The Giller Prize concluded its longstanding partnership with Scotiabank, citing no specific reason in their announcement. The decision follows intense protests by the literary community against the bank's considerable investment in Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems, estimated at $500 million. During the recent Giller ceremony, protestors publicly criticized Scotiabank's role, alleging complicity with genocide. This has led to a significant backlash among authors and literary figures, many of whom have distanced themselves from the prize, demanding accountability and sustainability in sponsorships.
The Giller Prize and Scotiabank have ended their partnership after 20 years, following protests against the bank's ties to Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems.
Elana Rabinovitch stated that the Giller Foundation is indebted to Scotiabank for significantly increasing the annual prize pot to $125,000 over the two decades.
The partnership faced backlash during the 2023 Giller ceremony when activists disrupted the event, calling Scotiabank complicit in actions described as genocide in Gaza.
Numerous literary figures, including past Giller winners, condemned Scotiabank's involvement due to its $500 million investment in Elbit Systems, the largest foreign stakeholder.
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