NPPE Discipline and Enforcement Processes 2

Question 1

Under Canadian provincial engineering acts, which body typically has jurisdiction to investigate complaints against licensed engineers?

Accepted Answer

The provincial engineering regulator's complaints or investigation committee

Answer

The provincial superior court

Answer

The federal engineering board

Answer

The Canadian Human Rights Commission

Question 2

Which of the following sanctions can a provincial engineering discipline committee impose after finding a member guilty of professional misconduct?

Accepted Answer

Revocation, suspension, conditions on the licence, reprimand, and/or fine

Answer

Criminal imprisonment

Answer

Civil damages award to the complainant

Answer

Mandatory employment termination

Question 3

What is the standard of proof applied in professional engineering discipline hearings in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Balance of probabilities (civil standard)

Answer

Beyond a reasonable doubt (criminal standard)

Answer

Clear and convincing evidence

Answer

Prima facie evidence only

Question 4

An engineer who has been found guilty of professional misconduct wishes to appeal the discipline committee's decision. In most Canadian provinces, where would the initial appeal be heard?

Accepted Answer

An appeal body established under the engineering act, such as a council or registration appeals committee, or the Divisional Court

Answer

The provincial superior court directly

Answer

The federal Court of Appeal

Answer

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal

Question 5

Which of the following is most likely to constitute 'professional misconduct' rather than mere 'incompetence' under Canadian engineering regulation?

Accepted Answer

Stamping drawings prepared by an unregistered person without adequate review, knowing they may be unsafe

Answer

Making a calculation error in good faith

Answer

Failing to meet a project deadline due to resource constraints

Answer

Providing an opinion in an area adjacent to but not identical to their primary specialty

Question 6

Under most provincial engineering acts, what obligation does a professional engineer have if they become aware that an unlicensed person is performing engineering work reserved for licence holders?

Accepted Answer

They should report the matter to the provincial engineering regulator

Answer

No obligation — enforcement is the regulator's responsibility

Answer

They should confront the person directly and demand they stop

Answer

They must obtain a court injunction themselves