Canadian lottery winner chooses between lump sum and $1,000 a week for life

Maria Caroli of Laval won a Gagnant à vie prize and opted for the $1,000‑a‑week lifetime payment rather than a $1‑million lump sum; the ticket was bought by her spouse at an IGA Extra in Laval.

Maria Caroli, a resident of Laval, Quebec, won the Gagnant à vie prize that offers $1,000 a week for life. She rarely plays the lottery and received the $5 ticket as a gift from her spouse. Her spouse discovered the win while she was at work and called to share the news. When claiming the prize at Loto‑Québec, Caroli chose the weekly payments instead of the $1‑million lump sum. Known details: - Winner: Maria Caroli, resident of Laval, Quebec. - Prize choice: $1,000 per week for life versus a $1‑million lump sum; Caroli chose the weekly annuity. - Ticket purchase: bought by her spouse at the IGA Extra grocery store at 2137 Boulevard Curé‑Labelle in Laval. - Claiming: the prize was claimed at Loto‑Québec headquarters. - Retailer commission: the store will receive a one per cent commission, reported as $10,000. - Other recent winners: a group of eight strangers split a $5‑million Lotto 6/49 jackpot in the Dec. 13 draw. Summary: Caroli said choosing the weekly payments will allow her to maintain her current lifestyle and give her financial peace of mind. The prize was claimed at Loto‑Québec and the retailer will receive the reported commission. Undetermined at this time.