedish pop-group ABBA and Quebec’s own Céline Dion, who performed for Switzerland in 1988.
In addition to Celine, several Canadians have performed, representing other countries.
Nehme said she would be “truly honoured” to represent Canada.
“I think it would give local artists and arts organizations something to really look forward to, be excited about and prepare for,” she said.
A handful of countries outside Europe have also appeared at Eurovision, including Australia, which joined in 2015 by invitation from the EBU.
In 2023, Toronto production company Insight Productions proposed a national singing contest to select a Canadian Eurovision entrant, but the project collapsed after failing to secure a bilingual host.
Insight co‑chief content officer Lindsay Cox told the CBC the decision was primarily financial. The company continues to explore how a Canadian edition could work.
“While Canada has produced incredible talent, we’re often not viewed as prominently in the global music landscape as places like the U.S., so having a platform like Eurovision to elevate our presence in arts and culture is really encouraging,” Nehme said.
Michael Wood, former professional guitarist for Ottawa rock band Circuit and a professor in Algonquin College’s Music, Media and Film Foundations program, has mixed feelings about the potential investment.
“I’m sort of sitting on both sides of the fence,” he said. “The revenue that would have to go into Eurovision — could we not use that to support more families here in Canada?”
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has positioned CBC’s modernization as part of its commitment to cultural growth and Canada’s international reputation.
The new federal funding aims to “grow Canada’s creative industries and help Canadian talent succeed in an increasingly digital and global marketplace.”
When it comes to participation, Wood stresses the need for a strong performance. “I think the artist would have to be well rehearsed,” Wood added. “How are you going to blow the audience out of their socks?”
As reported by the EBUToday, Martin Green, EBU Director of Eurovision, said the EBU has been in “very early talks with CBC but no decision has been made yet.”
CBC spokesperson Chuck Thompson said there is no update yet on any official participation.
“While we appreciate Canadians’ enthusiasm for Eurovision, we have no specific information to share about our participation in the contest at this time,” Thompson said.
