The BC Greens have written to the Auditor General to request an independent investigation into how an error of at least $1.5-billion in the B.C. government’s natural gas royalty forecasts made its way into Budget 2026. 

“Integrity and accuracy in public finances are not optional. That’s why I’ve written a letter to the Auditor General to urgently investigate the natural gas revenue forecasting error,” said Rob Botterell, BC Greens Finance Critic and MLA for Saanich North and the Islands.  “We need the process safeguards to make sure this won’t happen again, and until an investigation has concluded, the government needs to put the royalty framework on hold. We cannot implement a framework based on flawed data.”

The government has acknowledged that an error in its natural gas price forecast will reduce projected royalty revenues by an average of $292 million a year over the next five years. Independent analysis cited by Business in Vancouver has suggested the potential impact could be larger. That same investigation revealed contradictory statements from the Premier and Minister Dix on who knew what, and when.

“As part of this investigation we need to ensure that under no circumstances are political leaders misleading the public,” added Botterell. “There needs to be sufficient transparency to ensure that doesn’t happen and I am urging the Auditor General to come to that conclusion, as well, so the public can trust its government is working for them in earnest.”

The BC Greens have long argued that B.C. needs a responsible and transparent approach to managing its natural resources—one that protects the public interest, publicly discloses oil and gas revenues, avoids corporate welfare, invests in clean energy and communities, and ensures British Columbians receive a fair return when public resources are developed.

A letter sent to the Auditor General is attached.