HSAV -Has the premium changed for HSAV? Do you still recommend vs. GICs for taxable funds?

They are going to be apples and oranges.

First, HSAV cannot go down in value, outside of the small premium it trades at in terms of NAV. Bond funds can fluctuate in price, so there is that added element. That said as well, HSAV cannot go up in value either outside of the interest it accumulates which increases the price. Bond funds can fluctuate more to the upside.

Secondly, HSAV is capital gains, whereas the interest from the bonds will be interest income, and then capital gains/losses on whatever you sell the fund for.