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Former engineering firm ordered to stop using terms “engineering” and “engineer,” principal not to call himself an “engineer”

PRESS RELEASE

Toronto – (January 13, 2016) – Emmanuel de Guzman and Falcon Group International Inc. have been ordered by the Honourable David G. Stinson of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to cease holding themselves out as being qualified to practise professional engineering contrary to the Professional Engineers Act. Justice Stinson made the order on January 11, 2016.

Emmanuel De Guzman, Falcon Group’s principal, has never been licensed as a professional engineer.

An investigation was opened after Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) received reports that De Guzman had held himself out as a professional engineer and applied a professional engineer’s seal bearing his own name. Witnesses attested that their employers contracted Falcon Group to provide engineering services while under the belief that De Guzman was a duly licensed professional engineer.

PEO granted a Certificate of Authorization to Falcon Group in March, 2011. This certificate allows individuals or firms in Ontario to offer or provide engineering services directly to the public. PEO revoked Falcon Group’s Certificate of Authorization in December, 2014. However, Falcon Group continued to represent itself as a professional engineering firm.

After considering the evidence, Justice Stinson ordered De Guzman to refrain from using the titles, “professional engineer,” “P.Eng.” and “engineer,” and not to use a professional engineer’s seal. Falcon Group was further ordered to refrain from using the words “engineer,” “engineering,” or any other term, title or description that will lead to the belief that it may provide professional engineering services to the public. PEO was awarded $6,600 for its costs of applying to the court for the order. Nick Hambleton, associate counsel, regulatory compliance, represented PEO on the application.

PEO thanks several professional engineers, architects and organizations that cooperated with its investigation and provided evidence for use in the court proceedings.

About Professional Engineers Ontario

Through the Professional Engineers Act, PEO governs over 85,000 licence and certificate holders and regulates professional engineering in Ontario to serve and protect the public. 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 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 416-840-1444 or 1-800- 339-3716, ext 1444, or email enforcement@peo.on.

For additional information or interviews, please contact:

David Smith, Manager, Communications
Professional Engineers Ontario
Tel: 416-840-1068, 1-800-339-3716, ext. 1068;
Cell: 416-458-4140
Email: dsmith@peo.on.ca

Press Release
Enforcement