It's because in Canada the term Software Engineer has a very specific meaning. It means you did a 4 year Software Engineering programming program at an accredit

It's because in Canada the term Software Engineer has a very specific meaning. It means you did a 4 year Software Engineering programming program at an accredited university and then worked under a professional engineer for a certain number of years (I think it's 4?) and then passed your accreditation examination. I'm Canadian and I have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. I don't call myself an Engineer because other than being against the law, I have a certain respect for the amount of work the people who earned the title went through. Also, if they majorly screw up, (though this isn't nearly as likely in software, it's usually happens when bridges or buildings fall down) an Engineer can have his accreditation revoked. Which is why legally calling yourself an Engineer in Canada, software or otherwise, has a certain status associated.