Constituted under section 116 of the Professional Code, the Disciplinary Council hears all complaints made against professionals for offences under the Professional Code, the Engineers Act or any regulation adopted under these statutes.
The Disciplinary Council is made up of 20 members: the chair, who is a lawyer appointed by the government of Québec, and 19 engineers appointed by the Order’s Board of Directors. Three people are assigned to each complaint hearing: the chair of the Disciplinary Council and two engineers. Independently of the Order, this statutory committee assesses the merits of the complaint and renders a decision accordingly. In addition, it is empowered to sanction engineers found guilty of disciplinary offences.
The Disciplinary Council receives complaints from the Office of the Syndic, who is responsible for enforcing the obligations of engineers by examining any requests for inquiry that are submitted. The disciplinary measures imposed are designed to correct and penalize the professional misconduct of engineers and thus ensure the protection of the public.
A private complainant can also lodge a complaint directly with the Disciplinary Council of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec.