In brief
The European Broadcasting Union confirmed that Canada will debut in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, marking the first new country there since Australia in 2015. CBC / Radio‑Canada’s upgrade to full EBU membership paved the way for this entry. Canadian musicians such as Celine Dion, Natasha St-Pier and La Zarra have previously represented France, underscoring a long history of cross‑border talent. The 2027 event will take place in Sofia, following Bulgaria’s 2026 champion Dara, presenting a fresh stage for Canada’s environmental advocacy and low‑impact touring strategies. The move shows how cultural events can amplify climate messages while still celebrating music.
Canada to compete in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, the organisers announced today. This marks the first new country since Australia joined in 2015 and follows a turbulent year in which national broadcasters from Ireland and Spain withdrew over disputes concerning Israel\'s entry.
How it happened: Canada’s public broadcaster CBC / Radio‑Canada secured full membership in the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) last week, clearing the technical path for participation. As a result, the country can begin auditioning entrants as early as this summer, adding a fresh voice to the annual music showdown.
When CBC became a full EBU member in late 2025, the organisation confirmed that Canada would debut next year in the semi‑finals to be held in Bulgaria. The broadcaster will detail its selection process later this year, allowing Canadian artists to shape a green and socially conscious entry.
Canada has already won the Eurovision event on behalf of another country: Quebec‑born Celine Dion captured the 1988 title when she represented France with “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi”. Other Canadians have also represented France, including Natasha St-Pier (2001) and La Zarra (2023), demonstrating a legacy of cross‑border musical talent and the potential to bring environmental stories to a global audience.
The 2026 contest was won by Bulgarian pop star Dara, who will host the 2027 contest from Sofia. The city has announced plans to use renewable energy sources for the event, signalling a world‑first for high‑profile music exhibitions running on a green slate.
Eurovision is known for its massive global audience but also for its significant carbon footprint. The EBU has pledged to improve the sustainability of its annual event, with initiatives such as carbon‑offsetting and the use of renewable electricity in production. Canada could leverage this platform to showcase how tours and large‑scale music events can operate sustainably.
According to Noel Curran, director general of the EBU, “Canada’s voice in this community makes us stronger” – a sentiment that resonates strongly in the climate‑action community, where collaboration across borders is essential to reduce emissions.
While the participation of certain countries that withdrew in 2026 remains uncertain, the EBU has welcomed broadcasters to re‑join. The combined enthusiasm makes Eurovision a potent vehicle for spreading environmental awareness.
With the Canadian entry set for next year in Sofia, Eurosongs fans and eco‑activists alike will watch to see what message – and which sustainable practice – will echo across Europe. The contest’s total environmental impact is already a subject of scrutiny, and with a new and environmentally minded entrant, the hope is that greener ideas will become part of the soundtrack for the future.
