Mark Wafer

Mark Wafer is a disability rights activist who has made substantial contributions to the lives of Canada”s most vulnerable citizens. Deaf since birth, his specialty is in eliminating barriers to the workplace while opening doors to employment for people with disabilities.

Recognized internationally as an expert on the economics of inclusion, Mark has advised governments in countries around the world, including Canada, where he helped develop a national disability employment strategy.

Through his company MeGleen Corp, he annually delivers more than 50 speeches, presentations and training workshops on issues of accessibility, inclusive employment and employer engagement, as well as on the economic case for business excellence through inclusiveness.

In 2017, Mark sold his six highly successful Toronto-based Tim Hortons locations. During his 25 years as a Tim Hortons franchisee, he employed more than 200 workers with disabilities in all areas of the operation, including senior management.

At any given time, approximately 17% of his workforce identified as having a disability, and his six franchises out-performed other Tim Hortons franchises based on corporate metrics such as total sales, number of transactions and average amount per transaction.

BOARD MEMBERSHIPS

• Canadian Hearing Society, Vice-Chair of Parent Board and Chair of Corporate Division, Incoming-Chair of Parent Board (2014– present)

• Abilities Centre Durham, Chair of the Board (2014–present)

• Tim Hortons, Storeowner Advisory Board, Compensation Board, Finance and Audit Committee (2003–2013)

• Canadian Hearing Society

• CEO Search Committee Chair (2014–2015)

• Governance Chair (2015–2018)

• CEO Compensation Chair (2018–2019)

• Finance And Audit Chair (2018)

• Canadian Business SenseAbility, Co‐Founder and Board Member, Government Relations Chair (2012–2018)

• Abilities Centre Durham

• Chair of Governance Committee (2016–2017)

• Chair of CEO Search Committee (2018)

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

• Social Service Program Graduate, Sheridan College, 1982