Giller Prize Revamps Jury with Indie Bookstore Staffers Amid Sponsorship Search

The Giller Prize, a prestigious literary award in Canada, is transforming its jury selection process by including staff members from five independent bookstores. This change aims to enhance the award’s accessibility while the organization seeks new sponsorships. The Giller Prize is renowned for being the country’s richest fiction award, offering $100,000 to the winner.

New Jury Composition Introduces Fresh Perspectives

This year, the jury will consist of seven individuals from five independent bookstores across Canada. According to Elana Rabinovitch, Executive Director of the Giller Prize, this shift introduces a “people’s choice” element to the award, connecting it more closely with readers and local communities.

Previously, the jury included authors and artists, but the current lineup features bookstore staff who bring diverse perspectives on literature. Among the jurors are Dan Macdonald and Lori Cheverie from Bookmark, which operates locations in Halifax, Charlottetown, and Fredericton; Danielle and Rupert McNally from Ben McNally Books in Toronto; Chris Hall from McNally Robinson Booksellers in Winnipeg and Saskatoon; Sarah Klassen from Mosaic Books in Kelowna, B.C.; and Jenn Baerg Steyn from Yellowknife Books.

Seeking New Sponsorship After Controversy

The Giller Prize is also actively looking for new sponsors and donors to support its mission of promoting Canadian storytelling. This search follows a significant change in sponsorship. For over two decades, Scotiabank was the prize’s naming sponsor. However, following protests in 2023 regarding the bank’s investment in an Israeli arms manufacturer, the Giller Foundation decided to sever ties with the institution.

In its announcement, the Giller Prize emphasized the importance of securing new partnerships to continue its tradition of excellence in celebrating Canadian literature. The foundation remains committed to its vision despite these recent challenges.

This report by The Canadian Press was originally published on January 12, 2026.