Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the federal government will extend three COVID-19 support programs until June to continue support Canadian jobs and businesses through the government-mandated shutdowns amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, and Lockdown support will be extended from March 14 to June 5, with the current rate structures remaining the same. “This means the maximum wage subsidy rate for active employees will remain at 75 percent. The maximum rent subsidy rate will remain at 65 percent and lockdown support will remain at 25 percent, providing hard hit businesses with rent support of up to 90 percent,” Freeland said during a press conference Wednesday.  The reason for the extension is because Canada has yet to “turn the corner” from this pandemic, she said, adding that the “public health lockdowns, and the supports that sustain them must …