Seven of Canada's 10 main industry sectors were trading stronger. The heavily-weighted materials group, which includes miners, led the way, rising 1.2 percent.

Gold and copper prices gained from a weaker U.S. dollar, which makes assets priced in greenbacks cheaper for holders of other currencies.

"The golds and metals were very oversold, so we're getting a bounce," said John Ing, president of Maison Placements Canada.

Mining gains were led by First Quantum Minerals, which surged 9.2 percent to C$18.13 after the copper miner's stock was upgraded to 'buy' by Dundee Securities.

Canada's top gold producers were also firmer, with Goldcorp rising 2.1 percent to C$33.55, and Barrick Gold, which edged up 1.1 percent to C$35.04.

Commodities were lifted by signs that China could announce further monetary easing measures as soon as this weekend after Premier Wen Jiabao said the government would step up efforts to boost the economy in the second half of 2012.