The workplace culture at Canada’s spy agency is coming into question.

There are allegations of prejudice and distrust for Muslim employees at C-SIS that are being fostered by senior officials.

A statement of claim filed by five employees alleges there is an “old boys club” culture at C-SIS where personality, not merit, determines advancement, minorities feel distrusted and complaints about inappropriate behaviour are dismissed.

The employees state that years of harassment, bullying and discrimination have caused anxiety and depression and have left them unable to do their jobs.

The claim seeks 35 million-dollars in damage.

C-SIS  Director  David Vigneault says they have no tolerance for such behaviour and that the spy agency takes the allegations very seriously.