IRAN’S SUPREME LEADER ALI KHAMENEI KILLED IN TARGETED STRIKE, STATE MEDIA CONFIRMS — Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei “has reached martyrdom” following what U.S. President Donald J. Trump described as a targeted U.S.-Israeli strike. State-affiliated Fars News Agency said Khamenei was killed in his office.

FORMER GENERAL SAYS CANADIAN EXCHANGE OFFICERS LIKELY INVOLVED IN IRAN STRIKE PLANNING — A retired senior Canadian general says it is highly likely Canadian Armed Forces members on exchange with the U.S. were involved at some level in planning air strikes on Iran, a claim disputed by the Department of National Defence. Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canada is not participating militarily and was not part of the buildup or planning, but did not directly address the role of exchange officers.

POILIEVRE CALLS FOR ‘LEVERAGE’ IN U.S. TALKS, REJECTS TURN TO CHINA AMID TRADE TENSIONS — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Canada must build economic and energy strength at home to gain leverage in negotiations with the United States, arguing there should be no “permanent rupture” between the two despite ongoing trade tensions. Speaking in Toronto, he rejected substituting the U.S. with China and urged focus on domestic energy, defence, housing and digital sovereignty as CUSMA faces review and reports suggest President Donald Trump may reconsider the pact.

FEDERAL BUDGET WATCHDOG STEPS DOWN AS OECD RANKS PBO BEST IN WORLD — Interim Parliamentary Budget Officer Jason Jacques is stepping down after a six-month term marked by partisan criticism and frequent committee appearances. His departure comes as an OECD review ranks Canada’s Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer first among its international peers for institutional performance.

PARTI QUÉBÉCOIS LEADS AS LIBERALS SURGE, CAQ RACE TILTS TO FRÉCHETTE — A new Pallas Data poll shows the PQ at 30% among decided voters, ahead of the Liberals at 27%, with the race tightening ahead of the October 2026 election. Support for sovereignty remains weak, with 60% opposed to a referendum, while Christine Fréchette holds a commanding edge over Bernard Drainville in the CAQ leadership contest as François Legault steps down.

LIBERALS HOLD SIX-POINT LEAD — New Abacus Data polling shows the Liberals at 44% compared to 38% for the Conservatives, maintaining a six-point advantage nationally. The party continues to lead in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and Ontario, while the Conservatives dominate in Alberta and hold narrower advantages across the Prairies, with British Columbia remaining competitive.

LIBERALS SET LABOUR DAY DEADLINE FOR INCUMBENTS TO AVOID NOMINATION CHALLENGES — The federal Liberals have given their 169 MPs until Sept. 7 to meet new party criteria or face open nomination contests ahead of the next election. The rules, outlined to caucus by national director Azam Ishmael, allow incumbents to be acclaimed only if they satisfy specified requirements by Labour Day.