Advocates call for N.S. to reconsider energy minister appointment following rap song

Advocates in Nova Scotia are urging the Progressive Conservative government to reconsider Marco MacLeod's position as energy minister due to misogynistic rap lyrics he wrote. The group, comprising eight advocates and survivors of gender-based violence, signed a letter expressing concern over MacLeod's lyrics, which objectify women, glorify drug use, and describe them in degrading terms.

MacLeod apologized for the song, which he claims was posted online 13 years ago and recently resurfaced. Advocates are calling for a review of cabinet appointment standards and gender-based violence training for all cabinet members and the Progressive Conservative caucus. Nova Scotia declared intimate partner violence an epidemic in September 2024.

MacLeod's song, "George Jones," gained attention earlier this month and includes misogynistic terms, drug references, and sexual innuendoes. Adsum House, a Halifax shelter, called for MacLeod's resignation, stating his beliefs and content should disqualify him from public office. MacLeod apologized in a cabinet meeting, expressing regret for the hurt caused, but the advocates feel his apology does not fully address the severity of his conduct.

The NDP leader noted the lack of a meaningful response from the government and called for real actions to combat misogyny and gender-based violence.