I was just reading an article that posited that the origins of this tradition are lost to time and wondered if that were true. And if so, how far are we indeed able to trace it before it's just not known?
I am not a historian and don't know the answer. But I'm non-canadian and would like to know more about this custom in general. Could you elaborate? Or is this request against the rules here?
Donald Fleming was the first finance minister recorded to have worn new shoes on budget day, in 1960. Although there are media reports from the time noting that it's a tradition that goes back further than that, there is no evidence.
I don't think we know the origin, at least according to this government of Canada website. Couldn't find anything else reliable.
Interesting tradition. In the UK the Chancellor is allowed to drink alcohol whilst delivering the budget a practice that is otherwise banned in the Commons. Do all Westminster systems have special traditions surrounding the budget? What about Australia and New Zealand?