[1] A Roman Catholic, McKay appears to have identified with the French-speaking community of his mother rather than with the English-speaking, Presbyterian background of his father, a Scottish fur trader.

McKay resigned in 1876 to make room for his brother James, who was elected to the seat by acclamation.

Later in 1876, Angus McKay was appointed Indian agent for the areas covered by Treaty No.

The Department of Indian Affairs was charged with maintaining a positive public relations between Canada and the natives.

However, "his reports were often sharply critical of the government's failure to live up to treaty promises and he passed on the complaints of the Indians."