Canada’s spy chief has apologized to staff for his response to assault and harassment allegations in the agency’s British Columbia office. At a town hall meeting, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service director General David Vigneault discussed new anti-harassment measures, describing the situation as an “extraordinary moment.” The officer accused in the complaints, detailed in an investigation by The Canadian Press, is no longer employed by the agency as of December 4th.
Vigneault ordered the “urgent” creation of an ombudsperson’s office to handle workplace problems “without fear or reprisal.” He also announced that CSIS would release annual public reports on harassment and wrongdoing in the agency. The moves come in the wake of claims made by officers that the B.C. surveillance unit fostered a “toxic workplace”.
One officer revealed she had been raped nine times by a senior colleague. Another stated she was sexually assaulted by the same man despite her warnings to management that he should not be partnered with young women.
Vigneault’s apology came in response to a statement made last week that any allegation of inappropriate behavior is taken “very seriously.” He said he was “distraught” that anyone at CSIS had experienced sexual violence, and “distressed” if anyone believed allegations would not be acted upon. In response to the claims, the new position of ombudsperson was introduced, providing workers a place to discuss workplace-related issues without fear of reprisal. During the town hall, Jane Doe, an officer who was subjected to a campaign of harassment, said she had mixed feelings about the response described, but was grateful that “promises are being made.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed his dismay over the allegations and said his government was following up “very directly.” Following the accusations made public last week, CSIS announced it had launched a workplace climate assessment in its B.C. office and invited officers to take part in interviews for the assessment this week. Despite her lawsuit being dismissed by the B.C. Supreme Court, Jane Doe plans to appeal, while another officer who said she was assaulted has also lodged a lawsuit but has not yet received a response. Both individuals are on medical leave from the service, noting there is still uncertainty as to what will happen next.