The Canadian Payroll Association survey found that not only were the majority of Canadians living paycheque-to-paycheque, but they have little ability to put money away for their retirement.

In the survey, 59 per cent of Canadians said they would have trouble making ends meet if they missed a paycheque.

Of those surveyed, the younger workforce said they felt the greatest pinch. Forty-five per cent of people aged 18 to 34 said it would be difficult or very difficult to make ends meet if a paycheque were delayed. Another 21 per cent in that age group said it would be somewhat difficult.

Seventy-two per cent of single parents said missing a paycheque would cause a problem for meeting financial obligations.

The survey also found that 50 per cent of Canadian workers can't save more than five per cent of their net pay for retirement, which is half of what financial experts often recommend.