Since 1994, the Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC) has been the national, not for profit association, representing both government relations and public affairs professionals from all sectors. GRIC is widely recognized by governments and other stakeholders as the authoritative voice of the government relations and public affairs community in Canada and is dedicated to advancing the interests of our profession and to working to maintain the highest ethical standards.

Our membership includes government and public affairs professionals operating at the national, federal, provincial and municipal levels representing a wide range of sectors and is comprised of some of the leading, private not-for-profits, crown corporations, agencies, industry and professional associations, as well as company executives and small and large consultancy practices.

Government relations and public affairs professionals facilitate the interchange of information, experience and ideas between government decision makers and those affected by their decisions. What is required of all involved – those with an interest or point of view to assert, facilitators of the process, and the ultimate decision makers – is a standard of conduct that is ethical and professional.

To strengthen the practice and conduct of government relations in Canada, GRIC’s Code of Professional Conduct defines a standard of professional conduct for members of the Government Relations Institute of Canada and applies to all members of the Institute.

This Code of Professional Conduct applies to both individual professionals and to organizations. Any provider of public affairs or government relations services who knowingly causes or permits one of their representatives to act in a manner inconsistent with this Code is party to such action and shall itself be deemed in breach of it. Organizations will ensure they direct and conduct their activities in compliance with this Code.