Alan Thomas' vision of a learning society and its implications for public policy and adult education in Canada were the driving forces in the Canadian Association for Adult Education (CAAE) for the nine years of his directorship. The most distinctive and important idea that he contributed to the field in the 1960s was that the basic concept must be adult learning, as distinct from adult education. One of the most notable principles that guided his efforts was a call for a "national policy" for adult education and adult learning. The Thomas years involved an attempt to create a national organization that retained its unitary character but that simultaneously encouraged and incorporated provincial bodies, called divisions. The forums, Joint Planning Commission, and study-discussion programs were discontinued. A Special Programs Committee was established. Active standing committees were those on residential adult education, communications, labor and education, school boards and adult education, and literacy. Other program areas included citizenship, voluntary action, human relations training, and guidance and counseling. The most substantial project undertaken was the formation and accomplishments of the Commission for the Community College. Services provided were journals, other publications, information, research, and library services. Advocacy activities on behalf of adult education continued to be stressed. (YLB)