Jackson Lafferty was elected to the 15th Legislative Assembly in a by-election on July 18, 2005. He was re-elected to the 16th Assembly on October 1, 2007 and elected to the Executive Council and appointed Minister of Justice, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Homeless.

Prior to being elected to the 15th Assembly, Mr. Lafferty gained valuable work experience with local Aboriginal governments, the territorial government and with the corporate sector. Mr. Lafferty also gained additional experience and knowledge by serving on various boards and agencies at the local, regional and territorial levels.

Mr. Lafferty graduated from Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife, attended Red Deer College and the University of Lethbridge to advance his skills in business and community development. He has completed the Executive Leadership program through the Banff School of Management and is completing a Management Degree program through Athabasca University.

Born in Rae, Mr. Lafferty lived in his home community until moving to Yellowknife in 2003 where he currently resides. Mr. Lafferty and his wife Dianne have five beautiful children: two boys and three girls.