Margaret Seu ran as a candidate for councillor in the City of Belleville in the 2022 municipal election.
Seu is a Korean Canadian who came to Winnipeg on September 15, 1981. She was one of 100 people being sponsored by the Province of Manitoba out of the over 5,000 that applied to come to Canada.
Education
- Attended Loyola Adult School of Continuing Education English as a Second Language (ESL) for a year and a half in 2012-2013
Community involvement
- Certified language Interpreter
- Belleville Rotary Member
- Board Member at the Mission Thrift Store
Career
- Board Member at the Mission Thrift Store
- Certified Korean Interpreter since May 2018
- President of Korean-Canadian Community Centre of Greater Eastern Ontario
- Board of directors for The Federation of Korean – Canadian Association
- Owner of several businesses
- Financial Representative at Primerica Financial Services, Inc.* since 2007
*Primerica uses what has been described as a multi-level marketing strategy, with eleven tiers of representatives and recruiters selling financial products and services for commission, and has been described as a multi-level marketing company.
2022 municipal election
On running for council
A few persons active in the community mentioned to me they thought I had much to offer the City and Council. I was honoured by their comments and hope I can meet their expectations.
I am incredibly proud to be Canadian and for our values of entrepreneurship and compassion and inclusion. I have much to offer…to give back…to my community
InQuinte
A local businessperson and community volunteer, she says she will focus her candidacy on her commitment to building businesses in Quinte to meet global opportunities and to help the community transition to be fully inclusive and diverse.
Endorsed by Quinte Labour Council
From her website:
Advocate for electric cars/EV charging stations
Let’s be creative to meet new goals. Over the next term of Council the portion of persons purchasing electric or hybrid vehicles will approach 40%. Margaret looks to get more recharging stations near public parks, recreation sites, and local retail & restaurant businesses.
This will bring people travelling between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal into Belleville and they buy things while they are here.
Seu herself owns a Chevrolet Bolt.
We in Belleville need more charge stations for those coming from Toronto/Montreal/Ottawa!! Imagine all those tourist $ arriving in stores in Belleville!!!!!
Margaret Seu on Facebook
Help Belleville Transition to Positive Diversity
Belleville’s 2021 census shows 13% non white population and this will continue to rise toward the Provincial average in coming years. Our community needs to develop a successful transition by encouraging cultural celebrations and focusing on shared values of family and economic growth. Margaret not only represents diversity but has been a Provincial leader in building community harmony. Belleville will benefit from her experience.
Improved security in the downtown
There is hope ahead for the downtown with several modified commercial and new residential plans. But solving homelessness is a challenge. Margaret supports stakeholders – including businesses, mental health and police – developing an effective plan to improve security in the downtown.
Assist Business in the Emerging New Economy
There are several Quinte-focused economic planning and training initiatives that need to be re-energized after the pandemic. But this is a large and complex issue and Margaret sees much benefit in having local employers and staff develop better flexibility and innovation. Things like job sharing, family leave, mental health support, etc… can give us an edge in global competition.
Preserving Our Environment… Especially Water … in Response to Climate Change
The Moira River and Bay of Quinte are key to our local enjoyment and to our tourism industry. We need to strengthen our partnerships with other municipalities in Quinte Conservation and best manage this precious resource. Margaret commits to preserving the environment.
Seu noted a strong interest in being a city representative to Hastings County Social Services. “I understand much of the housing affordability issues after many years of property management experience”
Regarding infrastructure investment
Election Financial Statement
Personal life
Margaret Seu is a Korean Canadian who came to Winnipeg on September 15, 1981 one of 100 people being sponsored by the Province of Manitoba. Over 5,000 people applied and Margaret considers herself to be one of the lucky ones chosen to come to Canada.
Canada is many things to Margaret — is it land of opportunity, it is her home, where she raised her family and where she demonstrated success in business. Canada is a land of big dreams and hopes. When Margaret arrived in 1981 she worked during the day and went to school at night and she is still doing that to improve her English and to learn a little French as well.
Canada is brave with Canadian soldiers not hesitating to go to war zones to fight for the protection of innocent people. In 1950 to 1953 many Canadian soldiers went to South Korea and many lives were lost. Canada is safe and peaceful and a haven for many immigrants. Canada is a land of multiculturalism, where people from all nations, cultures, religions and races come together. Canada accepts people from all backgrounds with tolerance, openness, differences are accepted and celebrated and Canada welcomes less fortunate people from many countries. Ontario is 10 times larger than Korea, vast and beautiful.
Coming to Canada 36 years ago was a dream come true for Margaret and it continues to be a dream come true for many newcomers to Canada today. Margaret loves her Canada!
Rotary Belleville
Soon after arriving in Canada, Seu was the operator of her own convenience store, working from 6 a.m. until the store closed at midnight for 25 years.
I could speak pretty good for convenience store language, but when you’re out of the store, you have difficulty carrying on a conversation. You’re so busy running a business, you don’t really have an opportunity to improve your English.
I made a decision to improve my English, so that I can become like one of you, like a Canadian, I wanted to speak like you guys. I would like to fit in, I would like to contribute my talents, and my efforts in this society.
Margaret Seu (2013)
Contact
- Website
- Phone
- Facebook (personal)
- Facebook (campaign)
- Instagram – no
- Twitter – no
- YouTube – no
Over to you
What do you think of Margaret Seu as a councillor candidate for Belleville?