Canada Reads starts live

Canada Reads 2026 opened live on April 13, kicking off four days of debate over which Canadian book will survive the first vote. (cbc.ca) The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s annual “battle of the books” runs from April 13 to April 16, with one title eliminated each day until a winner is chosen on Thursday, April 16. Host Ali Hassan is moderating the 2026 debates across CBC Radio, CBC Gem, YouTube, CBC Books, CBC Television and CBC Listen. (cbc.ca) This year’s five contenders are *A Minor Chorus* by Billy-Ray Belcourt, defended by Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers; *Searching for Terry Punchout* by Tyler Hellard, defended by Steve “Dangle” Glynn; *The Cure for Drowning* by Loghan Paylor, defended by Tegan Quin; *Foe* by Iain Reid, defended by Josh Dela Cruz; and *It’s Different This Time* by Joss Richard, defended by Morgann Book. (cbc.ca) Canada Reads is not a juried prize in the usual sense. Five public figures pick books they think all Canadians should read, then argue for them on air and vote one off each day until one remains. (cbc.ca) The 2026 theme is “One Book to Build Bridges,” and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation says the shortlist was framed around stories that connect readers to different people, places and perspectives. The show is marking its 25th edition this year. (cbc.ca; cbc.ca) The live rollout on April 13 centered on the first day’s mechanics as much as the books themselves: the stream began at 10:05 a.m. Eastern time, and CBC warned viewers that the live updates page would include spoilers from the opening debate. (cbc.ca) CBC also set up a public tiebreaker before the debates began. If Day One ended in a five-way tie, the book leading a reader survey would be spared, and the panellist who voted against that title would have to switch votes and decide the elimination. (cbc.ca) The program has a track record of moving books into the market after the shortlist lands. CBC said every Canada Reads finalist in the past 10 years has appeared on Canadian bestseller lists after being named to the competition. (cbc.ca) Day Two is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, with four books left in contention after the opening elimination. By Thursday, April 16, the format guarantees one surviving title and another Canada Reads winner. (youtube.com; cbc.ca)