To meet new needs, society has raised its requirements with respect to basic education and redefined illiteracy. A 1989 survey found that 38 percent of the Canadian adult population have reading problems. Illiteracy is a social problem involving the entire community. The social cost is counted by the millions prevented from exercising their rights to the fullest extent. Case histories translate the problem into concrete terms. A young mother is attending a community literacy group so her daughter will not be ashamed of her. A 69-year-old illiterate widow has been missing out on aid available to her. An illiterate middle-aged man in danger of losing his job may not be retrainable. The majority of illiterate persons do not have access to information on issues that affect them personally or on social, political, or economic issues. Such information must be made understandable and accessible. To improve job access for illiterate adults, training designed for the jobless must allow unrestricted access to literacy activities. To ensure participation in democracy, Canada should apply measures that encourage illiterate persons to exercise their right to vote. Visual and audiovisual media can be used to encourage participation in society. Educators have a duty to involve all social services in literacy activities. (YLB)