The Alberta budget presented this week will help hard-working families, says Finance Minister Joe Ceci.

In keeping with the unusual Canadian parliamentary tradition of getting new shoes before tabling a budget, Ceci pulled out a pair of his father's old work boots to show the NDP government's first fiscal plan is thinking about families.

Canadian finance ministers in the federal and provincial governments are expected to wear new shoes on budget day in a tradition dating back to the 1960s. Ceci said that he chose the work boots worn by his father, a home builder who passed away in 2008, because they symbolize a "remembrance of the hard work that goes into providing for your family." "My dad worked hard all his life. He cared for his family and not to put too fine a point on it, but that's what this budget is going to do to repair public services and make sure that people aren't left in the lurch when times are bad," he said.

"This budget's all about supporting families, building Alberta. It's the Alberta way."

While critics say the impending deficit of over $6-billion risks the province's AAA credit rating, Ceci said he's planning a trip to Toronto to speak with bond rating agencies about the government's plan for the economy and believes "we'll be OK."

Budget 2015 will be presented on Tuesday with a speech to the legislative assembly.

matthew.dykstra@sunmedia.ca

@SunMattDykstra