Mark Wafer

Mark Wafer, M.S.C., O.M.C.

Burlington, ON

Mark Wafer is the former President and CEO of Abilities Canada, a fully inclusive sports complex and inclusion incubator. Until recently he was the owner of 14 successful Tim Hortons Restaurants in Toronto.

Mark is an internationally recognized expert on the economics of inclusion. As an advisor to both the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, he is responsible for Canada’s National Disability Employment Strategy as well as the reform of basic income for Canada’s disabled. He is also an Honorary Canadian Citizenship officiant.

Mark and his wife Valarie are best known for their restaurants’ hiring practices, with almost 250 workers with disabilities employed over 25 years.

Mark has received many awards and recognition for his work, most notably from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He was inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame in 2014.

A prolific connector of people, Mark has raised over $100 million in the disability and broader non-profit sectors.

He is also a race car driver and a 2008 Canadian historic sports car champion.

BOARD MEMBERSHIPS AND COMMITTEE EXPERIENCE

  • Canadian Hearing Services
    • Chair of Parent Board (2018–present)
    • Chair of Corporate Division (2014–present)
    • Chair of CEO Compensation Committee (2018–2019)
    • Chair of Finance and Audit Committee (2018)
    • Chair of Governance Committee (2015–2018)
    • Chair of CEO Search Committee (2014–2015)
  • Abilities Centre Durham
    • Chair of the Board (2014–present)
    • Chair of CEO Search Committee (2018)
    • Chair of Governance Committee (2016–2017)
  • Tim Hortons, Storeowner Advisory Board, Compensation Board, Finance and Audit Committee (2003–2013)
  • Canadian Business SenseAbility, Co-Founder and Board Member, Government Relations Chair (2012–2018)

EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS

  • Social Service Program Graduate, Sheridan College, 1982

Updated June 10, 2025