Five intelligence officers and analysts with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service are accusing the spy agency of being a toxic workplace with managers who openly espouse Islamophobic, racist and homophobic views.

The employees this week launched a $35-million lawsuit in Federal Court.

Read more:‘Careful your Muslim in-laws don’t behead you in your sleep for being homo’: CSIS employees sue spy agency over alleged Islamophobia, racism and homophobia

CSIS director David Vigneault told the Star in a statement the spy agency “takes any allegations of inappropriate behaviour very seriously.”

“I would like to reinforce that, as an organization, CSIS does not tolerate harassment, discrimination or bullying under any circumstances. The Service’s values and ethics must be reflected in all of our behaviours and decision-making, and reflect the CSIS Employee Code of Conduct principles of respect for democracy, respect for people, integrity, stewardship, and professional excellence.”

The five intelligence officers and analysts are identified by pseudonyms, the claim states, “because they have been warned by their employer, CSIS, that they are forbidden from publicly identifying themselves, or any colleagues.”

None of their allegations have been proven in court.

Here is the statement of claim: