Yellowknife (Oct 16/06) -The potential sacking of the premier and housing minister could take centre stage when the legislative assembly's members return to the house Tuesday.

Tu Nedhe MLA Bobby Villeneuve said he's heard from other MLAs that a motion is being bandied around to remove Premier Joe Handley over comments made about pedophile teacher Ed Horne, and remove Housing Minister David Krutko for general incompetence.

Premier Handley was quoted in a Canadian Press story suggesting some of former teacher Ed Horne's alleged sex abuse victims may have lied.

"I haven't firmly made a decision yet about what I'm going to do, but as far as the premier's position goes, I don't think it would be wise to change the leadership at this point in time," said Villeneuve.

He didn't say how he would vote on Krutko if his ministership came to a confidence vote.

After Handley was quoted in a Canadian Press story suggesting some of former teacher Ed Horne's alleged sex abuse victims may have lied and others could be deemed adults therefore nullifying the government's responsibility, the premier offered a public apology.

As for Krutko, he took a beating in the legislature during the last sitting over his refusal to do a cost comparison on his scheme to convert trailers - abandoned following the gas pipeline's construction - to low-cost housing.

Several regular MLAs were in contact with News/North on a possible non-confidence votes for Handley and Krutko. However, none were willing to go on the record stating this would indeed be the reality when MLAs return to the house Oct. 17.

One MLA, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said getting rid of the premier would depend on regular MLAs.

"The premier has apologized and some may feel that this is sufficient and it's time to get on with other matters," said the MLA. "Others may still have lingering questions that they want to have the premier clarify for them and the public."

On the issue of Krutko's fate, the MLA was not as diplomatic, but would not confirm if the minister was up on the chopping block.

"Krutko is a whole other matter and a long running story," said the MLA. "My sense is people are fed up with how the minister is handling the housing portfolio (but) it's not one member's call and any moves of that nature are on a consensus basis."

Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche said while there has been dissatisfaction among regular MLA ranks on the premier's Horne comments and slow movement on the housing front, he hasn't heard anything official.

"Housing is always a hot button issue in the communities and when there's no movement people want to shake the branches, so to speak," said Menicoche.

Julia Mott, coordinator of cabinet communications, dismissed the rumours.

"Cabinet is focused on the business of governing the territory," said Mott. "It's not appropriate to respond to anonymous comment."

A host of bills, including the Pharmacy Tourism, Engineering and Geoscience Acts are up for third reading during this session. - with files from Mike W. Bryant