Wayne Page Recognized with CPMA Steven Graff Ambassador Award

Wayne Page, former owner of Canadian Pest Control Ltd., was honored as the fourth recipient of the CPMA Steven Graff Ambassador Award. The award was recognized virtually by the Canadian Pest Management Association (CPMA) and Bayer at the Pest Management Canada conference in April.

The award recognizes individuals for their contributions to the pest management industry in Canada and honours the memory of Graff, a longtime quality assurance manager at Abell Pest Control and past CPMA president who passed away in 2017. Graff's CPMA accomplishments included defending the pest control industry before the Canadian government and helping foster the relationship between CPMA and Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency.

In a statement, Page said receiving the award was “a personal highlight” and his involvement in CPMA was “a definite career highlight.”

“Through this organization, I met so many colleagues, industry experts and suppliers, all which helped my personal growth as well as the growth of my company,” he said.

Page thanked his family and team at Canadian Pest Control Ltd. for “allowing me the opportunity to get involved in industry activities beyond just the company,” as well as the industry for “still remembering me in my retirement.”

In 1994, Page left corporate banking for the adventure of owning a small business by purchasing his father’s pest control company, Canadian Pest Control, Ltd. in Coquitlam, B.C.

After a few years of learning the joys and heartbreak of running a company (and telling his wife Ellen to keep her day job “just in case”), he found his footing, and Canadian Pest Control grew into a leading Vancouver pest control company.

Over the years, Page became more passionate about the industry and active behind the scenes. He took on roles in the Structural Pest Control Association of British Columbia, serving as president, and was instrumental in getting the province to implement continuing education credits for pesticide applicator recertification. He also was an engaged CPMA board member. 

Page believed a rising tide lifted all boats. This motivated him to continually improve the reputation and awareness of the local pest management industry, which benefited his company and competitors alike.

He and Ellen enjoyed attending national and international conferences. Living by his father’s motto that “education found through travel is as valuable as any lesson learned inside a classroom,” they always planned a few extra days to tour the local town in which conferences were held. As well, Page admitted to learning a lesson or two in the bar after the education sessions ended.

In 2006, he and Ellen decided it was time for the next chapter in their lives to begin, and they sold Canadian Pest Control to Orkin Canada.

Page reminded everyone to remember that the family and friends who support you along the journey are the real rewards in business and in life.

Previous recipients of the CPMA Steven Graff Ambassador Award are: