Pass the OACETT CET Certification IEPPE Questions and answers with ExamsMirror

Tort law deals withcivil wrongswhereone party’s wrongful actions cause harm to another. It establisheslegal duties and responsibilities.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Definition of Tort Law–

Atortis awrongful act(e.g., negligence, defamation)that results in harm to another party.

Torts arenot criminal actsbutcan lead to compensation (damages).

Why Option A Is Correct:

Tort lawcreates obligations(e.g., a company must not manufacture unsafe products).

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B (Tort means burden of proof)– Incorrect etymology; "tort" comes from theFrench word for ‘wrong’.

C (Tortfeasors can be imprisoned)–Torts do not lead to prison; only criminal offenses do.

D (Third parties cannot take action)–Third parties affected by a tort can sue for damages.

Amistake of lawgenerallydoes not allow a contract to be set aside, becauseparties are expected to know the law.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Types of Mistakes in Contracts:

Mistake of fact– Canvoid a contractif fundamental.

Mistake of law–Does not usually void a contract.

Why Option B Is Correct:

Courts assume thatindividuals understand the law before signing a contract.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A, C, D – Mistakes of factcan void contracts.

Duressoccurs whena person is forced or threatened into signing a contract or performing an action against their will.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Definition of Duress–

Acontract signed under duress is voidable, meaning the victim canlegally challenge its validity.

Duress includesphysical threats, financial pressure, or unlawful coercion.

Examples of Duress:

A supplierthreatens violenceif a company does not agree to an unfair contract.

A bossforces an employee to sign a non-compete clauseunder threat of termination.

Why Option A Is Correct:

Duressnullifies consent, making agreementsunenforceable in court.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B (Undue influence)– Involvespsychological pressurerather than threats.

C (Non est factum)– Applies tomistaken identity of contract, not coercion.

D (Misrepresentation)– Involvesfalse statementsrather than force.

Whistleblowingrefers to aprofessional reporting unethical, illegal, or unsafe actionswithin an organization. In engineering and technology,public safety takes priority over employer loyalty.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Definition of Whistleblowing:

Whistleblowing occurs when a professionalreports wrongdoing(e.g., unsafe work conditions, fraud, corruption) that couldharm the public or the profession.

It often involvesreporting violations of professional standards, safety regulations, or ethical codes.

Professional Obligation Under OACETT’s Code of Ethics:

Public welfare takes precedence over employer loyalty.

Professionalsmust report safety hazards or legal violations, even if it means exposing their employer’s misconduct.

If an employerrefuses to address the issue, the technologistmust escalate the matterto external authorities.

Example in Engineering & Technology:

AnOACETT memberworking on abridge projectdiscovers thatinferior materialsare being used,violating safety codes.

The employerignores the concern, pressuring the technologist toremain silent.

The technologist mustreport this issue, even if it affects their job security.

Why Option C Is Correct:

Ethical duty requires prioritizing safety over employer loyalty.

Legal protection exists for whistleblowers in Canada, ensuringretaliation is unlawful.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A (Complete forms from the Employment Standards Act)– This applies toworkplace rights (wages, hours, discrimination), not whistleblowing.

B (Notify Member of Parliament)– MPsdon’t handle workplace safety concerns.

D (Contact Public Sector Integrity Commissioner)– Only applies togovernment employees, not private-sector engineers.

Engineering work in Ontario is governed bymultiple laws and codesthat ensurepublic safety, environmental protection, and construction standards.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA):

Federal law regulatingpollution, waste management, and environmentalhazards.

Impactscivil, mechanical, and environmental engineersworking withchemical disposal, air quality, and sustainable development.

Ontario Building Code Act:

Regulatesconstruction standards, safety codes, and permit requirementsfor all buildings in Ontario.

Ensuresbuildings are structurally sound and meet fire safety and accessibility standards.

Applies toarchitects, structural engineers, and construction technologists.

Ontario Heritage Act:

Protectshistorically significant buildings and structures.

Engineers working onrenovation or demolition projectsmust ensureheritage properties comply with preservation laws.

Why Option B Is Correct:

Thesethree laws directly impact engineering and technology professionalsin Ontario.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A (Canadian Water Safety Act)–No such act exists; water regulations fall underfederal & provincial environmental laws.

C (Municipal Green Belt Act)– This lawonly applies to land development, not general engineering work.

D (Ontario Engineering Code)–No such law exists; professional engineering is regulated byOACETT & PEO (Professional Engineers Ontario).

Federal judges in Canada areappointed by the Government of Canadathrough theGovernor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. TheJudicial Appointments Advisory Committeehelps in the selection process.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Authority of Appointment– Federal judges, including those of theFederal Court, Federal Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court of Canada, are appointed bythe federal government.

