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TORONTO — An internal survey suggests the federal correctional service and the prisons it runs are a “toxic” place to work, with many respondents reporting acts of harassment or discrimination by co-workers and bosses.

“Unhealthy work environment within CSC (Correctional Service Canada) is an area that needs attention,” the “ethical climate survey” report states.

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“All these practices create a toxic work environment and must be addressed on an ongoing basis.”

Almost one-third of survey participants said they were harassed at least once within the past year, with derogatory statements, quips insulting personal appearance and public put-downs chalking up the most complaints.

In this group, a majority _ nearly 60 per cent _ were harassed weekly or monthly, according to results from the anonymous survey last year, in which 2,200 corrections staff in positions ranging from prison guards to top office managers took part.