Annual Registration 2018-2019 Frequently asked questions (FAQ) - OIQ

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Annual Registration 2018-2019
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
    1.   Welcome                                     p. 2
    2.   Confirmation of contact information         p. 4
    3.   Consents                                    p. 5
    4.   Professional practice                       p. 5
    5.   Declarations                                p. 8
    6.   Attestation                                 p. 12
    7.   Payment                                     p. 12-13

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1. WELCOME

           1.1   Who can register on line?

 All OIQ members can register on line.

           1.2   Is the on-line registration and payment process secure?

 Yes, once you have logged in to the On-line services section of the OIQ, you will be in a secure environment. Generally, a Web
 site is encrypted if the Web address contains the letters "https://" and if the locked padlock symbol appears in the lower right
 hand corner of your browser.

 Your transaction is secure because:

      •   All transaction-related information is sealed.
      •   Data falsification protection is built into the system.
      •   Credit card information is subject to encrypted transmission.
      •   Protection is provided against Internet-based data interception.
      •   Transaction and payment information stored on the transaction server is protected.
      •   Card status is always verified. Card numbers that are reported lost, stolen or non-existent are immediately blocked.

 During a financial transaction, information such as your credit card number and expiry date are sent to an authentication body
 for the purposes of authorization. No information pertaining to your credit card is retained on the OIQ servers.

           1.3   Do I have to register on line?

 Yes you do have to complete your registration on line, which is the only way to do so, however in case of any issues with your
 registration you can contact the Customer Service at sac@oiq.qc.ca or by phone at 1 877 845-3483 or 514 845-6141 ext. 2398.

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1.4   What is the deadline for my annual registration and payment?

 You must submit your documents and payment by no later than March 31.

 The Board of Directors will strike from the roll of the OIQ the names of all OIQ members who have not fulfilled their annual
 registration obligations within the allotted period of time, i.e. no later than March 31. Members must pay the full amount
 owed for annual registration. If your name is struck from the roll of the OIQ, it means that you are no longer allowed to use the
 title of Engineer or the abbreviation of this title and practice the profession. Once your name has been struck from the roll,
 you may submit a request to reinstate it. However, please note that in addition to your annual assessment, you will also be
 charged a reinstatement fee equal to 50% of the annual assessment.

           1.5   If I decide not to register, what should I do?

 You should send us the following “Request for Withdrawal from the Roll” form by e-mail to sac@oiq.qc.ca, by fax to 514 845-
 1833 or by mail to the Customer Service.

           1.6   What are the consequences if I decide not to register?

 If you decide not to register, you will no longer be allowed to use the titles "engineer," "junior engineer," "engineer-in-
 training," or the abbreviations "Eng.," "Jr. Eng.," "EIT,", or any name, title or designation that might lead to the belief that you
 are an engineer or a member of the OIQ. Likewise, you will no longer be allowed to practice the engineering profession in
 Québec, subject to the penalties provided by the Act. Furthermore, please note that once your name is removed from the
 OIQ's roll, you will no longer participate at the group professional liability insurance plan. With regards to the group insurance
 plan with Manulife Financial, we invite you to communicate directly with them to verify if you are still eligible.

 If you have worked as an engineer in private practice in Québec or in connection with Québec, you are required to comply
 with the obligation set out in the applicable legislation of maintaining a valid professional liability insurance policy for five
 years after your last engineering act in private practice. We also ask that you notify your clients and employer that you are no
 longer a member, where applicable.

 In addition, junior engineers who do not register will not be able to gain recognition for any experience they acquire as non-
 members. However, this does not affect engineers-in-training.

 Unless you were employed by a physical or legal entity, company or government, you are also required to comply with the
 Regulation respecting the cessation of practice of a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec when you cease to
 practice your profession (available on our Web site www.oiq.qc.ca). You must fill out a form if that is your situation.

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2. CONFIRMATION OF CONTACT INFORMATION

           2.1   What information should I enter if my job has ended?

 If you have lost or quit your job, or have retired, you must enter the date on which your job ended. You must also enter the
 appropriate type of activity for your current situation, i.e. "unemployed," "student", "retired," etc. You can edit your contact
 information at any time in your profile in the On-line services section of our Web site by clicking on the “My portal” button.

