Because the federal government defers to the provinces on adult literacy issues, the field is wide open to the provinces. [...] In this paper, I will try to remove the blinders, by explaining the dimensions of the problem of low literacy skills, the barriers that prevent people from upgrading their skills, and the gaps in the adult education system. [...] The main concern, from the point of view of the economic and social health of the country is working age adults in their prime working years between 25 and 45. [...] The decision also demonstrates the damage that is being done to the community-based informal learning system when adult education policies do not recognize the essential role that the informal programs play in recruiting the students who go on to the formal classroom programs offered by colleges and school boards. [...] The federal government defers to the provinces on adult literacy issues because they have direct responsibility for education and training systems, The federal Office of Literacy and Essential Skills stipulates that it will not support the direct delivery of literacy training – limiting its role to providing employers, practitioners and trainers with the tools and supports they need to improve the