According to Statistics Canada, a high number of Albertans are still struggling to get by and make ends meet. Of the more than 1.6 million Albertans employed, more than 110,000 people earn less than $10 an hour.

The data also shows that more than half of the low income earners are women. Jeanni Oltmann knows what it's like to struggle. She is a single mom, grandmother and the sole provider for her family. And to survive every month, she has to work three jobs.

"To try and raise three kids with one income... it's hard," she said.

Social advocates say low earnings result in more people relying on the food bank, and the for health care and social assistance programs goes up.

"If someone is working full time for the year they shouldn't be living in poverty that there is a huge cost to people living in poverty," said Bill Moore-Kilgannon with Public Interest Alberta.

Social groups are now calling on the province to raise Alberta's minimum wage, which currently sits at $8.80 an hour.

"We want to equitably distribute the wealth in Alberta," said Lori Sigurdson with the Alberta College of Social Workers.

A review of the minimum is underway and a public hearing will happen in Calgary next week. That committee is made up of 12 members of the legislative assembly.

With files from Serena Mah