Lawmakers were back at the legislature Monday, one day before the release of the first provincial budget since 2013.

Alberta's Finance Minister Joe Ceci showcased his father’s work boots to the press gallery, which is a long-standing tradition where footwear is an indication of the upcoming budget.

Ceci said the boots symbolize hard work and honesty, which are traits he said he learned from his father who built homes in the Toronto area.

“My dad worked hard all his life. He cared about his family," said Ceci. “And not to put too fine a point on it, I think this is what this budget is going to do.”

He said he kept the boots as a keepsake after his father died in 2008.

The Alberta Government has ruled out a provincial sales tax, but remains non-committal on other revenue generating sources.

“We have not ruled out every other kind of tax,” said Premier Rachel Notley on Monday. “We have not ruled them in either.”

The Education Minister describes the budget as fair and prudent.

“We were given a clear mandate to ensure that essential public services are stabilized and that the core services that we are responsible for remain intact during difficult economic circumstances,” said Minister David Eggen.

“We all know how devastating cuts to public service can be for many years after."

The NDP has said the budget will run a deficit of almost $6.5 billion, but will also stabilize public services and spur infrastructure building.

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean is critical of the government for delaying a balanced budget for one year.

“Once our triple-A rating is gone, it will be much more difficult and much more expensive to borrow money and pay that debt,” said Jean.

Ceci said the delay is due to a long-term slump in oil prices.

The Alberta budget will be unveiled on Tuesday.

With files from Serena Mah and The Canadian Press