Claims of toxic workplace at CSIS absolutely 'devastating,' PM says
Four officers raising allegations about spy agency's B.C. office
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says allegations of a toxic workplace culture involving harassment and sexual assault at Canada's spy agency are "devastating" and "absolutely unacceptable."
His comments come after a Canadian Press investigation revealed four officers with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service raised concerns about a toxic culture within the British Columbia office.
One CSIS officer says she was raped nine times by a senior colleague while in surveillance vehicles, while another says she was sexually assaulted by the same man, despite a warning to their bosses that the man needed to be kept away from young women. CBC News has not independently verified the allegations.
Trudeau, who was in Ajax, Ont., for a separate announcement, says the allegations are of "deep, deep concern."
He says the government needs to make sure everyone in every workplace — no matter how sensitive or secret their work is — is protected, particularly people who serve their country.
Trudeau says his minister and his entire government are following up "very directly" on the issues.