The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer

The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer is a unique Canadian tradition which has been stewarded by the Corporation of the Seven Wardens for over 100 years

The Obligation Ceremony in which Iron Rings are presented to graduating Engineers is held in each Canadian community with a university level  Engineering Program

Camp 18 stewards The Ritual in Calgary – Our first Obligation Ceremony was 1969. The Wardens of Camp 18 are all volunteers who maintain the spirit of this wonderful tradition.

Our Website

Next Ritual Page – explains when the next Ceremony will be held, and provides information you will need.

Ring Replacement Page explains how you can replace a lost ring

Ring Exchange Page – if your ring does not fit very well and you need to exchange it for a different size

Registration Page – will open several months before the next Ritual, you must sign up and attend to get your ring.

The Iron Ring

Worn by most Canadian engineers – reminds them of their ethical obligations and the high standard of professional conduct and public service we strive for.

The Iron Ring is a symbol and constant reminder of your obligation.

It is not a legal qualification or registration to practice the profession, which is the exclusive responsibility of provincial licensing bodies such as APEGA.

The Obligation

In the presence of your peers prior to receiving your iron ring, all Candidates will recite the following Obligation:

I, [your name]
in the presence of these my mentors
and my peers in my Calling,
pledge on my honour and Cold Iron,
that, to the best of my knowledge and power,
I will not tolerate or pass,
or participate in the passing of,
Bad Workmanship or Faulty Material,
in all that concerns my works as an Engineer,
or in my dealings with my own conscience,
before the World.

My Time I will offer freely;
my Thought I will openly share;
my Care I will fully apply,
towards the honour, use, stability and perfection
of any works to which
I may be called to set my hand.
My fair wages for that work I will openly take.
My Reputation in my Calling I will honourably guard;
but I will not attempt to manipulate,
obscure judgment or seek personal gain,
from anyone with whom I may deal.
And further, I will diligently strive
against professional jealousy
or the belittling of my working colleagues,
in any field of their labour.

For my assured failures and derelictions,
I ask pardon beforehand of my mentors and my peers
in my Calling here assembled;
believing that in the hour of my temptations,
weakness and weariness,
the memory of this, my Obligation,
and of the company before whom it was declared,
may return to me to aid, comfort and restrain.

More information about the history of the Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer is available on our About page and also at the Corporation of the Seven Wardens website.