           2.2   How much time do I have to inform the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec of my new contact information?

 The OIQ must be notified within 30 days of any change of contact information. All members must provide the address of their
 primary workplace as well as that of all other places of practice.

           2.3   The recent changes I made to my information on line have not yet been validated by the OIQ. Can I still
                 complete my registration?

 Yes. You must declare that your contact information is accurate subject to any changes you may have made.

           2.4   Can I modify my contact information through the “Annual Registration” tab?

 Yes. However, if you leave the registration form before you have completed it, the information you entered will not be saved.
 You will have to start the registration process over from the beginning and return to the “Annual Registration” tab.

           2.5   Where can I receive e-mails from the OIQ?

 Note that all OIQ members must provide a working e-mail address in their name to receive their communications (Bill 11, sec.
 60 of the Professional Code).

 You can receive e-mails from the OIQ at your choice of e-mail address, such as your home e-mail address or the e-mail address
 that you use at your primary workplace. You can edit your correspondence preferences at any time in your profile in the “On-
 line services” section of our Web site by clicking on the “My portal” button.

 To avoid losing contact if your professional email changes, it is preferable to choose a personal email address.

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3. CONSENTS

CONSENT TO SHARE PERSONAL INFORMATION WITH THIRD PARTIES AND TO RECEIVE
COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS

           3.1    Why was a "Consents" section added to the registration process?

This consent request is made in accordance with the Act respecting access to documents held by public bodies and the protection
of personal information, the Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector, and Canadian anti-spam
legislation which came into force on July 1, 2014. We take the opportunity provided by the annual registration process to ask you
to reconfirm your choices.

           3.2    Why do you have to ask for my consent?

 We have to ask for your consent so that we may disclose your personal information to third parties and send you any message
 that is commercial in nature.

           3.3    Can I change my choices later?

 Yes. You can change your choices at any time in your "On-line services" profile on the OIQ's Web site by clicking on "My portal"
 button.

     4. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

DECLARATION OF ENGINEERING PRACTICE

           4.1   How do I determine whether I practice engineering?

 All members must declare it if they practice engineering. The field of practice, the acts and the reserved professional activities
 that constitute engineering practice are set out in sections 2 and 3 of the Engineers Act.

DECLARATION OF PROESSIONAL DOMICILE

           4.2    What is the professional domicile?

 All members must elect their professional domicile, which is primarily used when the Disciplinary Council or Board of Directors
 must publish a decision concerning a member. Such notices include the name and professional domicile address of the
 member in question. According to section 60 of the Professional Code: “A professional shall elect domicile by informing the
 secretary of the order of which he is a member of the place where he principally practices his profession or, if he does not
 practice, his place of residence or principal place of employment, within 30 days after he begins to practise; the domicile thus
 elected shall constitute his professional domicile. He must also inform the secretary of all the other places where he practises
 his profession.”
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4.3   I practice in two places and I am asked to select a single professional domicile, either my primary workplace or
                 my other place of practice. Why?

 According to the Professional Code, “A professional shall elect domicile by informing the secretary of the Order of which he [or
 she] is a member of the place where he [or she] principally practices his [or her] profession…” Depending on your case, you
 could principally practice the profession of engineer in either one of these places of practice.

FIELDS OF PRACTICE

                                                                            (1)
           4.4    Why are you asking if I perform a professional activity         in certain fields?

 The OIQ invites you to specify your fields of practice in order to improve the knowledge of OIQ member’s practice.
 (1)
   Performing a professional activity is namely providing an opinion, preparing a report, making calculations, executing plans
 and specifications, carrying out a study, attesting compliance.

PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION OF JUNIOR ENGINEERS, ENGINEERS-IN-TRAINING AND HOLDERS
OF A TEMPORARY RESTRICTIVE ENGINEER’S PERMIT

           4.5 Why do I have to provide the name of the engineer who is supervising and directing my work?

 Junior engineers, engineers-in-training or holders of a temporary restrictive engineer’s permit may only engage in professional
 activities reserved under the Engineers Act if they are under the immediate supervision and direction of an engineer
 (professionally speaking).

           4.6    Can I complete my registration if I don’t know the member number of the engineer who is directing and
                  supervising my work?

