The GDC works to improve the human environment by:

1. Fostering public awareness of design in Canada through education, public information, trade, commerce and industry
2. Encouraging informed opinions so high design standards may flourish
3. Working towards the eradication of visual and sensory abuse
4. Improving standards, practice and awareness of graphic design as a profession and as an interrelated process.

The GDC strives to develop the graphic design profession by:

1. Encouraging a coherent educational standards for the graphic design profession at post-secondary levels, and by offering constructive suggestions into primary and secondary levels
2. Establishing criteria and procedures for professional certification and registration, and periodically revising them to reflect current design standards
3. Organizing a body of professional designers who share objectives, common ethical standards, and a standard code of conduct across the country.

The GDC serves the graphic design profession by:

1. Fostering exchanges and building relationships with similar organizations and projects around the world
2. Recognizing different design disciplines in order to increase opportunities for interdisciplinary practice
3. Inspiring our members to recognize existing design issues and use their skills and experience to improve the profession
4. Preserving the interests of our members with any public interactions between them
5. Extending the influence of graphic design as a cultural and socioeconomic asset of Canada.

→ The Role of the Society