Within the engineering community there are a number of titles, roles, and responsibilities – some of which are restricted.
In Canada, only those licensed by a provincial or territorial engineering regulator may practise engineering and refer to themselves as an “engineer”. The exclusive use of this title by licensed engineers helps assure the public that only qualified individuals are practicing in the profession. Regulators, whose mandate is to protect the public, have policies, acts, and programs in place that work to ensure that members uphold high standards and ethics in the public interest.
Titles such as Professional Engineer, Professional Licensee (engineering), P. Eng., P.L. (Eng.), or any title including the word engineer or a related abbreviation can only be used by those who are licensed. Engineers Canada defines the practice of engineering in the Public Guideline on the Practice of Engineering in Canada. Engineering regulators take action against those who use the title “engineer” without being licensed.
This enforcement is a critical component of public protection as licensed engineers are required to ensure public safety in their work. The misuse of the title engineer is illegal, and can mislead and endanger the public, and impact their high degree of trust in the profession. If inaccurately used, provincial and territorial regulators have the legal authority to enforce against those who improperly use the title engineer.
Learn more about the use of the professional title and designations.
