Engineers Nova Scotia is investigating a case of unauthorized engineering practice involving someone holding themselves out as a Mr. James Williams. Mr. Williams claims to be a Professional Engineer (PE) based in California who engages professional engineers across Canada to provide engineering services on a freelance basis. The case centers on forged engineering documents used for a residential project in Colchester County, NS, which included the unauthorized use of a legitimate engineer’s stamp and signature. The deception was uncovered by a Building Official when asking for site inspections by the authenticating engineer.
 

Preliminary findings suggest Mr. Williams may have operated similarly in other provinces. Engineers Nova Scotia has initiated legal and regulatory actions, which will include issuing a cease-and-desist letter, coordinating with law enforcement, and notifying sibling regulators, partners, and relevant interest holders. Measures are also being taken to mitigate public risk and ensure proper authentication of the affected project.
 

This case, like the 2023 Mark Connors case in the Annapolis Valley, reinforces the utility of encrypted digital signatures as available through Notarius, to safeguard electronic images of stamps and signatures (details on the Engineers Nova Scotia website here).
 

The case highlights the importance of regulatory vigilance and interprovincial collaboration in safeguarding the integrity of the engineering profession.
 

If you, or anyone you know, has been in contact with or engaged the services of Mr. Williams, please contact Kris Dove, P.Eng. at kdove@engineersnovascotia.ca.