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It’s another bleak painting of Alberta’s economic picture and a sad portrait of the dire situation the province’s workforce is facing.

The Canadian Payroll Association (CPA) is releasing its eighth annual Research Survey of Employed Canadians ahead of National Payroll Week.

It reveals some startling figures, including news that half of Albertans are living paycheque to paycheque. That compares to a national average of 48 per cent reporting it would be difficult to meet their financial obligations if their paycheque was delayed by even a single week.

“A significant percentage of working Canadians carry debt, have a gloomy view of their local economy and are fearful of rising interest rates, inflation, and costs of living,” Patrick Culhane, the CPA’s president and CEO said.

The results show income growth has stalled (or even declined, if inflation is taken into account). What’s more, 42 per cent of Albertans said they spend all of or more than their net pay (two per cent above the national average).

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WATCH: Canadian Payroll Association vice-chair Frank Lilley joins Global Calgary with details on a new study that suggests half of all working Albertans are living paycheck to paycheck.

3:13 New study finds half of working Albertans are living paycheck to paycheck New study finds half of working Albertans are living paycheck to paycheck

Over 43 per cent of working Albertans reported feeling overwhelmed by debt – which increased by a remarkable 10 per cent this year.

READ MORE: Anxiety and depression cost the Canadian economy almost $50 billion a year

While those numbers may seem grim, optimism remains. Forty-five per cent of Albertans believe their economy will improve in the coming year, which compares to the national average of 36 per cent.

CPA’s survey was conducted by Framework Partners online in July and August of 2016. According to the CPA, it included opinions from 5,629 employees across Canada, from a wide range of industries.

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