WINNIPEG — Avi Lewis won the leadership of Canada's New Democratic Party on Sunday. The new leader ran on a platform that prioritized action on climate change and affordability issues.

Lewis opposes new oil and gas development and called for accelerating Canada's investment in renewable energy. "The energy economy is extremely unstable," Lewis said, adding "We think we need to accelerate the transition to a more stable, secure and safe economy, and a more independent Canadian economy."

Some leaders of the party's provincial wings publicly distanced themselves from Lewis because he refused to support Canada's oil and gas industry. His stance on oil and gas is unpopular with high-ranking NDP members in western Canada.

Carla Beck, leader of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party, said she turned down Lewis's invitation to meet. "The positions that you have taken when it comes to natural resource development are ideological and unrealistic," Beck said.

Following his win, Lewis met Wab Kinew, the premier of Manitoba and Manitoba's NDP leader, in Winnipeg for over an hour. Kinew told reporters he and Lewis were aligned on big-picture issues, stating "We're fighting for the people who don't have a voice right now and that's the most important thing."

Lewis said his door was open to speak to those who disagreed with his energy policies and that hard conversations are necessary.

Lewis does not hold a seat in the House of Commons. He said he would focus on speaking to the party's base across Canada and would not run for a seat immediately.

The export of oil and gas is Canada's most profitable industry, with the vast majority of exports going to the United States. Canada is home to one of the world's largest oil reserves.