 We ask for the member number of the engineer who is directing and supervising your work to facilitate identification, which is
 why it is preferable to include it. However, if you can’t get this number, simply provide the engineer’s name.

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5 DECLARATIONS

DECLARATION OF RETIREMENT BY A MEMBER WHO IS NOT PRACTICING ENGINEERING

           5.1    What does "due to their age, have either ceased or reduced their professional activities in engineering” mean? Is
                  there a minimum age at which members can be considered retired engineers under the Regulation respecting
                  continuing education for engineers?

 The Regulation does not stipulate a minimum age for being considered retired. The OIQ considers members retired and not
 practicing engineering when they have ceased or reduced their professional activities with the goal of ending their working
 life, the period of their lives in which they spend most of their time on their career and work.

           5.2    What does "ceased or reduced their professional activities in engineering to less than 30 hours per week on a
                  regular basis" mean?

 Generally speaking, this means that members must have worked less than 1,560 hours during a year.

REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

           5.3    Is it still necessary to have retired member status on the OIQ's roll to be exempt from the continuing education
                  requirements?

 No. Since June 5, 2014, not only engineers with retired member status on the OIQ's roll, but all retired engineers, regardless of
 their status on the OIQ’s roll, may be exempted from the continuing education requirements.

 To be considered retired members under the Regulation, members must meet the following criteria:
     • have ceased or reduced their professional activities in engineering due to their age;
     • not have a full-time job (30 or more hours per week on a regular basis).

 However, the exemption granted to these engineers is valid only to the extent that they do not practice the profession.

 Retired members who meet these conditions and do not practice engineering may request an exemption from the continuing
 education requirements in their profile or during the annual registration process of the OIQ from the “My portal” section of
 the OIQ’s Web site.

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ANNUAL DECLARATION WITH REGARD TO PRACTICING ENGINEERING IN PRIVATE PRACTICE
(EXCLUDING OCCASIONAL PRIVATE PRACTICE - MOONLIGHTING)

           5.4    What does the term private practice mean?

 Under the second paragraph of section 3 of the Regulation respecting professional liability insurance for members of the Ordre
 des ingénieurs du Québec, a member is working in private practice if he renders professional services for his own account, or
 for the account of another member or partnership, to clients that are not his employer.

 The fields concerned by this definition are mainly those of the kinds of works and acts set out in sections 2 and 3 of the
 Engineers Act.

 Members are usually considered to be working in private practice when:

      •   they work for a consulting engineering firm;

      •   they provide professional engineering services to an external clientele (e.g.: self-employed consultants, building and
          other inspectors, members who work in an analytical laboratory and any other expert who gives advice on works of
          the kinds that constitute the field of practice of an engineer).

 The insurance contract may be held by members themselves or by the company that employs them. However, the obligation
 of being insured lies with members; in the event that their employer does not subscribe to insurance that complies with the
 Regulation on their behalf, members are required to do so.

ANNUAL DECLARATION WITH REGARD TO PRACTICING ENGINEERING OCCASIONALLY IN
PRIVATE PRACTICE (MOONLIGHTING)

           5.5 What is "occasional private practice" in accordance with the Regulation respecting professional liability
               insurance for the members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec?

 Members who render professional services alone and for their own account for fees equal to or less than $10,000 for all
 projects they complete during a year (March 31 to March 31 in the following year) engage in occasional private practice of the
 engineering profession and are therefore covered by the basic group professional liability insurance plan of the Ordre des
 ingénieurs du Québec. The concept of “alone and for their own account” applies to members who practice in their own name
 or through a sole proprietorship, and not in partnership or (e.g. an incorporated company).

 However, junior engineers, engineers-in-training or holders of a temporary restrictive engineer’s permit may only perform
 professional activities reserved by the Engineers Act under the immediate control and supervision of an engineer (professional
 guidance and supervision). They are not covered by the basic group professional liability insurance plan (occasional private
 practice) when they provide services that are reserved for engineers since they do not practice alone and are required to
 subscribe to the group supplementary professional liability insurance plan.

 Furthermore, members who receive more than $10,000 in fees for all projects they complete during a year must subscribe to
 the group supplementary professional liability insurance contract entered into by the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec by
 contacting the OIQ's exclusive broker. They cannot be covered by the basic group professional liability insurance plan.

