CSIS boss apologizes for rape claim response - Action News
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British Columbia

CSIS boss apologizes for rape claim response

According to reporting from the Canadian Press, an officer with the B.C. surveillance unit said she was raped nine times by a senior colleague while on missions in 2019 and 2020.

B.C. surveillance unit member implicated in rape complaints no longer with agency

David Vigneault, Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), prepares to appear before the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC), studying the intimidation campaign against Members of Parliament, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
David Vigneault, Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, has apologized to staff over his handling of rape allegations within the agency. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)

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

In a town hall this week, David Vigneault told Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) members that the officer accused in the allegations is no longer employed by the agency as of Monday.

The news follows an investigation by The Canadian Press that reported 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.

CBC News has not independently verifiedthe reports.

Vigneaultinformed staff about new anti-harassment measures and said he has ordered the creation of an ombudspersonposition to handle workplace problems "without fear or reprisal."

The agency will also release annual public reports on harassment and wrongdoing in the agency, he said.