Canada's seasonally adjusted Ivey purchasing managers' index rose to 58.2 in April from 47.9 in March. Analysts had expected the index to increase to 49.2.
A reading above 50 indicates a rise in the pace of activity, below 50 indicates a contraction in the pace of activity.
The supplier deliveries index was 46.2 in April, while employment index was 50.3.
Inventories index was 53.2.