[1] Delefes is a life-long resident of the South End neighbourhood of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
[2] He was an active member of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, serving as president of the Halifax Local.
[3] Delefes attempted to enter provincial politics in 1997,[4] but lost to Liberal Ed Kinley by 165 votes in a byelection for the Halifax Citadel riding.
[9] A judicial recount was held on April 14, and Delefes was officially declared elected by 37 votes.
[13] Delefes tried to regain the seat in the 2003 election,[14] but both he and Purves were defeated by Liberal leader Danny Graham.