Prior to becoming Mount Lorne's MLA Cardiff worked as a certified sheet metal journeyman on industrial, commercial and residential projects in every Yukon community.
For 16 of his 20 years in the sheet metal trade, he volunteered as the local president of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters.
He also served on Yukon College's board of governors, which he did for nine years, acting as chair for his final three.
In February 2009, Cardiff declared his candidacy for the leadership of the New Democrats, following Hardy's resignation as party leader.
[3] Cardiff was killed in a two-vehicle road accident, one kilometre north of Lewes Lake on the South Klondike Highway, involving a tractor trailer and a small vehicle.