The following is a list of events affecting Canadian television in 1971. Events listed include television show debuts, finales, cancellations, and channel launches.

Events

Debuts

Ending this year

Births

• 19 July – Alan Marriott, voice actor, writer, improv comedian and improv instructor

Television shows

1950s

• Country Canada (1954–2007)
• CBC News Magazine (1952–1981)
• Chez Hélène (1959–1973)
• Circle 8 Ranch (1955–1978)
• The Friendly Giant (1958–1985)
• Hockey Night in Canada (1952–present)
• The National (1954–present)
• Front Page Challenge (1957–1995)
• Wayne and Shuster Show (1958–1989)

1960s

• Audubon Wildlife Theatre (1968–1974)
• CTV National News (1961–present)
• Elwood Glover's Luncheon Date (1963–1975)
• The Galloping Gourmet (1968–1972)
• Land and Sea (1964–present)
• Man Alive (1967–2000)
• Mr. Dressup (1967–1996)
• Music Hop (1962–1972)
• The Nature of Things (1960–present, scientific documentary series)
• The Pierre Berton Show (1962–1973)
• The Pig and Whistle (1967–1977)
• Question Period (1967–present, news program)
• Reach for the Top (1961–1985)
• Singalong Jubilee (1961–1974)
• Take 30 (1962–1983)
• Telescope (1963–1973)
• The Tommy Hunter Show (1965–1992)
• University of the Air (1966–1983)
• W-FIVE (1966–present, newsmagazine program)

1970s

• Drop-In (1970-1974)
• Here Come the Seventies (1970-1973)
• This Land (1970–1982)

TV movies

• The Megantic Outlaw

Television stations

Debuts