Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has tapped two British Columbia MPs for high-profile roles aimed at strengthening his party's position on major policy issues affecting Canada's economic future and property rights disputes.
Richmond Centre-Marpole MP Chak Au will chair the newly created Pacific Gateway Economic Engagement Caucus, tasked with developing a comprehensive Conservative strategy for the Asia-Pacific region. Au's mandate includes crafting policy proposals to maximize exports and fast-track approvals for pipeline and liquefied natural gas infrastructure projects—areas where resource-dependent provinces like Alberta have a direct stake in national energy policy.
Langley Township-Fraser Heights MP Tako van Popta has been appointed to lead the Conservative Task Force on Property Rights, with particular focus on high-stakes Indigenous title disputes including the Cowichan ruling and ongoing Musqueam negotiations.
Poilievre announced the appointments Thursday, citing Au's previous experience on Richmond city council, where he engaged with Asian governments and led diplomatic and humanitarian missions throughout the region. Au responded by highlighting the Conservative Party's traditional strength on trade expansion and diversification—messaging likely aimed at resource-sector voters across Western Canada.
"This is a huge and important task, but fortunately we are building on the strong Conservative record on trade expansion and diversification," Au told reporters.
Van Popta's appointment reflects his background as a real estate and land development lawyer and his previous role as director of the Surrey Board of Trade. Poilievre emphasized the alignment between van Popta's expertise and the complex legal landscape surrounding property rights and Indigenous title claims.
"No one is more qualified than Tako to take on this issue," Poilievre said.
Both MPs expressed enthusiasm for their new responsibilities, telling reporters they were "honoured" and "pleased" to accept the roles.
The appointments come as the Conservative caucus navigates internal challenges. Earlier this year, four Conservative MPs crossed the floor to join the Liberal government, a defection that raised questions about party unity and messaging. Poilievre is expected to announce a broader shuffle of his "shadow cabinet" in the coming weeks, with critic MPs asked to reaffirm their commitment to their current roles.
This isn't Poilievre's first initiative to strategically deploy MPs on focused projects. Calgary MP Greg McLean was appointed last year to lead an economic growth council, reflecting the leadership's approach to leveraging caucus expertise for policy development.
This article is based on reporting from CBC Politics. Original reporting by Kate McKenna, CBC News parliamentary bureau. Read the original story at CBC News.