Longtime activist Elizabeth May won the leadership of the federal Green Party on Saturday, and is now hoping to finally get some MPs elected into the House of Commons.

"My promise to you as leader is to set a tone of mutual respect, inclusiveness and love that will keep the party together," May said in her victory speech.

May won with 2,145 votes or 65.3 per cent of the total valid ballots cast.

"I believe firmly that this party is going to grow from the grass roots up from the young people out and up," she said.

A former executive director of the Sierra Club -- an influential, grassroots environmental organization -- May said her national profile will help the party's popularity. She has also served as an advisor to the environment minister in Brian Mulroney's government.

May doubled the count of the runner up, environmental consultant David Chernushenko, who received 1,096 votes or 33.3 per cent of the total.

Real estate agent Jim Fannon placed in a distant third with 29 votes.

Since the leadership race launched in May, the party has seen its membership base rise from 5,517 to 8,694.

In her first interview after the victory, May told CTV Newsnet about her party's upcoming agenda.

"I think the number one priority for me... is to put the Green Party on the map on a range of issues to make sure that in the House of Commons -- even before we win seat, and we will win seats -- our views are being heard."

She also added the importance of having her party's views taken seriously in Ottawa and by all Canadians.

"We're a strong voice for action on the climate crisis and for shifting Canada back to its traditional role as peacekeeper," said May, outlining some key party issues.

In her victory speech, May spoke of widening out party support, especially with youth.

"We need Green party members and groups in every high school in Canada, every university in Canada. We need them participating in democracy, we need them to vote green."

At the weekend convention, delegates voted on almost 100 policy resolutions including Canada's role in Afghanistan, stopping subsidies for seal hunters and chemical-based farming as well as tax breaks for organic farmers.

The Green Party launched in 1983 but has yet to come close to garnering a seat in the House of Commons. They received 4.5 per cent of the popular vote (665,940 votes) in the federal election last January.

With files from The Canadian Press