Spy agency CSIS reveals 24 harassment investigations in annual report

Canada's spy agency says in its annual public report that it dealt with 24 harassment investigations last year involving complaints by its staff.

Canada's spy agency says in its annual public report that it dealt with 24 harassment investigations last year involving complaints by its staff.

But the chief human resources officer for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service says the number of investigations shouldn't be used to criticize the agency, and they instead show more employees are placing "faith and confidence in CSIS’ internal grievance process."

Renée de Bellefeuille says in the report issued last week that the number of investigations indicates advancements to improve workplace culture at CSIS.

She says they were bolstered by the announcement of an independent ombudsperson's office in December "to openly discuss workplace-related issues or concerns."

That commitment by CSIS director David Vigneault was made at a town hall meeting for all staff to discuss an investigation by The Canadian Press that described allegations of sexual assault, harassment and bullying in the agency's B.C. office.

One officer said she was raped nine times by a senior officer while on surveillance missions.

She and a colleague, who said she was also sexually assaulted by the same senior officer, launched lawsuits against the agency claiming harassment, saying they lacked faith in the CSIS grievance process.