In Ontario, Canada, it is common for IT professionals, including developers, to use the title « engineer » even if they do not have an engineering degree or professional engineering designation. This practice is somewhat unique to the province and stems from historical reasons and cultural norms. Here are a few factors that contribute to this phenomenon:

1. Lack of professional regulation: Unlike other provinces in Canada, Ontario does not have specific regulations restricting the use of the term « engineer » to individuals with an engineering degree or professional engineering license. This absence of regulation allows individuals from various disciplines, including IT, to use the engineer title more freely.
2. Historical usage: The use of the term « engineer » by IT professionals predates the formal recognition of software engineering as a distinct discipline. In the early days of computing, many IT professionals adopted the engineer title as a way to emphasize the technical and problem-solving aspects of their work.
3. Cultural influence: The use of the engineer title in the IT industry has become ingrained in the culture and terminology of the field. Over time, it has become an accepted practice for IT professionals, including developers, to refer to themselves as engineers, aligning with the broader industry terminology and norms.

It’s important to note that using the title « engineer » without the appropriate credentials or professional engineering designation may be seen as misleading in some contexts or professions. In regulated industries such as civil engineering or electrical engineering, the use of the engineer title is typically reserved for those who have completed a recognized engineering program and obtained the necessary licensure.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the use of the term « software engineer » is becoming more prevalent to distinguish IT professionals who specialize in software development and engineering practices. This term helps convey the specific focus on software development and aligns with the broader recognition of software engineering as a discipline.

Ultimately, the use of the engineer title by IT developers in Ontario, Canada, is a cultural and historical convention rather than a reflection of specific engineering qualifications or professional engineering status.