If you’re building a very long-term, income-focused portfolio, a powerful way to generate dependable cash flow is to own companies that have consistently raised their dividends for decades. Longevity in dividend increases often reflects durability — resilient businesses with strong cash flows and shareholder-friendly capital allocation policies. Here are three TSX-listed stocks that have delivered over 30 years of dividend growth, making them strong candidates for a buy-and-hold income strategy.

1) Fortis Inc. (TSX: FTS)
Fortis is a regulated utility giant operating electricity and natural gas networks across Canada, the U.S. and the Caribbean. Because utilities provide essential services that people use regardless of economic cycles, Fortis benefits from predictable, largely recession-resistant revenue streams. Its dividend history is one of the longest and most consistent in Canada, with regular increases funded by a regulated rate base that allows the company to recover infrastructure costs. For retirees or income-oriented investors, this combination of defensive characteristics and rising payouts makes Fortis a cornerstone holding.

2) Canadian National Railway (TSX: CNR)
Railway stocks aren’t always labeled as pure dividend growers, but Canadian National’s track record challenges that stereotype. Over decades, CN has built a highly efficient freight network across North America, moving everything from industrial commodities to consumer goods. Its strong pricing power and free cash flow generation have supported consistent dividend increases alongside share buybacks. Investors benefit not only from rising income but also from a business that plays an essential role in economic activity, helping support total returns over long horizons.

Also Read: Dividend paying stocks Canada

3) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX: BNS)
Among Canada’s major banks, Scotiabank has a long history of rewarding shareholders through rising dividends — a feat accomplished through diversified earnings, prudent risk management and exposure to international markets. Canadian banks generally benefit from stable retail and commercial lending, and Scotiabank’s footprint outside Canada adds growth and diversification to its income profile. Its extended dividend growth streak positions it as a compelling option for those seeking both income and financial sector exposure.

Also Read: Stock investment Canada for beginners

Why Dividend Growth Matters

Owning companies with decades of dividend increases can do more than just provide income — it can also protect purchasing power against inflation, smooth out total returns during rough markets, and create a compounding effect when dividends are reinvested. These three names — Fortis, Canadian National and Scotiabank — combine resilient business models with long histories of rising payouts, making them strong candidates for investors committed to income and long-term wealth creation.