Canada’s Largest Forensic Engineering and Fire Investigation Firm
Origin and Cause is Saskatoon’s most trusted partner for cross-disciplinary forensic knowledge. We’ve worked with insurance companies, law firms, independent adjusters, manufacturers, and corporate risk managers for over 25 years, and we’ve completed over 30,000 cases. We promise impartial opinions based on scientific methods, careful inspection, and laboratory testing.
We have various offices located in Mississauga, Windsor, Orilla, Ancaster, Ottawa, Sudbury, Kingston, and Toronto.
We’ve earned national acclaim; join forces with Origin and Cause for superior investigative and engineering services.

Meet Our Experts
We are Canada's top forensic engineering and fire investigation firm, specializing in a variety of disciplines. We perform extensive laboratory testing, examinations, and scientific procedures to arrive at conclusions based on facts. We can be counted on to testify as expert witnesses in court. Our team of forensic engineers and fire investigators work relentlessly to assist clients in discovering the truth by determining the facts.
Chris Needham
Fire & Explosion Investigator
Designation: CFEI
Over the course of his profession, Chris has overseen over 80 fire and explosion investigations. Thanks to his background in forensic anthropology and human osteology, in total burn situations, he has led teams in the recovery of partial human remains. In order to determine the validity of theories related to various fire investigations, he has conducted and witnessed numerous experiments successfully. He has the technical know-how to study and preserve evidence at a crime scene and is also adept at interviewing witnesses. He is also an expert at presenting reports that lay out the findings in a precise and scientific manner.

On-Time Response
In any investigation, time is of the essence, and our investigators respond quickly to situations, assuring speedy site attendance and timely updates to clients. In addition, thorough field and lab work can make or break insurance claims and legal consequences.
Our Services
All major forensic investigation and engineering fields are covered by Origin and Cause's services. With over 1,500 legal cases across Canada, the United States, and the rest of the world, we are also leaders in forensic litigation.
A Commitment to Facts
Origin and Cause has earned a reputation as a trusted leader in the industry because of our devotion to facts, which is backed up by extensive analysis and verification. Scientific study and methods, as well as investigation and laboratory testing, all support our findings. We've been called to testify in court, delivering unbiased opinions based on our certified specialists' findings.
Leadership Team

Mazen Habash
President

Art Beleda
Vice President Eastern Canada

Ryan Dobson
Vice President Western Canada

George Costandi
Director – National Sales and Marketing

Shauna Hall
Branch Manager

Vladimir Chlistovsky
Operations Manager - GTA

Peter Hamilton
Manager - Atlantic Canada

Steve Klimpel
Operations Manager – Northern and Eastern Ontario/Atlantic Canada

Matthew Obach
Manager - Manitoba & Saskatchewan

Said Ismail
Operations Manager – Ancaster

Adam Lohonyai
Structural Forensics Practice Lead