HALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s energy minister has resigned from cabinet over misogynistic rap lyrics he wrote before entering politics.
The premier’s office says Marco MacLeod resigned Wednesday night after weeks of meeting with women’s advocacy groups over songs he published in 2013.
Critics said the lyrics are hateful toward women and violent and called for MacLeod’s resignation.
Nova Scotia Energy Minister Marco MacLeod speaks to reporters in Halifax after a cabinet meeting on Thursday Aug. 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Devin Stevens
Premier Tim Houston says MacLeod has expressed regret for publishing the songs and feels his actions have become a distraction for the government.
MacLeod entered public office when he won a provincial byelection in May 2024 and kept his seat in a general election later that year.
The premier’s office says MacLeod will continue to represent Pictou West in the legislature while Houston will take over the energy portfolio.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 2, 2026.