The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Sept. 11, edition that CIBC is investing $2-billion over five years in small- and medium-sized defence and dual-use businesses in Canada as Ottawa increases military spending. The Globe's Stefanie Marotta writes that the banking sector, traditionally cautious about lending to risky small- and medium-sized defence companies, is shifting as Ottawa works to reduce dependence on the United States. CIBC's announcement reflects Canadian banks' growing involvement in the defence sector. The businesses eligible for CIBC's program range across sectors deemed critical to Canada's economy, including infrastructure, energy, cybersecurity, digital capabilities and advanced technologies. On Wednesday, the Royal Bank of Canada said it is launching a $1.4-billion fund aimed at investing in Canadian technology companies, including aerospace and dual-use defence companies. Bank of Nova Scotia is planning to issue Canadian defence bonds to help raise capital for companies. National Bank of Canada tapped former top general Rick Hillier to advise on defence and assist with the lender's efforts to grow its client base in the defence and security industry, as well as among dual-use companies.