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OTTAWA — Canada’s spy agency is asking the Federal Court to dismiss a lawsuit from five Toronto employees, saying it never engaged in or tolerated religious bigotry, used derogatory nicknames or subjected the staffers to reprisals.

In a statement of defence filed with the court late Friday, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service admits “inappropriate language” was used by service employees in informal communications in the Toronto region.

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But it says the allegations of the five employees were addressed by the service through polices and procedures relevant to the facts of each case.

The agency is committed to a healthy and respectful workplace of inclusion, and does not tolerate harassment, discrimination or bullying under any circumstances, the statement adds.

Careful your Muslim in-laws don’t behead you in your sleep for being homo

A statement of claim filed in July by the five employees, who cannot be legally identified, alleges that senior CSIS officials foster a prejudice and distrust for Muslim staff members, who are seen as essential to the service’s mission but working without its trust and respect.