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This document's purpose is to trace the growing acceptance of adult education in British Columbia (Canada) by the government, using public policy as the key indicator. The document consists of an introduction, four substantive sections, and a 31-item bibliography. The first section develops an overview of public policy. Included are considerations of what public policy is, why it is necessary, who is responsible for making it, how it is formulated, and what different types of public policy exist regarding adult education. The second section is a review of the evolving acceptance by government of its responsibilities for providing education generally. The resulting distinction between youth and adult education is considered, and an outline of modern attempts to integrate all education under the banner of lifelong learning is included. The third section traces the attempts in British Columbia to ensure the provision of adult education. The roles of the provincial and federal governments, various fact-finding commissions, professional associations, and other organizations concerned with adult education are addressed. The fourth section considers the present level of government support for adult education and looks at what might be reasonably expected in the future in terms of supportive public policy. (CML)