Latest news with #CDB
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Veeva and Sarah Cannon Research Institute Form Strategic Collaboration to Advance Oncology Clinical Trials
Leading oncology research organization adopts Veeva Clinical Platform to enhance study delivery PLEASANTON, Calif. and NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Veeva Systems (NYSE: VEEV) and Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) today announced a strategic collaboration to drive speed and efficiency in oncology clinical trials across SCRI's more than 200 research site locations. SCRI is adopting Veeva Clinical Platform to unify its contract research organization (CRO) and site management organization (SMO) on a single platform for seamless data flow across clinical teams and research sites. 'We are thrilled to advance our clinical trials by integrating Veeva Clinical Platform into our digital toolkit,' said SCRI chief information and digital officer Yazhene Krishnaraj. 'This strategic collaboration empowers our clinical teams to deliver groundbreaking therapies to patients with enhanced precision and speed.' Veeva Clinical Platform will enable SCRI to simplify and standardize trial processes and information flow, improving how investigators and clinical teams work together and share data. With a connected foundation for clinical research, SCRI will be able to automate key processes and provide a streamlined experience for its sites. 'We're excited to work closely with SCRI to drive innovation in oncology research,' said Jim Reilly, president of Veeva Development Cloud. 'In a first-of-a-kind partnership, Veeva Clinical Platform will serve as SCRI's clinical trial foundation for its CRO and SMO. By standardizing operations on one platform, we can support SCRI in delivering faster and more cost-effective trials.' About Veeva Clinical Platform Veeva Clinical Platform is a complete and connected platform across clinical operations and data applications. This end-to-end platform includes CTMS, EDC, clinical workbench (CDB), RTSM, eCOA, eTMF, Site Connect, Study Training, and more. Connected products streamline clinical trials from study start-up to close and automate a connected data flow. To learn more about Veeva Clinical Platform, visit About Sarah Cannon Research Institute Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) is one of the world's leading oncology research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials. Focused on advancing therapies for patients over the last three decades, SCRI is a leader in drug development. It has conducted more than 850 first-in-human clinical trials since its inception and contributed to pivotal research that has led to the majority of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA in the past decade. SCRI's research network brings together more than 1,300 physicians who are enrolling patients to clinical trials at over 200 locations in more than 20 states across the U.S. Visit to learn more. About Veeva Systems Veeva is the global leader in cloud software for the life sciences industry. Committed to innovation, product excellence, and customer success, Veeva serves more than 1,000 customers, ranging from the world's largest biopharmaceutical companies to emerging biotechs. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Veeva is committed to balancing the interests of all stakeholders, including customers, employees, shareholders, and the industries it serves. For more information, visit Veeva Forward-looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements regarding Veeva's strategic collaboration with SCRI and the expected results or benefits from such collaboration. These statements are based on our current expectations. Actual results could differ materially from those provided in this release and we have no obligation to update such statements. There are numerous risks that have the potential to negatively impact our results, including the risks and uncertainties disclosed in our filing on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 30, 2025, which you can find here (a summary of risks which may impact our business can be found on pages 32 and 33), and in our subsequent SEC filings, which you can access at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Veeva Systems
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ontario won't claw back federal disability benefit
Amid growing concern from Ontarians with disabilities and their advocates, the province has announced it will not claw back the incoming Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). The CDB was passed in 2023, and the government committed $6.1 billion to it in the 2024 federal budget. Beginning in July, eligible recipients can receive up to $2,400 per year, or a maximum of $200 per month. In a news release on Tuesday, the province announced it will be exempting the federal benefit as income. That means recipients won't have money deducted from their provincial social assistance payments or entitlements such as the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Since the CDB's passage, advocates have feared the provinces and territories may claw back the benefit. As of this March, at least seven have promised not to do that, but Alberta has announced it will claw back the benefit under certain circumstances. "It was a huge concern that this was not going to make it to the people who deserve to see this benefit," said Ron Anicich, co-chair of the ODSP Action Coalition. Rabia Khedr, national director of advocacy group Disability Without Poverty (DWP), said the news from Alberta stoked fear and disappointment within the disability community. But Khedr said the Ontario government has previously taken "steps in the right direction," including its decision to increase the ODSP exemption from $200 to $1,000, giving her hope that the province would do the right thing. "I always felt strongly that, because they had committed to an earnings exemption, that there is no way they could justify clawing back a $200 federal benefit," she said. "So I'm glad that they have confirmed that today." Advocates say they still have other concerns about the benefit program, however. In order to be eligible for the CDB, recipients must be approved for the disability tax credit, and for that they must receive certification from a medical practitioner. "What we're seeing now is people scrambling to sign up for the disability tax credit," said Anicich. "Which is fine when people have family doctors, but there are two million people in this province that do not have family doctors who are just unable to access this benefit." To Khedr, the answer is to "simply cut red tape." "The folks that are in the provincial system who have already filled out medical forms and have already attested to their disability shouldn't have to complete that kind of scrutinizing process again," she said. Instead, many disability advocates have been calling for the federal government to make recipients of provincial programs such as ODSP automatically eligible for the CDB. In an email to CBC on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Ontario's Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services said it's also calling on the federal government to change the Income Tax Act to align those eligibility requirements. "We believe people who already access the Ontario Disability Support Program and meet the other eligibility criteria should automatically qualify for the CDB, rather than be required to pay $200 under the program as it is presented," the spokesperson wrote. Despite the good news on clawbacks, Khedr and Anicich still regard the CDB's maximum monthly payment of $200 as inadequate and are calling for an increase. "Ontarians with disabilities on ODSP and who qualify for the candidate disability benefits still will be well below the poverty line," Khedr noted. "And living with a disability costs at least 30 per cent above the poverty line." Khedr said recipients desperately need the financial help and will use it to improve their lives. "It means that maybe they can buy healthier food or supplements, maybe they can buy over-the-counter painkillers to manage their day so that they can even consider searching for work and improving their quality of life," she said. "It is money that will be spent on necessities of daily living." Khedr and Anicich are also calling for better collaboration among people with disabilities and their advocates, and demanded a say when decisions affecting their lives are made. "There's nothing like lived experience — 'nothing about us without us,'" Khedr said. "If they have us at the table, we will make it so easy for them to get policy right."
