In September it was announced that Volkswagen had installed software in several of their diesel vehicles that was designed to show compliant levels of nitrous oxide emissions under testing conditions.
In September 2015, it was announced that Volkswagen had installed software in several of their diesel vehicles that was designed to show compliant levels of nitrous oxide emissions under testing conditions. The same software made it possible for the vehicle to release up to 40 times the allowable emissions under normal driving conditions. It is unclear who within the company authorized and installed the defeat device, and the extent to which engineers were involved.
There are internal investigations underway at Volkswagen, in Germany and in the United States.
Environment Canada is also investigating to determine if the Canadian Environmental Protection Act has been contravened by Volkswagen Canada.
In Canada, engineers are held to high standards for professional practice, ethics, engineering law and liability. Self-regulation of the engineering profession protects and enhances public health, safety, welfare, and the environment for all Canadians.
Engineering regulators establish codes of conduct, and administer regulatory processes and standards of practice to assure protection of the public to help prevent these kinds of actions, and to deal with them appropriately on the rare occasions they occur.
Quick Facts
- Volkswagen Canada announced on Sept. 22 that its dealers had been instructed to suspend the sale and delivery of any new Golf, Golf Sportwagon, Jetta, Beetle or Passat models with 2.0 TDI engines until further notice. It is estimated that 11 million vehicles worldwide are affected.
- Canadian engineers are held publicly accountable for their actions by the provincial regulators.
- In order to become licensed, a provincial and territorial regulator must assess your:
- Academics
- Work experience
- Language
- Good character
- Professionalism & Ethics
- All twelve provincial and territorial regulators have discipline and enforcement practices in place.
Next Steps
Engineers Canada will continue to monitor the situation, and promote the high standards to which Canadian engineers must adhere.
For More Information
Alana Lavoie, Practice Lead, Public Affairs
613.232.2474 ext. 276
alana.lavoie@engineerscanada.ca
