Doggone rules will limit range of viceregal pet

G-G’S DAUGHTER TO GET DOG

OTTAWA • When Michaëlle Jean was introduced as governorgeneralthis summer, the Prime Minister’s Office let it be known there was a condition that helped clinch the deal: a dog for her six-year-old daughter.

The PMO made the most of the story — the sweet little girl, the dog; it promoted the Liberals’ familyoriented choice for office. At the time, a source inside Paul Martin’s inner circle told reporters: “ The daughter, Marie-Éden, had one condition as well — that for the move she would get a new dog. She will be getting a dog. They just have to figure out what kind. The PM’s reaction was, when he heard the story, that they’ve got a huge yard to play fetch in.”

However, when Marie-Éden gets her pet, she risks running afoul of National Capital Commission rules. Rideau Hall, the Governorofficial residence in Ottawa, is considered a private property but is managed by the NCC, which has a long list of punishable dog- related infractions.

Technically, Rideau Hall is meant to be dog-free. It seems this is overlooked for the Queen’s representative — there have been pets at Rideau Hall, but not for years, and they have mostly been contained in the private part of the grounds.

On rest of the property, where the public is allowed to roam, pets are banned. Outside a gated public entrance is a sign that reads, “ Thank you for not bringing pets onto the grounds,” accompanied by a no-animals symbol — a picture of a dog with a slash through it. Bringing a pet into a NCC nopet area is considered a minor infraction that results in a $ 100 fine.

Marie-Éden will have to keep her pet in the residence and in the private yard reserved for the GovernorGeneral. If it ventures into the vast area open to the public, she will run up against NCC bureaucrats. For example, she will have to ensure her pup does not drink from or get into the centrepiece fountain at Rideau Hall. She can also forget about rollerblading or skiing with her dog around the grounds — she might risk harming others, according to the NCC. And if the pup wants company, she will have to take it to a nearby dog- designated park.

A spokeswoman for Ms. Jean said Marie-Eden has yet to get her dog, although at least one person has offered to donate a pet for the girl.