Canadian Retirees: 2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy Today

Generate a passive income to supplement your retirement income by adding these two TSX dividend stocks to your self-directed portfolio.

Key Points
  • Use a TFSA to build a tax‑free, self‑directed retirement income stream—keep dividends invested via a DRIP to compound growth and avoid pension clawbacks.
  • Enbridge (TSX:ENB, $69.11) and Telus (TSX:T, $21.82) are suggested TFSA anchors for retirees—ENB: diversified midstream/utility cash flows with ~5.45% yield and long dividend history; Telus: defensive telecom with ~7.63% yield.
  • 5 stocks our experts like better than [Enbridge] >

Canadian retirees look for ways to supplement their retirement income in their golden years. Stock market investing, specifically dividend investing, can be an excellent way to compensate for the shortfall in standard pensions. The top Canadian dividend stocks offering high yields can present an exceptional way to generate steady income.

If you create and build a portfolio of reliable dividend stocks in a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), it can be the perfect self-directed pension for your retirement. The money you earn from investments held in a TFSA does not incur taxes. You can withdraw the amount as needed to handle expenses you might otherwise think twice about as a retiree. The best part? Your TFSA earnings won’t trigger any clawbacks with your standard pension programs.

Against this backdrop, I will discuss two high-quality dividend stocks that can be solid foundations for such a TFSA portfolio.

senior couple looks at investing statements

Source: Getty Images

Enbridge

Enbridge (TSX: ENB) is a darling investment for many Canadian retirees. The $150.73 billion market-cap giant is a diversified energy company. It owns an extensive network of midstream assets that are responsible for transporting a lot of the hydrocarbons produced and consumed in North America. Besides the energy industry, it has a regulated natural gas utility business and Canada’s largest natural gas distribution under its belt.

The defensive nature of its utility segment offers stable cash flows that can offset the volatility of energy transportation. To make things even better, Enbridge has a growing renewable energy portfolio that sets it up for a stronger future in a greener energy industry. As of this writing, ENB stock trades for $69.11 per share and boasts a 5.45% dividend yield. The stock has increased payouts for over 30 consecutive years, making it a dream come true for investors seeking passive income that can beat inflation.

Telus

Telus (TSX: T) is another mainstay in many investor portfolios. The $33.49 billion market-cap company is a giant in the Canadian telecom sector. It is one of the Big Three Telcos in Canada, accounting for around a third of the market share with its services nationwide. If you’re looking to line your nest egg till retirement, Telus stock can be an excellent investment.

The business’s offerings include wireless and wireline internet, TV, and several other revenue streams that make it a highly defensive investment. The company is actively expanding services and upgrading its infrastructure. It is also targeting various niche markets with digital solutions to further diversify its revenue streams. Telus stock can be an excellent way to future-proof dividend income.

As of this writing, Telus stock trades for $21.82 per share and boasts a 7.63% dividend yield that you can lock into your portfolio today.

Foolish takeaway

When you’re at the stage where you are still building up your TFSA portfolio, it might feel tempting to withdraw the cash lining your account balance.

Instead of withdrawing the money, I would advise reinvesting it through a dividend-reinvestment program. This way, you can buy more shares of dividend stocks and unlock the power of compounding to accelerate your wealth growth.

By the time you retire, you can have a sizeable nest egg that generates a lot of income. You can then start withdrawing the extra money whenever you need without worrying about paying taxes on it.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Enbridge and TELUS. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Retirement

shopper buys items in bulk
Dividend Stocks

The Stock Built to Withstand Whatever 2026 Brings

North West combines essential retail demand, hard-to-replicate remote markets, and improving profitability as 2026 keeps investors guessing.

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Manulife Stock Is a Top Stock to Buy If Interest Rates Stay Higher for Longer

Manulife combines rising earnings, a growing insurance business, and investment income that can benefit if rates stay elevated.

Read more »

investor schemes to buy stocks before market notices them
Energy Stocks

I’m Betting My Future on This Canadian Dividend Giant

TC Energy combines a 4%-plus yield with contracted growth as LNG, electricity, and data centres increase natural gas demand.

Read more »

Senior uses a laptop computer
Stocks for Beginners

Your RRSP Refund Feels Like a Win: What Happens When You Retire?

An RRSP refund feels like free money, but the real benefit comes from delaying tax and putting those savings back…

Read more »

Happy golf player walks the course
Bank Stocks

The Dividend Stock That Could Quietly Fund Your Retirement

Canada’s top-performing Big Bank stock is a wealth-builder that can fund your retirement.

Read more »

The RRSP (Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plan) is a smart way to save and invest for the future
Stocks for Beginners

Putting All Your Retirement Savings in an RRSP Could Limit Your Options Later

An RRSP can build enormous retirement wealth, but combining it with tax-free savings can create more control over future withdrawals.

Read more »

trading chart of brent crude oil prices
Dividend Stocks

This Dividend Stock Just Dropped 7%: Is Now the Time to Buy?

Canadian Natural Resources stock has slipped 7%, even as record cash flow keeps supporting dividends, buybacks, and debt reduction.

Read more »

Piggy bank on a flying rocket
Stocks for Beginners

It’s Not Flashy: But It’s Outperforming the TSX

CIBC isn't exciting, but rising earnings and improving margins have helped it more than double the TSX's 2026 return.

Read more »