Educators and innovators in Ottawa are hoping today's federal budget will deliver more funding for skills development, infrastructure and manufacturing.

Claude Brulé is vice-president academic at Algonquin College. He said the college has three main wishes.

"We would dearly love another round of investment in college infrastructure," Brulé said, citing the recession a few years ago when the federal government put up money to help build the college's new trades centre.

"And that allowed us to open 600 additional new spots each year for students," Brulé said.

Specifically, the college would like to see infrastructure funding for health and wellness training, Brulé said. As the population ages, more people with health-care training will be needed.

The college also wants more money for applied research and development, as well as continued investment in apprenticeship programs and other kinds of workforce development for people working towards second careers or for working with minority groups, as examples.

Nobina Robinson is chief executive of Polytechnics Canada, which represents technology institutes across the country.

She said she'd like to see a $15-million increase for applied technology research.

"Now comes the focus on people. It's after all the people who innovate. Companies don't innovate. People do," Robinson said. "What I'm looking for in the budget is that sweet spot that connects innovation to talent. So I hope to see funding for college applied research."

George Henning is president of OCM Manufacturing.

He said his company is planning to invest in equipment, and is hoping the Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance will continue to allow the company to defer some taxes on the planned investments.

Details of the budget will be made public today at 4 pm.