This statement of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, focuses on the approaches that provincial ministers have taken to address the problem of adult illiteracy. First, it sets out concisely the nature and extent of functional illiteracy in Canada. Second, it describes a sample of the initiatives already under way to create effective systems and programs. These provincial responses are summarized: administrative and educational arrangements related to the needs of illiterate adults, innovative learning materials and expanded training for literacy personnel, and close cooperation in literacy programming with voluntary agencies and community groups. Third, this statement identifies a number of activities on which provincial ministers, in cooperation with institutions, voluntary agencies, and other interested parties, will focus in the future. These include sharing information on literacy programs, clarifying roles, promoting public awareness of adult illiteracy, introducing appropriate mechanisms to increase coordination, expanding training for literacy personnel, developing programs, and increasing funding. (A complete French version of the statement is provided.) (YLB)