After another cabinet shuffle on September 21, 2006, Smith was designated as Minister of Competitiveness, Training and Trade while retaining responsibility for Lotteries and the Liquor Control Act. He continued to defend Manitoba's pharmaceutical industry against criticism from the Canadian Pharmacists Association, arguing that Manitoba companies have a proven track record of providing a safe and secure product to buyers. Smith presided over a continued expansion in Manitoba's manufacturing sector, with Statistics Canada reporting the creation of 3,000 new jobs in January 2007.