Mohammed Abuzour and Geotech Engineering Corporation fined $18,500 for multiple breaches of the Professional Engineers Act

TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2019 /CNW/ - On January 12, Mohammed Hasan Abuzour and Geotech Engineering Corporation were convicted of breaching the Professional Engineers Act by the Ontario Court of Justice at Toronto and fined a total of $18,500.

In May 2017, Geotech Engineering Corporation was incorporated in Ontario without the consent of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) to use "engineering" in their corporate name. Between June 2017 and September 2017, PEO advised Geotech and Abuzour in writing of its objection to the use of "engineering" in their corporate name without the required consent.

In February 2018, Abuzour submitted project proposals on behalf of Geotech that offered to complete geotechnical engineering investigations. These services required the application of engineering principles to evaluate, advise and report on the properties and behaviour of earth materials. Further, the proposals concerned the installation, reconstruction and rehabilitation of public works that related to the safeguarding of life, health, property and the public welfare. 

The proposals also used terms, titles and descriptions that would lead to the belief that Geotech and Abuzor are authorized to provide professional engineering services to the public, including use of the corporate name "GeoTech Engineering Inc." and the statement that it was a "full-service engineering consulting firm."

His Worship Justice of the Peace Rizwan Khan convicted Abuzour and Geotech of three offences each, with Abuzor fined a total of $3,500 and Geotech fined a total of $15,000. 

Nick Hambleton, associate counsel, regulatory compliance, represented PEO in this matter.

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 [e-mail].

About Professional Engineers Ontario
Under the authority of the Professional Engineers Act, PEO governs over 87,500 licence and certificate holders and regulates 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.

SOURCE Professional Engineers Ontario

Duff McCutcheon, Manager, Communications, Tel: [phone], ext.1068, Cell: 416-797-8175, Email: [e-mail]