This publication contains an abridged version of a background paper that analyzed the status of policy, legislation, and planning mechanisms for biodiversity conservation in Canada's forests and proposed a framework for classifying, assessing, and reporting on the extent of conservation lands in Canada. The publication also includes the proceedings of a side event at the 12th World Forestry Congress (Quebec City, 2003) whose primary objective was to introduce the proposed framework and to seek international & national perspectives on it. The response to this presentation is organized around four questions that sought to determine the comprehensiveness, utility, and practicality of implementation of the framework and its compatibility with other reporting processes.