What is the primary purpose of the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO)?

The primary purpose of the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) is to regulate the practice of engineering. This regulatory role includes ensuring that engineers adhere to established standards of professional conduct, ethics, and technical competency. By setting these standards, PEO helps to protect the public interest by ensuring that engineers are qualified, competent, and adhere to safety practices in their work.

This regulatory function is key, as it also involves licensing engineers, which ensures that only those who meet the required qualifications and standards can practice engineering in Ontario. It establishes a framework that helps maintain the integrity of the engineering profession and fosters public trust.

Although promoting engineering education, developing engineering technology, and providing job placement are important in the broader context of the profession, these activities are secondary to the regulatory responsibilities that PEO holds to ensure safe and effective engineering practices across the province.