Smith obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and history from the University of British Columbia, a Bachelor of Education from Simon Fraser University and worked as a teacher in Birtle, Manitoba. He sought the Progressive Conservative nomination for a February 1969 provincial by-election in the Birtle-Russell electoral division, but lost to Harry Graham. He later became involved with the New Democratic Party (NDP). He was elected to the Winnipeg City Council in 1980 for the division of Sargent Park, retaining his seat until 1986.
