A group supporting the Palestinian cause, CanLit Responds, has declared an end to their boycott of the Giller Prize, a literary event they had protested against over a year ago. The group received an email from the Giller’s executive director, Elana Rabinovitch, confirming the termination of sponsorship connections with Scotiabank and the Azrieli Foundation.
The email clarified that Indigo Books was never a sponsor but rather a promotional partner for the prize. The boycott, initiated by CanLit Responds in 2024 due to the sponsors’ ties to Israel, saw the support of numerous Canadian authors like David Bergen, Shani Mootoo, and Thea Lim.
Previously, Scotiabank had been the prize’s main sponsor for two decades, but controversies arose in 2023 over its subsidiary’s involvement with an Israeli arms manufacturer, leading to the Giller Foundation severing ties with the bank. CanLit Responds continued the boycott, demanding disassociation from both Indigo and the Azrieli Foundation.
Protesters objected to Indigo due to its CEO’s charity support for former Israel Defence Forces soldiers, while the Azrieli Foundation drew criticism for its links to the Azrieli Group, a real estate company with holdings in Bank Leumi, listed by the UN Human Rights Office for activities in Palestinian territories.
The foundation clarified its separation from the Azrieli Group, emphasizing its commitment to supporting arts in Canada. Rabinovitch informed CanLit Responds in January that the Giller’s association with the Azrieli Foundation ended in 2025, with the 2026 prize being sustained by anonymous donations.
CanLit Responds hailed the end of their campaign as a victory against normalizing atrocities, urging the Giller to ensure transparent and ethical sponsorships. The group’s organizer, Michael DeForge, emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust with writers and readers, with uncertainty over authors’ participation in the future.
Canadian author Andre Forget expressed cautious willingness to submit his work to the Giller Prize again, contingent upon developments. He acknowledged the challenging journey but highlighted the need for authors to make individual decisions regarding involvement with the prize.
Recent filings revealed Scotiabank’s divestment from Israeli defence manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd. The 2026 Giller Prize longlist announcement is expected in mid-September, followed by the shortlist reveal in early October.