The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have reached a multi-million dollar settlement with female members of the force after decades of gender and sexual discrimination and harassment.

Once approved in federal court, the settlement agreement is expected to reach C$100m (£60.7m).

The settlement comes as a result of two class action lawsuits filed by two former Mounties: Linda Gillis Davidson, who joined the RCMP in 1985, and Janet Merlo, who joined in 1991.

“Some of these women left the RCMP heartbroken, disillusioned, and angry,” said RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson, apologising for “shameful conduct”.

“Others stayed and were forced to find ways to cope with this inexcusable condition since they did not see an organisation that was willing to change.”

Ms Merlo called Mr Paulson’s apology a “turning point” for the Canadian organisation.