She ran for the leadership of the New Democratic Party of Manitoba in 1979, and subsequently served in the cabinet of NDP Premier Howard Pawley.
Smith's campaign suffered a serious setback when she failed to receive the NDP nomination for a by-election in the riding of Fort Rouge.
She was again moved on September 21, 1987, serving as Minister of Labour and Housing while again receiving cabinet responsibilities for the Status of Women[1] (replacing Judy Wasylycia-Leis, who had held the portfolio in the interim).
Smith later became Vice President of the United Nations Association in Canada, and has taught part-time in affirmative action social work.
Smith became an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2007 [7] That same year she also was a recipient of the Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Person's Case.