If you think BC having 13-14% of the population, with 43 seats -- vs the Maritimes having 5% of the population, and 32 seats, is not an east/west problem, idk what you'd consider an east/west problem. If you're referring to me comparing a vancouver riding to "any riding in PEI"? Silly criticism in my view. The point remains that they have far greater representation per voter at a provincial level. That is, quite explicitly and historically, an east/west problem, one cited by separatists.
The structural issues to do with representation for the West have been issues for decades. The Reform party in BC, circa 1980s-1990s, was largely based on systemic/structural issues that western provinces have with how things are divided up -- with a focus on things like seat counts in parl, in senate, and equalization payments. Issues that have persisted since the 1980s, should likely help most people understand why separatists exist out west. Issues get raised, but until separatists step in, the Central/Eastern part of the country doesn't give a fuck, especially since the status quo benefits them.
If a group of people have had issues with the government's structure for like 50+ years now, and the governments done basically nothing to address it, it really shouldn't surprise anyone that people started talking separation. Nor should it surprise anyone that, when the government goes back to doing nothing about the core issues, those separatists re-emerge.