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Professional Engineers Ontario

The Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) is the governing body for engineers in Ontario. The Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC) oversees the registration practices of the PEO to ensure that they are transparent, objective, impartial and fair for anyone who wants to practise as an engineer in this province.

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2010

Applications to Practise Processed by the PEO in 2010
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received2,215183591,2932013,951
Applicants who became members1,3581483796502,508

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2009
Audit Report

Proposed Amendment: On July 31, 2009, PEO sent proposed changes to O.Reg. 941/90 to the Ministry of the Attorney General. In October, the OFC received a copy of the draft version of the regulation that PEO forwarded to the Legislative Counsel for review. OFC staff noted that PEO did not take into account the OFC's recommendation regarding the Canadian experience requirement. (The OFC had previously encouraged PEO to consider alternative options to the 12-month Canadian experience requirement, such as relevant courses that would adequately familiarize the applicant with applicable Canadian codes, regulations and standards for the practice of professional engineering.) As of March 31, 2010, a decision is pending on the draft regulation.

For a description of all OFC-monitored developments for this profession for 2009, see the 2009-2010 Annual Report.

Applications to Practise Processed by the PEO in 2009
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received2,038227601,4352263,986
Applicants who became members1,119137371,05302,346

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2008

In September 2008, PEO made a presentation to OFC staff on its development of a national model for a comprehensive licensure process that would regulate all engineering activities in Canada, facilitate full national mobility and build a platform for international mobility. The model would include a national database of licence holders, an international institute degree database and a national accreditation system.

Also in fall 2008, PEO proposed changes to its registration regulation related to the admissions criteria for obtaining a professional engineer's licence, and invited the OFC to comment. The OFC noted that the changes proposed to the general experience requirements will provide applicants with more information, so that they can better understand the basis on which they will be evaluated. The OFC sees these changes as steps towards transparency in PEO's registration process.

The OFC also suggested that PEO consider alternatives to its Canadian experience requirement, such as the successful completion of courses related to Canadian codes, regulations and standards governing the practice of engineering.

As of March 31, 2009, PEO's proposed changes were under review by the Ministry of the Attorney General.

Applications to Practise Processed by the PEO in 2008
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received2,124241641,6753454,449
Applicants who became members1,077147341,11602,374

During the fall and winter of 2007-2008, the OFC undertook a study of the PEO to understand its 2007 registration practices and establish baseline data and information. PDF

The Professional Engineers Ontario falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Attorney General.

PEO The OFC does not assess credentials, handle complaints or intervene in particular cases. Our mandate is one of systemic change. Please contact the PEO for further information about your ability to practise as an engineer in Ontario.

Registration Improvement

Professional Engineers Ontario waives the application fees for internationally trained engineering graduates who apply for their licences within six months of arriving in Canada.

Entry-to-Practice Requirements for Five Professions in Five Canadian Provinces: Engineers

Compare entry-to-practice requirements for engineers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec.

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