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To find out the details of the basic group professional liability insurance plan of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec,
 please read the insurance policy, which can be found on the OIQ's Web site (www.oiq.qc.ca) under "Media and
 documentation” / “Publications" in the Category: "Professional liability insurance.”

 Members who occasionally practice engineering in private practice (moonlighting) must declare one place of practice for their
 occasional private practice. This place of practice could be, for example, their place of residence.

           5.6    Does the OIQ’s basic group plan cover me if I work in private practice?

 No. The basic group insurance plan does not cover private practice (consulting engineering). For that reason, members
 who practice engineering in private practice must also take out professional liability insurance that complies with the
 Regulation respecting professional liability insurance for members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. The basic group
 professional liability insurance plan for OIQ members provides coverage:

      •   for general practice;
      •   for occasional private practice, i.e. moonlighting (certain conditions apply);
      •   and after the five-year period in which members who worked in private practice are required to maintain coverage
          for the acts they performed in private practice.

           5.7    Do engineers who work in private practice outside Québec and exclusively for clients outside Québec on
                  projects that are entirely carried out, built or manufactured outside Québec have to take out a professional
                  liability insurance contract that complies with the OIQ’s regulations?

 No. These engineers, however, must make sure that they comply with the legal framework for practicing in the jurisdiction
 where they work.

 In addition, engineers must have insurance coverage that meets the requirements of the jurisdiction where they provide
 professional services, as necessary.

           5.8    What is the minimum coverage required by the OIQ’s regulation for all professional liability insurance
                  contracts of members who work in private practice?

 The minimum coverage amounts provided for an individual who works alone in private practice are $500,000 per loss and
 $1,000,000 for all losses during the coverage period. However, these minimum coverage amounts are $1,000,000 per loss and
 $2,000,000 for all losses during the coverage period in the event that the insurance is taken out by a member or a company
 (partnership) for members whom it employs or who are directors, officers, shareholders or partners.

           5.9    I work in private practice and plan to retire or cease practicing. Do I still have to keep my professional liability
                  insurance coverage?

 Yes. For at least five years after the last act you performed. However, the premium paid for the supplementary plan covers
 members against any professional liability claim that may be filed against them in the five years after they provide their final
 service. Therefore, when members who are covered by the supplementary plan cease to work in private practice, they do not
 have to continue to pay a premium for the next five years.

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5.10 If I am an employee of a consulting engineering firm, do I have to have my own professional liability insurance
                coverage?

 No, you are not required to take out your own insurance if the company that you work for has insurance coverage complies
 with the Regulation respecting liability insurance for members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec that covers you for the
 professional services you render. However, the obligation of being insured lies with members. Therefore, in the event that
 your employer does not take out insurance for you that complies with the Regulation respecting liability insurance for
 members of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, you are required to do so.

           5.11 Some time ago, I was an employee of a consulting engineering firm. Am I automatically covered for the 5-year
                period that follows my departure from that company?

Yes, if you ceased to practice after April 2, 2014, the date on which all members working in private practice had to be covered by
the group supplementary plan or to have obtained an exemption from that plan.

However, if you ceased to practice before April 2, 2014, you are responsible for checking with your former employer that you are
actually covered by its policy for each year during the 5-year period.”

           5.12 I already have a professional liability insurance plan for the services I render in private practice. Do I have to pay
                the premium for the basic group professional liability insurance plan?

 All OIQ members, except members who qualify for the lifetime member status (a status that has not been granted since 1993)
 and the permanently disabled member status, must pay the premium for the basic group professional liability insurance plan.
 This payment must be made as part of the annual registration process.

DECLARATION OF LEGAL RECOURSES CONCERNING PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

           5.13 I have been the subject of a legal recourse (Lawsuit, Originating application) that has been brought against me or
                that I have declared to my insurer since April 1, 2015. Do I have to declare that during the annual registration
                process?

Yes. Section 62.2 of the Professional Code stipulates that “a professional must, in accordance with the terms and conditions
determined by the board of directors, inform the order of which he is a member of any professional liability claim against him filed
with his insurer and of any notice of loss he files with his insurer with respect to professional liability.”

