Career
He represented Moosomin from 1975 to 1986 in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan as a Progressive Conservative member. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of James Birkbeck, and was educated in Welwyn and Rocanville. After completing his education, Birkbeck operated a dairy farm near Welwyn.
He served as legislative secretary to government ministers Graham Taylor and Gordon Dirks.
After retiring from politics in 1986, he established a consulting business. As of 2011, Birkbeck was living in Regina.