Canada's national police force faces another potentially expensive lawsuit involving a large number of current and former members, as well as volunteers.

CBC News has reported that two male Mounties, Staff Sgt. Geoffrey Greenwood and Sgt. Todd Gray, are lead plaintiffs in a lawsuit in the Federal Court of Canada alleging "systematic bullying, intimidation and harassment".

Their lawyers are hoping to have it certified as a class action. That would open the door for claims from many current and former staff members.

Former chief commissioner Bob Paulson admitted in 2016 that there was a culture of bullying, intimidation, and general harassment in the RCMP.

According to CBC News, the lawsuit could lead to claims of up to $1.1 billion, which far exceeds the $100-million settlement for thousands of female officers who claimed they endured discrimination and sexual harassment.

The RCMP has nearly 30,000 employees and an annual budget of $5.2 billon, of which nearly $1.6 billion is recovered through revenues. Much of this comes from cities and towns that pay the RCMP to provide policing services in their communities.