A Quebec engineer who blew the whistle on a damaged bridge has admitted breaking professional rules, after giving details to a journalist before he notified his boss.
Jean-Claude Gilbert gave CBC/Radio-Canada details and video of a broken joint on Montreal’s Champlain Bridge in May 2013.
Under the code of conduct governing professional engineers, he should have first raised his concerns with his employer.
At a hearing of the disciplinary committee of the Quebec Order of Engineers in August, Gilbert pleaded guilty to breaking his profession’s confidentiality rules, the Canadian Press reports.
A sanctions decision from the disciplinary committee was expected within 90 days of the hearing.
Gilbert could face a $5000 fine over the breach, plus costs, the Canadian Press reported.
The disciplinary action follows a complaint laid by the engineering firm that Gilbert was working for, which had been contracted by a federal agency to inspect the bridge.
Gilbert told Le Journal de Montreal that although confidentiality was enshrined in the code of professional conduct, he was concerned about the safety of motorists on the bridge.
He said the video of damage to the bridge, which he shot at the scene, only showed what was clearly visible to observers.
Source: hrmonline.ca
