This description and discussion of literacy activities and issues in Canada begins with an attempt to draw together various aspects of the historical developments on literacy and current definitions and attempts at measurement. Literacy's link with adult basic education is also studied. Elements of the global situation are highlighted, and some developments in the industrialized world are examined more closely, using Great Britain, Australia, and the United States especially as case study examples. The balance of the paper is devoted to the Canadian situation. It begins by giving the census data on educational attainment, proceeds with a description of various responses to the adult literacy issue by the federal and provincial governments as well as by a variety of other organizations, and finally raises some questions on the issues at stake. These include jurisdictional questions, policies and funding, special populations, motivation and access, methods and materials, training and professional activities, research, and supportive services. A fairly comprehensive bibliography with emphasis on Canadian sources and a directory of Canadian organizations and contact persons are provided. (YLB)