TORONTO, March 6 (Reuters) - Canadian economic activity

expanded at a slower pace in February as a measure of employment

declined, Ivey Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data showed on

Wednesday.

The seasonally adjusted index fell to 53.9 from 56.5 in

January, posting its lowest level since October

The Ivey PMI measures the month to month variation in

economic activity as indicated by a panel of purchasing managers

from across Canada. A reading above 50 indicates an increase in

activity.

The employment index fell to an adjusted 50.8 from 57.2 in

January, while the prices index was at 60.4, down from 62.2.

The unadjusted PMI rose to 56.3 from 54.4.