Time of India
10-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
The last garland makers
Serving as caretakers of sacred spaces, Kazhakam staff face the stark reality of long hours, low pay and persistent neglect For 43-year-old Krishnakumar KV, a Kazhakam staff member at a temple under the Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB), finding a bride has been an elusive dream. 'Who would prefer a Kazhakam staff for their daughter? They have little appeal in matrimonial columns. No one wants to marry a temple servant,' he says, his voice tinged with resignation. He recalls how a young colleague who worked distributing prasadam landed a low-level peon job through a departmental test—and promptly found a spouse. Krishnakumar's words reflect more than personal heartache—in a society where even temple priests now seek side careers in IT or online marketing to enhance their prospects, Kazhakam workers find themselves at the bottom of an unforgiving hierarchy. Operation Sindoor India's air defence systems shoot down Pak drones in J&K, Punjab & Rajasthan India-Pakistan tensions: Delhi airport issues travel advisory Operation Sindoor: Multiple explosions heard at several Pakistan air bases Kazhakam staff perform duties essential to temple function—crafting floral garlands, sweeping the nalambalam (inner courtyard), cleaning puja utensils and brass lamps and ensuring the space remains spiritually pristine long after chants fade and devotees depart. Yet, they are officially categorized merely as temple servants , not even Class IV employees, and thus excluded from the most basic benefits enjoyed by even the lowest-ranking govt staff. 'They work longer hours than priests or drummers,' says Satheesh N, whose family has traditionally held Kazhakam rights in a CDB temple. 'But they have no holidays, no service rules, and no statutory benefits. It takes 22 years of service to reach the pay of an entry-level peon.' Many new recruits view the job as a temporary stopover—a holding pattern until they secure something better. 'Even a peon's job is a step up,' Krishnakumar admits. The hardships extend beyond meagre pay. When pula (ritual impurity from a death in the family) prevents them from working, Kazhakam staff must hire substitutes. While the devaswom board provides just Rs 350 a day, substitutes demand nearly Rs 1,000. 'We cover the rest from our pockets,' says Krishnakumar. 'And after such leave, we lose half our salary.' The term Kazhakam rarely enters public discourse, but it recently gained attention when a traditional ambalavasi family—castes historically linked to temple service—challenged the devaswom board's decision to appoint an outsider to the Koodalmanikyam Temple in Thrissur. The protest, widely perceived as caste-based resistance, sparked debates, with the case now awaiting resolution in the high court. Yet, beyond the legal and social wrangling lies a more fundamental truth: The job itself is far from the revered position many assume. Satheesh minces no words: 'There is nothing glorious about a Kazhakam job.' While priests and musicians conclude their duties with the temple's closing, the essential task of cleaning the temple premises falls to the Kazhakam staff, often extending their work far beyond. Despite this crucial role, they are denied the holidays and statutory benefits provided to other public servants, he says. 'Many join without understanding the physical demands or the skills needed—like garland-making,' says Satheesh. 'They leave as soon as they find something better.' According to a senior devaswom officer, staffing these roles is becoming increasingly difficult. 'For priests and drummers, we conduct skill tests. But how do you assess a Kazhakam worker's dedication?' he asks. 'Often, we rely on retired workers because new recruits don't last.' There are around 350 Kazhakam staff under the CDB. Most are appointed via rank lists rather than traditional lineage. Traditional families—including the Nambeeshan, Warier, and Pisharody castes—once the mainstay of temple service—are stepping away in droves. 'Ninety-nine percent of traditional families have already relinquished their rights,' Satheesh says. 'The few who remain do it out of devotion, not for survival.' For all the talk of reform, Kazhakam staff say real progress must start with fair wages and recognition. 'The board talks about caste-neutral appointments, but what about dignity?' asks Satheesh. 'We keep the temple running—shouldn't that count for something?' The devaswom boards face a dilemma. While trying to modernize recruitment and democratize access, they've failed to address the foundational issues of fair compensation and support. For now, workers like Krishnakumar remain in the shadows—essential yet invisible, devoted yet disregarded. 'We serve the Gods,' he says softly, 'but who serves our needs?'
