The Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia withdrew from Eurovision 2026 because of Israel’s participation. Their broadcasters also boycotted the 2026 contest. This appears to have put the future of the competition under financial pressure. Bringing Canada into the contest may be one way to help offset the loss of participation fees.

“Rumours about a possible Canadian debut [in Eurovision] began circulating last year after a line buried in the federal budget revealed that the government was working with CBC/Radio-Canada to explore participation in Eurovision. Now, the contest’s director has suggested that the idea may not be as far-fetched as it sounds.” Y!Entertainment.

When Eurovision participation was included in the 2025 fall federal budget, two government sources said Prime Minister Mark Carney was personally involved in the initiative. Carney reportedly said, “We want Canadian culture on a global stage.”

At the time, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said, “I think it’s a platform for Canada to shine.” He also said, “This is about protecting our identity — yes, we want to protect our sovereignty, but we also want to support people in the arts sector and film industry so they can shine around the world. We have a lot to offer as Canadians.”

Reports indicate that the CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster, has been in discussions with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) about closer collaboration. A CBC delegation of observers also attended Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.

Amid protests by thousands of demonstrators and a boycott by five countries, Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnes Callamard criticized the EBU for allowing Israel to participate, saying, “The failure of the European Broadcasting Union to suspend Israel from Eurovision, as it did with Russia, is an act of cowardice and an illustration of blatant double standards when it comes to Israel.”

It would be very misguided for Canada and the CBC to join Eurovision, while Israel continues to participate.

Call on Prime Minister Carney, the Canadian government, and the CBC not to join Eurovision.

Boycott Apartheid! Boycott War Crimes! Boycott Genocide!

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Stuart MacLean
Video Producer

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Stuart MacLean is a Toronto-based video producer who has covered the Eurovision Song Contest on YouTube. More recently, his coverage has taken a strictly critical approach because Eurovision continues to allow Israel to participate while refusing to hold it to the same standard applied to Russia.

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