Franco-Ontarian illiteracy is examined from a historical perspective. Issues involving literacy definitions & statistics are discussed, & a profile of Franco-Ontarian illiterates is drawn. Four important dimensions of Franco-Ontarian history are reviewed, including political, economic, sociocultural, & educational. Current attempts at resolving the illiteracy problems are described, & future directions for dealing with illiteracy in Francophone Ontario are delineated. It is concluded that as society's awareness of the effects of illiteracy increases, it may become possible to make real & lasting positive changes. 2 Tables, 20 References. H. L. Stidger