Canadian couple say they're not retiring yet after $5 million lottery win
For many Canadians who play the lottery, the dream is to win big enough to retire immediately. But that’s not the plan for one couple.
Scott Ennis and Susan Avery are a St. John’s, N.L., couple who enjoy playing the lottery together. One day, they decided to try their luck by buying a Lotto 6/49 ticket online.
The couple recalled that the morning after the draw started like any other. Ennis said he received an email from Atlantic Lottery about a prize, but didn’t think much of it, assuming it was just a small win. With the usual morning rush of getting everyone out the door on time, he didn’t bother checking how much they had actually won.
“At work, people were mummering about a $5-million prize going in Newfoundland, so I went to my cubicle, took out my phone and found my past tickets folder,” said Ennis. “It started going with confetti and said ‘$5 million,’ and I just sat there, didn’t make a sound. I had a meeting in five minutes, but I knew I couldn’t go to the meeting.”
Atlantic Lottery
Ennis realized that they won the Lotto 6/49 $5-million jackpot in the Aug. 26, 2026 draw. He decided to skip the meeting, telling his manager that something personal had come up, and headed out to share the happy news with his wife in person.
Avery said Ennis texted her asking to meet her in the parking lot.
She recalled the emotional moment, stating, “When I walked out, I could see his face, and he was grinning but was emotion-filled — like his eyes just kind of filled.”
Ennis said the experience has been “surreal,” leaving them both in shock.
“We knew it was going to change our lives, but also our daughters’ lives,” he shared.
But as the reality of their win sets in, the couple said they have no plans to retire right away. Instead, they want to continue working for now as they invest the majority of their winnings so that they can retire in a couple of years.
They also want to help loved ones, do some renovations, buy a new vehicle, and plan a trip for the entire family.
All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources.