Although Michael Gassi said he is a “tradesman and a mechanical engineer” in his bio, a SooToday reader pointed out Gassi is not listed in the Professional Engineers Ontario directory.
The bio was included in an email sent out on Monday to Conservative members by the party’s local riding association to poll them on who they feel should be the candidate for Sault Ste. Marie – Algoma.
SooToday reached out to Professional Engineers Ontario for clarification.
“There is no record of a Michael Gassi on PEO’s directory of licence holders,” said Duff McCutcheon, the organization's manager of communications and media relations.
“If he had ever been licensed by PEO his name would appear here – regardless if he had let his licence lapse.
“The term Engineer/Professional Engineer/P.Eng. can only be used by those that have been granted a licence by PEO, under the authority of the Professional Engineers Act.
"The title ‘Engineer’ is restricted to Ontario licence holders under s. 40(2)(a.1) of the Act," McCutcheon said.
There are some exceptions, he said, such as “train engineer or sound engineer,” that relate to specific occupations.
“Only holders of a P.Eng. licence are legally permitted to use the title P.Eng.’ or the term ‘engineer’ in their job title, or to use any other term, title or description that may lead to the belief that they are authorized to practice professional engineering,” McCutcheon said.
SooToday asked Gassi why he calls himself a mechanical engineer.
Gassi said he studied mechanical engineering technology at Sault College over three years. He also studied engineering management at Lake Superior State University and he is a certified industrial mechanic millwright.
“I’m not a P.Eng. OK. And I am a tradesman. I've still got my certificate. Now when I say I'm a mechanical engineer, I don't have an undergraduate degree in engineering. I never said that.
“I still consider myself to be a mechanical engineer,” he said.
“I don't use it in my title. I have never used it in my title. I sign off as Michael Gassi.”
Bill Murphy, the president of the local riding association for the Conservative Party, didn’t want to comment on the use of mechanical engineer in Gassi’s bio.
Local Conservative members have until Friday at noon to participate in the non-binding poll for who they would like to see as the riding’s candidate.
Other potential candidates include Cameron Ross, Sonny Spina, and Chris Patrie.
Current Liberal MP Sheehan said he will run again and the New Democratic Party confirmed Laura Mayer is its candidate for the riding.
Arnold Heino is running for the People's Party of Canada.
Reports say Prime Minister Mark Carney will call an election on Sunday.