Monitoring Illegal Practice
Prevention and monitoring
The Engineering Act specifies that only members of the OIQ may engage in activities reserved for the profession and use the title “engineer” (including its abbreviations, “ing.” or “Eng.”). The OIQ has the power to enforce the law and can prosecute any who violate it.
Monitoring illegal practice is one of the mechanisms the OIQ uses to protect the public.
What is illegal practice?
Illegal practice can take many forms. Here are the most common ones:
- Misusing the title “engineer” or its abbreviation (“ing” or “P.Eng.”) or falsely implying that one is authorized to practise engineering.
- Practising engineering without being a member of the OIQ.
- Using plans or specifications not signed and sealed by an engineer to perform engineering work.
- Illegally authenticating an engineering document with a seal, signature or initials.
Whether intentional or not, these violations compromise public safety and are therefore punishable by fines.
How does the OIQ work to prevent illegal practice?
Prevention
Our prevention conselors regularly inspect private and public organizations, as authorized by the Engineers Act. The conselors provide these organizations with tools and information on the legal and regulatory requirements governing the practice of engineering.
Contact us to schedule a training session tailored to your organization’s needs
Monitoring
The OIQ makes unannounced visits to construction sites throughout the province.
During these random visits, our inspectors:
- Confirm that any engineering work is being performed according to plans and specifications signed and sealed by a member of the OIQ or by a person holding a temporary permit.
- Ensure engineers, contractors, and municipalities are aware of the all legal requirements.
The objective is not to control the quality of the work. However any situation deemed dangerous will be reported to the appropriate authorities (such as the CNESST).
In addition, the inspector may take photographs or request information and documents on a project or work in the process. Anyone present on the work site must cooperate, failing which they may be subject to penalities penalties or fines.
Legal recourse
The OIQ investigates reports of illegal practice and may, where arranted, prosecute offenders with fines ranging from $2,500 to $62,500 for an individual and from $5,000 to $125,000 for a corporation.
Verifying the professional status of an engineer
To verify that a person is a member of the OIQ and can use the title “engineer”, consult our membership directory.
You can also access the list of individuals and companies convicted of illegal practices.
Reporting illegal practice
Visit our reporting page to learn more about the reporting process. If you wish to submit a report, fill out the form and send it to the OIQ.
Understanding the report