What is a potential consequence for an engineer who breaches the Code of Ethics?

A breach of the Code of Ethics by an engineer can lead to severe consequences, particularly disciplinary actions taken by the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO). The PEO has the authority to uphold professional standards and protect the public interest by enforcing adherence to the Code of Ethics, which governs the conduct of practicing engineers in Ontario.

When an engineer violates this code, the PEO may initiate an investigation into the alleged misconduct. If the breach is substantiated, the disciplinary measures can be quite significant, potentially including revocation of the engineer's license to practice. This means that the engineer would no longer be allowed to operate as a licensed professional, severely impacting their career and professional reputation.

Other potential consequences could vary in nature, such as internal employer actions like warnings or mandatory training; however, these typically do not have the same formal ramifications or oversight as the disciplinary measures enforced by the PEO. The PEO's actions are designed to maintain the integrity of the profession and ensure that engineers uphold the ethical standards required for public safety and trust.