Premier Gordon Campbell says it's no surprise British Columbians loathe the harmonized sales tax.

In a speech to 1,500 party faithful Thursday night, Campbell says he knew the tax would not be a "political home run" when it was announced last July.

He takes part of the blame for the growing opposition, saying his government has failed to inform taxpayers about the benefits of the incoming levy.

But Campbell pledged to do a better job of selling the HST when it takes effect in three weeks.

He says unification of the federal and provincial sales taxes into a single, 12 per cent tax, is important for B.C.

Campbell made the comments in Vancouver at the annual premier's dinner, one of the BC Liberal party's main fundraisers.