Canada Reads goes live

Canada Reads opened its 2026 debates live on Monday, April 13, with five celebrity champions arguing on air for the one book they say all Canadians should read. (cbc.ca) The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation scheduled the debates for April 13 to 16 and started the live broadcast at 10:05 a.m. Eastern Time across CBC Books, YouTube, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Listen and later on CBC Television. Ali Hassan returned as host. (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 works like an elimination contest: the five panelists debate for four days, vote one title off each day, and leave one winner standing at the end of the week. CBC said the 2026 edition is looking for “one book to build bridges.” (cbc.ca) The 2026 broadcast is the 25th edition of Canada Reads, which began in 2002. The first winning book was Michael Ondaatje’s *In the Skin of a Lion*, and CBC says last year’s winner was *A Two-Spirit Journey* by Ma-Nee Chacaby with Mary Louisa Plummer, championed by Shayla Stonechild. (cbc.ca) CBC framed the live format as part of the appeal this year, with replays and podcast episodes posted after each day’s debate. The YouTube stream was also available outside Canada. (cbc.ca) Before the first debate, CBC said panelists either arrive with a book they want to champion or work with the CBC Books team on a title that fits their reading tastes and public profile. Producer Lucy Mann said the goal is a panel that feels unexpected, “like a dinner party” with people from very different worlds. (cbc.ca) Day 1 set the pattern for the rest of the week: a live debate, a same-day recap, and one book moving closer to survival as Canada Reads heads toward its final vote on Thursday, April 16. (cbc.ca )