How to reinstate a medical license in Ontario
If your medical license has been suspended or revoked by Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), you cannot legally practise as a professional engineer until it is reinstated. The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended or revoked — whether it was for non-payment of fees, failure to meet continuing education requirements, or disciplinary action — and each route has different requirements and timelines.
The first step is to contact PEO directly to understand the exact reason for the suspension or revocation and what conditions you must meet to restore your license. Some suspensions are administrative and can be resolved quickly; others require you to demonstrate that you have addressed the underlying issue, which may take weeks or months.
Key Takeaways
- Contact PEO's licensing department to confirm the reason for suspension or revocation and the specific steps required for reinstatement.
- Administrative suspensions for unpaid fees or late continuing education hours can often be resolved by paying arrears or completing the missing requirements.
- Disciplinary suspensions or revocations require you to request a reinstatement hearing before PEO's Discipline Committee or a designated panel.
- Reinstatement timelines range from days for fee-related suspensions to several months for disciplinary cases that require a hearing.
- You must demonstrate that you meet all current licensing requirements, including continuing education and professional conduct standards, before reinstatement is granted.
Determine why your license was suspended or revoked
PEO suspends or revokes licenses for different reasons, and the reason determines how you proceed. Administrative suspensions typically occur when you have not paid your annual licence fee, have not completed your continuing education requirements, or have not submitted required documentation on time. Disciplinary suspensions or revocations result from complaints about your professional conduct, competence, or ethics, and these are handled through PEO's formal discipline process.
Call PEO's licensing department at 416-941-1200 or visit their website to request a status check on your license. Have your Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) number or name ready. PEO staff will tell you the specific reason for the suspension or revocation, the date it took effect, and what you need to do next. Ask for written confirmation by email so you have a record of the requirements.
Resolve administrative suspensions
If your license was suspended because you did not pay your annual fee, you can reinstate it by paying the outstanding balance plus any late fees. PEO's current annual licence fee varies depending on your membership category, so confirm the exact amount owed before you pay. You can pay online through PEO's website, by phone, or by mail.
If your suspension is due to incomplete continuing education, you must complete the required professional development hours for the year in question. PEO requires a minimum number of hours annually, and you must document which courses or activities you have completed. Once you have finished the requirements, submit proof to PEO and request reinstatement.
Administrative reinstatements are usually processed within five to ten business days after PEO receives your payment or documentation. Your license status will be updated in PEO's public register, and you will receive written confirmation. During this period, you cannot legally practise as a professional engineer.
Request a reinstatement hearing for disciplinary cases
If your license was revoked or suspended as a result of a disciplinary decision, you cannot straightforward pay a fee or complete a requirement to restore it. Instead, you must request a reinstatement hearing before PEO's Discipline Committee or a panel designated by the committee. This hearing is separate from the original discipline hearing and focuses specifically on whether you should be allowed to practise again.
To request a reinstatement hearing, write to PEO's Discipline Department and explain why you believe your license should be reinstated. You must demonstrate that you have addressed the issues that led to the discipline — for example, if the complaint involved a failure to maintain professional standards, you should show what steps you have taken to may support it will not happen again. You may also need to provide references from colleagues, employers, or clients who can speak to your current professional conduct.
PEO will review your request and decide whether to grant a hearing. If a hearing is scheduled, you will receive notice at least 30 days in advance. You have the right to be represented by a lawyer and to present evidence and witnesses. The Discipline Committee will then decide whether to reinstate your license, reinstate it with conditions, or deny reinstatement.
Gather required documentation
Before you contact PEO or request a hearing, prepare the documents you will need. For administrative suspensions, you will need proof of payment (a receipt or bank statement) and documentation of completed continuing education (course certificates or attendance records). For disciplinary cases, gather any evidence that shows you have addressed the underlying issue — this might include completion certificates for ethics training, letters of reference, documentation of additional professional development, or evidence of changed practices in your workplace.
If you are requesting a reinstatement hearing, also prepare a written statement explaining the circumstances that led to the discipline, what you have learned, and what you have done to prevent a recurrence. Be honest and specific; generic statements are less persuasive than concrete examples of how you have changed your practice or behaviour.
Understand reinstatement conditions and ongoing requirements
PEO may reinstate your license with conditions attached. Common conditions include mandatory ethics training, supervision by another professional engineer, restrictions on the types of work you can undertake, or increased continuing education requirements. You must comply with all conditions for the period specified, and failure to do so can result in another suspension or revocation.
Once your license is reinstated, you must meet all standard ongoing requirements to keep it active. This includes paying your annual licence fee on time, completing your continuing education hours each year, and maintaining professional conduct standards. Set reminders for fee payment important date and education important date so you do not fall into administrative suspension again.
What to do if reinstatement is denied
If PEO denies your reinstatement request, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process is separate from the reinstatement hearing and involves submitting new evidence or arguments to PEO's Appeals Committee. You must file an appeal within 30 days of receiving the denial decision, and you will need to show either that PEO made an error in law or that new evidence has come to light that was not available at the reinstatement hearing.
If you believe PEO has acted unfairly or outside its authority, you may also have grounds to seek judicial review through the Ontario Superior Court. This is a complex legal process and you should consult a lawyer who specializes in professional regulation if you are considering this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Administrative reinstatements for unpaid fees or incomplete continuing education typically take five to ten business days. Disciplinary reinstatements that require a hearing can take two to six months from the time you request the hearing until a decision is made, depending on the Discipline Committee's schedule and the complexity of your case.
Can I practise while my reinstatement request is pending?
No. You cannot legally practise as a professional engineer in Ontario while your license is suspended or revoked, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request. Practising without a valid license is a violation of Professional Engineers Act and can result in additional penalties.
Do I need a lawyer to request reinstatement?
For administrative suspensions, you do not need a lawyer — you can handle payment or documentation submission yourself. For disciplinary reinstatement hearings, a lawyer is not required but is strongly recommended, especially if the original discipline involved serious allegations or if you are unfamiliar with formal hearing procedures.
Will reinstatement remove the discipline from my record?
No. Reinstatement restores your license but does not erase the discipline from your professional record. The discipline decision remains part of your file and may be visible to the public through PEO's register, depending on PEO's disclosure rules for that type of discipline.
What if I cannot afford to pay the outstanding fees?
Contact PEO's licensing department to discuss your situation. While PEO does not typically waive fees, they may be willing to work out a payment plan if you have genuine financial hardship. Explain your circumstances clearly and ask what options are available.