Engineering Licensing Body Clarifies Use of the Term "Engineer" Following Reports from Trial Related to Algo Centre Mall Roof Collapse


TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 7, 2016) - Contrary to recent media reports, the former engineer facing charges in the Algo Centre Mall roof collapse, Robert Wood, is not a professional engineer and should not be referred to as such. Referring to Mr. Wood as a former engineer would be accurate.

His licence was suspended in November 2011 and revoked in November 2012 as a result of an order from the Discipline Committee of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) stemming from a matter unrelated to the tragedy in Elliot Lake.

In Canada, the titles "engineer" and "professional engineer" are restricted by law. In Ontario, only those individuals who have demonstrated that they possess the necessary qualifications and are currently licensed by PEO can use these titles, which are often abbreviated as "P.Eng."

How to verify licensure

To check whether an individual is licensed or a firm holds a Certificate of Authorization (C of A), search the directories of practitioners (licence and C of A holders) at www.peo.on.ca. To report unlicensed individuals and unauthorized companies, contact PEO's enforcement hotline at 416-840-1444 or 1-800-339-3716, ext 1444, or email enforcement@peo.on.ca.

About Professional Engineers Ontario

Under the authority of the Professional Engineers Act, PEO governs over 85,000 licence and certificate holders and regulates professional engineering in Ontario. PEO's mission is to regulate and advance the practice of engineering to protect the public interest. Its vision is to be the trusted leader in professional self-regulation. Professional engineering safeguards life, health, property, economic interests, the public welfare and the environment. Professional engineers can be identified by the P.Eng. after their names. Holders of limited licences can be identified by LEL or LET after their names.

Contact Information:

Professional Engineers Ontario
Duff McCutcheon
Manager, Communications
416-840-1068, 1-800-339-3716, ext. 1068
dmccutcheon@peo.on.ca