A former NASA Mars rover scientist was chosen as the interim leader of the Green Party of Canada on Tuesday night.
Amita Kuttner, an astrophysicist who also worked at NASA’s Ames Research Center and as a Space Systems & Technology consultant for NASA, beat out former Australian Green Party leader Senator Larissa Waters and actor Jennifer Yee.
The Green Party of Canada has taken on increasing political significance in recent years, with outspoken environmental issues such as carbon taxes and the legalization of marijuana.
The Green Party of Canada has 39 elected seats in the House of Commons and does not have a seat in the Senate.
Kuttner’s tenure as interim leader would be only until the Green Party of Canada elects a new leader in the fall, according to The Canadian Press.
The Green Party of Canada is currently on the trail to seek official party status in the House of Commons, a requirement for representation in the House.
The party and the official opposition New Democratic Party are at odds on a number of different issues ranging from federal carbon taxes to legalization of marijuana.