If you need to withdraw funds from your RRSP before you retire, you can get the advantage of either the government’s Home Buyers’ Plan or Lifelong Learning Plan to avoid taxation.
With the Home Buyers’ Plan, your tax-deferred RRSP withdrawal can be up to $35,000, provided you put this amount towards the purchase of your first home. The Lifelong Learning Plan enables you to withdraw up to $10,000 annually, with a maximum tax-free withdrawal of up to $20,000, and finance your, your spouse's, or your common-law partner's education.