Accordingly, the Board of Directors of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec requires its members to declare all legal recourses
(lawsuits or originating applications) that have been brought against them personally or that they have declared to their insurer
since April 1, 2015 and which have not been previously disclosed to the Ordre. This question does not apply to a formal notice. To
comply with this requirement, members must:

    •    inform the OIQ during the annual registration period, from February 1 to March 31, of all legal recourses by answering
         the question referring to the declaration of legal recourses (lawsuits or originating applications) that have been brought
         against them or that they have declared to their insurer with respect to professional liability insurance;

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•    inform the OIQ at the latest 30 days of the notification of any legal recourse (lawsuit or originating application) that has
         been brought against them or that they have declared to their insurer with respect to professional liability insurance.

           5.14 Does the requirement to declare legal recourses (lawsuits, originating applications, etc.) brought against
                members or that they have declared to their insurer since April 1, 2015 also concern legal recourses brought or
                declared against a company (joint-stock partnership)?

  No, only legal recourses (lawsuits, originating applications) concerning members must be declared.

           5.15 I have to answer “yes” to the declaration of legal recourses professional liability insurance: What documents do I
                have to provide to the OIQ?

  You must submit the “Legal Recourse Declaration Form concerning Professional Liability Insurance” as well as a copy of the
  lawsuit or originating application. This form is available on the OIQ’s Web site (www.oiq.qc.ca) under “Media and
  documentation” / “ Publications” / Category: “Annual registration”.

DECLARATION OF A JUDICIAL OR DISCIPLINARY DECISION MENTIONED IN THE PROFESSIONAL
CODE

           5.16 I was found guilty for impaired driving. Do I have to declare that during the annual registration process?

 Yes. As required by the Professional Code (section 59.3), you have to declare any criminal offence of which you have been
 found guilty.

           5.17 I am currently being prosecuted for a criminal offence. Do I have to declare this even though I have not been
                found guilty?

 No. However, if you are eventually found guilty, the Professional Code (section 59.3) requires you to notify the Secretary of the
 OIQ within ten days of the date on which you were informed of the decision.

           5.18 I was found guilty of a criminal offence that I believe is not in any way connected to the practice of the
                profession. Do I have to notify the Secretary of the OIQ of this?

 Yes. The Professional Code (section 59.3) requires members to declare any decision rendered by a court that finds them guilty
 of a criminal offence. The Board of Directors will determine if there is a connection with the profession and the administrative
 or disciplinary measures that may be required, as needed.

           5.19 I have to answer “yes” to one or more of the declarations (judicial or disciplinary): What documents do I have
                to provide to the OIQ?

 You must submit the appropriate document for your situation, i.e. the “Criminal Offence Declaration Form,” the "Disciplinary
 Decision Declaration Form” or the “Penal Decision Declaration Form,” which are available on the Web site
 (www.oiq.qc.ca) under “Media and documentation” / “Publications” / Category: “Annual Registration,” as well as a copy of the
 requested documentation (criminal information, judgment), etc.)
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5.20 I was the subject of a judicial or disciplinary decision stipulated in the Professional Code a long time ago (not
                last year) and I did not declare it. Do I have to declare it now?

 Yes. Any judicial or disciplinary decision stipulated in the Professional Code must be declared to the Secretary of the OIQ
 within ten days of the date on which you were informed of the decision.

 6 ATTESTATION

           6.1    Declarations

 A false declaration, failure to report information or the submission of false, altered or fraudulently obtained documents may
 result in disciplinary sanctions.

 7 PAYMENT

           7.1    What payment methods are accepted for on-line registration?

 You may pay by credit card, direct payment through a banking institution (Web-based payment), or by employer cheque,
 certified cheque or postal money order. Personal cheques are not accepted and will be returned.

           7.2    Which credit cards are accepted?

 Canadian Visa and MasterCard.

           7.3    What is direct payment?

 Direct payment through a banking institution involves making your payment through your banking institution’s Web site. Only
 Web-based payments will be accepted. Payments cannot be made via ATM or over the counter at your banking institution.

           7.4    How can I make a direct payment over the Internet?

 Direct payment is a two-step process. First, note the invoice number on the invoice issued when you complete the registration
 process on line. Then, proceed to your banking institution’s Web site to pay the invoice. Go to the bill payment section and
 select “ORDRE DES INGÉNIEURS DU QUÉBEC” from the list of available payees.

