The Canadian government announced on Monday that it will automatically plead for the lives of Canadians sentenced to death in the United States and any other country abroad. Foreign Affairs Minister, Stéphane Dion made the announcement prior to hosting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein. This marks a change in position from the previous Canadian government, which since 2007 had reviewed death penalty cases involving Canadian citizens on a case-by-case basis, a stance that was roundly criticized by human rights groups. Before his meeting with Al Hussein, Dion also confirmed that Canada will contribute $15 million to help the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights over the next three years.