3 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy for Dividend Growth

If growing income matters more than short-term price moves to you, you may want to add these top Canadian dividend stocks to your portfolio.

| More on:
Key Points
  • Dividend investing can help Canadian investors build a steady income even when markets remain unpredictable.
  • Enbridge (TSX:ENB) has high income backed by stable cash flows and a clear path for future dividend growth.
  • Manulife (TSX:MFC) and Scotiabank (TSX:BNS) add balance with growing earnings and long histories of rewarding shareholders.

Dividend investing gives investors the power to build income without needing to time the market perfectly. For Canadian investors, that matters even more now, as stable payouts help cushion market swings that have become increasingly common amid macroeconomic uncertainties and global trade tensions. And the strongest opportunities often come from fundamentally solid companies that not only pay dividends but keep growing them over time. In this article, I’ll talk about three top Canadian dividend stocks that also rank among the top dividend growth stocks to consider today.

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income

Source: Getty Images

Enbridge stock

Let’s start with Enbridge (TSX:ENB), an energy infrastructure giant that has long been associated with reliable income in Canada. The company mainly runs one of the largest energy infrastructure networks in North America, transporting crude oil, natural gas, and renewable power across major markets.

ENB stock currently trades at $65.19 per share, giving it a market cap of about $142.2 billion. At current levels, Enbridge offers an annualized dividend yield of roughly 6%. Interestingly, the company has increased its dividends for the last 31 consecutive years, making it a perfect choice for investors focused on dividend growth stocks.

In the third quarter of 2025, the Canadian energy infrastructure firm delivered record adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) of $4.3 billion, supported by high utilization across its liquids and gas transmission systems. Meanwhile, its distributable cash flow remained stable at $2.6 billion, helping it maintain the sustainability of its dividend.

What keeps Enbridge relevant among top dividend growth stocks is its long runway of contracted growth. The company has $35 billion in secured growth projects scheduled to enter service through 2030, including pipeline expansions, gas storage projects, and carbon capture infrastructure. With management reaffirming multi-year financial guidance and a clear focus on dividend growth, Enbridge continues to look like a dependable long-term income stock.

Manulife stock

Moving from infrastructure to financial services, let’s talk about Manulife Financial (TSX:MFC), which offers a different type of dividend growth profile. This Canadian financial services giant provides insurance, wealth management, and asset management solutions across Canada, the United States, and Asia.

After rallying nearly 16% over the last year, MFC stock recently traded at $50.71 per share, with a market cap of about $85 billion. The stock offers an annualized dividend yield of around 3.5%, supported by a strong capital base.

Over the last year, Manulife stock gained momentum as improving market conditions and disciplined execution supported its earnings growth. As a result, the company managed to post stronger core earnings, driven by strong growth in its wealth and asset management business and stable insurance performance, even as the interest rate environment remained uncertain.

MFC’s long-term appeal lies in its geographic diversification and focus on scalable businesses. Notably, the company continues to expand its Asian operations while investing in digital platforms to improve efficiency. These growth initiatives could help Manulife continue delivering dividend growth over time.

Scotiabank stock

Rounding out the list is Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS), or Scotiabank, one of Canada’s largest and most established banks. Scotiabank operates across Canadian banking, international markets, wealth management, and capital markets segments, making its earnings streams well diversified.

After climbing 38% over the last year, BNS stock now trades at $103.51 per share with a market cap of $127.9 billion. At this market price, it has an annualized dividend yield of about 4.3%.

In its fiscal 2025 (ended in October), Scotiabank delivered improving results as its adjusted net income rose to $9.5 billion, supported by stronger net interest income and solid performance in wealth management and global banking.

Moreover, Scotiabank continues to strengthen its capital levels while streamlining operations across regions to boost profitability. With earnings momentum improving and a long history of increasing dividend payments, BNS remains a really attractive option among top Canadian dividend growth stocks.

Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has positions in Enbridge. The Motley Fool recommends Bank of Nova Scotia and Enbridge. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

pig shows concept of sustainable investing
Dividend Stocks

The Best Sustainable Stocks for Passive Income in 2026

These TSX stocks with stable cash flows and disciplined capital allocation are better positioned to sustain dividend payments.

Read more »

running robot changes direction
Dividend Stocks

This Dividend Stock is Set to Beat the TSX Again and Again

This dividend stock has the potential to outperform the broader Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) for years to come – especially…

Read more »

real estate and REITs can be good investments for Canadians
Dividend Stocks

An Ideal TFSA Stock Paying 8.3% Each Month

Bridgemarq Real Estate Services pays an 8.3% dividend monthly. Here's why it could be an ideal TFSA stock for passive…

Read more »

runner checks her biodata on smartwatch
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks I’d Lock in Today for Passive Income That Could Last Decades

With their established business models, dependable dividend payouts, and attractive yields, these two stocks stand out as strong long-term options…

Read more »

senior man and woman stretch their legs on yoga mats outside
Dividend Stocks

CPP and OAS Aren’t Enough: Here’s How to Fill the Gap

CPP pays just $925/month on average. OAS adds a bit more. The gap is real, and BIP stock is one…

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

5 TSX Dividend Stocks for Steady Cash Flow in Any Market

These five TSX dividend stocks aim to deliver steady cash flow by leaning on recurring revenue and businesses that don’t…

Read more »

a person watches stock market trades
Dividend Stocks

One Impressive Dividend Stock Yielding 5% That Deserves a Closer Look

Enbridge offers an impressive dividend yielding 5% supported by stable cash flows and long-term energy demand, making it a compelling…

Read more »

Abstract technology background image with standing businessman
Dividend Stocks

2 Growth Stocks That Could Keep Climbing Through 2026 and Beyond

Two of the TSX’s top growth stocks last year could keep climbing through 2026 and beyond.

Read more »