GSC supplies the fundamental national geoscience knowledge base required to support effective mineral and hydrocarbon exploration and development across Canada, to provide the geological basis necessary to understand and address health, safety and environmental issues, and to advocate the interests of Canadian geoscience at the international level.

GSC has an extensive capability in onshore and offshore geoscience surveys and in interpreting and managing geoscience information. This expertise is applied to assessments of energy and mineral resources, natural hazards, environmental and policy issues, and the development of exploration technology. GSC supports the Canadian economy by working with industry, universities and other government organizations in Canada and throughout the world.

GSC's working principles are:

• GSC's strength lies in its continuous development of a dedicated, internationally renowned staff.
• GSC actively develops partnerships with provincial, territorial and federal government agencies, industry, universities, and national and international geoscientific organizations.
• GSC ensures that its workplans are consistent with government and client goals.
• GSC is committed to demonstrating and promoting scientific excellence and to continually improving its products and services.

GSC fulfils a requirement of the Resources and Technical Surveys Act of 1949 and 1994 that the Minister of Natural Resources "make a full and scientific examination of the geological structure and mineralogy of Canada".

GSC's mandate is:

To provide Canada with a comprehensive geoscience knowledge base contributing to economic development, public safety and environmental protection by acquiring, interpreting and disseminating geoscience information concerning Canada's landmass, including the offshore.