Retired security guard wins $1 million and gets a surprise from an ex-colleague
A retired CTV Montreal building security guard has scratched his way to a $1 million prize after buying a lucky lottery ticket at a local pharmacy.
But when Pierre Synnott went to claim his Loto-Quebec prize, he was surprised yet again by bumping into host Sébastien Benoit, a former colleague with whom he had worked in the 1990s.
Synnott, a Lanaudière resident, was a security guard at TQS Studios and Benoit was a reporter for TV show, Flash. He recently retired from his work inside the Bell Media building that is home to the CTV Montreal newsroom, where he also worked in security.
"Ah, what a nice surprise," said Synnott when he saw the host. The two ex-colleagues then gave each other a hug.
The new millionaire didn't believe he had won when he checked his number on the Loto-Quebec website so he called his sister, who confirmed he had indeed won.
Synnott said he plans to use the winnings to donate to organizations that are close to his heart, and to travel more often to his native Gaspésie, which he calls "his little corner of the world," according to a press release.
He bought the Célébration 2024 lottery ticket at the Jean-Coutu Pharmacy in Pointe-aux-Trembles, which will take $10,000 commission of the prize.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Family of woman denied MAID at B.C. hospital files Charter challenge
The family of a young woman who was denied Medical Assistance in Dying at St. Paul's Hospital last year is taking the hospital's operators – including the provincial government – to court.
Russian warships leave Havana's port after a 5-day visit to Cuba
A fleet of Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, left Havana's port on Monday after a five-day visit to Cuba following planned military drills in the Atlantic Ocean.
'People get very sick': Manitoba sees rise in rare, potentially fatal bacterial infection
A rise in cases of a rare bacterial infection in Manitoba has prompted health officials to issue a warning.
These are the most expensive Canadian cities for international employees
As Canada grapples with a cost-of-living crisis and high housing costs, some cities have been ranked among the most expensive in the world for international workers.
Third teen pleads guilty in death of homeless Toronto man
A third girl accused in the death of a homeless Toronto man has pleaded guilty. The teen, who was 13 at the time of the incident, pleaded guilty this morning to manslaughter in the death of Kenneth Lee.
Feels like 40+: Heat warnings to last into the weekend for some provinces
Residents of some provinces are being warned of extreme heat this week, while elsewhere, some saw record-breaking lows this weekend.
Two rare baby red pandas born at Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo has announced the birth of two endangered red panda cubs.
WATCH Would-be homebuyers are still staying on the sidelines in Canada. Why?
Typically, the spring and summer months typically see a boom in the Canadian real estate market. However, an economist expects higher interest rates will 'keep a lid on' sales volumes and put 'pressure on housing prices.'
Blair defends navy's Cuba visit, says critics may be 'confused' about its purpose
Defence Minister Bill Blair says he was acting on advice from the military when he approved a plan to send a Canadian ship to Cuba, but he won't say what advice he got.