Canada’s spy service to hire human rights specialist amid harassment claims

Canada's spy service has agreed to hire an independent human rights specialist to review its diversity strategy as part of the settlement of a complaint.

Canada’s spy service has agreed to hire an independent human rights specialist to review its diversity strategy as part of the settlement of a complaint from a Black woman who worked as an intelligence officer.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service say the intelligence agency will also publish an executive summary of the specialist’s findings and recommendations.

In addition, CSIS has committed to sharing its responses to the recommendations with the human rights commission, a federal watchdog with a broad mandate to protect people from discrimination.

In a joint statement this week announcing the settlement, the commission and CSIS said the spy agency affirms its ongoing commitment to address systemic discrimination and racism, and increase diversity and inclusion in its workplace.

A CSIS spokesman said the agency is determined to identify and resolve potential barriers to a safe, healthy and respectful workplace.

Word of the settlement comes shortly after CSIS director David Vigneault apologized to staff for his response to rape and harassment allegations in the agency’s British Columbia office.

In a town hall last week, Vigneault told staff about new anti-harassment measures, including creation of an ombudsperson’s office to handle workplace problems.

The human rights commission and CSIS provided few details about the complaint filed by the intelligence officer, but said resolution of the matter avoided the need for a planned tribunal hearing.