Kamloops MP Caputo excited to utilize personal experience in new critic role

KAMLOOPS — Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre has announced his new shadow cabinet and local MP Frank Caputo has made the cut. However, after not supporting Poilievre’s campaign for leadership, Caputo has been relegated down the list from his previous role in Veterans Affairs to Associate Critic for Minister of Justice and Attorney General David Lametti.

“I’m really happy that the leader would entrust me with any role. It’s always an honour to serve. I’ve always said whether I’m in the front bench, back bench or in the balcony I will do whatever it takes to serve the team,” said Caputo. “I’m excited to be a part of justice and attorney general and that mandate. Very exciting, lots of opportunities and I look forward to working with the Honourable Rob Moore.”

Caputo, a former Crown prosecutor, seemingly fits well into the new role.

“It’s always an honour to do whatever it is you are asked to do in parliament. But to do something that you know about and are passionate about, it’s almost like the cherry on top of the sundae,” said Caputo.

While serving in veterans affairs, Caputo moved a pair of private member’s bills focused on the justice system and repeat offenders.

“I just moved my third private member’s bill last week, and I have another one or two that are percolating right now and we will see where that goes. Perhaps another as well, there was one I was considering on a veterans issue. I feel that this new role is really going to help me move private member’s bills that are common sense bills based on my experience that help people here in Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo and across Canada,” added Caputo.

A surprise omission from the critic roster was Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas. The Merritt-area conservative was previously the shadow minister of finance and before that, tackled the climate change portfolio.

Albas confirmed in a statement that he was left out of the shadow cabinet at his own request, saying he is currently dealing with an illness in the family.