Presented in two volumes, this comprehensive report on Operation Depart (the Quebec provincial continuing education scheme launched in 1967) describes its position in relation to the Roman Catholic educational system as a whole; the current status of adult education activities; urbanization and socioeconomic development in the nine major regions studied; the extent of need for academic, vocational, and cultural education in different localities; educational needs among certain groups (women, young adults, farmers, welfare recipients, the handicapped, the unemployed); and the institutional structure, public and private, of adult and continuing education. Statistical data are reported for 57 districts in the nine regions (Quebec, Montreal, Trois-Rivieres, Lower Saint Lawrence and Gaspe, Sanguenay-Lake St. John, Ottawa Valley district, Northwest, North Shore, Eastern Townships) in such categories as adult and regular secondary school attendance, adult dropouts, male and female employment, manpower utilization, and educational levels. The document contains 107 tables and graphs, 127 references, and 23 statistical maps. (LY)