WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Canada and the United States unveiled the details of a new border deal on Wednesday they say will ease the cross-border flow of people and goods while stopping security threats at the gate.

When the plan is fully in action, Canadian travellers should expect less hassle at air and land crossings through streamlined screening and security procedures.

Measures include boosting the trusted traveller NEXUS border-clearance program and slashing duplicate baggage screening for connecting flights at airports, which is expected to reduce delays and cut down on the roughly 100,000 misdirected bags each year.

U.S. President Barack Obama, who praised his country's relationship with Canada, wants even more Canadians to head south and -- more importantly -- spend money here.

"Last year, more than 100 million people crossed our shared border, including lots of Canadians who, I'd note, spend more money in America than any other visitors," Obama said at a news conference in Washington Wednesday with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. "Well, I'll make a pitch -- we want even more Canadians visiting and spending even more money here."

But Canadians clamouring to head south shouldn't expect changes any time soon. The new measures will be rolled out as pilot projects beginning in 2012 before being fully implemented. Other initiatives are still in the planning stage...

[link to www.torontosun.com]