Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents - More than 28% of the population of Cortes and Quadra Islands are seniors. The Federal budget for 2021-22 includes a one-time $500 payment and a 10% increase to Old Age Security for people over 75 years old, but nothing for those aged 65-74. Rachel Blaney, the MP for North Island - Powell River, talks about the forgotten seniors?She is 100% behind the government’s decision to support seniors 75 and older. “The problem I have is it seems to say that all seniors between the ages of 65 and 74 are doing great and they have options. They can go to work for a while longer, if that is what they want, and it is all good,” said Blaney. There are a lot of seniors who are doing well, she admits. Some of told her they do not need the extra money. “I understand that, but the seniors who need it - need it desperately. One of the things I was disappointed about, is I didn’t see an increase in the guaranteed income supplement. That is a round of money that goes to the most low income seniors across this country,” said Blaney.She insists that a couple of hundred dollars a month extra would make a difference.“That would change lives and allow seniors to live healthier, happier and more content.” Blaney adds, “I keep telling the government, when we are looking at great solutions we shouldn’t just take the simplest and easiest thing that makes us feel better. We need to look at the complexity of the issue and make sure no one is left behind. And I feel in this budget, the most vulnerable seniors in Canada were left behind.”