Crossword Genius

It's always first, and may need capital (7,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

initial letter

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'it's always' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'first and may need capital' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'first' could be 'initial' (similar in meaning) and 'initial' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'letter' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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