Continuing a well-established budget tradition, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today visited the Roots manufacturing facility in Toronto to purchase Canadian-made Economic Action Plan shoes in advance of Budget Day. Minister Flaherty was also given a tour of the facility and spoke with some of the 200 employees.
“Roots is a true Canadian success story,” said Minister Flaherty, explaining his choice of budget footwear. “With more than 120 stores in North America and another 80 stores in Asia, Roots is another fine Canadian example of a company that creates high-quality jobs, contributes to the strength of the Canadian economy and promotes a strong Canadian brand on the global stage.”
“We’re honoured to host Finance Minister Flaherty at the Roots factory ahead of his presentation of the new budget,” said Roots co-founder Michael Budman. “Manufacturing in Canada at our own facility in Toronto has been at the heart of Roots since we started the company in 1973. As we prepare to celebrate our 40th anniversary, we’re proud that our factory is still producing quality footwear and other leather goods, just like we were doing back in the 1970s. We hope the Roots shoes that Minister Flaherty purchased today will serve him well as he presents the 2013 budget to Parliament tomorrow and continues his proven stewardship of the Canadian economy.”
Roots Canada was established in Toronto in 1973 by co-founders Michael Budman and Don Green. It has been the official outfitter of clothing for members of the Canadian Olympic team, as well as the United States and British Olympic teams.
The tradition of wearing new shoes for Budget Day began with Donald Fleming in 1960. In recent budgets, Minister Flaherty purchased a new pair of skates for his son to reinforce family-friendly measures, and wore a pair of re-soled shoes as a symbol of frugality.
“Canada has been a leader during the global economic downturn, and our Government is committed to ensuring we remain one,” said Minister Flaherty. “That is why Economic Action Plan 2013 will continue to focus on supporting economic growth and job creation, while returning to balanced budgets by 2015.”
Watch Minister Flaherty deliver the Economic Action Plan 2013 speech live at 4:00 p.m. ET tomorrow, which is tablet and smartphone friendly.
