TORONTO — In keeping with a pre-budget tradition, federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver purchased a pair of new shoes Monday, opting for sneakers from the "New Balance" brand.
Oliver bought the black shoes, trimmed in Tory blue, at a store in north Toronto while a throng of journalists looked on.
As he posed for pictures, Oliver said Tuesday's federal budget would be a "great one" for all Canadians.
It will also be the first budget delivered by Oliver, who replaced the late Jim Flaherty last year.
The ruling Conservatives have pledged to balance the budget ahead of a federal election, which is scheduled for October.
The government has already announced a suite of tax cuts and benefits for families, fulfilling one of a number of 2011 campaign promises.
