The Giller Foundation's board discussed the calls to cut ties with Scotiabank over its investment in an Israeli arms manufacturer at a meeting last week
TORONTO — The Scotiabank Giller Prize won't drop its lead sponsor, the organization's executive director announced as pressure mounted from some high-profile members of the literary community.
"While we respect all viewpoints that have been shared, we are confident in the integrity of Scotiabank and in our partnership," she wrote. "And while we appreciate the range of views that have been shared, the foundation is not a political tool." "For almost 20 years, support from Scotiabank has enabled us to significantly elevate Canadian authors and their works, both at home and around the world," she wrote.
The group calling on the Giller Foundation to cut ties with Scotiabank — and all sponsors "directly invested in Israel's occupation of Palestine" — include past winner Omar El Akkad and shortlisted writers Noor Naga, Shani Mootoo and Thea Lim.
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