An RESP is a trust governed by Section 146.1 of the Income Tax Act. The intent of the RESP is to accumulate money to fund some or all of the cost of obtaining post-secondary education for the beneficiary. The Human Resource Development Act also governs the plan with respect to the Canada Education Savings Grant (CES Grant).
A registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) is a retirement plan that we register and that you or your spouse or common-law partner establish and contribute to. Deductible RRSP contributions can be used to reduce your tax. Any income you earn in the RRSP is usually exempt from tax for the time the funds remain in the plan. However, you generally have to pay tax when you cash in or receive payments from the plan.
You can withdraw from RRSPs to buy or build a home for yourself or for someone who is related to you and is disabled. See Home Buyers' Plan for details.
You can withdraw from RRSPs to finance training or education for you or your spouse or common-law partner. See Lifelong Learning Plan for details.