The Queen and Prince Philip arrive at Heathrow Airport on Friday for their flight to Canada for a royal tour. Photo: AP

Deputy Prime Minister John Manley, an outspoken critic of the monarchy, chose the first day of the Queen's Canadian visit to renew calls for Canada to break ties from the Royal Family.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II touched down in Canada's newest territory Friday to begin her 22nd visit to Canada.

The Queen and Prince Philip arrived in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut on Baffin Island, at noon on Friday. Dressed in a beige wool coat and matching hat, the Queen was greeted by Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson, Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik and Heritage Minister Sheila Copps.

She headed directly to dedicate Nunavut's legislative assembly building with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.

In Montreal, the Deputy Prime Minister Manley struck a slightly discordant note.

“I've always said I have a lot of respect for the Queen and the work she does,” Mr. Manley said. “But I still think that after Queen Elizabeth, it will be time for us to think about the institution and I would prefer to have an entirely Canadian institution.”

Backgrounder: Royal Visit 2002

In Nunuvut, Mr. Manley's boss, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien welcomed the Queen on behalf of all Canadians with warm wishes and words of appreciation.

"As always, Canadians have been waiting your arrival with keen anticipation," Mr. Chrétien told the Queen. "In the many times you have come to our shores since your very first visit as princess in 1951, Canadians have been inspired by your grace and dignity."

Mr. Chrétien told the Queen that her visit gives the country a chance to both celebrate and reflect.

"This special Thanksgiving time of year will be made all the more memorable with your presence," Mr. Chrétien said. "...God save the Queen."

For the first time in her 50-year reign, the Queen unveiled a new street sign, the first in the history of Iqaluit at the corner of Queen Elizabeth II Way and Miwik Avenue.

"It is the greatest pleasure for Prince Philip and me to be back in Canada again for this visit to mark my Golden Jubilee," the Queen said in her bilingual address. "I am particualarly pleased that our first stop is Iqaluit and that we've been able to start this tour amongst the people who made us feel so welcome eight years ago when we visited Baffin Island."

The Queen also spoke of her fond memories of her previous 21 visits to Canada for events such as the 1976 Olympics aand Canada's 125th birthday.

"These memories and so many others over these 50 years help to explain not only the admiration, but the deep affection I feel for this country and Canadians everywhere," the Queen said.

"Prince Philip look forward over the next 11 days to travelling to visiting every region of the country."

She told the people of Nunavut the land is their strength and it will guide their future.

“You have created harmony with the environment, one which you regard as a gift to be cherished and not an inheritance to be squandered,” the Queen said. “Your land is indeed your strength. For the past three years, this rich expanse has been yours and it bears the name you chose.”

Friday marks the first of a 12-day Golden Jubilee tour of Canada that will take the royal couple from the Far North to British Columbia, across the country to the Maritimes and finally to Ottawa.

On Sunday, the Queen will lunch at Victoria's Empress Hotel and drop the puck at a Vancouver Canucks game; on Monday, she'll meet privately with Mr. Chretien.

Highlights of the visit will include re-dedicating the Manitoba legislature's Golden Boy statue, watching a CBC retrospective in Toronto to mark the broadcaster's 50th anniversary, visits to Fredericton and Moncton and a moment of silence at the national war memorial in Ottawa.