Role of the Prime Minister and Cabinet– The Prime Minister, in consultation with the Minister of Justice,recommends appointments.

Judicial Appointments Process– TheIndependent Advisory Board for Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointmentsevaluates candidates.

Role of the Governor General– TheGovernor General formally appoints judgesbased on the government's recommendations.

In ethical decision-making,understanding stakeholdersiscrucialbecause every professional decision impacts multiple parties, includingclients, employers, the public, and regulatory bodies.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. Why Identifying Stakeholders is Critical in Ethics:

Stakeholders havedifferent interests, rights, and expectationsin any ethical decision.

Professionals mustbalance these interests fairly and transparently.

2. Who Are the Key Stakeholders in Technology & Engineering?

Clients– Expectfair treatment, honesty, and high-quality work.

Employers– Requireloyalty, competence, and compliance with company policies.

Regulatory Bodies (e.g., OACETT, PEO)– Ensurecompliance with ethical and legal standards.

The Public– Must beprotected from harm and unsafe practices.

3. Real-World Example:

Acivil engineering technologistworking on abridge designmust consider:

Client interests(cost and deadlines).

Public safety(ensuring structural integrity).

Regulatory compliance(meeting building codes and environmental laws).

Employer expectations(delivering a profitable project).

Ethical decision-making requiresbalancing these factorswithout compromising public safety.

4. Why Option A Is Correct:

Understanding different stakeholders ensures ethical and responsible decision-making.

5. Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B & C (Constructing or articulating arguments to the public)– Ethical decision-makingis about fairness and integrity, not just public communication.

D (Tolerating disagreement)– Ethics requiresaddressing conflicts fairly, not justaccepting them.

Moonlightingrefers to working asecond job or side businessoutside of full-time employment. While not always unethical, it can createconflicts of interest, productivity concerns, and legal risks.

Step-by-Step Breakdown:

1. When is Moonlighting Acceptable?

Iffully disclosed and approved by the employer.

Ifit does not interfere with job performance.

Ifit does not create a direct conflict of interest.

2. Example of Ethical Moonlighting:

Asoftware developer employed full-timemay providefreelance IT training to a corporate customer of their employer, with the employer’s consent.

Thisaligns with the employer’s business goalsrather than competing with them.

3. Why Option A Is Correct:

Employer-approved moonlighting can strengthen business relationships.

Transparency and consent eliminate ethical concerns.

4. Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B (Setting up a competing business)– This is aclear conflict of interestandviolates ethical standards.

C (Taking on too many clients)–Work performance must not be compromisedby outside jobs.

D (Accepting a gift instead of payment)– Thisraises ethical concerns about bribery and fairness.

Duty-based ethics (deontology) focuses on following moral principles regardless of consequences. However, strict application can sometimes lead to unintended harm.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Definition of Duty-Based Ethics:

Focuses onmoral obligations and absolute rules(e.g., "Always tell the truth").

The Challenge – When Strict Honesty Causes Harm:

Example: Atechnologist discovers a minor defect in a productthat will not affect safety but could delay delivery.

Following the universal principle (full honesty), they disclose the defect.

This leads to unnecessary panic and financial loss.

This shows thatin some cases, minor exceptions to universal principles may be more ethical.

Why Option D Is Correct:

Strict rule-followingcan sometimes lead to greater harmthan a minor deviation.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A-C:These describeethical dilemmas, butnot the core challenge of duty-based ethics.

Amoral statementis a statement that expressesa value judgment about what is right or wrong, ethical or unethical. Unlikefactual statements, moral statementsdo not describe realitybut ratherevaluate human behavior based on ethical principles.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

Definition of Moral Statements:

A moral statementexpresses a judgment(e.g., “Honesty is good,” or “Stealing is wrong”).

It is based onethics, values, and societal normsrather than factual observations.

Difference Between Moral and Factual Statements:

Moral Statement:“It is wrong to lie to a client.”

Factual Statement:“This contract was signed on June 1, 2023.”

Example in Engineering & Technology:

ACertified Engineering Technologist (CET)might say,“Engineers should always prioritize safety.”

This is amoral statementbecause it expresses avalue judgment about ethical behavior.

Why Option C Is Correct:

Moral statements define right and wrong behavior.

They areessential in professional ethics(e.g., honesty, integrity, fairness).

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A (Conceptual statements)– Concepts explain ideas, butdo not make ethical judgments.

B (Factual statements)– Factsdescribe realitybut donot express moral values.

D (Non-controversial statements)– Some moral statementscan be controversial(e.g., debates on sustainability).