Two important questions are addressed: has the time come to rethink Canada's forest tenure systems; and, if so, what directions might these reforms take? The evolution of Canada's Crown forest tenure systems are described and their role as instruments of public policy are discussed in the context of changing demands on, and attitudes towards, forest resources. The desirable features of a tenure system designed to pursue sustainable forest management (SFM) are presented and current provincial Crown forest tenure arrangements are critically examined in the light of these criteria. A range of alternative approaches to tenure reform are suggested but no definitive recommendations are made. Key words: public forest policy; forest tenure reform, sustainable forest management