He worked as an accountant for the Canadian National Railway and then operated a hotel at St. Boniface in partnership with his brother for several years.
Van Belleghem initially planned to contest the Liberal-Progressive nomination in St. Boniface again in the 1953 election, but withdrew from the race after complaints that his campaign was not being informed of meeting times.
He sought re-election as an Independent Liberal-Progressive and was defeated,[1] He placed third on the first count, fell to fourth after transfers, then was eliminated.
Fluent in Dutch and French, he was appointed Belgian Consul for Manitoba in 1964 and held this position until his death.
[2] An "École Van Belleghem" was opened in Winnipeg shortly after his death.