Existing programs and needs for adult basic education (ABE) in British Columbia were assessed. A research committee examined adults' educational opportunities up to and beyond literacy levels. ABE was found, in general, to be an area of neglect and low priority. Adult needs remain high; for instance, census data reveals that nearly half a million adults have not gone beyond grade 8. Many family and psychological problems are associated with illiteracy. Nevertheless, present educational practices, such as inequitable tuition policies, inhibit adults' efforts to return to learning. Social and economic costs incurred through the educationally disadvantaged individuals' unemployment and welfare status are high. The Ministry of Education plays a minimal role in ABE services provision. The federal Department of Manpower has influenced educational practices throughout the provinces, but provisions have tended to be spasmodic. Each year ABE involves approximately 500 courses, 6,000 students, and 500 instructors throughout the province. The main prerequisite for closing the gap between needs and ABE provisions is an integrated and systematic approach. Although many goals and recommendations have been formulated, the principal recommendation is to regard ABE as an integrated system to aid in the amelioration of provincial problems in such areas as unemployment and social welfare. (CSS)