Name: Ben Clark Student #: 100861523 Section: A

Lecture #: 6 Lecture title: PEO – Professional Engineers Ontario

Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), is a self-regulating organization responsible for

regulating the practice of engineering in Ontario. It is the largest regulatory body in Canada with
over 80 thousand licenced professional engineers. Prior to PEO, engineers were not regulated
which raised concerns within the public to regulate and set a standard for engineering works in
Ontario which eventually resulted in the formation of PEO. PEO mandates to regulate the
practice in the public interest. They do this through three methods: admission process,
enforcement, and discipline. Through the admissions process PEO ensures that engineers can
practice safely equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. The enforcement unit educates
people on the regulatory standards. The discipline unit is responsible for dealing with public
concerns where they can investigate a case and apply discipline where necessary.

Engineers Canada is the umbrella organization to PEO, and they help set the national
standards for Canada. They aid in mobility where upon receiving licensing to practice
engineering in one province, should you decide to practice engineering in another province the
license will still be valid. The most popular engineering programs in Canada, in order are
mechanical, civil, then electrical. Canada wide we have about 18.9 % female engineering
students and in Ontario there is 19%.

To be considered a professional engineer one must possess the following characteristics:

specialized knowledge, intense preparation, dedication to public service, and autonomous
decision-making authority in matters of importance to society. For something to be considered
professional engineering practice, it must contain these three items: 1. Any act of designing,
composing, evaluating, advising, reporting, directing or supervising, 2. Has the aspect wherein
the safeguarding of life, health, property or public welfare is concerned, 3. Requires the
application of engineering principles. Having a professional engineer license may be required by
law for certain jobs but also has many additional benefits including the right to the P.Eng title,
recognition from employers, and demonstration of commitment to the profession. Licensing
requirements are you must have an acceptable engineering education, professional practice
examination, good character, references, and 48 months acceptable engineering experience.