Valerie, age 42, recently left her job after 15 years of service.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation: Pension funds from a defined contribution plan, upon leaving employment, must follow Quebec’s Supplemental Pension Plans Act (SPPA) and federal tax rules. The $88,000 is “locked-in,” meaning it cannot be cashed out and must be transferred to a Locked-In Retirement Account (LIRA) to preserve its pension status (SPPA, Section 98). A LIRA restricts access until retirement, when it must be converted into a life annuity or Life Income Fund (LIF) by December 31 of the year the holder turns 71 (Income Tax Act, Section 146). Option D correctly identifies the LIRA and LIF/annuity options. Option A (RRSP) applies to non-locked-in funds, not pension benefits. Option B’s “RRIF” is incorrect, as locked-in funds use a LIF in Quebec. Option C (immediate RRIF withdrawal) violates locking-in rules and age requirements. The Ethics manual requires advisors to clarify locked-in fund rules for clients.