 University of Alberta historian David Hall describes the next phase of Sifton 's life as " shrouded in mystery " . For reasons that are not clear , in 1885 Sifton dissolved his partnership with his brother and moved his family to Prince Albert . ( Hall speculates that the brothers had a falling out , but notes that their later working relationship appears to have been amicable . ) In 1885 , Prince Albert 's prospects did not appear bright , as it had been bypassed by the CPR line . Regardless , Sifton practised law and was in 1885 made a notary public . Three years later , he earned a Master of Arts from Victoria College and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto . In 1889 , he relocated again , to Calgary ; there is some suggestion that this move was for the sake of his wife 's health . There he opened a law office , worked in the office of the city solicitor , and became a partner in the firm of Sifton , Short , and Stuart . At one point he was a crown prosecutor . In 1892 , he was appointed Queen 's Counsel . 
