CBC won’t disclose Eurovision costs as memo says Ottawa can’t order it to take part

OTTAWA — CBC/Radio-Canada won’t disclose how much participating in the Eurovision song contest could cost, while a government document notes the tab for the international cultural event has hit $1.5 million in other countries. “Such information is generally considered competitive and confidential,” CBC spokesperson Leon Mar said in an email. A government document, obtained through access to information law, says public information about spending on Eurovision in other countries is limited.

It says the total cost of participating in Eurovision in 2025 ranged from about $400,000 for Portugal to $1.5 million for Israel. Participating national broadcasters pay fees to enter Eurovision that vary from country to country. The Canadian Heritage document says each national broadcaster also picks up the costs associated with choosing a musical act and supporting it through the competition.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Canada Day that Canada will take part in the next Eurovision song contest, set for Bulgaria in 2027. “Yes, the most gloriously over-the-top celebration of music on Earth. Dozens of countries, hundreds of millions of viewers, one unforgettable show,” he said.

Carney has watched Eurovision in the past and is a fan of the contest, a senior government source confirmed. The 2025 federal budget, which provided the public broadcaster with an additional $150 million in funding, said the government is “working with CBC/Radio-Canada to explore participation in Eurovision.” The 2025 Canadian Heritage document, a “fact sheet” on Canada’s participation in Eurovision, says the decision on whether to participate must be made by the CBC. “CBC/Radio-Canada’s independence as a Crown corporation that operates at arm’s length from government is legislated through the Broadcasting Act,” the document says.

“There is therefore no mechanism to direct CBC/Radio-Canada to seek participation in Eurovision. This decision is at the discretion of CBC/Radio-Canada, pending a formal invitation from the European Broadcast Union to participate.” The document added the government also can’t provide the broadcaster with direct funding for a specific purpose. The CBC spokesperson said the decisions to join the European Broadcasting Union and participate in the contest “were completely ours.” Mar added the public broadcaster operates at arm’s length and its “operational and edito…