Hundreds of charges laid against fake engineer
Posted Mar 23, 2023 04:00:00 AM.
Waterloo Region businesses that own cranes and other lifting equipment might need to have their equipment inspected again.
Under the name “AJ Ontario Hoist Inspections”, Jay Lawrence Harding “inspected” and performed “non-destructive tests” for at least 80 devices.
On Monday, the licensing and regulating body for professional engineering in the province charged Harding under the Professional Engineers Act and the Provincial Offences Act for false representation. Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) laid a total of 352 charges.
Harding is not, and has never been a licensed engineer, and to appear legitimate, he forged an engineering seal on his fake licence.
Since 2021, PEO says that Harding has relocated to New Brunswick and incorporated a new sole proprietorship named AJ Hoist Inspections, and could still be falsely representing himself as a professional engineer.
PEO has released this information to protect public safety. They ask for the public's help in the ongoing investigation. Anyone in possession of one of Harding's sealed or stamped documents or certifications is encouraged to contact PEO’s enforcement hotline immediately at 416-840-1444 or 1-800-339-3716 ext 1444, or by writing to us at enforcement@peo.on.ca.
The licence could have the following names:
– J.L. Harding
– J. Harding
– Jay Harding
– AJ Ontario Hoist Inspections
– AJ Hoist Inspections
