The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that BMO chief executive officer Darryl White says Ottawa should go further to boost access to capital for defence companies, as the lender eyes profits in the sector. The Globe's Stefanie Marotta writes that Canada's biggest banks have been pressing for opportunities with smaller defence companies that have historically grappled with obtaining financing needed to scale. BMO said Wednesday it is expanding its defence sector growth strategy and announced the appointment of a new chair to co-ordinate those plans. Moves by the federal government to accelerate procurement timelines and to inject billions of dollars into defence businesses have given large lenders more reassurance on taking risks in the sector. However, Mr. White said, Ottawa should provide more measures that would make it easier to lend to small and medium-sized firms, including clearer procurement timelines, contract visibility and export certainty. His wish list includes government-backed risk-sharing tools, loan guarantees and measures that attract more private-sector capital. BMO plans to spend up to $70-billion over 10 years for sectors considered critical to Canada's economic security and resilience.