SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Premier Floyd Roland was hit with a barrage of questions from reporters on Thursday as to what he knew and when, regarding cabinet minister Norman Yakeleya being under investigation for sexual assault.

Premier Floyd Roland was vague in answering questions on Thursday surrounding the sexual assault charge of cabinet minister Norman Yakeleya.

Roland confirmed that he heard about the investigation from another MLA, but refused to give specifics as to when he found out. When asked exactly when he first heard about the allegations, Roland replied, "It's not a matter of the length of time."

Yakeleya was arrested in Tulita on Tuesday and charged with sexual assault. He was released later that day with conditions by a justice of the peace around 5 p.m., according to Crown attorney Shelley Tkatch. Yakeleya's next scheduled court appearance is Aug. 28 in Tulita.

Although RCMP assured that a press release would be forthcoming, none was issued when charges were laid. Yakeleya previously denied to Yellowknifer he was being investigated by police for a sexually-related offence and said it was "all rumours."

Roland said he first heard rumours of the allegation earlier in the year, but would not specify any further.

"I had a meeting with another member; addressed it; and until we can get evidence or someone lays a complaint it was dealt with in that manner. When the issue rose again I decided 'this needs to be followed up on,' and did so and acted accordingly," he said.

When asked if he appointed Yakeleya to the youth portfolio after hearing about the allegation, Roland said Yakeleya "received the youth portfolio at the end of June and that goes with MACA. So he got the Municipal and Community Affairs portfolio."

The premier said that recent rumours of the investigation among the members caused "questioning up and down the halls."

Roland said when he did raise the issue with Yakeleya he was assured it was not an issue. Yakeleya "dealt with his family and the other family and that's it," said Roland.

Despite what Yakeleya claimed, Roland said he followed up the issue with his senior staff and then took the step of removing Yakeleya's portfolios.

"The RCMP didn't call us to notify us there was anything going on," added Roland.

Asked why it took so long to address media after Yakeleya was stripped of his portfolios, the premier said he's been busy.

"It's a busy time. Should I hold press conferences on rumours? Should I interfere with any process that may be out there operating? I have to weigh all of those positions that are out there and respect the process," he said.

Roland would not say if he did or did not expect Yakeleya to resign, only that the minister will have to decide how he deals with the situation.

Kam Lake MLA Dave Ramsay said, "Now that charges have been laid, the issue will be dealt with."

He said his main concern as a member of the legislative assembly is to address what other MLAs knew, and when.

Great Slave MLA Glen Abernethy said MLAs now have to decide whether they have confidence in Yakeleya, and how to proceed. "We need to make sure the government continues to run effectively," he said. "Now it's up to the courts to decide if he's guilty or not guilty."

Terry Villeneuve, president of the Native Women's Association of the NWT, called the charge "a very serious offence."

"These types of crimes are always harder on the victim than on the offender," said Villeneuve. She pointed out that it can be difficult for people in small communities to deal with crimes like sexual assault, especially when high-profile individuals are involved.

"I hope she gets a lot of support," Villeneuve said of the victim.