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7.5    Which banking institutions provide this service?

 You can pay your invoice on the Web sites of the following banking institutions:

    •    National Bank of Canada
    •    Bank of Montreal
    •    Royal Bank of Canada
    •    TD Canada Trust
    •    Caisse Populaire Desjardins
    •    Scotiabank
    •    CIBC

           7.6    Can I pay at an ATM or over the counter at my local bank?

 No. You cannot pay this invoice at your local bank.

           7.7    Can I pay by cheque?

 Yes, however personal cheques are no longer accepted. You can pay with an employer’s cheque, a certified cheque or postal
 money order. You need to complete your registration on line first, then print the invoice at the end of the on-line registration
 process and return it with your employer cheque, certified cheque or postal money order by no later than March 31 to the
 address below. Do not forget to write your member number on your cheque.

 Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec
 Windsor Station, Suite 350
 1100 avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal
 Montreal, Quebec H3B 2S2

           7.8    I am a junior engineer or engineer-in-training. Why am I required to pay full assessment?

 Junior engineers and engineers-in-training do not pay annual assessment the first time that they register. The second time that
 they register, they pay a prorated amount of dues based on the number of months that have elapsed since the date of their
 first registration on the membership roll. The prorated amount of dues is calculated so that junior members pay no dues for
 one full year. However, junior engineers who have been registered for less than a year still have to pay the OPQ contribution
 and the group professional liability insurance premium. After their first year, they must pay the full amount of annual
 assessment in addition to the other amounts mentioned above.

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7.9    I am a holder of a temporary restrictive engineer’s permit, so why do I have to pay the full annual dues?

 For their first annual dues payment, holders of a temporary restrictive engineer’s permit pay a prorated amount that varies
 according to the number of months remaining in the year ending. For their second annual dues payment, they pay the full
 amount.

           7.10 Can my employer pay my annual assessment?

 Your employer may pay your annual assessment for you. However, you must make sure that you complete the annual
 registration process, print out a copy of the “Summary” page and give it to your employer. This page includes a detailed
 invoice. Then, your employer has to send the copy of that page and your payment to the OIQ. Please note that is your
 responsibility to make sure that your employer sends the payment to us by no later than March 31.

           7.11 What are the eligibility conditions for "retired" status?

 To be eligible for "retired" status, you must meet the following conditions:

      •   To be 62 year old or more.
      •   To be retired, this means to have ceased your professional engineering activities.
      •   To not practice the profession in the meaning of the Engineers Act, even for free.
      •   To make sure that "retired" appears before your engineer title or its abbreviation.

           7.12 I am retired. Why was I invoiced as a regular member?

 Retired status is not assigned automatically. If you meet the eligibility conditions for retired status (see above) and wish to be
 entered on the roll as such, you must take the following steps:

      •   Fill out and return the “Application form for retired member status ” available on the OIQ Web site under “Media and
          documentation” / “Publications” / Category: “Annual Registration” by e-mail to sac@oiq.qc.ca so that we can change
          both your status and the amount of your invoice;
      •   You may then register on line.

           7.13 What if, over the course of the year, I no longer meet the eligibility requirements for retired status?

 If at some point during the OIQ's financial year (April 1 to March 31), you no longer satisfy the requirements for being entered
 as retired on the roll, you will have to pay the difference between the annual assessment you paid and the full dues. This
 difference is not pro-rated.

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7.14 I already have a professional liability insurance plan for the services I render in private practice. Do I have to pay
                the premium for the basic group professional liability insurance plan?

 All OIQ members, except members who qualify for the lifetime member status (a status that has not been granted since 1993)
 and the permanently disabled member status, must pay the premium for the basic group professional liability insurance plan.
 This payment must be made as part of the annual registration process.

           7.15 Am I required to pay the contribution to the Office des professions du Québec (OPQ)?

 Yes. All members of the OIQ without exception must pay a contribution to the Office des professions du Québec (OPQ).

           7.16 What is the Office des professions du Québec?

 The Office des professions du Québec (OPQ) sees to it that each professional order ensures the protection of the public.

