Canada is welcome to join Eurovision if it wishes, its director has said, months after the country revealed it wanted to “explore” joining the song contest in its federal budget.

Eurovision director Martin Green told the BBC on Wednesday that Canada hadn’t yet applied, but would be welcome to.

“We know that Mark Carney wants to sort of embrace Europe,” he said.

“We will welcome anyone through those doors who wants to share the values of this wonderful occasion and stand on our stage with friends,” he added.

As the name suggests, Eurovision is mainly a showcase for European talent but it is open to countries with broadcasting organisations that are members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).…