He went on to become the owner and operator of Efford’s Wholesale, Snow's Plumbing Ltd and the Della Lee retail clothing store.
[1] He was initially Opposition critic for consumer affairs, public works, fisheries, health and social services.
[1] A founding member and chairperson of the United Fisherpersons of Newfoundland and Labrador, Efford opposed the federal cod moratorium that impacted the province's economy.
[6] He was perturbed by some students and scientists at Memorial University of Newfoundland who wrote to the federal fisheries minister requesting that the latter delay increasing the seal quota until a complete scientific review was conducted.
[1] He lost the 2001 leadership convention to become Liberal party leader to Roger Grimes by 14 votes in a divisive contest.
[14][15] In February 2011, Efford criticized the leadership of provincial Liberal Leader Yvonne Jones and called for her to consider resigning.
He referenced a Telelink poll released that week by NTV, in which 11 percent of respondents said they would prefer Jones to lead the province.