In a notable turn of events, the CanLit Responds collective has announced the conclusion of its boycott against the prestigious Giller Prize, originally initiated over a year ago in response to the literary award’s sponsorship affiliations. The group, which represents a significant number of authors and literary professionals, received confirmation from the Giller Prize’s executive director, Elana Rabinovitch, indicating that the award has severed its financial connections with both Scotiabank and the Azrieli Foundation.
Background of the Boycott
The boycott began in the autumn of 2024, prompted by widespread concerns regarding the Giller Prize’s links to sponsors associated with Israel amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Scotiabank, which had been the primary sponsor of the Giller Prize for two decades, faced backlash due to its subsidiary’s investments in an Israeli arms manufacturer. Following public protests and advocacy, the Giller Foundation announced its decision to part ways with the bank, yet the boycott persisted as CanLit Responds sought to dissociate the award from Indigo Books and the Azrieli Foundation.
Protests were particularly directed at Indigo Books because of its CEO’s charity, which provides scholarships for former Israel Defense Forces soldiers. The Giller Prize’s affiliation with the Azrieli Foundation was also contentious, given the foundation’s ties to the Azrieli Group, a real estate firm with minority stakes in Bank Leumi. This bank has been identified by the United Nations Human Rights Office as partaking in activities linked to settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Clarifications from the Giller Prize
In an email to CanLit Responds, Rabinovitch clarified that the Giller Prize has never received funding from Indigo, stating that the bookseller only features Giller-nominated works in its stores. Furthermore, she indicated that the Giller Foundation’s relationship with the Azrieli Foundation had ended in 2025. The Giller Prize will continue to operate in the upcoming years, thanks to a one-time ‘bridge’ donation and smaller contributions from anonymous patrons, ensuring the continuation of the award into 2026.
The Azrieli Foundation, in response to its critics, emphasised that it is a separate entity from the Azrieli Group. Chair Naomi Azrieli expressed sadness over the negative impact of the allegations on artists and organisations they have supported in Canada. Meanwhile, Heather Sherman, the foundation’s communications director, stated that their funding agreement with the Giller Prize concluded as intended, free from pressure from activist groups.
Authors Respond to the Conclusion of the Boycott
With the boycott officially over, CanLit Responds has heralded the campaign as a significant victory for writers advocating against the normalisation of what they term genocide against Palestinians. The group now calls for the Giller Prize to ensure that its future sponsorship arrangements are both transparent and ethically sound.
Michael DeForge, an organiser with CanLit Responds, remarked on the necessity for the Giller to rebuild trust with writers and readers alike. He acknowledged that the decision to re-engage with the Giller Prize lies with individual authors, with some potentially resuming submissions while others may remain hesitant.
Canadian writer André Forget, who was longlisted for the Giller Prize in 2022, indicated he would contemplate submitting future works, depending on how the situation evolves. He underscored the emotional toll this experience has had on many involved and highlighted that trust cannot be restored instantly.
The Giller Prize’s Future
As the Giller Prize approaches its next milestone, with the longlist announcement scheduled for mid-September 2026, the literary community watches closely. Regulatory filings from February confirmed that Scotiabank has sold its remaining holdings in Israeli defence manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd., further distancing itself from the controversy that sparked the boycott.
The end of the boycott marks a pivotal moment for the Giller Prize, prompting questions about the future dynamics of literary awards in relation to political affiliations and ethical sponsorships. The evolving landscape of literary recognition could signal a new era of accountability within the arts.
Why it Matters
This development is significant not only for the Giller Prize but also for the broader discourse surrounding the intersection of culture, politics, and ethics. The decision to end the boycott illustrates the power of collective action in shaping institutional policies while also highlighting the complex relationships between art, sponsorship, and moral responsibility. As the literary community navigates these challenges, the outcome could influence how artistic institutions engage with social issues and the expectations of their stakeholders.
