The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, July 17, edition that Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasizes that achieving a truce in the long-standing Canada-U.S. softwood lumber dispute is a top priority, as Canadian producers prepare for potentially larger U.S. tariffs starting in September. A triple bylined item led by Steven Chase write that Canadian softwood producers could face higher charges on shipments to the U.S., with the Commerce Department planning to more than double anti-dumping and countervailing duties to 34.45 per cent by September. Additionally, a March 1 executive order by President Donald Trump commenced a broad investigation into softwood lumber that may significantly impact Canadian imports. Mr. Trump's order, threatening new lumber tariffs, cited Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to link the softwood issue to national security. The investigation into softwood and other wood products is expected to conclude by year-end. Mr. Carney is in close contact with B.C. Premier David Eby regarding the issue. B.C. produces about one-third of Canada's softwood lumber and accounts for 40 per cent of the country's softwood exports to the U.S., according to the BC Lumber Trade Council.