 Accordingly, the OPQ:

      •   ensures that the orders have the appropriate means to fulfill their mandate;
      •   advises the government on how the professional system can be continuously improved;
      •   oversees amendments to the laws that regulate the professional system;
      •   promotes efficiency in the procedures established by the orders;
      •   ensures that the public is informed and represented within the orders.

           7.17 When can I expect to receive my receipts?

 Once the cashing of the payment is done, you can access your official receipts any time in the On-line services section of our
 Web site under the tab “Receipts and declarations”.

           7.18 How do I get a membership card?

 To obtain a membership card, you will have to pay the fee. Then, you will have to fill out and return the “Bon de commande
 pour carte de membre et permis” form available only in French on the OIQ Web site under “Media and documentation” /
 “Publications” / Category: “Forms.” Juniors engineers, engineers-in-training and holders of a temporary restrictive engineer’s
 permit cannot obtain one. Please also note that membership cards do not constitute proof of registration on the roll of the
 OIQ.

           7.19 If I decide not to register, what should I do?

 You should send us the “Request for Withdrawal from the Roll” form available on the OIQ Web site under “Media and
 documentation” / “Publications” / Category: “Annual Registration”. This form should be sent by e-mail to sac@oiq.qc.ca, by fax
 to 514 845-1833 or by mail to the Customer Service making sure that we receive it at our offices no later than March 31.

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7.20 What are the consequences if I decide not to register?

 If you decide not to register, you will no longer be allowed to use the titles "engineer," "junior engineer," "engineer-in-
 training," or the abbreviations "Eng.," "Jr. Eng.," "EIT,", or any name, title or designation that might lead to the belief that you
 are an engineer or a member of the OIQ. Likewise, you will no longer be allowed to practice the engineering profession in
 Québec, subject to the penalties provided by the Act. Furthermore, please note that once your name is removed from the
 OIQ's roll, you will no longer participate at the group professional liability insurance plan. With regards to the group insurance
 plan with Manulife Financial, we invite you to communicate directly with them to verify if you are still eligible.

 If you have worked as an engineer in private practice in Québec or in connection with Québec, you are required to comply
 with the obligation set out in the applicable legislation of maintaining a valid professional liability insurance policy for five
 years after your last engineering act in private practice. We also ask that you notify your clients and employer that you are no
 longer a member, where applicable.

 In addition, junior engineers who do not register will not be able to gain recognition for any experience they acquire as non-
 members. However, this does not affect engineers-in-training.

 Unless you were employed by a physical or legal entity, company or government, you are also required to comply with the
 Regulation respecting the cessation of practice of a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec when you cease to
 practice your profession (available on our Web site www.oiq.qc.ca). You must fill out a form if that is your situation.

           7.21 Is there a reinstatement fee?

 Yes. A reinstatement fee equal to the half of the annual assessment, plus tax, will be charged in addition to your annual
 assessment.

           7.22 I paid for reinstatement on the roll of the OIQ. However, you sent me a tax receipt for less than the full
                amount of my payment. Why?

 The amount you paid for reinstatement included the reinstatement fee, which is equal to the half of the annual assessment,
 and not tax deductible.

           7.23 If I wish to be reinstated after an absence of several months or several years, what steps should I take?

 To be reinstated, you must send a duly completed and signed copy of the annual registration form and pay the dues for the
 current year, as well as a reinstatement fee equal to the half of the annual assessment, plus tax. If you have been absent from
 the roll of the OIQ for a period of more than three years, you must also submit a résumé and your file will be forwarded to the
 Practice Supervision Department. This is the procedure currently used by the OIQ. However, the conditions for reinstatement
 may be subject to change without prior notice.

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For more information, please call the Registration Department of the OIQ at 1 877 845-3483 or 1 514 845-6141 and select one
 of the following extensions:

    •    2398 – for questions about status;
    •    2467 – for questions about private practice and professional liability insurance;
    •    2398 – for any other questions about the continuing education requirements;
    •    2398 – for any other questions about the annual registration.

 In this text, the term “member” refers to an engineer, a junior engineer, an engineer-in-training and a holder of a temporary
 restrictive engineer’s permit.

 Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec
 Gare Windsor, Suite 350
 1100 avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal
 Montreal, Quebec H3B 2S2

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