The government of Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been mired in controversy for weeks, as two independent legislative watchdog agencies have found significant flaws in the province's December decision to take land from the Greenbelt to build homes in consecutive reports released just weeks apart.

The Greenbelt is protected land in Ontario.

Political observers spoken to by CBC Toronto said the controversy over the Greenbelt is putting pressure on Ford's government, diverting it from its intended course at a critical time.

Mitch Himble, Director of Campaigns and Government Relations at the public affairs firm Enterprise Canada, said the government has been caught in a news cycle over the past month that has hindered its ability to convey its message.

Premier Doug Ford has doubled down on his commitment to build more homes in Ontario and insisted on the continued role of Housing Minister Steve Clark in his government on Thursday, after the province's integrity commissioner recommended reprimanding Clark for his role in the controversial land exchange involving the Greenbelt.