The GDC has been Canada's professional association for visual communications since 1956. The GDC has nine regional chapters, and two affiliates—the Société des Designers Graphiques du Québec and the University & College Designers Association.
 
The GDC develops and supports standards of professional practice regarding confidentiality, contracts, conflict of interest, intellectual property rights, hiring practice, fees, competitions and pro-bono work. Its members adhere to a Code of Ethics, designed for the benefit of designers and clients, and acknowledging the responsibility to the community, the client, other designers and the environment.
 
The GDC advocates for recognition of the value of Canadian design to government, business and the public. It is a member of the Trade Team Canada-Cultural Goods and Services working group and through Icograda, represents Canadian designers at the international level.