Intended to assist in the formulation of effective policies for adult literacy in British Columbia, this paper reviews the current discussion of adult literacy policy and programming across Canada. It also reviews existing policies in Canada and in British Columbia, in education ministries, and in other ministries with interests and activities touching upon literacy. Recognizing the intentions of the Provincial Literacy Advisory Committee, the paper outlines a framework for thinking about literacy policy that would realize a community-based strategy for literacy work, in which teaching is tailored to meet the needs of students in particular communities and programs often involve nongovernmental organizations, sometimes in cooperation with education institutions. The six sections of the paper examine the following: (1) adult literacy policy in the late 1980s; (2) federal government policy and institutional arrangements; (3) British Columbia policy and institutional arrangements; (4) mandates and responsibilities; (5) literacy policy strategies; and (6) understanding literacy programming. (KC)