Currently, the rules of the Legislative Assembly set out a procedure by which a private individual may bring legislation before the House, as a private bill. In addition, ordinary Members of the Legislative Assembly may introduce private Members' public bills, dealing with any matter except the expenditure of public funds or the imposition of a tax. Cabinet Ministers may introduce public bills for the administration of government, including the collection and allocation of public funds and to set public policy.
The current section within the rules dealing with private bills dates back to a provision adopted by Britain in the 1800s. Historically, this type of rule evolved in England as a means for the establishment of private schools.
The Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges recognizes that the rules for private bills have only once been used in the Northwest Territories, by a trust company which had declared bankruptcy. In that case, the bill was eventually taken over by the government.
The standing committee is of the opinion that it is not of assistance to include within the rules a procedure for the introduction of legislation which bypasses the elected Members of the Assembly. In any event, support of the Members is necessary for passage of any legislation.