War is a continuation of politics by other means.
Clausewitz
The threat of war will keep parties talking and coming to a mutually satisfactory landing.
War is not the desired outcome, merely a possible outcome. Separation of Alberta from the rest of Canada is not the desired outcome, only a possible outcome.
Separation, like war, is just politics and part of the dialogue. The threat of separation will keep the parties talking and coming to a mutually satisfactory landing.