Corporations have always been able to sue governments within the traditional court system. But the "investor protection" language included in modern trade agreements goes beyond the rights enjoyed under the normal legal regime. Such language creates new rights, including a right to protect current and future profits, which is interesting given that many countries, including Canada, refuse to recognize social rights. Were these agreements equitable workers would be able to sue for lost jobs and future incomes. Corporations, which have long promoted their right to personhood, are essentially rendered superpersons by these trade agreements. And everybody else is left in the dust.