Client Assistance Directorate Rulings Directorate
Attention: Jeff Shaver
Minister's Mail from XXXXXXXXXX, your file YS 93-2696T
The following is our insert related to the client's question concerning qualified investments for an RRSP:
A loan from your RRSP to an individual would not be a qualified investment, however, a mortgage can be a qualified investment if it meets the criteria in either paragraph 4900(1)(j) or subsection 4900(4) of the Regulations.
For a mortgage to meet the criteria in paragraph 4900(1)(j) it must be secured by real property situated in Canada, insured under the National Housing Act or by a corporation offering its services as an insurer of mortgages, and administered by an approved lender under the National Housing Act. A mortgage will qualify pursuant to subsection 4900(4) if it is secured by real property situated in Canada, and the mortgagor and the annuitant deal with each at arm's length. Although in your situation the mortgagors do not own the property, subsection 248(4) of the Act defines real property to include a leasehold interest.
Pursuant to paragraph 251(1)(a) of the Act, related persons are deemed not to deal with each other at arm's length. Also, unrelated persons should ensure a mortgage has market terms, otherwise, they could be considered by paragraph 251(1)(b) not to be dealing at arm's length.
for DirectorFinancial Industries DivisionRulings Directorate