Pickering man fined $10,000 for illegal use of the title "professional engineer"

TORONTO, April 23, 2019 /CNW/ - On March 27, the Ontario Court of Justice at Toronto fined Cosimo "Cosmo" Polidoro $10,000 after his guilty plea to one count of breaching the Professional Engineers Act by using the title "P.Eng." 

Between May 12, 2016 and June 15, 2017, Polidoro was working as a "construction superintendent" and used the title "P.Eng." in 40 emails that addressed day-to-day operations on a construction project. 

On March 7, 2019, Her Worship Justice of the Peace Lurdes M. Cruz convicted Polidoro of one count of breaching section 40(2)(a) of the Professional Engineers Act, which strictly prohibits use of the title "P.Eng." by any person who is not the holder of a licence or a temporary licence.

On March 27, 2019, Justice of the Peace Cruz heard sentencing submissions from the parties and imposed a fine of $10,000. 

Polidoro was previously convicted of three counts of breaching the Professional Engineers Act on March 14, 2016 and fined $6,000.

Nick Hambleton, associate counsel, regulatory compliance, represented PEO in this matter. PEO would like to thank the owner of the construction project for their diligence and cooperation in its investigation.

About Professional Engineers Ontario
Under the authority of the Professional Engineers Act, PEO governs over 87,500 licence and certificate holders and regulates the practice of professional engineering in Ontario.  PEO's mission is to regulate and advance the practice of engineering to protect the public interest. Its vision is to be the trusted leader in professional self-regulation. Professional engineering safeguards life, health, property, economic interests, the public welfare and the environment. Professional engineers can be identified by the P.Eng. after their names. Holders of limited licences can be identified by LEL or LET after their names.

How to verify licensure
To check whether an individual is licensed or a firm holds a certificate of authorization (C of A), search the directories of practitioners (licence and C of A holders) at www.peo.on.ca.  To report unlicensed individuals and unauthorized companies, contact PEO's enforcement hotline at 416-224-1100, ext. 1444 or 1-800-339-3716, ext. 1444, or email [email protected].

SOURCE Professional Engineers Ontario