HALIFAX — A number of gender-based violence advocates in Nova Scotia are calling on the Progressive Conservative government to reconsider Marco MacLeod’s role as energy minister due to misogynistic rap lyrics he wrote.

MacLeod apologized Thursday for the rap song that he says was first posted online 13 years ago and circulated recently after reporting by Frank Magazine.

Advocates from community groups and survivors of gender-based violence signed a letter that says MacLeod’s lyrics normalize degradation of women.

The letter issued today calls for a public review of standards applied to cabinet appointments and gender-based violence training for all members of cabinet and the Progressive Conservative caucus.

The party did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Halifax shelter Adsum House called for MacLeod’s resignation earlier this month.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 24, 2026.

The Canadian Press