NDP leadership candidate Avi Lewis says Canada cannot keep increasing fossil fuel production, likening the practice to an "addiction."

Lewis, during a panel discussion on Friday with his main competitors in the race, labour leader Rob Ashton and Edmonton MP Heather McPherson, attempted to distinguish himself by telling the crowd that he would not support further expansion of natural gas, oil or coal in Canada.

"We need really straightforward policies that distinguish ourselves from the federal Liberals," Lewis said. "We cannot keep increasing fossil fuel production in this country."

He said the federal NDP must "be able to have disagreements" with its provincial counterparts.

Lewis later added that there are "safe forms" of generating energy "that actually looks to the 21st century."

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