canadian ira or 402 equivalent

[Charles Gaucher]

I hear, or read of all these self directed IRA's and how to use them to grow a portfolio or retirement savings. Do we Canadians have an equivalent? If so do we have the difference between Americans classic vs Roth IRA's?

This is still a newer concept to me but one that I need to shed more light on. 

How can I utilize my pension plan through an organization and invest it into real estate wether it be in collaboration projects, or as a hard money lender.


Also what about how Americans can take out a loan from their 401k. Again do we Canadians have an equivalent?