In a rare but serious enforcement action, a Windsor resident, Benabdallah Chouchaoui, has been sentenced to 14 days in jail for repeatedly misrepresenting himself as a professional engineer.
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto handed down the sentence after finding that Chouchaoui had violated a 2011 court injunction restricting him from offering engineering services without a proper license.
2. Background of the Case
The Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) first obtained an injunction against Chouchaoui in 2011. The order explicitly prohibited him from:
- Using a professional engineer’s seal,
- Offering engineering services to the public, and
- Referring to himself as an engineer without being licensed by PEO.
Despite this, the PEO reports that Chouchaoui continued to act in violation of the injunction for several years.
3. What the Injunction Prohibited
Under the Professional Engineers Act, only licensed individuals or authorized firms may perform or offer professional engineering services in Ontario.
The 2011 injunction directed Chouchaoui to:
- Stop describing himself as an engineer,
- Avoid using an engineer’s seal, and
- Cease offering any engineering services or drawings to the public.
Violating this order directly undermined the public safety measures put in place by the PEO.
4. The 2023 Complaints and Investigation
In 2023, PEO received new complaints suggesting Chouchaoui was again advertising his business — Windsor Industrial Development Laboratory Inc. (WIDL) — as an engineering firm.
An internal investigation revealed that:
- He had misused the seal of a licensed engineer,
- Submitted falsified engineering drawings, and
- Continued promoting his company as providing engineering services despite being unlicensed.
5. Court Findings and Sentencing
Justice Gina Papageorgiou presided over the contempt hearing in April 2024.
The court found that between 2019 and 2024, Chouchaoui had submitted four separate building permit applications to the City of Windsor that contained:
- Engineering drawings with falsified seals,
- Unauthorized use of a licensed engineer’s identity, and
- Manipulated documents not prepared or approved by a legitimate engineer.
For these actions, the court sentenced him to 14 days in jail and ordered him to reimburse PEO for $21,000 in investigative and legal costs.
6. Importance of PEO’s Licensing System
Justice Papageorgiou emphasized that Ontario’s licensing and regulatory system for engineers exists to protect the public from unsafe or fraudulent practices.
She stated that respecting professional boundaries ensures construction integrity, public safety, and confidence in the engineering profession.
7. Statements from PEO Officials
PEO’s CEO and registrar, Jennifer Quaglietta, issued a firm statement following the ruling:
“PEO takes allegations of unlicensed engineering very seriously, and actively investigates offences under the Professional Engineers Act. We thank our municipal, provincial and other partners for bringing these cases to our attention.”
Her comments underline the zero-tolerance approach the regulator takes toward unlicensed engineering activities.
8. Legal and Financial Consequences
Chouchaoui’s penalties included:
| Type of Penalty | Amount/Duration |
|---|---|
| Jail Sentence | 14 Days |
| Reimbursement to PEO | $21,000 |
| Previous Court Costs | $50,000 |
| Total Estimated Liability | $71,000+ |
The PEO noted that forging or misusing a professional seal is considered a quasi-criminal offence under the Professional Engineers Act, and can also lead to criminal charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.
9. The Role of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)
PEO is responsible for regulating the engineering profession in Ontario. Its mandate includes:
- Licensing qualified engineers,
- Investigating complaints,
- Enforcing compliance with professional standards, and
- Protecting the public interest through accountability and oversight.
Only individuals licensed by PEO may legally practise professional engineering or offer related services to the public.
10. Why This Case Matters for Public Safety
This case serves as a strong reminder that professional designations matter — they protect public trust, safety, and the credibility of industries like construction, development, and manufacturing.
When individuals falsely claim such titles, they put projects, lives, and reputations at risk.
By enforcing its authority, PEO reinforces the message that engineering is not just a title — it’s a public responsibility.
11. Conclusion
The Windsor case highlights the importance of professional regulation in safeguarding Ontario’s engineering standards.
As PEO continues to investigate and prosecute violations, it sets a strong precedent that unlicensed individuals will face serious legal and financial consequences for misrepresenting their credentials.