A-base
Ongoing reference-level funding.
Plain English
Permanent, ongoing funding that a department already has, as opposed to temporary money.
If you’re new here
Whether something is A-base or time-limited determines whether the work survives past a few years.
What they probably mean
“Money we already have, every year, without asking.”
Interpretation offered as humour, not authoritative guidance.
Bureaucracy level
How much government-speak this phrase carries. Playful indicator, not a judgement of anyone using it.
Related terms
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Important
GC Simplified is an independent tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, and it does not provide official advice. Plain language is an interpretation, and interpretations can be wrong. Always verify against the source and your organization’s own guidance before acting.