Here are highlights from the Code of Ethics of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC). These same clauses are mirrored in the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario, and thus became linked to the laws of Ontario:
31. | A Member, while engaged in the practice or instruction of graphic design, shall not do or fail to do anything that constitutes a deliberate or reckless disregard for the health and safety of the communities in which they live and practise or the privacy of the individuals and businesses therein. Members shall take a responsible role in the visual portrayal of people, the consumption of natural resources, and the protection of animals and the environment. |
32. | A Member shall not accept instructions from a client or employer that involve infringement of another person’s or group’s human rights or property rights without permission of such other person or group, or consciously act in any manner involving any such infringement. |
33. | A Member shall not make use of goods or services offered by manufacturers, suppliers or contractors that are accompanied by an obligation that is detrimental to the best interests of his or her client, society or the environment. |
34. | A Member shall not display a lack of knowledge, skill or judgment or disregard for the public or the environment of a nature or to an extent that demonstrates that the Member is unfit to be a Member of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada. |
35. | A Member shall not contract directly with the client of his or her client or employer without obtaining the permission of his or her client or employer to do so. |