The Lac-Mégantic Tragedy: The Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec clarifies the usage of the expression "locomotive engineer"

MONTREAL, July 11, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - After several requests by the media, public and members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, the OIQ would like to clarify the usage of the expressions "locomotive engineer" and "train engineer" in reference to a train conductor or operator.

Tom Harding is not a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec and may therefore not be referred to as an engineer in Québec, as this title is reserved for OIQ members under the Engineers Act and the Professional Code of Québec.

To prevent public confusion, the media should avoid using the expressions "locomotive engineer" or "train engineer" when referring to Mr. Harding or anyone who has the same occupation because the title of engineer may only be used by OIQ members and its use comes with obligations for both professionals and the OIQ.

However, section 26 of the Engineers Act stipulates that the Act does not apply to legal persons whose name on July 16, 1964 contains the words "ingénieur," "génie," "engineer" or "engineering." That is why the locomotive operators union has gone by the name of "Fraternité des ingénieurs de locomotives" since 1882.

Like the entire community of Québec engineers, the OIQ is dismayed by the tragedy that occurred at Lac Mégantic and encourages its 60,000 members to provide any type of support they feel is appropriate to the community afflicted by this ordeal.

About the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec

Founded in 1920, the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec has a membership of more than 60,000 engineering professionals in all fields, except forest engineering. The mission of the OIQ is to ensure the protection of the public by supervising the practice of the profession within the framework of its constituent laws and ensure that the profession serves the public interest. For more information, go to http://www.oiq.qc.ca.

SOURCE: Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec

Patrick Leblanc
Communications Advisor
Communications and Public Affairs Department
Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec
514 845-6141 or 1 800 461-6141, extension 3253