Mr. Huculak’s offences, which took place early in 1998, contravened Section 3(b)(ii) of the Engineering, Geological and Geophysical Professions (EGGP) Act. The Act authorizes APEGGA to prosecute individuals and firms who misrepresent themselves as professionals or who illegally provide engineering, geological or geophysical services to the public.

The case was heard in the Provincial Court of Alberta in Edmonton on June 7 and 8, 1999. Mr. Huculak erroneously obtained a P.Eng. stamp when the results of a database search by APEGGA displayed a professional member with the identical name. In his decision on June 23, 1999, Judge J. P. Jorgensen said Mr. Huculak took advantage of a mistake on APEGGA’s part by holding himself out as a professional engineer. He rejected the defence argument that the misrepresentation resulted from an "officially induced error". However, the judge accepted the defence argument that there was no evidence of any direct damage to the physical environment as a result of the improperly stamped drawings. He imposed a fine of $500 per offence.

Established in 1920, the Association serves society by regulating, enhancing and providing leadership in the practice of the professions in Alberta. Empowered by the Government of Alberta through legislation, the Association registers, sets practice standards and determines disciplinary action for its members. With more than 31,000 members, APEGGA is the largest self-governing professional association in the province.

Sherrell Steele
Manager, Public Relations
APEGGA – Edmonton
Phone: (780) 426-3990 or 1-800-661-7020 (toll free)
Fax: (780) 426-1877
E-Mail: ssteele@apegga.org