Census data, enrollment statistics, and selected studies/reports regarding adult literacy and literacy education in British Columbia (Canada) were examined to determine the nature and scope, need for, and cost of literacy activities and programs in British Columbia. According to 1986 census data, 17% of British Columbia's adult population lack sufficient literacy skills to cope with everyday demands. The annual costs of adult illiteracy in British Columbia were estimated at $10 billion. New or expanded literacy programs and support services were deemed necessary to empowering undereducated adults, and the special needs of minority groups and the need for research and evaluation, interministerial collaboration, and ongoing monitoring of literacy were designated special areas of concern. Among the study recommendations were the following: (1) community colleges should become community catalysts to improve levels of adult literacy; (2) business, labor, community organizations, libraries, Native organizations, colleges, and schools should collaborate to develop and implement a community-based literacy strategy; and (3) government investment in adult literacy should be increased by 100% for 1990-91 and by lesser amounts for the next 4 years. (Twenty-one references are cited. Appended are the following: 1986 census data for British Columbia; summary of services, needs, and enrollment by college region; and lists of exemplary programs and practices in Canada.) (MN)