A group of Canadian firefighters who have been covering shifts for a colleague while he battles cancer have been told they are no longer allowed to help him.

When firefighter Tanner Brotzel was diagnosed with cancer in December, his co-workers-- at his firehouse in Saskatchewan’s capital city of Regina--didn't hesitate to chip in to cover his shifts, which allowed him to receive treatment and hold onto his benefits and pay, Canadian TV sattion CTV reported.

"The members around the fire hall sat down and decided that they would work for him, and approached Tanner and said, 'Don't worry about it Tanner. We've got your shifts covered.'" Brian Seidlik, the president of the Regina Professional Fire Fighters said.

"And Tanner said 'That's the best thing that could ever happen,'" Seidlik added.

The arrangement was working well until last Friday, when firefighters received notice from Regina Fire and Protective Services that they'd no longer be allowed to cover for Brotzel.

"I don't know exactly why there was a change. We've never been given a real reason," Seidlik told reporters.

Brotzel was faced with a tough decision.

"We were notified that this process would no longer happen. No more replacements. And he would either have to go on long-term disability or come back to work, and, unfortunately, he is coming back to work," Seidlik said.

Brotzel is entitled to disability benefits under his contract, but Seidlik said the benefits only cover a fraction of his pay. It could take months for benefits to kick in, potentially leaving Brotzel in financial uncertainty.

But the director of Regina Fire and Protective Services warned Brotzel that his ability to access his full benefits may be threatened if his fellow firefighters keep covering for him.

Long-term disability would give Brotzel a range of benefits in addition to wage replacement, but he needs to apply soon to be eligible, Fire Chief Ernie Polsom said.

If Brotzel fails to apply for disability benefits now, Polsom said he could have trouble accessing other benefits in the future.

"While we understand the positive intent of the firefighters to support their colleague during his illness, their actions covering his shifts put Tanner Brotzel's access to benefits at risk," Polsom said in a statement.

A review is underway to investigate how the firefighters were able to cover for Brotzel for almost seven months, Polsom said.

But Seidlik said he thinks the focus should be on Tanner's wishes, not his coworkers trying to help him.

"It's about Tanner, and Tanner chose to access the goodwill of our members, our team members that stepped up and offered to work for him," Seidlik said. "The focus should be Tanner, and Tanner getting better."