Career
The son of John Thomas Smith, he was born in Lourdes and was educated there, at Memorial University and at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivièresearch Before entering politics, Smith was a teacher and elementary school principal. He also served as mayor of Lourdes.
He served as minister of human resources and employment and minister of health in the Executive Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, in the government of Roger Grimes.
Smith was defeated by Jim Hodder when he ran for reelection in 2003.