Between 1985 and 1995, the progress of adult education in Canada was largely influenced by the restructuring of the economy and the job market; the changing nature of the state; the media and new information and communication technologies; and social and cultural change. Adult participation in education and training increased from 19 percent in 1983 to 28 percent in 1994. These were priority areas: job-related training; those who receive government assistance; customized training; literacy and basic education; and life and work. Awareness of the nature of literacy grew, and involvement in promoting literacy grew significantly. Advances in areas such as access to postsecondary education and lifelong learning showed how training and adult education can create greater equality among persons and groups in relation to the development of Canadian society. A considerable volume of adult education and its funding occurred under federal and joint federal-provincial jurisdiction as labor market, literacy, and vocational training. Corporate, community, trade union, and the private sectors were also involved as were libraries, museums, and community centers. Fields of intervention were equal opportunities for women; citizenship, environment, health, and democracy and the information highway; international cooperation; cooperation between industrialized countries; cooperation for development; and training programs. Lifelong learning is a key for entering the next century. (Appendixes include 112 references and a glossary.) (YLB)