Where I’d Put $12,000 in Canadian Stocks for Permanent TFSA Holdings

Got $12,000 to invest in your TFSA? Here are four Canadian stocks to buy and hold for decades inside a TFSA portfolio.

| More on:

The TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) is the smart place for permanent stock holdings. If you think a stock has big potential to multiply your hard-earned savings, you don’t want to pay any tax on those potential gains.

That is the beauty of the TFSA. You can accumulate a substantial amount of wealth and the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) has no share in it. If I had $12,000 to deploy into Canadian stocks, here are four stocks I would buy in a TFSA on any major pullback.

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins

Source: Getty Images

A European software consolidator

Despite a volatile stock market in 2025, Topicus.com (TSXV:TOI) stock is actually up 24% this year. Topicus.com has been an attractive way to get technology exposure, but away from the U.S.

Topicus acquires specialized software companies around Europe and abroad. While the company has been delivering strong +25% growth in the past five years, it is also considered defensive. Its software is diversified across country and industry. Likewise, its software is specific, essential, and irreplaceable to its customers.

As a result, its business should perform well, even if there is a global recession. Topicus has the backing of its parent company, Constellation Software. It has ample firepower to deploy if acquisition opportunities arrive during an economic downturn.

A top Canadian technology stock

Another stock I’d buy as a permanent TFSA holding is Descartes Systems Group (TSX:DSG). It operates the top global logistic network in the world. It complements that with several transport/logistics-focused software offerings.

Concerns about global trade have caused this stock to pull back 14%. While that is a concern, goods still need to be moved. Trade partnerships will change, but then supply chains will adapt. Descartes has a suite of software services that can help companies quickly and efficiently adapt their supply chains to these changes.

This company is very well managed and has a strong cash-rich balance sheet, and there could be great opportunities to acquire more businesses into its fold.

A growing healthcare software company

VitalHub (TSX:VHI) is an up-and-coming software company worth holding in a TFSA. This company has been consolidating software in the healthcare industry. Its software focuses on healthcare flow, efficiency, and patient outcomes.

Healthcare systems are incredibly stressed these days. Its software is gaining strong traction from major health systems around the world.

VitalHub has a founder-led management team, a cash-rich balance sheet, and dry powder to keep growing via acquisition. It is a nice buy-and-hold stock for any TFSA portfolio open to a small-cap stock.

A Canadian stock with a global opportunity

WSP Global (TSX:WSP) is another stock to hold long-term for a TFSA. Factors like population growth, urbanization, climate change, and the electrification/digitization of society all play favourably for this company.

WSP is one of the largest advisory, engineering, project management, and design firms in the world. Like the stocks above, it has used a market consolidation strategy to become a leading global player.

The company is projecting strong mid-teens annual growth over the coming three years. As it gets bigger, it gets more opportunities to take on larger, more complex, higher-margin projects. WSP has a large, diverse backlog and the ability to keep growing its capabilities and expertise. This is a great TFSA stock if you have a decades-long time horizon.

Fool contributor Robin Brown has positions in Constellation Software, Descartes Systems Group, Topicus.com, Vitalhub, and WSP Global. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Topicus.com and Vitalhub. The Motley Fool recommends Constellation Software, Descartes Systems Group, and WSP Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Investing

happy woman throws cash
Dividend Stocks

How $20,000 Across 4 TSX Stocks Can Deliver $1,000 in Passive Income

Discover how a $20,000 portfolio of four TSX stocks can deliver more than $1,000 in passive income annually through dependable…

Read more »

Real estate investment concept with person pointing on growth graph and coin stacking to get profit from property
Dividend Stocks

A TFSA Dividend Stock Yielding 7.2% With a Reliable Payout History

This high-yield TSX stock could be a reliable income generator for your TFSA.

Read more »

the word REIT is an acronym for real estate investment trust
Dividend Stocks

How Owning 1,000 Shares of This Dividend Stock Could Generate $79 a Month in Passive Income

Find out why CT REIT stands out as a reliable dividend stock amidst fluctuating dividend policies and market changes.

Read more »

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income
Dividend Stocks

How Many Telus Shares Would it Actually Take to Earn $10,000 a Year in Dividends?

Telus's share price offers compelling value for those long-term investors looking for a lucrative, 10%-yielding opportunity.

Read more »

woman holding steering wheel is nervous about the future
Dividend Stocks

If the Market Has You Nervous, These 3 Canadian Dividend Stocks Are Worth a Look

These TSX giants deserve to be on your radar for a buy-and-hold portfolio.

Read more »

The sun sets behind a power source
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Utility Stocks Worth Having on Your Radar for Steady Income

Three Canadian utility stocks are defensive anchors and reliable providers of passive income regardless of the economic climate.

Read more »

Warning sign with the text "Trade war" in front of container ship
Energy Stocks

The Canadian Companies Finding Opportunity Amid Trade Tensions

Discover how Canadian companies are seizing opportunities amid trade tensions to diversify energy trade partners and logistics.

Read more »

Canada day banner background design of flag
Dividend Stocks

A 3.7% Dividend Stock That’s a Standout Buy

Here's why this Canadian company isn't just a top dividend growth stock; it's one of the best businesses to buy…

Read more »