Edmonton Journal
09-05-2025
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Albertans protest federal disability benefit clawback and call for accessibility legislation
'AISH is not going to change, but we could have had more money in our bank account,' advocate says Disability advocates, allies, and organizations gather in Edmonton outside the Alberta legislature for the Act NOW Rally on May 6, 2025, calling for urgent action on accessibility legislation, income support reform, and meaningful consultation with the disability community. David Bloom/Postmedia Dozens of Albertans came out to the legislature on Tuesday protesting clawbacks for the federal disability benefit and called on the province to put forward accessibility legislation. Starting in June, Albertans with disabilities can begin applying for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) with the first payment of up to $200 expected in July. But while the province says the Assisted Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) payments will remain unchanged, advocates say the province will claw back the CDB benefit, garnering protests from those in the community. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Zachary Weeks, a disability advocate and rally organizer, said many people living on AISH are afraid to speak out in fear their benefits may be cut. Sitting in the gallery of the legislature on Tuesday, he said it was great to see many questions from the Alberta NDP directed to the UCP government on disability. 'Yes, AISH is not going to change, but we could have had more money in our bank account if (the government) did not claw back CDB,' Weeks said. 'I don't think anyone wants to live on AISH because it's a paltry amount, given the economy we're in and the amount of expenses for groceries and rent on top of that, it is a very rigorous process to get accepted onto AISH.' According to the province, there are approximately 77,000 Albertans on AISH. The maximum monthly allowance is $1,901. Weeks said having an extra $200 would give those with disabilities a 'little more breathing room,' whether it's to help with extra cost for medical supports or rent. Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon. Photo by Darren Makowichuk / Postmedia Province touts new disability program to launch in July 2026 Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Starting July 2026, the province will implement the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), intended to ensure Albertans with disabilities are not negatively impacted from having a job, according to the province. The program will not be replacing AISH. Weeks said the province needs to have proper consultation with the community before moving forward with the program and said individuals should be able to choose between AISH and ADAP. Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon defended the province's position and said the maximum monthly AISH payments plus $400 in health benefits and a tax reduction is 'above the poverty line.' 'We have regulations that have been in place under this government, the NDP government, the PC government, to calculate individual's income — income that you receive from the federal government, including things like Canadian Pension Plan are part of the calculation of income,' Nixon said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Alberta has the highest AISH payments in the country.' Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi spoke at the rally and said the UCP government 'actively works to make life worse.' He said what the province needs is accessibility legislation. 'I keep saying, don't they understand that what they're doing is not only not helpful, but is actually actively cruel,' Nenshi said. 'You all know that an extra $200 a month will let you exhale just a little bit, will let you breathe just a little bit easier when you're at the grocery counter.' ctran@ On X: @kccindytran Read More Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters. You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun Cult of Hockey Cult of Hockey Edmonton Oilers Columnists News
Calgary Herald
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Albertans protest federal disability benefit clawback and call for accessibility legislation
Article content Dozens of Albertans came out to the legislature on Tuesday protesting clawbacks for the federal disability benefit and called on the province to put forward accessibility legislation. Article content Article content Starting in June Albertans with disabilities can begin applying for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) with the first payment of up to $200 expected in July. But while the province says the Assisted Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) payments will remain unchanged, advocates say the province will clawback the CDB benefit, garnering protests from those in the community. Article content Article content Zachary Weeks, a disability advocate and rally organizer, said many people living on AISH are afraid to speak out in fear their benefits may be cut. Sitting in the gallery of the legislature on Tuesday, he said it was great to see many questions from the Alberta NDP directed to the UCP government on disability. Article content 'I don't think anyone wants to live on AISH because it's a paltry amount, given the economy we're in and the amount of expenses for groceries and rent on top of that, it is a very rigorous process to get accepted onto AISH.' Article content Article content Article content Starting July 2026, the province will implement the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), intended to ensure Albertans with disabilities are not negatively impacted from having a job, according to the province. The program will not be replacing AISH. Article content Article content Weeks said the province needs to have proper consultation with the community before moving forward with the program and said individuals should be able to choose between AISH and ADAP. Article content Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon defended the province's position and said the maximum monthly AISH payments plus $400 in health benefits and a tax reduction is 'above the poverty line.' Article content 'We have regulations that have been in place under this government, the NDP government, the PC government, to calculate individual's income — income that you receive from the federal government, including things like Canadian Pension Plan are part of the calculation of income,' Nixon said.
