Claims of toxic workplace at CSIS absolutely 'devastating,' PM says

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says allegations of a toxic workplace culture involving harassment and sexual assault at Canada's spy agency are "devastating" and "absolutely unacceptable."

His comments come after a Canadian Press investigation revealed four officers with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service raised concerns about a toxic culture within the British Columbia office.

One CSIS officer says she was raped nine times by a senior colleague while in surveillance vehicles, while another says she was sexually assaulted by the same man, despite a warning to their bosses that the man needed to be kept away from young women. CBC News has not independently verified the allegations.

Trudeau, who was in Ajax, Ont., for a separate announcement, says the allegations are of "deep, deep concern."

He says the government needs to make sure everyone in every workplace no matter how sensitive or secret their work is is protected, particularly people who serve their country.

Trudeau says his minister and his entire government are following up "very directly" on the issues.