Some northern Ontario MPs 'not seeing the substance' in 2017 federal budget

The federal government is giving the innovation sector a big boost in its latest budget, but it unclear to some how the new commitment will help northern Ontario's economy. 

"I'm feeling like there's a lot of buzz words, but I'm not seeing the substance," Timmins-James Bay NDP MP Charlie Angus said.

"It's hard to say whether or not this budget is a budget that's actually going to make change or it really is just a hangover budget of making big promises for something down the road."

Approximately $950 million is being allocated over five years towards innovators, and the creation of hubs known as super clusters.

The investment is a good idea in principle, according to Laurentian University economist and former Sudbury, Ont., federal Green party candidate David Robinson. 

'How they're going to do it? Who knows?'

But without a detailed plan, Robinson said it is hard to say how the money will impact the north. 

"How they're going to do it? Who knows," Robinson said.

"It's another example of having a good intention, and not very much specific to say about it."

Carol Hughes, Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing NDP MP, is concerned the money will not trickle down fast enough to help her constituents.

"Some of it may start next year," Hughes said. "Some of it will only flow after the next election or the election after that."

More jobs to be created in northern Ontario 'fairly soon'

But at least one regional organization could benefit from the federal budget soon.

Ottawa is pledging a $25 million increase in funding for FedNor from $41 million to $66 million. 

Although he does not have a precise timeline, Sudbury Liberal MP Paul Lefebvre insists his government's new spending will increase the number of jobs in the north "fairly soon."

"This is great for municipalities. This is great for economic development," Lefebvre said. 

"I truly believe that the economy is starting to turn around in northern Ontario."