CSIS boss sorry for spy agency’s response to rape claim

Canada's spy chief has apologized to staff for his response to rape and harassment allegations in the agency's British Columbia office.

Canada’s spy chief has apologized to staff for his response to rape and harassment allegations in the agency’s British Columbia office.

In a town hall this week, David Vigneault told Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) staff about new anti-harassment measures in what he called an “extraordinary moment.”

He said the officer accused in the complaints, details of which were made public in an investigation by The Canadian Press last week, is no longer employed by the agency, as of Monday.

Vigneault said he had ordered the “urgent” creation of an ombudsperson’s office to handle workplace problems “without fear or reprisal.”

He also said the agency would release annual public reports on harassment and wrongdoing in the agency.

The moves come after The Canadian Press reported on what officers called a “toxic workplace” in the agency’s B.C. surveillance unit.

One officer said she was raped nine times by a senior colleague while in surveillance vehicles on missions in 2019 and 2020.

A second officer said she was later sexually assaulted by the same man despite bosses being told he should not be partnered with young women.