This Canadian couple just won $50M. It ‘won’t change’ them, they hope

A fortunate couple is ending their summer on a high note after winning $50 million with a lottery ticket in Quebec City.

Mohamed Karim Mamlouk and Insaf Bach Werdiane were the lucky winners of the Lotto 6/49 draw at the end of August. The astonished couple accepted their prize from Loto-Quebec in the province's capital on Tuesday.

"There is a lot of joy," Mamlouk said, emphasizing that they hope the money "won't change" who they are as individuals.

The life-changing moment occurred the day after the draw when Mamlouk checked his phone before heading to work last Thursday and saw the winning numbers. The couple regularly buys tickets together, but when he saw the result, he realized they had become millionaires.

Mamlouk tried calling his wife repeatedly, but she couldn't answer while at work. When she eventually called back, a stunned Werdiane learned they had won $50 million.

"I didn’t realize it at first, but then I told myself, ‘Calm down, Insaf, it’s not true,’" Werdiane said, adding that she continued her day at work as usual.

It was a particularly fortunate day for Mamlouk, who, in addition to their newfound wealth, was starting a new role at his job with Revenu Québec that morning. Despite now having the financial means to retire, Mamlouk has no plans to leave his job. He says his boss was very supportive and happy for him.

"I already told my boss I don’t want to change anything in my life. I’m happy," Mamlouk said.

As for their winnings, the family plans to take their time and carefully consider how to use the money.

"We don’t have crazy dreams to spend. We’re fairly calm in our spending," Mamlouk said. "And we’re reasonable."

One thing they are certain of is that they will continue to live and raise their teenagers in Quebec City. Currently renting, they plan to buy a house, as their current living space is becoming too small for their family.

"I love Quebec City. I want to live in Quebec City, I want to buy in Quebec City, I want to stay in Quebec City," Werdiane said, laughing as she added, "everything in Quebec City."