According to this report, many Canadians lack basic skills of literacy and numeracy. As many as 6.9 million Canadian adults, or 1 of every 6 working Canadians, may require some literacy training. This paper outlines the extent of illiteracy and innumeracy in Canada and presents an overview of actions being taken alone or in partnerships by governments, nonprofit groups, and businesses. The focus then shifts to a detailed examination of the role of the private sector. A strong argument is made for increased involvement of this sector, as businesses are deeply affected by the large numbers of workers lacking basic skills. Specific recommendations for individual firms are made, ranging from sponsorship of not-for-profit literacy efforts to developing in-house training programs in basic skills. This report contains an 86-item bibliography and the following eight appendixes: (1) a sampling of Canadian workplace basic skills programs; (2) resources for developing a basic skills program in the workplace; (3) written questionnaire used in conducting literacy audits; (4) interview questions for organizational needs assessment; (5) literacy programs in Edmonton; (6) recruitment techniques; (7) reasons for nonparticipation in adult basic literacy programs; and (8) evaluation questionnaires, and seven tables covering statistics on basic skills deficiencies in Canada. (Author/KC)