Jackson Lafferty was elected to the 15th Legislative Assembly in a by-election on July 18, 2005 and then re-elected to the 16th Assembly on October 1, 2007. During the 15th Assembly, Mr. Lafferty served as the Chair of the Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight.

Born in Rae in October 1969, Mr. Lafferty lived in his home community until moving to Yellowknife in 2003 where he currently resides.

Prior to being elected to the 15th Assembly, Mr. Lafferty worked as a Superintendent of Participation Agreements with Diavik Diamond Mines Inc. Other previous work experience includes, Community Development & Empowerment Coordinator for the GNWT, Administrator for the Rae-Edzo School Society, Assistant Manager for the Rae-Edzo Dene Band Development Corporation, and Community Liaison for Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.

Mr. Lafferty has served on various boards and agencies including the Board of Governors for Aurora College, the Board of Directors for the Métis Dene Development Fund, Chairperson of the Dogrib Community Services Board, Chairperson of the Dogrib Post-Secondary Scholarship Fund and Band Councilor for the Dogrib Rae Band.

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.

Mr. Lafferty and his wife Dianne have five beautiful children: two boys, Jayde and Ty and three girls, Cheyenne, Sahara, and Denae.

His hobbies and interests include being on the land, canoeing, reading, golfing, sports, and spending time with his family.